NGD: Heritage strikes again!

[2bornot2bop]

A first for me… a new guitar day, that actually features a new guitar. Yes, after over a hundred Archtop’s owned this is my first brand new guitar. And my first thin bodied Archtop. Well, it’s about time.

A Heritage H530.

I became enamored with this guitar’s tonal capabilities after first viewing this YouTube video featuring a Heritage Custom Core model. The standard model features identical 225 P90’s (Lollar’s ?) but still is a very strong contender for being the identical guitar, less $2500.

But what drew my attention to the guitar was this video posted on YouTube. Being a piano player I rushed to the keyboard to transcribe and comp along with the guitarist.

Then after taking the tune through several keys, I figured for less than $2k this guitar could be an actual Best Buy. And why not support what the new owner’s are doing with the company, right?! So I was in.

And oh, the guitar’s finish is absolutely remarkable… in fact, stunning. Hat’s off to Heritage!

[Gitterbug]

Now that's a looker! (Great photos BTW.) I bet it can play the part, too. Enjoy!

[marcwhy]

Gorgeous - and P-90s, so extra cool!! Enjoy!!

[Hammertone]

Heritage direct and various dealers are currently blowing out "Standard Collection" H-530, H-535 and H-150-P90 models (and maybe more) at a $2,000 ask, which is a significant discount. I think there are some great deals to be had.

They are replacing these guitars with new "Standard II" versions of the same thing, with their own pickups, at the old, higher ask of $3,000 ($2,600 for H-150-P90), and trying to create some distance between the blow-out guitars and new ones with some branding tweaks. They are the SAME guitars with different pickups.

Whatever the outcome, it will drive down the selling prices for used versions of these models, so, right now, there are definitely bargains to be had on both new and used examples. It's a good time to buy one of these models.

Price cuts have not extended to the Eagles and H-575 models.

[Gitfiddler]

@2bornot2bop...Wow, that's a sweet looking H530. You've got great taste, my friend.
Play that sunburst beauty like you stole it!

[2bornot2bop]

Now that's a looker! (Great photos BTW.) I bet it can play the part, too. Enjoy!

Thx, but only simple iPhone pix. My days of setting up camera shoots in the dark room are long gone. But who knows, I just might get inspired to later do a proper shoot of it!

[2bornot2bop]

@2bornot2bop...Wow, that's a sweet looking H530. You've got great taste, my friend.
Play that sunburst beauty like you stole it!

Thx Git! Hope you and the family are doing well!

[2bornot2bop]

Heritage direct and various dealers are currently blowing out "Standard Collection" H-530, H-535 and H-150-P90 models (and maybe more) at a $2,000 ask, which is a significant discount. I think there are some great deals to be had.

They are replacing these guitars with new "Standard II" versions of the same thing, with their own pickups, at the old, higher ask of $3,000 ($2,600 for H-150-P90), and trying to create some distance between the blow-out guitars and new ones with some branding tweaks. Same guitars with tiny differences.

Whatever the outcome, it will drive down the selling prices for used versions of these models, and right now there are definitely bargains to be had on both new and used examples! Good time to buy one of these models.

Price cuts have not extended to the Eagles and H-575 models, AFAIK.

HT, thanks for the background info. For the longest time Sunburst H530’s were selling for $2999. Well, patience is a virtue they say. But the guitar’s actually worth $3k.

And I love the Neck. It plays as smooth as glass. And IMHO, is just the size to accommodate anyone’s preferences.

Will the prices for the Custom Core models change?

[vinnyv1k]

Sweet score !

[ewall]

A Heritage H530.

I became enamored with this guitar’s tonal capabilities after first viewing this YouTube video featuring a Heritage Custom Core model. The standard model features identical 225 P90’s (Lollar’s ?) but still is a very strong contender for being the identical guitar, less $2500.


Then after taking the tune through several keys, I figured for less than $2k this guitar could be an actual Best Buy. And why not support what the new owner’s are doing with the company, right?! So I was in.

You found an H530 Custom Core for less than $2k? Really?

[deacon Mark]

Terrific score play that everyday so you don’t lose and notes. Beautiful guitar!

[Stringswinger]

Congrats 2B!

May she inspire your playing for many years to come

[wintermoon]

Been a minute, enjoy that one my man!

[DawgBone]

Sweet axe! Congrats Bop!! I can see why you were tempted as Buddy's demo sounds absolutely superb!!!

I know how good the feeling of a BRAND NEW guitar is cause I hadn't bought one since around 2000 and I landed that 335 recently. Nothing quite like an instrument some crusty guitarist hasn't put his greeezy paws all over before it landed in your lap. I plan on blowing cig smoke all over mine and using strong cologne every time I take it out that way it becomes a part of me.

[Hammertone]

You found an H530 Custom Core for less than $2k? Really?

Pix show an H530 Standard.

[2bornot2bop]

You found an H530 Custom Core for less than $2k? Really?

no, a CC is at $4k or more

[2bornot2bop]

Sweet score !

Thx Vinny. Hope you and the Mrs are well!

Terrific score play that everyday so you don’t lose and notes. Beautiful guitar!

and I’m expert at losing my notes too! Thx!

Congrats 2B!

May she inspire your playing for many years to come

Thx SS! I’m inspired…

Been a minute, enjoy that one my man!

have a cheesesteak on me my man!

Sweet axe! Congrats Bop!! I can see why you were tempted as Buddy's demo sounds absolutely superb!!!

I know how good the feeling of a BRAND NEW guitar is cause I hadn't bought one since around 2000 and I landed that 335 recently. Nothing quite like an instrument some crusty guitarist hasn't put his greeezy paws all over before it landed in your lap. I plan on blowing cig smoke all over mine and using strong cologne every time I take it out that way it becomes a part of me.

Glad you dug it! Buddy needs to do more playing videos. I wouldn’t be surprised if he laid down the keys for that track. Dude has skills.

Now you know how to break in a new archtop DB! Thx!

[Marty Grass]

I'm happy for you. Nice acquisition. It has simple elegance, which is the best kind.

[jazzloverfat]

Heritage direct and various dealers are currently blowing out "Standard Collection" H-530, H-535 and H-150-P90 models (and maybe more) at a $2,000 ask, which is a significant discount. I think there are some great deals to be had.

They are replacing these guitars with new "Standard II" versions of the same thing, with their own pickups, at the old, higher ask of $3,000 ($2,600 for H-150-P90), and trying to create some distance between the blow-out guitars and new ones with some branding tweaks. They are the SAME guitars with different pickups.

Whatever the outcome, it will drive down the selling prices for used versions of these models, so, right now, there are definitely bargains to be had on both new and used examples. It's a good time to buy one of these models.

Price cuts have not extended to the Eagles and H-575 models.

I remember seeing the 535 and 150 Standard models got an official price cut some months ago, unrelated to dealer discounts and what not.

Also, the Standard II is different when it comes to pickups - in-house design vs SD for the previous models - and the 150 series are now weight relieved. Neck profile too I believe is different on the S-II series.

I wonder how the cases are these days and if there are any improvements on this side, cuz after they stopped using GWW cases, the generic ones they stated using are apparently kinda crappy.

I wonder if the Standard line is really going away, bcuz for the H-150 series it would kinda suck to only have non-weight relieved guits in the Custom Shop models...

[ewall]

I wonder if the neck profiles are different between the Standards, the Standard II and the Custom Cores. Am particularly interested in the H 530 models. Any one have any insight into that?

[Hammertone]

I wonder if the neck profiles are different between the Standards, the Standard II and the Custom Cores. Am particularly interested in the H 530 models. Any one have any insight into that?

It's on their website:
-Standard -'60s neck profile;
-Standard II -'60s neck profile;
-Custom Core - '50s neck profile.

[ewall]

Thanks. This helps though I can't afford the Custom Core yet.

[jazzloverfat]

Thanks. This helps though I can't afford the Custom Core yet.

these are the actual measurements, in american:

Standard: C .8870" – 1.00"
Standard II: 60s C .847" - .922"
Custom Core: 50s C .8910" – .9805"

I have the H150 Standard and to me the neck feels thick but comfortable. For reference, the Modern C neck on my Tele feels super thin compared to the H150's neck. I find it easier to switch between my classical (21mm-24mm, & obviously wider) and the H150 than between Tele and H150.

[Greywolf]

Congrats, I have a 535 and 575 and love them both

[EllenGtrGrl]

I briefly had a Heritage 530. It was a great guitar, and I liked it better than the Heritage 535 that I also had for a period of time. Unfortunately, I hit a money crunch, that forced me to sell my 530.