schundog Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 I'm relatively new to owning a Heritage; got a used H-535 a couple months ago, but it has been what I have chosen to pick up about 80% of the time ever since I got it. I own numerous Strats, Teles, Epiphones, a Reverend, a PRS Singlecut, and, finally a Gibson LP and an ES-335. The 335 was my 40th bday present to myself, after saving and scraping up additional funds for a couple of years to get it without depriving my family of anything. I've always been happy with the purchase; it's beautiful, and sounds great. So WHY am I picking up the Heritage all the time?! Fast forward to today. I've got a couple of buddies over jamming, and I hand the lead player the Heritage to see what HE thinks. I value his opinion, as he's a much better player than I am, and has played all of my other stuff. He never really asked to play the 335 after a couple of times. He was REALLY digging the 535, and commented on how much better it played than the 335 (Which has been professionally set up w/.11s, vs 10s on the Heritage). I've done an A/B test with the 2, and I do really like the sound of the 57 Classics in the Gibson better, but the Schallers in the Heritage are sure no slouch, either. Either way, pickups can be changed. So, my quandry is, do I accept happily that my recent Heritage purchase, albeit used, was 1/2 the price of my "real" 335, or shake my head in disgust and sell the 335 to um, put funds in the gear chest to pursue more Heritage?! I've already sold an Epi LP and an extra American Tele to bump up the gear fund, and I'm close to pulling the trigger on the "right" H150 or 525 that might come along. I'd just hate to dump the 335 to find that this "fling" passes. I'm sure my attendance at PSPIII will put me hopelessly over the top towards these gems. Just thought I'd share.
212Mavguy Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 I'm relatively new to owning a Heritage; got a used H-535 a couple months ago, but it has been what I have chosen to pick up about 80% of the time ever since I got it. I own numerous Strats, Teles, Epiphones, a Reverend, a PRS Singlecut, and, finally a Gibson LP and an ES-335. The 335 was my 40th bday present to myself, after saving and scraping up additional funds for a couple of years to get it without depriving my family of anything. I've always been happy with the purchase; it's beautiful, and sounds great. So WHY am I picking up the Heritage all the time?! Fast forward to today. I've got a couple of buddies over jamming, and I hand the lead player the Heritage to see what HE thinks. I value his opinion, as he's a much better player than I am, and has played all of my other stuff. He never really asked to play the 335 after a couple of times. He was REALLY digging the 535, and commented on how much better it played than the 335 (Which has been professionally set up w/.11s, vs 10s on the Heritage). I've done an A/B test with the 2, and I do really like the sound of the 57 Classics in the Gibson better, but the Schallers in the Heritage are sure no slouch, either. Either way, pickups can be changed. So, my quandry is, do I accept happily that my recent Heritage purchase, albeit used, was 1/2 the price of my "real" 335, or shake my head in disgust and sell the 335 to um, put funds in the gear chest to pursue more Heritage?! I've already sold an Epi LP and an extra American Tele to bump up the gear fund, and I'm close to pulling the trigger on the "right" H150 or 525 that might come along. I'd just hate to dump the 335 to find that this "fling" passes. I'm sure my attendance at PSPIII will put me hopelessly over the top towards these gems. Just thought I'd share. I got a 12-pack that says that on this forum most respondents would say sell the Gibby and use the money to fund the Heritage of your dreams. Same 12-pack that on a Gibson forum majority says to hang on to that 335. Goge a boddle of szhingle mall zzscosh that sezzz...(hic!) you'll sell the gibby within the next six months and get a Heritage... any takers on that one?
eljay Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 335s have mojo and need no excuses or justifications. keep it, sell other stuff to get more Hs! "I've already sold an Epi LP and an extra American Tele." not the same league.
Kuz Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 Sorry, got to jump in here and say what is "real" about your 335?? -Handmade... ah, NO -made at the site where the original Gibbies were,... not unless it is pre-1984 Dude, I was in your shoe 5-6 years ago and realized there was nothing "real" about my Gibbies. -Let your ears, your hands, and HISTORY guide you -the REAL guitars are still being made, the REAL handmade way, at the REAL original factory Get over the name Gibby and make the REAL choice... Heritage Guitars!!!
jjkrause84 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 It's simple. If you like the guitar and like playing it then keep it. If, in all honesty, it's several thousand dollars of wood and red paint (man, I wich they'd make 335s in more colours than just red!) that sits in the closet then sell it.
tulk1 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 I'm not sure you can keep a 335 and a 535 in the same house for very long. It's like mixing whole milk and skim milk ... it'll catch on fire! Seriously, tho', and John will probably scold me for this, but if you aren't totally and completely "unhappy" about having the 335, whats the harm in keeping it? I have several guitars that just sit in the closet because I can't bring myself to sell them. Uh ... a 535 being one of them. Love the guitar, but I find myself going to the Prospects first (then the G&Ls). Bottom line, it's your guitar. Do what the heck you want to with it.
Spectrum13 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 What if you put the 57's in the 535? If you still like the 335 keep it.
schundog Posted July 4, 2010 Author Posted July 4, 2010 Thanks for the comments, guys. It's not that I DON'T like the Gibson, it's that I REALLY like the 535! Mojo? I dunno, I guess I bought into that, as Kuz says, get over the name "Gibson." Marketing calls it "top of mind awareness." In other words, tell any guitarist to name the first guitar that comes to mind with mahogany body, maple cap and 2 humbuckers, and 99.9% will say a Gibson Les Paul. Fast food, McDonalds, running shoes, Nike, etc. Companies spend big bucks to brainwash like this, and i drank the Koolaid!! Kuz, you don't pull any punches, do you, pal!! lol. Your comments really put it into perspective for me about the fact that the ones today aren't as "real" as the ones of yesteryear. I do like the fact the Heritage is handmade, not quite as worried about whether it was made in Kalamazoo or Memphis, as mine was. Still America, right? That said, the more I hang around here, and, I'm sure, after visiting Parsons Street and meet some of the guys there, that may change. I appreciate all the comments, keep 'em coming! I'm not going to sell the Gibson anytime soon; I've got several more options to "thin the herd," if I just can't seem to wait. My PRS, while a great instrument, was only purchased from a friend going through a nasty divorce who needed some quick cash fast, and I was able to pick it up from him for $1000. I made him a deal that he could buy it back within 2 years for the $1000, otherwise it was mine for good, or I could sell it outright. Something tells me it's going to end up being mine, as his financial situation doesn't look to be improving any time soon. If so, I'll be selling it, as I already have a Gibson Les Paul Classic, and I would be looking to get an H-150CM of some sort. I'm adding to the gear fund monthly, a couple hundred a month, so I don't forsee needing to liquidate the 335; I just wish I had considered Heritage more seriously before I pulled the trigger on the 335. Who knows, I'm stubborn enough, I probably had to find out for myself whether "Only a Gibson is Good Enough." Now I know that isn't true.
Kuz Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 Thanks for the comments, guys. It's not that I DON'T like the Gibson, it's that I REALLY like the 535! Mojo? I dunno, I guess I bought into that, as Kuz says, get over the name "Gibson." Marketing calls it "top of mind awareness." In other words, tell any guitarist to name the first guitar that comes to mind with mahogany body, maple cap and 2 humbuckers, and 99.9% will say a Gibson Les Paul. Fast food, McDonalds, running shoes, Nike, etc. Companies spend big bucks to brainwash like this, and i drank the Koolaid!! Kuz, you don't pull any punches, do you, pal!! lol. Your comments really put it into perspective for me about the fact that the ones today aren't as "real" as the ones of yesteryear. I do like the fact the Heritage is handmade, not quite as worried about whether it was made in Kalamazoo or Memphis, as mine was. Still America, right? That said, the more I hang around here, and, I'm sure, after visiting Parsons Street and meet some of the guys there, that may change. I appreciate all the comments, keep 'em coming! I'm not going to sell the Gibson anytime soon; I've got several more options to "thin the herd," if I just can't seem to wait. My PRS, while a great instrument, was only purchased from a friend going through a nasty divorce who needed some quick cash fast, and I was able to pick it up from him for $1000. I made him a deal that he could buy it back within 2 years for the $1000, otherwise it was mine for good, or I could sell it outright. Something tells me it's going to end up being mine, as his financial situation doesn't look to be improving any time soon. If so, I'll be selling it, as I already have a Gibson Les Paul Classic, and I would be looking to get an H-150CM of some sort. I'm adding to the gear fund monthly, a couple hundred a month, so I don't forsee needing to liquidate the 335; I just wish I had considered Heritage more seriously before I pulled the trigger on the 335. Who knows, I'm stubborn enough, I probably had to find out for myself whether "Only a Gibson is Good Enough." Now I know that isn't true. Please don't take my comments the wrong way. I was just trying to make you think, and I have never been accused of not being passionate about Heritage guitars. Shoot, I never said, or do I think you should sell the 335. I have 3 PRS guitars that are great and sound good. They are CNC'd and use a lot of non-human workmanship. I guess I just didn't want you to fall into the same trap that I did for years, until someone enlightened me... And that is that Heritage Guitars are NOT copies of current Gibson guitars. Heritage guitars are made by many of the same guys, made with the same tools, and at the same plant that Gibson did for all their iconic years. Heritage continues making the special "Gibson guitars" under the Heritage name, while now Gibson is making some nice guitars but they are far removed from their glory days and how/what made them special! I rest my case. I am glad you are here. I have several guitars that are non-Heritage so I am not as closed minded as many people think! LOL
pegleg32 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 In my guitar comings and goings, I need to have a reason to keep a guitar. Each must have a special tone, or use, or emotional reason. to keep it's place in my collection. If it doesn't, I don't feel any need to own it, especially since there are so many great guitars I haven't played yet. Of course, that may be part of the reason I don't have a very large collection yet. If I can't come up with a really good reason why I want it, then I don't.
FredZepp Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 When you tour the Heritage plant... it is like stepping back in time . The glory days of Gibson are still being recreated at Heritage. Once you experience the quality people there that are still taking pride in creating handmade instruments for the few, you understand why their guitars are a rare find. I like some Gibsons , for sure. But the Heritage guitars are an amazing bit of history.
Jazzpunk Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 I don't hang on to any guitars that I am not playing regularly. Can't afford it. That said, be 110% sure you are ready to sell. I made that mistake with my 575 and I sure wont make it again! If you need to justify hanging on to the 335 for a bit you can always tell yourself it's good to have a back up for the real tone machine in your collection.
jjkrause84 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 I'm not sure you can keep a 335 and a 535 in the same house for very long. It's like mixing whole milk and skim milk ... it'll catch on fire! Seriously, tho', and John will probably scold me for this, but if you aren't totally and completely "unhappy" about having the 335, whats the harm in keeping it? I have several guitars that just sit in the closet because I can't bring myself to sell them. Uh ... a 535 being one of them. Love the guitar, but I find myself going to the Prospects first (then the G&Ls). Bottom line, it's your guitar. Do what the heck you want to with it. HAHAHAHA Well, I can't say I'll scold you but with 6 weeks left in my PhD I might get in a little lecturing practice.... The OP should understand that my comment (which came from me) was based on my situation and my thoughts to myself about myself and my guitar (which I own). I bought a Heritage and had the misfortune of not even ever being able to see it in person before I had to sell it (financial reasons) and I am still lusting after a semi-hollow Heritage (if I get a job I should be able to afford one for when I go home at Christmas time! ). So, à mon avis, as a guy who is on a very limited budget the idea of retaining a Heritage-worth of capital in a guitar that isn't entirely living up to its purpose (based on your description of how/why you got it) is madness. If you have sufficient capital however...well....then....hey, man whatever makes you happy! -Jon
tulk1 Posted July 4, 2010 Posted July 4, 2010 HAHAHAHA Well, I can't say I'll scold you but with 6 weeks left in my PhD I might get in a little lecturing practice.... The OP should understand that my comment (which came from me) was based on my situation and my thoughts to myself about myself and my guitar (which I own). I bought a Heritage and had the misfortune of not even ever being able to see it in person before I had to sell it (financial reasons) and I am still lusting after a semi-hollow Heritage (if I get a job I should be able to afford one for when I go home at Christmas time! ). -Jon It was a beautiful guitar, too!
212Mavguy Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 Hey Fredzepp! This thread could use an injection of a couple of the Heritage factory production pics from your collection! Would go well with Kuz's post, specifically middle paragraph, post #4. Please?
FredZepp Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 These are other members pictures... Inside of 225 Parsons St. in Kalamazoo.... awesome shots... I love these type of Heritage pics......
schundog Posted July 6, 2010 Author Posted July 6, 2010 FredZepp, thanks for the pics. I've looked at the YouTube videos, and throught the PSP threads of the past couple years, and am very much looking forward to the plant tour, and meeting many of you at PSP III. 1 month to go!
Patrick Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 I need to jump in here also. Your original post mentioned that you should probably hold onto your 335 just in case your "fling" with Heritage ends soon. Fahgettaboudit!!! Ain't gonna happen!! The more Heritage guitars you play . . . the more Heritage people you meet . . . then, the more of Heritage you're gonna want. Especially when you visit the plant. Regarding your ES 335 . . if you like it, then keep it. I've seen what I believed to be some pretty unfair assessments of the Gibson brand here on this forum. I've since come to realize where most of the comments are coming from. I've always loved the Gibson brand. I've NEVER had a bad one. So I couldn't understand all of the hostility I was reading in some of the posts. I currently own 3 Gibsons .. . . but, they're all Historic Collection reissues. They've all been made in the custom shop under Jim Hutchins supervision and management. As most know, the custom shop uses only the finest of Gibson's craftsmen and women, and the better quality of wood and componentry. It's basically the Heritage shop in greater detail and on a larger scale. All 3 of them are magnificent instruments. I expect that too will soon decline without the watchful eye and the passion of "Hutch" . . . but I hope not. The Gibsons (many) I've owned in the past were all older ones, which were made at 225 Parsons Street anyway. I never really looked at and seriously assessed any "production" Gibsons, until I started to read the negative comments posted on HOC about their inconsistent quality. Then I went and look at a few. I understood, much better, what the "crew" here on HOC was talking about. ALL guitar builders occassionally make mistakes, overlook something in finishing, or somehow produce a less than perfect product. The difference is that most other builders will catch it and correct it before it leaves the plant. Certainly Heritage does a much better job than most in that regard. It seems that Gibson is just content on pushing as much s**t out the door as possible to meet production quotas. That's not to say that all of the guitars built in general production for Gibson suck. There are indeed some really good ones. But, it's a relatively low percentage and ya gotta look really hard to find them. With Heritage, not withstanding the need for some corrections to final set up . . . which most of them seem to need . . . they are ALL magnificent instruments. But still yet, it's the people at Parson's Street . . . all of them . . . but mostly the owners that cause most people to love the brand. Finally, as to the hostility . . . many people are still pissed at the way the late 1970s to early 1980s Gibson's bureaucratic corporate culture driven decisions (helped along by over zealous unions) caused the exodus of that brand from K'zoo. Many people were hurt financially and emotionally . . . . some irreperably. Most are still pissed. The possitive result for many of us was that Heritage was born.
VJonathan Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 I too would like to jump in and add that the Heritage 535 and Gibson 335 are two completely different beasts. For starters, they have a different voicing. Any one of you out their who own a 335 and a 535 know this. The shape, feel, sound are all different. I have owned two H-535 instruments and have found them to be wonderful instruments. On the other hand, I also have a beautiful CS 59' 335 I bought off the Nashville plant floor, and it too is a wonderful instrument. And, yes, the build quality is excellent. I can't speak of how they are made in Memphis. It boils down to what type of sound you want. The "535 tone" or the "335 tone" Both are great.
smurph1 Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 I got a 12-pack that says that on this forum most respondents would say sell the Gibby and use the money to fund the Heritage of your dreams. Same 12-pack that on a Gibson forum majority says to hang on to that 335. Goge a boddle of szhingle mall zzscosh that sezzz...(hic!) you'll sell the gibby within the next six months and get a Heritage... any takers on that one? YEP!!
yoslate Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 It's like mixing whole milk and skim milk ... it'll catch on fire! Sheesh!! I didn't know that...!!!
yoslate Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 I'm sure my attendance at PSPIII will put me hopelessly over the top towards these gems. Just thought I'd share. Heh, heh, heh....
smurph1 Posted July 8, 2010 Posted July 8, 2010 We will brainwash you if you aren't already..(You are getting VERY sleepy...)
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