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I think the fret wire is standard Jesco stuff. It's pretty much used industry wide, unless you go with stainless. I don't remember the number, though. The caps in most Heritages are Vishay MKT metalized film. They are yellow axial capacitors and are good caps. The pots can vary over the years, depending on availability. They use standard audio taper pots. I have tried changing pots and to be honest, sonically there was no change. I had one that was scratchy, so I replaced all 4 with CTS pots. The only difference was in the feel, as I used low torque CTS with a 15% taper which changes the rate of volume change as you turn the knob. They also made it easier to turn, which might be good or bad, depending on your style. Wire is wire... You can get nice cloth covered vintage style wire, but it won't change the sound. It's pretty and if you want it to look like 1959, then go for it. Jacks and switches are pretty much generic. If they are clean and work, they're good. If they get dirty and noisy, or cut out, then change them out. I've used Switchcraft and cheapos from China and as long as they are quiet and solid, they're fine. Depending on how you like to roll off volume, I added a treble bleed to my 157 for a while. I liked it's effect more than 50s wiring or standard wiring. Here's my 157 control cavity with treble bleeds and the stock pots and caps. As I had changed a noisy switch, I changed the cable running up to the switch with a shielded cable. (the grey stuff).

Here is my 535. I forget what year it was made, close to '98 maybe? It is a rush when I can get this thing howling and feel the air coming out of the top f-hole on my forearm.

Congrats! Others will answer your questions!

What a unique and beautiful specimen!

That thing really cries out for a Floyd Rose! 😁

If I remember correctly, when they were relocating to the other part of the building, didn't they toss a lot of the old patterns out? Someone had a bunch of Heritage stuff like that on Reverb or Ebay or something. That was a few years back so maybe I'm not remembering it correctly. Does anyone else recall that episode? If that happened, then making new Stats or Parsons Street guitars would truly be a custom build, from sketching it out on the wood plank and putting it on the band saw to shaping the curves of the headstock. It would probably be easier to get and independent builder to make a copy. Granted it wouldn't be a "Heritage" but if you were really hooked on getting a particular style guitar, that would be one way to do it. Probably wouldn't be cheap tho!

Yeah... they are kind of plain... 😜

I reached out to the factory to ask if they would make a Parson Street model. As you can probably guess... hard NO. Not sure I still want one anymore.

When I took my Johnny Smith back to Heritage, Ren looked at the Spruce tops grain, which was slightly wide, he said "don't worry it will still sound good". Up to then I hadn't worried or even been aware of the effect grain width could have on the sound. I always listen to Ren. Ha.

" Riding in a Stutz Bearcat, Jim: You know, those were different times..."

Outstanding!! Congrats

Stunning! Enjoy!

You guys are right. It is a different time now. Just dreaming.

I recently purchased a 2011 H-535 and was wanting to know the components that were used. Pots, caps, 3-way switch, jack, and fret wire. Thanks for any help.

Awesome JS!!

A great choice!

The guitar and case survived intact. It came with a lot of documentation from 9 years ago that the guy I sold it to obtained. The guy I got it from obtained it from Don Dean, the king of 18" archtops (sorta). Heritage noted that they did only make two of these guitars. Both were made exactly the way they built them at Gibson except the size. I forgot how low the action will go without buzzing. It's very impressive. I put TI 12s Jazz. The guitar is pretty loud and sounds great. There is a signed label by Johnny Smith, and there is a second label handwritten saying it is an 18" Johnny Smith and is signed by the four original Heritage Company orders. I included some quick photos to show the impressive woods. The grain is tighter in the middle and widens at the side. So I had to research as to whether the opinion that tight grain is more responsive. The Heritage old timers and Aaron Cowles said it's a myth. A review of the Internet opinions by good luthiers say no tonal differences, probably because thickness and carving dwarfs any grain tightness factor. Anyway, I'm happy.

Thanks so much. Would love to chat with her about her guitars and previous PSP's. Can't wait for the one this year and an opportunity to meet you folks.

I think the wood pickguard/shape was a great design choose. Really like it. Thanks for your comments, I have really enjoyed it. Unfortunately the previous owner was a smoker so I've had the case outside during the day for a week. really impressed with the progress.

Welcome LL. The resident "expert" on lefty guitars would be Lefty Alicia. She has been at most of our PSPs with various guitars. Here's her Millennium.

You lucked out with that color, condition and a wood pickguard! Play it like you stole it.

Hey everyone. It is a different guitar journey when you're left handed. Going into a Guitar store maybe you'll get to try one or two guitars but normally there low level guitars. I have mostly purchased online in various ways and hoped for the feel and in person sound. (after much research of course) Fortunately I have found some really awesome guitars over the years. Two weeks ago I found a H-535 lefty in Grand Rapids MI. and wow have I hit pay dirt. The neck was a bit chunkier then I have had previously but man it has settled in and feels so solid. Please reply with a story and pic of your lefty Heritages. (and sure your righties too) Thanks. I look forward to being a part of this community.

BTW ~ The Speed Knobs Greatly Help.