Need Advice about Millenium H-158

[lensman]

I need some help from everyone. I'm looking at a 2006 H-158. I've been trying to figure out what they cost new and how much this one might be worth.

 

Its got an ASB finish and pretty nice maple. Cream binding on the body. Bound rosewood fingerboard (no markers) with chrome bridge, etc. Standard Grover tuners. The case is beat up on top and the handle is loose.

 

Its kind of a "player" with some nicks in the headstock, and finish scratches (not through the finish) here and there. Needs a good cleaning. Some noticeable fret wear on the top three strings mostly in the middle of the fingerboard. Otherwise it seems solid although the action is a bit high right now.

 

Any words of wisdom from any owners out there? I'd really appreciate any advice I can get and any comments from anyone who owns one about their experience.

[SouthpawGuy]

I need some help from everyone. I'm looking at a 2006 H-158. I've been trying to figure out what they cost new and how much this one might be worth.

 

Its got an ASB finish and pretty nice maple. Cream binding on the body. Bound rosewood fingerboard (no markers) with chrome bridge, etc. Standard Grover tuners. The case is beat up on top and the handle is loose.

 

Its kind of a "player" with some nicks in the headstock, and finish scratches (not through the finish) here and there. Needs a good cleaning. Some noticeable fret wear on the top three strings mostly in the middle of the fingerboard. Otherwise it seems solid although the action is a bit high right now.

 

Any words of wisdom from any owners out there? I'd really appreciate any advice I can get and any comments from anyone who owns one about their experience.

 

There aren't a lot of 158s' around, particularly with no fingerboard markers, so I'm guessing you are looking at this one ?

 

http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/i...?showtopic=6640

 

If it is that particular guitar, or any Millie in general, a price of less than $1k is a pretty good deal, depending of course on the instruments condition.

 

I have a Millie Standard Ultra and bought it used for about $1700 - $1800 maybe 18 months ago, pics in the gallery. I'm sure other Millie owners will chime in shortly.

[Spectrum13]

Millie owner here!

 

A Millie with a rosewood board would be a killer combo. If the dents and such don't bother you, the biggest issue would be the cost of a QUALITY refret.

 

If it's at Guitar Denter, You could do some research by going online with Musicians Friend and tell them you have a Heritage 158 and what the trade in value would be after describing the frets and condition. My guess would be $250-300. If a refret costs $300 AND you can buy it for $500- $600... you got a good but not great deal.

 

These can go from Jazz to Screaming rock.

[cod65]

I have almost the exact same guitar , except it is backwards and has dots. Otherwise sounds like its twin. I paid around 1650$ about 5 yrs ago for a custom order lefty(!) right from K'zoo, via Wolfe- with a Bigsby and a nice graphite nut, roller bridge upgrade.. Those days of deals like that are pretty much gone, but on the other hand nobody's buying much of anything these days so .... try bargaining down to 750$ just for kicks.

 

regarding fret job- is it possible that only a few frets need replacing ? i have heard that this is an option . never had one done myself.

 

 

158's are seeming to become a rare bird. I love mine . I can't imagine selling it.

 

IMO the guitar is worth 950$ I expect its under most people's radar who dont know the brand, and they would have a relatively hard time moving it.

 

its a sleeper. buy it but bargain. put on your 'game-face' and/or 'poker face'

[cod65]

I added some blurry photos to my gallery as well(finally)

[lensman]

All right, thanks for the advice. I might be able to get over the dings and scratches--just a shame to see it.

 

A couple of questions--anyone have a recommendation for a Chicago area luthier besides 3rd Coast?

Also, every Millie I've seen has a back plate--this one does not. Anyone know anything about the history of that?

[cod65]

ok , got rid of blurry photos and replaced with something decent.

 

this is how i remember it:

 

I wanted a basic, 'workmanlike' semi hollow, so I ordered an 158 in 2005. they sent me the right guitar, but the sticker said 'h158 millenium'

 

this was confusing because I ordered and got a semi-hollow laminate guitar, but I had thought the 'millenium' designation meant it had a CARVED top and a flat back.

 

the carved tops seemed to necessitate the rear control panel and a flat back, whereas the laminate 158 has an arched back and no rear control panel. since there is no record of the 158 on the current website I cannot really confirm.......

 

then there is the SAE variation, that had an acoustic piezo pickup in the bridge. ... makes my head spin ......

 

but I think if you see an access panel on the back , you are looking at a carved top/flat back

 

no access means laminate front and back,

 

(see my new photos for a visual explanation)

[SouthpawGuy]

from web.archive.org

 

http://web.archive.org/web/20040804171940/.../MilH158ssb.htm

 

=======================

 

Millennium H-158 Specs:

 

Neck - 17 degree peghead pitch; one piece mahogany neck.

 

Fingerboard - 24 3/4” scale rosewood cream bound fingerboard with 22 frets; mother of pearl dot position markers.

 

Body - Single cutaway, semi-solid body with laminated arched top and arched back ; single cream bound top and back; no pickguard; with f-holes;

 

body size:

rim thickness – 1 3/4”

body width – 13 1/4”

body length - 17 5/8”

 

Electronics - Two Humbucking pickups; Selector switch in horn;

Two volume and two tone controls.

 

Hardware - Individual chrome plated machine heads; chrome plated stop bar tailpiece and adjustable bridge.

 

Color shown - Sunsetburst

 

========================

[tulk1]

ok , got rid of blurry photos and replaced with something decent.

 

this is how i remember it:

 

I wanted a basic, 'workmanlike' semi hollow, so I ordered an 158 in 2005. they sent me the right guitar, but the sticker said 'h158 millenium'

 

this was confusing because I ordered and got a semi-hollow laminate guitar, but I had thought the 'millenium' designation meant it had a CARVED top and a flat back.

 

the carved tops seemed to necessitate the rear control panel and a flat back, whereas the laminate 158 has an arched back and no rear control panel. since there is no record of the 158 on the current website I cannot really confirm.......

 

then there is the SAE variation, that had an acoustic piezo pickup in the bridge. ... makes my head spin ......

 

but I think if you see an access panel on the back , you are looking at a carved top/flat back

 

no access means laminate front and back,

 

(see my new photos for a visual explanation)

 

That is an accurate description. Which, btw, the 158 is a Millennium (see SPG's post above). I have owned a 158 Millennium SAE laminate - arched top and back. And I currently have a 158 DC Millennium which is a solid carve top, flat back with access panel. In fact, when I ordered the DC I had asked if they could carve a solid arch top/back for me. They wouldn't do it, citing the construction of the arch for that model required laminate. Here's a curious thing - I just asked them to do an SAE for me and they weren't too keen on the idea. BTW, the piezo in the SAE I had is very thin and tinny, and requires an external preamp to even hear it. Just thought I'd toss that in.

[cod65]

thanks for 'clearing' that up, SPaw !

 

I re-read this whole thread and I guess the only thing 'millennium' signifies is that it was a 'new model for the new millenium'.

 

158's are 'always laminate' , and the carved top with a 158 shape is ............. what model ?

 

Now if I could just forget about that sunsetburst finish i will be able to start my day!

[cod65]

oh, and lensman, if it's any 'consolation', I think I dinged up my headstock within about 8 hrs of play ON MY BRAND NEW 158 !@@#$%@#

 

meh, gives it character, I say

[cod65]

speaking of which, my guitar apparently has a 'fat uncle' on the 'bay right now, wish I could snatch him up

 

http://tinyurl.com/ybj8dnn

[tulk1]

thanks for 'clearing' that up, SPaw !

 

I re-read this whole thread and I guess the only thing 'millennium' signifies is that it was a 'new model for the new millenium'.

 

158's are 'always laminate' , and the carved top with a 158 shape is ............. what model ?

 

Now if I could just forget about that sunsetburst finish i will be able to start my day!

 

A 158 with a solid carve top is the 155. Which is what the DC is based on.

 

H155

[chico]

A 158 with a solid carve top is the 155. Which is what the DC is based on.

 

H155

 

and, here's one in silver hardware, equipped with HRWs. Usually the H155 comes w/gold hdwre and Seth Lovers.

[tulk1]

and, here's one in silver hardware, equipped with HRWs. Usually the H155 comes w/gold hdwre and Seth Lovers.

And here's a 155 DC with nickel hardware and rosewood fretboard. Oh, and traps.

 

[cod65]

And here's a 155 DC with nickel hardware and rosewood fretboard. Oh, and traps.

 

 

Must be a custom order- the controls are on the wrong side!

[SouthpawGuy]

Must be a custom order- the controls are on the wrong side!

 

It does look like a lefty strung righty in that pic doesn't it, upside down and backwards, etc.

 

[tulk1]

That's a Ren provided pic. Not sure why it was taken that way, but I was just happy to get a post production shot from the factory.

[lensman]

Ok I put pics of the specific guitar (Custom Millennium 158) I started this thread with in my gallery. It is the one mentioned in the first reply. You can see the overall look and the major damage. It has not been cleaned up yet other than a dusting and test cleaning on the bridge. Apparently the previous owner didn't own a rag to wipe it off.

 

So--take a look and tell me what you would pay. Sure, most of it is cosmetic, but sort of aggravating because if the guy would have avoided scratching and denting, it would be a fine example of the Heritage 158. Maybe I'm too anal about that but my Dad taught me to take care of the tools. The case looks trashed on the outside but its ok (and clean now) on the inside. I could probably repair it.

 

I'm still feeling out the play and action. Not sure if any refret is necessary, but I've never had one with real wear before.

 

Thumbs up or down? I'm taking it back if you guys think its a dog. I've got about 3 weeks to decide.

[yoslate]

Given that you've taken it for a spin...uh...just out of curiosity...how did it s-o-u-n-d? I've always placed a bit of a premium on that characteristic, when buying an instrument....

 

And that DC which Kenny posted pics of is stunning...traps...perfect on that guitar!

[SouthpawGuy]

 

Looks like a one piece back to me, and a mighty fine one too. A pic of the rear of the headstock would be useful, for the serial # etc.

[lensman]

 

Looks like a one piece back to me, and a mighty fine one too. A pic of the rear of the headstock would be useful, for the serial # etc.

 

Definitely a laminated top--can't tell about the back. Serial #W28005

[tulk1]

Definitely a laminated top--can't tell about the back. Serial #W28005

 

No access plate = Arched Laminate Top and Back.

[tulk1]

Ok I put pics of the specific guitar (Custom Millennium 158) I started this thread with in my gallery. It is the one mentioned in the first reply. You can see the overall look and the major damage. It has not been cleaned up yet other than a dusting and test cleaning on the bridge. Apparently the previous owner didn't own a rag to wipe it off.

 

So--take a look and tell me what you would pay. Sure, most of it is cosmetic, but sort of aggravating because if the guy would have avoided scratching and denting, it would be a fine example of the Heritage 158. Maybe I'm too anal about that but my Dad taught me to take care of the tools. The case looks trashed on the outside but its ok (and clean now) on the inside. I could probably repair it.

 

I'm still feeling out the play and action. Not sure if any refret is necessary, but I've never had one with real wear before.

 

Thumbs up or down? I'm taking it back if you guys think its a dog. I've got about 3 weeks to decide.

 

I'm giving it a thumbs up! That is one beautiful guitar. The "damage" looks to me like a well played guitar. I don't care how careful you are with a guitar, if you play that sucker out you are going to hit a cymbal, thunk a case, drop a battery .... blah blah. That looks like warrior wear, and honestly, not that bad ... from the pics. Bottom line: how does it play, how does it sound? If you're going to fret about dings on a used guitar, maybe its not for you. Just saying...

[cod65]

Sheesh, guy,

 

are you planning on playing the guitar or opening a museum or something? I'm a little confused here- I went thru the thread and it sounds like you have the guitar in your possession, but I'm not sure if you actually bought it , or have some sort of 'try it for 30 days' deal.

 

It sounds like you aren't too interested in actually playing it.

 

If you are buying it as an investment, then don't do it.

 

If you want a quality guitar'(and this is certainly a good starting point at the very least), then offer them a little less, take the difference and get a good setup done. As far as the 'damage' et al , if you really want to be anal, go have every little nick taken care of(thats the beauty of nitrocell finish is that it is easily repairable), and then have your heart broken every time a new one appears.(unless you just keep it in the case).

 

This model is not something you will see too often. It is a quality guitar. it is worth repairing any true issues.

 

offer them 750$ Put 150$-200 into it. If they dont take the 'lowball' offer them maybe something in between, calculating the work you might have done. Personally I wouldn't have any work done to the finish. I can barely see an issue.

 

Sorry to be a dick, but this is my honest answer!

 

Now get on that thing and crank it up!