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I know there is a thread going now about choosing the "right" semi-hollow guitar. I also did a search for the Ascent line and came up with one thread that didn't say much.
Anyway, I 've been thinking about adding a 335 style instrument to the stable. Unfortunately I don't have Gibson money to spend and the H-535 caught my eye. I know it's from China, however wondering if it goes through the Heritage plant in Kalamazoo for Q.C. For the record I ordered/owned a Golden Eagle from Jay Wolfe in the mid 90's and the headstock shape is fine with me.
Just wondering if anybody took the $699 leap for one of these and if so, share details on it.
Ascent+ Collection H-535 Electric Guitar, Sunburst - Heritage-guitars
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01-05-2026 04:48 PM
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I don't know anything about that line from Heritage but in that price range, you should take a look at the Sire guitars.
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Yes, I have played a few H7's and they are on my list. Very nice for the money.
Originally Posted by Freddels
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I would say go with Epiphone. For $699 I doubt anyone in the USA is touching that guitar.
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Looking at and listening to the reviews on YT,they seem to be very well made.Sweetwater can't keep the Sire Carlton guitars in stock and they are around the same price.You act like $699 is some crazy price for this guitar.I think it will be a big seller for Heritage and if so good for them. Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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No, I wasn’t clear, I think it’s a good price. I’m just an epiphone shill.
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Originally Posted by AllanAllen
Love my 53 Triumph Regent.
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This reminds me of how brand name tortilla chips are basically made in mostly the same factories,albeit a slightly different recipe.
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Just like drugs, and cereal, and guitar speakers. Originally Posted by jads57
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Originally Posted by jads57
How do they sound? I've never played them or heard them...
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I’ve never played one either,but follows they will have Heritage recipes. So who makes Generic Celestions? Lol!
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Heritage models made in china? Where have I been and since when did this start?
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I think they started a separate line about a year ago, maybe longer. They actually just had a special over the holidays - buy a U.S. model (can't remember which ones) and get a Chinese model of your choosing for free.
Ascent Collection | Heritage Guitars
They're called the "Ascent" collection and I suppose are meant to compete with Epiphones. Its a shame they used the 'Heritage' name on them but, thats pretty much where everyone else is going so...
I've never seen or played one, so can't testfiy to that.
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Hej there, I play a Cort built Ibanez as120. I like it a lot. Payed back then about 1000 euro's for it new. Used you must find it cheaper i guess. Really nice. I've heard the earlier ones are samick made and those seems a bit .. wel lesser. Never played one of those.
Swapped the pickups. The stock pickups are oke, super 58 korean made pickups. Now some Toneriders. Not better, not worse but different. Like them more then the super58's
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I don't mind they used the brand name Heritage, but I find it unfortunate they still use the same H-535 model #. Originally Posted by LesB3
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I would suggest looking at the D'Angelico Premier DC Boardwalk line; I tried one last night at a friends house and was quite impressed in the quality of build, and tone coming out of that instrument for under $700 new. A lot of guitar for the money!
Cheers,
Arnie..
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Branding is important. Having mass produced Asian guitar factory guitars bear an American brand name changes perception of value. I guess it all started when Gibson started using the Epiphone brand on Japanese imports. Gibson seems to be the last holdout in this regard WRT its own name. Will a day come when we see guitars from the big factories in Korea, China and Indonesia that bear the Gibson name on the headstock? The answer is yes, but they are not legitimate. Beware of the many "Chibsons" out there. Buying a used Gibson has never been as dangerous.
I would choose an Epi over an Asian made Heritage simply because I prefer the tone of a ES-335 to a H-535. The thinner body of the 535 (I owned one for a time) makes for a brighter guitar. And I never liked the pickguard design. YMMV
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Is that why the digital reverb chips sound different from amp to amp? Originally Posted by jads57
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Only when they come with Salsa on them! Originally Posted by Woody Sound
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And the same headstock? Originally Posted by Rodney Gene
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. Originally Posted by Rodney Gene
Easy enough to tell the difference at a glance - the one made in Kalamazoo has tragically misshapen ears. Originally Posted by Woody Sound
And the same headstock?
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Well, I like my Kalamazoo H-535 just fine, and I don't have a problem with the ears.
I'll second the D'angelico, but raise the ante a bit and say that finding a great used example of an 'Excel' SS should be possible, for the same price as a new 'Premier' SS. The '59 is another option, though a bit more expensive.
Speaking of USED, there are a great number of used Guild SF-V and SF-VI's online - some of them are even below $700. These were the (import) TOTL semi-hollow models, MIK, and great for many stryles. If you prefer a stop tail, the SF-IV can be had even cheaper.
Used Guild Starfire V Alpine White Hollow Body Electric Guitar Alpine White | Guitar Center
Used Guild Starfire IV Natural Hollow Body Electric Guitar Natural | Guitar Center
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