Thinking about joining the club.....

[RyanBriggs]

Hello Gentlemen,

 

 

 

So, allow me to introduce myself - Ryan.

 

I'm here today because in my search for great guitars, well......I stumbled upon a company that I'd never even heard of until tonight! It's seeming more and more that the things I read about these guitars are 99.9 Percent positive. The biggest complain (Which I actually share) is that the guitars come equipped with an ugly headstock - Hah! (That's saying something).

 

 

So I do have a few questions for you guys:

 

First off, do these guitars share the familiar achilles tendon that their Gibson counterparts do? (Drop the case, you may as well start crying - you just put yourself at high risk for a broken headstock)

 

second, I hear these guitars have a neck that won't get sticky - This is probably one of the things I've disliked about Les Pauls more than anything. The neck sticks to your hand and starts feeling very un-natural. is this true?

 

Last, anything you dislike about your Heritage?

 

 

I'm heavily debating saving up to buy an H-150 in the next 2-3 months. What I'm looking at is about 1,000 to 1,500 in hand - possibly by then. My current gear is a Les Paul Vintage Mahogany Studio from - you guessed it. I love that guitar - surprisingly. It's not a looker, infact it's kind of ugly imo. But of all the Les Pauls I could get my hands on (Including other studios like that one) it simply played/sounded the best.

 

So, with that said, What sort of guitar can I get in that price range? I do not mind a nick here or a dent there - So long as it plays nicely, and is well taken care of for the most part. These guitars appear to sell right in the price range of a brand new standard, So I'm figuring for 1,000-1,500 I can get a pretty good piece of kit.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

An extremely intrigued guitarist,

 

Ryan

[DC Ron]

Welcome to the club--since you're posting you're in! Lots of material on this forum for folks considering a Heritage. To your questions...

1. Can't imagine that my 150 could ever receive a broken headstock while in the case. My case is tight fitting, well padded and has two neck rests. Would imagine that most headstock breaks occur outside the case when falling off of a stand, but then I've never had one!

2. Sticky neck? Not for me. Heritage are all nitro finish all the time. There is a topic somewhere in this forum where sombody was reporting an issue with the feel of the neck but I can't find it right now. Some of this is perhaps dependent on body chemistry, humidity and other factors. The Vintage Mahogany's that I recall have a matte finish neck that I don't think you'll find on a Heritage, at least it's not common.

3. Anything I don't like? YES! I don't have enough!! Heritage are (at least) mildly addicitve. This site is an enabler.

Good luck with your search! $1-1.5K will net you a VERY nice 150.

[Thundersteel]

Welcome, Ryan! We're glad you found us!

 

And now, to answer your questions:

 

 

First off, do these guitars share the familiar achilles tendon that their Gibson counterparts do? (Drop the case, you may as well start crying - you just put yourself at high risk for a broken headstock)

 

I've never had that problem; but, I've never dropped my guitars, either. But I would think that ANY guitar. when dropped from a high-enough distance, would cause damage. I feel the headstock break "Achille's Heel" is way overstated. Besides, I've owned Gibby's as well (still own an '89 LP Custom), and never had a problem with them, either.

 

 

second, I hear these guitars have a neck that won't get sticky - This is probably one of the things I've disliked about Les Pauls more than anything. The neck sticks to your hand and starts feeling very un-natural. is this true?

 

None of mine get sticky. Never have; never will (unless I leave my gum on the neck!)

 

Last, anything you dislike about your Heritage?

 

Like DC Ron said; I don't have enough, either! And yes, they can get addicting! You won't be disappointed!

[RyanBriggs]

Well, I've owned two gibson, Never dropped them - I have had a couple incidents of heading into the hall and not lifting the neck high enough - thus introducing the headstock to the wall. both times the guitar seemed to come out okay (SG '61 Re-issue). However, if there's one thing that does bother me it's just sheer thinness of the gibson headstock, It looks like it wasn't designed to take any abuse what-so-ever, and the fact that much of the time it will take some is releiving, But I dislike the idea that the guitar is succeptable (Ask any luthier which guitars he gets in the most with headstock breaks I'd be willing to be it's gibson).

 

Another question for you guys, what are the biggest differences between the 150/157? looking around it seems like 157's usually are ballpark 1800$. Is the 157 worth the bump from the 150, and would it be particularly difficult to find one used in good condition for 15 hundred?

[Dick Seacup]

Welcome to the Club, RyanBriggs!

 

The H-157 is an H-150 with upscale appointments. Multi-ply binding, bound neck/headstock, MOP (real, not plastic like some other companies use) inlaid logo and "teardrop" (some call it a diamond). Also, the H-157 has an ebony fretboard, instead of rosewood. You can go to this page and click on the "H-150" link under "Guitar Model Information" for a comparison.

 

(casual aside: I wonder why the admin never finished the tables? )

[golferwave]

The easiest comparison is to think of the H-150 as a LP STD and the H-157 as a LP Custom. The Heritage headstock is thicker than the comparible Gbrand. One word of warning though...once you buy one you'll be looking for more.

[playonplaya]

My Heritage has the sticky neck problem you speak of kind of a bummer.

[Dick Seacup]

I find that when guitars get "sticky neck syndrome" a good cleaning (disclaimer: I am a recent convert to Virtuoso cleaner and polish; that stuff is GREAT!) and a pair of clean and dry hands worked wonders.

[big bob]

I don't think you should get a Heritage Guitar. This is how I see it, if you buy a Heritage that just drives up demand thus driving up prices while also lowering supply, making it harder for the rest of us to get our next fix.

You should maybe consider a G&L..

[JeffB]

Do it

 

Once youve done it its a little addictive.

As for the headstock breaking. Dont use it as a shovel. My daughter knocked my H150 over tonight. Apart from a new dent its all good.

[Kuz]

I find that when guitars get "sticky neck syndrome" a good cleaning (disclaimer: I am a recent convert to Virtuoso cleaner and polish; that stuff is GREAT!) and a pair of clean and dry hands worked wonders.

 

+1

 

My thought exactly. All my guitar (except one) are nitro finish. Clean hands & a polished neck, and I prefer the feel of nitro over Poly (plastic)!

 

No sticky problems here.

 

And yea Virtuoso cleaner/polish is da bomb!

[sbtills]

Welcome from another new member. I helped my son buy his first Heritage (H-157) in December and was so impressed I just had to have my own! Now we have two, and absolutely love them. My "my first heritage" thread is fairly recent if you haven't seen it on this site. As for you questions, can't help too much as we haven't dropped them and have not noticed any tackiness of the fretboard yet.

 

Enjoy the search!

[FredZepp]

To break a Heritage, while possible, is a rare and rather catastrophic event. I haven't really come close to that kind of tragedy... just usual care works for me.

 

The sticky neck is caused by too much sodium in your diet , I believe. Les Paul always used to say that you should prepare for playing the guitar like you were getting ready to eat dinner. Clean hands and all....

 

But the boys ( and girls ) at Heritage do know how take those old machines at 225 Parsons St. and make some fine instruments from high quality select woods. The Heritage guitar experience is typically one of awe and amazement... you should try it.

[pegleg32]

I would ditto the above comments, if you like your Gibson's at all, you will really like Heritage.

[blueox]

. . . The biggest complain (Which I actually share) is that the guitars come equipped with an ugly headstock - Hah! (That's saying something) . . .

 

The Heritage H-150 series is the ultimate Les Paul-type guitar, if that's what you are looking for, with gobs of tone and extremely playable. I love everything about mine, including the headstock. I have only one caution for you. I don't know how serious you were with your comment, but the fact that you included it shows that it must mean something to you. If you don't like the headstock, I would not buy one.

[smurph1]

Welcome to the HOC!! I haven't had the sticky neck syndrome..Oh wait I did once, but i think there were some honey-bbq wings involved.. ..A H-150 or H-157.. either one is a winner..A 157 just has more bling.. There are many different pickup choices too.Schallers, HRW's, SD's are all good depending on who you talk to..By the way, be forewarned..We are enablers..

[smurph1]

The Heritage H-150 series is the ultimate Les Paul-type guitar, if that's what you are looking for, with gobs of tone and extremely playable. I love everything about mine, including the headstock. I have only one caution for you. I don't know how serious you were with your comment, but the fact that you included it shows that it must mean something to you. If you don't like the headstock, I would not buy one.

Not to open a can of worms here..But, when i first got my Heritage, I didn't like the headstock either, but once I started playing it on a regular basis, it sounded so good, I decided I didn't care, and now I'm saving for another one..My 2 cents..

[peterbright]

Never had a sticky neck on any guitar I've owned. I would add, dont use your Heritage for playing Cricket either.

[lb61906]

Welcome Ryan,

 

In reference to your post. I urge you to buy a Heritage guitar. I am sure you will love it and likely buy more. I did.

 

JJ

[conorb]

Hi and welcome.

 

I'm still a new member myself and consider it lucky to have found the great group of guys here at HOC to help assist in the buying process.

 

I recently purchased a h-150 from another forum member and it's truly a great guitar.

 

I couldn't be happier.

 

Take the plunge.

 

 

 

 

 

conorb

[peteraltongreen]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the club.Great guitars at a great price.Do the necks get sticky ? My H140CM is 24 years old,and is in great condition on the back of the neck.The only time it gets sticky is if I have dirty hands,soon solved by a clean duster and spirit polish,but NEVER with silicone in it.That does attack the finish.Ugly headstock ? Consider this. The tilt back on the headstock is at the correct angle,and on my 140,the thinner width of the head allows for a straighter pull on the string,thereby making the tuning more stable. I like the crown at the top,and the only time a neck breaks is if you mistreat it.I know accidents happen,but then you're on a level playing field with every other guitar maker. Enjoy these great guitars.

Peter Alton Green ( U.K.)

[smurph1]

Hi and welcome.

 

I'm still a new member myself and consider it lucky to have found the great group of guys here at HOC to help assist in the buying process.

 

I recently purchased a h-150 from another forum member and it's truly a great guitar.

 

I couldn't be happier.

 

Take the plunge.

 

 

 

 

 

conorb

that's a nice chunk of wood you got there... conorb...

[tulk1]

Hi and welcome.

 

I'm still a new member myself and consider it lucky to have found the great group of guys here at HOC to help assist in the buying process.

 

I recently purchased a h-150 from another forum member and it's truly a great guitar.

 

I couldn't be happier.

 

Take the plunge.

 

 

 

 

 

conorb

 

I believe that guitar just might rival, if not exceed my old H157. Which I happen(ed) to think was the best looking 150 Series guitar I'd ever seen. But this H150 - just a stunning piece. Whoa!!

[RyanBriggs]

Damn,

 

 

 

 

Alright, I'm probably sold at this point. It's seeming like these guitars are every bit as good as their Gibson counter-parts. It looks like PRS is going to be on the back burner and my next guitar is going to be a heritage! .

[brentrocks]

here is some more GAS fuel for ya Ryan....