Heritage Guitars

[GuitarsCanada]

http://www.guitarscanada.com/GaryMooreOwners/wolfe_GM_35.jpgWould anyone else agree with me that Heritage guitars are an exceptional value in today's market? I know Accept2 has a few. I have owned a few.. and put it up against a Gibson LP I would say you are getting a great value on the Heritage side. A visitor to the site recently toured the facility in Kalamazoo and is going to forward some notes and pics on the visit.

[Accept2]

They are great value but not for everybody. They have the same feel and build quality of the old Gibsons. I prefer modern guitars, so Im not into the Heritage thing, but its hard to argue the value when you compare a vintage Gibson to a Heritage. Same guitar for a fraction of the price...................

[Fiddlefusion]

I haven't tried the Heritage line so I can't really comment. As far as the newer models that I've tried, I have liked the Parker Flys & Nite Flys (Not the new cheap Parkers), and some of the Godins too. I have been scouting over the past few months to try to see about getting an more of a vintage type guitar though.

[Seaners]

I can dig that

[Robert1950]

Heritage. I'd really like to try one out, but they seen harder find in Canada (in my case the GTA), than an Amercian who can tell you the capitol of Canada.;)

[GuitarsCanada]

This is an interesting guitar. This dude contacted me about 1.5 years ago when he spotted this one on eBay. Wanted to know the details on it. It's the "Gary Moore" ordered Heritage in the Lemon color, the only one that was made in that color in the series. Total of 150 guitars in the run, 75 in Amber and 75 in Almond Burst. This one ended up in the Amber series but it's the only one in the 150 with this shade. Gary Moore never took possession of the guitar and it sat at Heritage for years until Jay Wolfe obtained it. So the Gary Moore factor on it is really not that strong. When I got mine from Jay Wolfe in Florida he had both guitars. I wanted this one but at the time he would not part with it. It finally made it's way onto the market and ended up here. But only a complete fool would pay 5K for it, in my opinion.

http://www.guitaradoptions.com/store/product.php?productid=17950&cat=275&page=1

[Robert1950]

Five Grand US. Ouch.

[Stratocaster]

I hear that they equal, or even TOP a gibson. I wouldnt be able to know, considering i never played one....Never even seen one in real life, but that one is sexy

[GuitarsCanada]

They truly are a very well made guitar.I have played and own an LP... my Gary Moore is number 1 in terms of build quality. If you ever get the chance to get your hands on one, grab it. Even the current Heritage guitars are a better value than the Gibson, in my opinion.

[SCREEM]

I would prolly buy the heritage over a gibson...if i could find one new in Canada ::rolleyes:

[GuitarsCanada]

Yes, I can't help you out there. I have not come across and Canadian dealers yet. Maybe someone on here has.

[GuitarsCanada]

I would prolly buy the heritage over a gibson...if i could find one new in Canada ::rolleyes:

According to the Heritage websit there is one Canadian Dealer. Murch Music in Cambridge, Ontario

[Accept2]

There used to be a store in Ottawa that carried Heritage. They were also a dealer for Washburn, BC Rich, and few other US makers. All of them pulled their dealerships though, as the guy who owned the store was a scumbag...........

[Robert1950]

According to the Heritage websit there is one Canadian Dealer. Murch Music in Cambridge, Ontario

Murch was bought out by L&M. From what I've seen on the website, they are in a transition phase. don't know what the future of Hertiage is at Murch/L&M.

[Yerffej]

I hear that they equal, or even TOP a gibson.
NO!

whatever, gibsons now are a pretty maple top on as shoddy a piece of equipment as the market will swallow (which is very shoddy)

all at an ever increasing price

[Accept2]

NO!

whatever, gibsons now are a pretty maple top on as shoddy a piece of equipment as the market will swallow (which is very shoddy)

all at an ever increasing price

Im not to sure Id agree there. They did have periods of crappy production throughout their history, but then what company doesnt? The Gibsons we get around here are top notch guitars............

[GuitarsCanada]

Axe Music in Edmonton used to carry them, but that place is a dump. I don't know if they are still dealers.

I know that Guitar Adoptions in the U.S. now carries Heritage. I've bought guitars from Dave at GA before with excellent results. If you're willing to buy online, that would be something to consider.

I got mine from Jay Wolfe out of Florida. Very accomodating and respectable.

http://www.wolfeguitars.com/

[asatattack]

Murch was bought out by L&M. From what I've seen on the website, they are in a transition phase. don't know what the future of Hertiage is at Murch/L&M.
It's not likely that they would continue to carry Heritage. I've never seen a Heritage at any L&M.

[Robert1950]

I got mine from Jay Wolfe out of Florida. Very accomodating and respectable.

http://www.wolfeguitars.com/

I've heard good things about him on other sites. Does a lot of Canadian business too.

[GuitarsCanada]

Yeah, he was great with me, answered all my questions. Gave me all the history on Heritage. A pleasure to deal with.

[Lester B. Flat]

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Heritage was started by ex-Gibson employees who did'nt like the way things were going at Gibson. I know a guy with a Heritage ES-335 that's a thing of beauty at half the price.

[GuitarsCanada]

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Heritage was started by ex-Gibson employees who did'nt like the way things were going at Gibson. I know a guy with a Heritage ES-335 that's a thing of beauty at half the price.

That is partially true Lester.. When Gibson moved to Tennesee there were a few that decided to stay behind and purchase a lot of the old equipment and started up Heritage Guitars. So basically what you have there were some of the guys that built the original Gibson LP's on the original equipment. JP Moats, Jim Deurloo, Marv Lamb and Bill Paige were the originators. They still build them with the same care and craftsmenship as the originals IMO. Great value.

[traynor_garnet]

I was talking to the guy who runs the music store in West Edmonton Mall and he just secured the Heritage line. He toured Gibson's and Heritage's factories and said the Gibsons were all "dead" compared to the Hertiages. Haven't played one yet, but I want to get my hands on one.

I too am sick of Gibson constant price inflations; I owned a LP for many years and they are good guitars, but I see LP's selling for $5000 just because they have a A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ top! :confused: :eek:

[Jeff Flowerday]

The Gibson Historics have been doing nothing but coming down in price lately. You can get an R4/R6/R7 for $3000 that a decent price. No need for the bling, has nothing to do with tone.

The new VOS line are coming plecked which should greatly increase the playability off the wall.

You show me a Heritage that sounds and plays better than my R8 and I'll switch.


.02

[ashot2thehead]

Beautiful guitar, my uncle has one, but he wont let me play it....From what i hear it sounds nice

[Robert1950]

This is the Heritage I would kill for:

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=860681

[Calgary Slim]

Seems to be a decent eBay market for them - 51 currently listed - if you're willing to take a chance on that route.

I'm glad I read this thread, because I just own Fender electrics, but had considered a Gibson someday.

[SCREEM]

more guitar pr0n:

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images21000-21999/ngb21384-heritageh140cm2nded/index.html

Has a schaller roller bridge....would look cool with a pick guard.

[GuitarsCanada]

Thats a beauty..... love the color. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Heritage guitars. I find them to be of the highest quality and workmanship.

[david henman]

...i have been trying to encourage some of the toronto retailers to take on this brand. no luck so far.

i would love to own a heritage!

[SCREEM]

...i have been trying to encourage some of the toronto retailers to take on this brand. no luck so far.

i would love to own a heritage!

You could take a trip to buffalo and try to find a used one so you dont have to pay duty's on it. with the exchange rate on the dollar these days it would be worth the trip.

[GuitarsCanada]

...i have been trying to encourage some of the toronto retailers to take on this brand. no luck so far.

i would love to own a heritage!

Yes, I can't recall ever seeing them in a Canadian shop. I always keep my eye on eBay, never know when a great deal will pop up. But it would be nice to be able to check them out at a local shop.

[sysexguy]

That may be so but you'll need a NAFTA to prove it...and you won't get one from an ebay seller or a dealer. UPS and FedEx will nail you 70% of the time, USPS is a better for that.

Andy

[GuitarsCanada]

That may be so but you'll need a NAFTA to prove it...and you won't get one from an ebay seller or a dealer. UPS and FedEx will nail you 70% of the time, USPS is a better for that.

Andy


i do believe you are correct sir. I normally get all my eBay stuff sent to the office in Michigan and then bring it on home. But not everyone has that luxury.

[sysexguy]

You have very lucky...or have been buying items below $1600CDN...or haven't bought anything since late last year.

Before taking on a line, I sometimes buy an item off ebay or a dealer just to see what we may be getting into.......getting dinged for duty on USA products really smacks but we "expense it"......a dealer or private seller is in no legal position to assert NAFTA conformance and doing so is opening the consignee to major fines and seizure. As I mentioned before, UPS and FedEx have cracked down (because they would get fined too) and when in doubt, charge duty.

Sending stuff as "repair" or "sample" may still work but...

Having the shipper value the item below $1600 will improve the chances of getting the item in under the radar as the NAFTA process is much simpler and often the FedEx form will suffice (even if the signing party is legally speaking, in no position to do so)

"Free Trade" is an oxymoron

Andy

[sysexguy]

I don't think I've been "unlucky".....due to the volume of gear we import, I cannot afford to bend the law.....that doesn't mean I agree with the policies of our governments :sport-smiley-002: ......we just shipped a pallet of speakers back to Germany for upgrades and .....2 days full on paperwork, there's about 35 pages attached....they'll be more once the gear returns.

Back on topic, Heritages can be quite amazing although some have been iffy in the past. AFAIK, the latest batches, especially the Plek'd ones are fine guitars and well worth the$$$. I played one note on two archtops :( and just put them back, once at Boston Guitar and the other time at Cowtown in Vegas. On the other hand, I picked up a couple of the amps and they're really well built and sound fabulous.

Andy

[Hatch]

I bought a Heritage 150CM Classic from Murch Music in Cambridge back in 2002. A left hand model as well. Antique Cherry sunburst with Duncan 59's.

Quite a nice guitar, but their is a playability issue which I am currently taking care of. High E string slipping off fret ends.

My guitar is before Heritage got their PLEK machine and apparently their fretwork is consistantly better.

Cost me $2600 Canadian at the time.

[GuitarsCanada]

Is this Murch Music still in Cambridge and do they still carry the Heritage line?

[david henman]

Is this Murch Music still in Cambridge and do they still carry the Heritage line?

...they are now a long & mcquade store, and no longer carry the heritage line.

[David St Hubbins]

...they are now a long & mcquade store, and no longer carry the heritage line.

Too bad, they are nice guitars. Anybody know of any store that might carry them?

[pompeii0]

Any news if the store in the West Ed Mall is now dealing with Heritage? That would be awesome!

[traynor_garnet]

He told me he was going to start carrying them but they were not there the last time I was in. A few nice Gretschs but no Heritage.

Give him a call and ask . . .

TG



Any news if the store in the West Ed Mall is now dealing with Heritage? That would be awesome!

[bolero]

that Heritage gary Moore is the only one I've ever seen...!!

I didn't know they made a run of them...I have seen pics of the one they made for Gary though.

is that "the one they made for Gary"???

got any more pics?

I have a Heritage H150CM, it's a fantastic gtr...I'm thinking of ditching my Gibson's & getting another


here's a pic

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b67/bbolero/twinf.jpg

[gobuds]

I have been reading great things about the Heritage 137 (their JR) and note that Wolfe Guitars (has a great reputation as well) carries them - but I have never had the chance to actually play one.

If anyone comes accross one in the Toronto area I'd love to hear about it.

http://www.gbase.com/files/store_images/769/1511036/Photo2_64458.jpg

[GuitarsCanada]

that Heritage gary Moore is the only one I've ever seen...!!

I didn't know they made a run of them...I have seen pics of the one they made for Gary though.

is that "the one they made for Gary"???

got any more pics?

I have a Heritage H150CM, it's a fantastic gtr...I'm thinking of ditching my Gibson's & getting another


The Gary Moore model was ran in two series. There were 75 of each produced. There was an Amber (which is what I have) and Almond Burst. Heritage made one guitar for Gary Moore himself, but he never took possession of it. It ended up sitting at Heritage for many years until Wolfe Guitars aquired it. It changed hands a few times and ended up at GuitarAdoptions, where they are asking something like 5K for it. They will have it a long time at that price. The only difference on that guitar is that it was made in a lemon color, close to the Gibson Gary Moore series.

Specs are : Mahogany body with a bound carved curly maple top. 24 3/4" scale. A bound curly maple pickguard, mahogany neck, 22 fret bound premium rosewood fingerboard with pearl crown inlays. Chrome plated adjustable bridge and stop tail piece, black peghead with Gary Moore signature in red. All hardware is chrome with Grover tuners. EMG 81 active pick-ups. Each guitar was stamped with a serial number on the back of the headstock. The MSRP in 1991 was $1,415 US.

Below is also a picture of my guitar next to the one made for Gary Moore. Wolfe had them both at the time but would not sell me the Lemon colored one. He obviosly changed his mind a few years later. The last picture is a Almond Burst (not mine).

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/Picture077.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/Picture078.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/2-garystrio1.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/garymooreburst.jpg

[bolero]

NICE!!! thx for the info. beautiful gtr!


those 137's look cool too!! they must be new?

I just bought a prospector, should be here in a week or so, can't wait to try it out

[traynor_garnet]

Well the guy I was talking about from the West Ed mall has Heritage guitars in. Except, they are at his new store called the WestEnd Rock Shop. http://westendrockshop.com/

He has a bunch of Heritage guitars inL LPS, 335s, Hollowbodies, etc.

I played an LP and it was really nice. What a great feeling neck and fretboard.

The store owner is a great player and a cool guy too . . .

TG

[rippinglickfest]

I was thinking of buying a Heritage and phoned a couple of dealers in the U.S....
One actually recommended I dont buy one because the quality has gone down hill? I guess they are having trouble keeping up with demand? There was a small dealer here in Sudbury a few years back but he said he stopped carrying the line, they wanted him to buy like 20 guitars at time.

[Jeff Flowerday]

Anyone have tuning issues with Heritages?

The reason I mention it is: My tech says they don't quite have the the scale length right on them and it makes it hard to intonate and tune properly.

So I asked him who does make them right? His answer: PRS. Makes sense to me because I have zero tuning problems with them.

[blueshores_guy]

Greetings, gents. New member here.
Re: Heritage tuning, I have a 2001 Millenium H-155 (LP style) that I found at The 12thFret 3 years ago, and have had no problem with tuning or intonation. Mind you, my ears may not be as precise or exacting as someone else's.
I'm wondering if this alleged tuning problem is really related to U.S. made Gibsons, and Heritage is getting tarred with the same brush.
Ed Roman's site, on the first page of the Gibson section, has a message to Ed from someone named Phil Hartley describing the issue. Basically he's saying the scale length from nut to the 12th fret is different from the scale length above the 12th. No idea if there's any truth to it, and no idea if the Heritage axes would be affected.
My experience with the Heritage has been wonderful. It has got me playing again after 20+ years of indifference. The build quality is nothing short of excellent, it plays like a dream, and the Duncan Seth Lover pickups sound great too. My only concern with it was having to adjust the neck relief 2 or 3 times a year due to humidity changes, but last fall I put one of those small humidifier things in the case (the guitar is never left out on display--it's always put back in its case) and this problem seems to be solved.
Overall, a deluxe piece, a great guitar for the money, even if they're a bit hard to find.