Tried a Heritage H575... Wish I hadn't!

Retroman1969 · #1 08-09-2011, 06:53 PM

I've heard so many raves from you guys about the Heritage archtops, and then my instructor suggested I check them out before settling on Gibson or Eastman as a possible near-future upgrade.
Turns out there's a local Heritage dealer here. Made a bee-line...
The one I tried was an H575 in the antique violin finish.
It looked like a work of art, almost too pretty to play. Probably the most attractive burst finish I've ever seen, topped off with a thin nitro clear to let the beauty of the wood speak for itself. Prominently carved arched top, perfect joinery, etc. It looked like a new antique, and it was light and perfectly balanced. Whether the factory or the shop set it up, it was perfect, and melted butter to play and had the richest, warmest, cleanest tones of anything I've yet tried.
I fell in love instantly.
Now I'm trying to talk myself out of rushing back there to put it on layaway, about which the salesman said (damn the foul demon) $700 down and I could keep it on layaway as long as I wanted and have "conjugal" visits as often as I wanted with my own little practice room in the back.
Now I see why you guys dig these guitars so much.
Willpower, willpower...

Jazzpunk · #2 08-09-2011, 06:58 PM

I used to own a 575, never should've sold it! I agree with you on the finishes as well, I think Heritage has the nicest bursts I've ever seen. The 'Tobacco Burst' is my favorite.

The 575 is a great guitar, I say go for it!

Flat · #3 08-10-2011, 04:10 AM

Answer that siren call, lad, and never look back!

(Actually, it depends on personal financials. But that is one lovely burst!)

Disclaimer: I am a proud owner of an H575 and H535. Both are wonderful.

TruthHertz · #4 08-10-2011, 04:43 AM

Collect a big wad of cash, make a really good deal for yourself and then go in and wave that pile of money in front of his face for a one time deal. I've gotten good deals this way because there is something to be said for cash flow in this economy.
And keep looking too, there are deals to be had, on Gibsons, on old Ibanezes like the JP20, on es-165's... there are fish in that big sea.
David

Kuz · #5 08-10-2011, 07:29 AM

I love it when I read that someone who hasn't played a Heritage and then is able to ..... suddenly "gets it"!!!

I currently own 9 Heritage Guitars (including a Custom 575 and two Golden Eagles) and Heritage guitars hands down sound the best to me.

Just my .02

Retroman1969 · #6 08-10-2011, 07:52 AM

I actually have the money, but don't want to take a fair wad out of my savings account like that. I have home projects that need to be done, planning a trip to Japan next year that I've wanted to take for years, etc...
That's why I'm torn and joke that I wish I hadn't played it.

Although it seems this would be the last guitar that a simple hobbyist like me would need to buy.
I'm terrible at negotiating. Think: Al Bundy trying to buy the new Mustang on that one episode of Married With Children.

hot ford coupe · #7 08-10-2011, 10:07 AM

I also wish I never touched a Heritage guitar. I've just had a bad bout of GAS over one of those beauties, a Golden Eagle in particular. I wanted one with a tap tuned body and a custom neck but just like retroman said, other priorites have to take precedence. I've even got a dealer right in my own area. I'm sure he's also a demon straight from hell with superior temptation skills. The truly sad thing is that I play a real D'Angelico, have 2 Vestax D'As as well and I'm still GASsing over that Golden Eagle. Hello, My name is Jeff and I'm a Heritage junkie.

DUBYA R M · #8 08-10-2011, 10:47 AM

I have a 555, and a SWEET 16.
The 555 is Amber and the SWEET 16 is finished in Antique Natural (blond).

I was teaching at a music store that just happened to be a Heritage dealer, and ordered the 555 with a few special touches, which gave me the time to save up for it while they were making it for me!
Did the same thing a year later for my Sweet 16.

I believe that was about 27 yrs ago.! I LOVE those guitars.

barrymclark · #9 08-16-2011, 12:09 PM

I own an H575 Classic and it is just silly awesome.

I can do anything from jazz to rock and the tone floors people.

Retroman1969 · #10 08-16-2011, 02:58 PM

(HFC) lol!
I'm seeing them crop up on eBay for around $1200. More temptation.

barrymclark · #11 08-16-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot ford coupe

I also wish I never touched a Heritage guitar. I've just had a bad bout of GAS over one of those beauties, a Golden Eagle in particular. I wanted one with a tap tuned body and a custom neck but just like retroman said, other priorites have to take precedence. I've even got a dealer right in my own area. I'm sure he's also a demon straight from hell with superior temptation skills. The truly sad thing is that I play a real D'Angelico, have 2 Vestax D'As as well and I'm still GASsing over that Golden Eagle. Hello, My name is Jeff and I'm a Heritage junkie.

My current GAS want is an Eagle Classic. I feel your pain, man.

barrymclark · #12 08-16-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retroman1969

(HFC) lol!
I'm seeing them crop up on eBay for around $1200. More temptation.

If they are in decent shape, that isn't a bad used price. About a year or so ago, I saw them regularly go for about $1400 and up.

You can also check out the Heritage Owners Club for used sales. 575's don't crop up often though... but you never know.

FatJeff · #13 08-16-2011, 04:18 PM

She's a real beauty, that's for sure. I've had a thing for getting a Gibson for some time now, but perhaps this would be a good alternative? Depending on the day, I'm interested in an L5 (yeah, right...like I can afford that), an ES-175, an ES-125, an ES-335 or 330, or a ES-350. Schizo, that's me.

barrymclark · #14 08-16-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatJeff

She's a real beauty, that's for sure. I've had a thing for getting a Gibson for some time now, but perhaps this would be a good alternative? Depending on the day, I'm interested in an L5 (yeah, right...like I can afford that), an ES-175, an ES-125, an ES-335 or 330, or a ES-350. Schizo, that's me.

L5 -> Heritage Eagle (any model but the Super Eagle is more like the Super 400)

ES-175 -> Heritage H575 (save for the solid wood on the Heritage instead of laminate on the Gibson)

ES-125 -> Heritage H525

ES-335 -> Heritage H535

ES-330 -> Heritage H530

ES-350 -> Heritage H550

Rockster1995 · #15 09-10-2011, 05:04 PM

I Just Ordered A Heritage H550. Anyone Have Experience With A H550? I Traded A Gibson Es345 For It.i Didn't Want To Play The Es345 Anymore After I Got A Godin Lgx- Sa.(what An Incredible Guitar!)

Loobs · #16 09-10-2011, 05:10 PM

Never played a 550.

Liked the 575 I played at Mando Bros in Staten Island. I think I find 175s a bit bulky and big, personally.

RJLII · #17 09-11-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockster1995

I Just Ordered A Heritage H550. Anyone Have Experience With A H550? I Traded A Gibson Es345 For It.i Didn't Want To Play The Es345 Anymore After I Got A Godin Lgx- Sa.(what An Incredible Guitar!)

I used to own an H-550. It was a very nice instrument but had a neck carve that was on the thin side for my tastes.