Prospect vs. Yamaha SA2200

[dwilliams]

Hi All,

 

I am a new member and am about to pick up another guitar. I currently own a Fender American Strat and Telecaster but want a hollow/semi hollow guitar. I have looked and played the Gibson 335 and it was OK but overpriced. I have narrowed down my selection to either a Prospect or the Yamaha. There are no dealers where I live and the Yamaha is being discontinued so I can't actually play either. Do any of you have experience with both and if so what would be your take on which one to get (quality, sound, etc). (BTW: I am mostly into the Blues, no hard rock, country, metal, etc). The price I was quoted on the Yamaha works out to be about the same for what I can get a Prospect for

 

This is a great forum and I appreciate the help!

[barrymclark]

For the blues, I think you have found the right brand in Heritage. Although capable of so much more, the blues and jazz seem to be its most sought after application.

 

I have no experience with a Prospect but I know there are few fans on here and I am sure they will pipe up here shortly.

 

Can't knock the Yamaha SA2200. Nice guitar.

[tulk1]

DW,

 

Welcome to the HoC. I have not played the SA2200. I'm sure it's a fine instrument. I have, however, played and owned Prospect guitars. My first was a '99 Prospect, that now belongs to member jjkrause. I was inspired enough by that guitar to custom order one. Pic to follow. With Heritage guitars you get a guitar handmade by real people. Not that Yamaha doesn't have real people - duh! But Heritage is a relatively small company turning out handmade instruments, in small batches. You can custom order a guitar to your specs, without huge upcharges. If you have issues you can deal directly with the makers. On and on.

 

As for the guitar itself. The Prospect could be considered a smaller version of the 535 (think Gibs 335 in style and size, but the similarity ends there). It has a floating center block, which can be attached if ordered that way. The slightly smaller size fits exceedingly easy on the body. Tone is what you make it. My original one had lowly stock Schallers - wonderfully full and rich. My custom has SD Phat Cats, which can scream or purr, depending on what I'm after. This guitar can handle just about any genre`. Well, not sure about Metal as I don't even attempt that. But I've done country, blues, jazz(ish) and hard rock with mine.

 

Something to consider: Hand Made American guitar by historic luthiers vs production import. If the cost is similar .....

 

 

 

[BrianToth]

My Prospect is my #1 guitar by far.

 

[dwilliams]

DW,

 

Welcome to the HoC. I have not played the SA2200. I'm sure it's a fine instrument. I have, however, played and owned Prospect guitars. My first was a '99 Prospect, that now belongs to member jjkrause. I was inspired enough by that guitar to custom order one. Pic to follow. With Heritage guitars you get a guitar handmade by real people. Not that Yamaha doesn't have real people - duh! But Heritage is a relatively small company turning out handmade instruments, in small batches. You can custom order a guitar to your specs, without huge upcharges. If you have issues you can deal directly with the makers. On and on.

 

As for the guitar itself. The Prospect could be considered a smaller version of the 535 (think Gibs 335 in style and size, but the similarity ends there). It has a floating center block, which can be attached if ordered that way. The slightly smaller size fits exceedingly easy on the body. Tone is what you make it. My original one had lowly stock Schallers - wonderfully full and rich. My custom has SD Phat Cats, which can scream or purr, depending on what I'm after. This guitar can handle just about any genre`. Well, not sure about Metal as I don't even attempt that. But I've done country, blues, jazz(ish) and hard rock with mine.

 

Something to consider: Hand Made American guitar by historic luthiers vs production import. If the cost is similar .....

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your input! A couple other questions came to mind: Wolfe Guitars in Florida seems to get great reviews as far as a dealer but Eddie's Guitars in St. Louis has a really nice Old Style Sunburst Prospect for sale at a good price. I kind of like the looks of that finish but does anyone have experience with Eddie's?

 

Thanks again!

[tbonesullivan]

One thing to remember is that the SA2200 is basically a 335 clone, similar to Heritages H-535 in construction. The Prospect is smaller and has a floating center block, unlike the 535, 335, and SA2200. So, the sound will be somewhat different.

[JeffB]

Ive played a few SA2200's. Nice guitar. Definitely GAS worthy and I have considered one a few times. I should probably get one instead of another H150 tbh.

The Japanese SA2200 is a well made guitar. The attention to detail, fit and finish is equal to any high class guitar made anywhere. It will probably never be considered my many because it has Yamaha on the headstock. Shame. The one's Ive played have a fast feel to the neck and 10's-46 feel like 9's-42 or less. They come set up immaculately.

Having said all that....Ive never tried a Prospect and only a few H535's and they grabbed my attention in a more...dunno...they just resonated with me more in a less tangible way than the SA2200. It would be great if you could play both before you buy.

[tulk1]

Thanks for your input! A couple other questions came to mind: Wolfe Guitars in Florida seems to get great reviews as far as a dealer but Eddie's Guitars in St. Louis has a really nice Old Style Sunburst Prospect for sale at a good price. I kind of like the looks of that finish but does anyone have experience with Eddie's?

 

Thanks again!

Eddies is right across the state from me. Well, 400 mile across the state, but still. I drop in there when I can if I'm in St. Louis. Nice, comfy shop. The salesguys are always nice. The guitars are immaculate, always wiped down before being returned to the walls. Never really known them to discount too much, but things may have changed.

 

Not asking what they've quoted you, but ... they did discount that off the price listed on their site? It's a beauty, for sure. Not sure they have a return policy, tho'. Pretty sure Jay gives you a couple of days with the guitar. Nothing like GuitarDenter or it's cousins, tho'.

[dwilliams]

Eddie's quoted me $1790 delivered on the Prospect. They do give you 48 hours for evaluation. Wolfe quoted me $1965 delivered. Anything I should watch out for?

 

Thanks again!

[tulk1]

Eddie's quoted me $1790 delivered on the Prospect. They do give you 48 hours for evaluation. Wolfe quoted me $1965 delivered. Anything I should watch out for?

 

Thanks again!

Nice price!

[mark555]

I have never played a prospect but I do own a 535 which is a similar guitar to the SA2200. In fact had I not bought a 555 or 535 I would have bought an SA2200. Both are superb guitars.

 

But having played several Yamaha's, particularly the SA2200, I can tell you that they are really terrific guitars, flawless in everyway. The pick ups are their own alnico pick ups which ere very nice and the guitar will play any genre of music. Push-pull volume controls for coil tap add a further variation. I would say the Yamaha is better than the current 335's, in my opinion you have to go a long way back to get a good 335. Without a doubt you would be happy with the Yamaha,it is everything a guitar player could want. As a working guitar, I would be as happy with the Yamaha as I would any other guitar. What feels best in your hands? What do your ears tell you?

 

However, if you are buying new, you could never get from Yamaha what Heritage will offer you. The guys at Heritage will give you no end of finish variations where as the Yamaha only has two finish options. Also you can get pick up variations, inlay variations, neck specification, you really can have a guitar built to your own spec's and requirements, and of course you would get all the history and pedigree which comes with the Prospect.

 

Let us know what you decide to get.

[chico]

I bet you get the Heritage..

 

And, then, u will be afflicted.

 

Never dealt w/Eddies, but they are a Heritage proponent and that makes em fine by me. Make the move on that Prospect and shoot us some photos when you do!

 

welcome, btw.

[Spectrum13]

I have a custom Prospect and a CIJ 355 from Edwards. Get the SA 2200 it will be cheeper in the long run.. get a Heritage and you will want more Heritage guitars. It would just be the begining of your collection.

[DC Ron]

I have a MIJ Yamaha semi and there is NOTHING wrong with mine. Great looks, construction, craftsmanship and sound. The nut and fretwork out of the factory was fabulous. It really is perfect except maybe that the poly finish isn't as cool as nitro. My Heritage Roy Clark has a floating block like the Prospect (I think) and is somewhat similar but has a slightly more open/woody sound that covers jazz a bit better. But it's a monster, too. Oh, and it has a nitro finish. Don't think you can go wrong with either. But if you can swing the $, go Heritage. Of course.

[dwilliams]

Thanks for all your input. I just got an updated price on the SA2200 and it is going to be $2100 out the door vs $1800 for the Prospect. It seems like if they are kind of close in terms of sound, finish, etc. the nod would go to the Prospect. Opinions??

 

Again, thanks for all your input!

[conorb]

One thing to remember is that the SA2200 is basically a 335 clone, similar to Heritages H-535 in construction. The Prospect is smaller and has a floating center block, unlike the 535, 335, and SA2200. So, the sound will be somewhat different.

 

Not to hijack; but what is a floating center block?

 

For the OP I have recently played a Prospect and the larger 535 and while I liked both I thought the Propect was a little easier to play. The tone wasn't as full as the larger bodied guitar, but for me the playability was the winner.

 

No comments on the Yamaha - never tried them.

 

conorb

[High Flying Bird]

Don't give up a 535 by playing a Gibson. I love my 535s. They seem to fit my body type and temperment very well.

[Spectrum13]

Not to hijack; but what is a floating center block?

 

The floating block is attached to the top except for the pickup cavities, there is a gap under the block so the entire back is free to vibrate like a hollow. Most blocks make a semi like a soild body with two glued on wings/ chambers.

[pegleg32]

I'd go for the Prospect. Yamaha seems to have a good reputation, but Heritages have mojo, plus you will probably be the only kid on the block that has one.

[Kuz]

Thanks for all your input. I just got an updated price on the SA2200 and it is going to be $2100 out the door vs $1800 for the Prospect. It seems like if they are kind of close in terms of sound, finish, etc. the nod would go to the Prospect. Opinions??

 

Again, thanks for all your input!

 

Well, you are at a "Heritage Owners Club", what do you think we are going to say?

 

We are a bit biased around here, but hey if you want a production guitar that's not handmade and is more expensive, then go for it!

[dwilliams]

I'd go for the Prospect. Yamaha seems to have a good reputation, but Heritages have mojo, plus you will probably be the only kid on the block that has one.

 

Just bought an 09 H535!!! Will post photos later

[tulk1]

Just bought an 09 H535!!! Will post photos later

 

That was a quick change of models. But hey, the 535 is probably in the top 3 most popular Heritages. And they can just sing!!! Got one of those, too. A most excellent choice. When you post pics, we'll need the story behind the sudden switch. Congrats on getting your first Heritage guitar.

[blueox]

"Just bought an 09 H535!!! Will post photos later."

 

Yes, it will be interesting to hear how you came upon this H-535 that changed your mind. Having played a couple of H-535s, I know that you've made a great choice. They have gobs of tone that can be applied to a wide range of music, and their playability has no restrictions.

[dwilliams]

That was a quick change of models. But hey, the 535 is probably in the top 3 most popular Heritages. And they can just sing!!! Got one of those, too. A most excellent choice. When you post pics, we'll need the story behind the sudden switch. Congrats on getting your first Heritage guitar.

 

Well I first had it narrowed down to buying a 2200 from a local dealer or that Prospect from Eddie's. Actually went ahead and put my order in for the Yamaha as I was quoted a price of $1500 + case. Dealer called back about an hour later and told me the price had gone up and the guitar alone was going to be $1999 (he later came down $200). Decided it wasn't "worth" $2100 out the door. Remembered that there was a nice 535 for sale on ebay and it was ending yesterday. It is a 2009 model (serial # Z35103). Ended up getting it for $1625 which was less than the Prospect. I should probably received it early next week and I will post some photos. One question I have is it doesn't come with a pickguard. If I wanted to get one would I just call Heritage? Also, what would the approximate cost for one be?

 

Thanks for all the info I received on the forum and I look forward to being a "full fledged" member!

[jjkrause84]

I don'ot think the one you ought (BEAUTIFUL colour, btw!) ever had a pickguard which means if you want one you're drilling....