h535 vs. prospect vs. millenium dc

[eljay]

they seem very similar in some respects. inquiring (failing) minds would like to know. thank you!

[tulk1]

they seem very similar in some respects. inquiring (failing) minds would like to know. thank you!

Hmmm, how'd I miss this thread? I happen to have all 3.

 

The H535 ALSB. Full sounds, rich overtones, woody texture. Archtypical rock, country guitar. For me, the body is just a tad bit larger than I like. But I came into the 535 from an LP/PRS body sized career. There isn't a great deal of territory you can't cover with a 535. Have not noticed any feedback issues with mine. But to completely honest, I don't play this one much. It's a bit of a case queen.

 

Prospect Custom DASB. To me, this is the perfect guitar. Perfect size, much closer to the LP/PRS I was used to. Just a tad bit bigger. Has the same full woodiness of the 535. Can do hard rock, classic rock, country (thats all I play) with the solid bodies. But with the floating center block it imparts a bit different reaction to the top/back vibration thang. It's really tough to describe the differences with words. Let's see: it's a bit more focused, not quite as bold as the 535. Not less full, just not as bold - I'd attribute that to the depth/bouts/amout of hollow space. Still pumps air like made thru the F-holes. Mine tended to feedback a bit - should have had a fixed center block instead of the floating CB. I put a strip of sponge between the block and the back; took care of the feedback issues without any noticable dampning of tone.

 

Millie DC NFH Custom OSB: My take on this Millie might not be the same as a traditional Millennium DC. I had mine built without F-holes (NFH = No F Holes). It reacts more like a chambered 150DC than my older Millie SAE did. It is less like a semi and more solid body in texture and feel. I originally had HRWs (Steiner has them now), but swapped for Tom Shorts. Low wind in the neck, traditional wind in the bridge. The guitar seemed to be a hit at last year's PSP. It's full sounding, still has a tad bit of the semi feel (you can feel the back and top trying to push air). But it's tone lies squarely in the H150 range. I will say, I heard this guitar doing jazz, rock, country and blues without any problems. It's just not as semi-natured as one with F-Holes might be.

 

Millennium SAE Amberburst: I know you didn't ask about the this one, but I wanted to toss it in, anyway. This is a Millie SAE, arched top/back. No access plate. Very much a smaller semi-solid(hollow) guitar. Has all the tones of the bigger semi's, in a smaller package. I will say that this one, being all maple was a tad bit bright when compared directly to any of the above guitars. By it's self you wouldn't hear it quite as much. But changing between this one and a regular Prospect on stage the difference was quite noticable. Different pickups might have helped it. But Marv suggested it be kept stock. A friend of mine now owns it. So I know where it is if I ever need it. No idea if any of this is helping you. Or if I even answered your questions. But ... it was a good excuse to post pics of my guitars.

[Dick Seacup]

I have a Millennium DC. I bought it because I felt sorry for it; it has some mineral staining on the lower bout and so it was unloved by the benighted masses. No guitar should have to suffer that fate.

[schundog]

Nice review and pics, Tulk! But shame on you for "case queening" that 555!! haha. That body style is the bomb, especially if you are "big boned" like me!! I make a 335/535/555 style look more like a Prospect!! observe...

 

 

 

 

 

[eljay]

thanks very much, all.

 

as background, i have a 335 and a cs-336, so i surmise that 535 and prospect might be comparable. waiting for my first H, a 530, expected in a couple of weeks.

 

like many (most? all?) on HOC, i'm thinking that one H is not enough!

 

i've got solid-bods out the wazoo in my herd, so semis appeal to me most, now. (the 530 is the only full hollow that fits my wants.)

 

nothing like the luxury of choice! regards, eljay

[Spectrum13]

Have a MIJ 355 in Black as I always wanted a "Lucy". Had a 1983 345 back in the day but sold it.

 

Have a prospect with P90s as I wanted a smaller semi with rosewood boards. Different than the 355 and a 535 plus it would be a fun to custom order a Heritage. Worked out great too!

 

Have a 155 as I wanted a Heritage with Ebony boards, Seths, and semi solid to complement my 150 gold top with Seths.

Also got the Millie because of HOC recommendations. It's like a little L5 on the neck and between a 157 and 555 on the bridge, good size and unique. The 155 has Maple carved top, Maple back & sides, not hog back & sides.