Some nice comments

[FredZepp]

We would like you to know that this guitar was assembled by hand (well, many hands) at the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company is and has been headed by the 3 supervisors who built the archtop guitars at Gibson in the 1970s and early 1980s.

This is a very fine instrument that derives from a distinguished lineage. That is why the name “Heritage” was chosen – it was seen as a continuation of the good reputation of the company that occupied the same space at 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo throughout the 20th century until 1984. >>> (edited from an instrument description at Mandolin Bros. )

 

 

You know, I came across these beautiful guitars quite be accident while drooling at the local guitar store, and the first thing I noticed was how beautifully it played right off the rack. I had to take another look at the guitar because I thought it was a Gibson. But No, it was a new company called Heritage. So I asked the salesman what was the business with this beautiful guitar and who the heck is Heritage ? He told me that when Gibson decided to move to Nashville, Tn, from Kalamazoo, some of the Master Craftsmen who had worked there forever it seemed like, decided they wanted to stay where they were. So they pooled their money together and bought the building from Gibson.

What I found out impressed the hell out of me. All the workers there had at least 10 to 20 yrs. Doing what they do best. Build one of the best guitar’s on the market. And they build each one all the way by hand, and it showed.

 

These guitars are like buying a custom shop guitar right out of the gate. It turns out no other manufacturer can afford to use Master Craftsmen to construct, build, and finish each instrument, from start to finish, like these guys do. And I really could identify with a group of people getting together and buying out what is left of the business they love to keep promoting the craft! Unheard of nowadays!

>>>> ( edited from a personal review online )

 

Heritage Guitar of Kalamazoo, MI (the Gibson luthiers during the glory days of the 50's and 60's), was commissioned by D'Angelico II in the early 90's to produce fine Jazz Guitars under that banner. These are American made guitars built by some of the worlds finest guitar makers. Many subsequent D'Angelico II's have been produced offshore. >>>>>( from a listing of luthiers re: D'Angelico NY II )

[FredZepp]

Heritage Guitars, in Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1984, is a unique maker. This small shop is owned and operated by the world's most experienced guitar makers. Several of the Heritage craftsmen began guitar making in Kalamazoo in the mid 1950's. Now they are making instruments similar to those made then-but now, without the assembly line "hurry up" style of manufacturing.

 

Played by many of the "big name" professionals as well as many part time musicians and hobbyists - Heritage offers a wide range of well made guitars. Although solid carved archtops are a specialty, they also make fine laminated archtops, semi-hollow bodies and solid body guitars. Because Heritage and Wolfe Guitars carefully control overhead and expensive promotions, Heritage Guitars are surprisingly affordable

>>>>> (edited from Wolfe Guitars website)

[FredZepp]

In general, Heritage makes guitars that are similar to Gibson's products, but which the company's advocates and fans would say are constructed in a much more "hand-made" fashion, and with much greater individual attention to the instrument by the builders.

Part of this increased attention to detail is a result of Heritage being a smaller operation than Gibson, and some of it is likely a reaction against the cost-cutting practices that developed at Gibson during the Norlin years (practices that Gibson would later work to remedy as well).

Recent years have seen a growth in the Heritage name, in part due to word of mouth on internet forums devoted to guitars and guitar gear, including the Heritage Owners Club (launched in 2007).

>>>>>( edited from Wikipedia)

[FredZepp]

And some nice pics I found at J Hale...

[ronalr]

Great post Fred!!!!!....gotta love those pictures too

[ingeneri]

And some nice pics I found at J Hale...

Kenny Burrell Groovemaster. I had one of those, I swapped it for a 575 with Lollar P-90s. THe Groovemaster was a great guitar, and could serve as a fantastic jack of all trades. I wanted a more traditional archtop so I switched, but nothing wrong with that Groovemaster!

[mark555]

Good words and great pictures.....

[FredZepp]

When Gibson moved to Nashville, theses are the master builders that didn't move. Very nice instruments. >>>> ( from Jazz Guitar Resources site )

 

The history of Heritage:Real vintage guitars are still made today!

Heritage Guitars is located at 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo Michigan and was formed shortly after Gibson moved their production to TN. The Heritage Guitar factory is the original Gibson plant and the Heritage owners and employees are mostly old Gibson luthiers and executives. The heritage guitars are still hand made in the same tradition, and by the same experienced hands, and using many of the same machines and tools as the vintage Gibson instruments. Each instrument is hand made to order by skilled craftsmen with decades of guitar building experience. When you buy a new Heritage guitar, you are buying a guitar that is made exactly as the highly sought after vintage instruments from the late '50s! >>>>> ( from Uptown Audio, Heritage Guitar store )