Leaderboard

Hello all! I'm new here and don't generally participate in forums so I hope I'm posting in the right place. I've been a fan of Heritage since 1986 when I learned about the company. In 1985 I was 25 years old, playing actively in the local/regional scene. and I started a guitar shop in Texas. At first I dealt mostly in used and vintage but also some lower end imports brands. Dealing in vintage instruments enabled me to set up at the shows around Texas. By 1989 I was aware of Heritage but hadn't yet become a dealer. While exhibiting at the Dallas show that year, a guy stopped at my booth because he noticed my dobro brand resonator and was at the show looking for one. He was toting a Heritage H-535 for trade. We struck a deal and even though I've sold countless rare vintage pieces thru the years, I held on to this guitar. It's special not only because it's such a fine instrument. It's also the documented first ever production model 535. I'll post a scan of the letter signed by Bill Paige reflecting this. Also, the dealer this was shipped to had a shop in Waco, TX. This shop was a huge dealer for Heritage at that time and honestly, seeing them at a previous show was how I became aware of them. We spoke regularly at the shows. One of those times, I mentioned that I had a first production model Heritage. He looked at me and said "you have a blonde H-535". Shocked, I asked him how he knew that and he replied "it's the only first production model I've ever let go". For years after that when I saw him at a show he would ask "are you taking good care of my guitar?". I expected to see references to him on this site but a search of his name brought nothing up. I figure a lot of members here know who I'm speaking of. Best I recall I became a dealer for Heritage by late 1989...maybe early 90. Not only did my shop sell quite a few, I ordered some amazing models for my own collection. Sadly a divorce necessitated a mass liquidation of my personal guitars. I'm talking about a Johnny Smith The Rose circa 1990 and many others. With the exception of a 550 that I custom ordered for myself (with upgraded figuring) I have no idea where any of those are today but still miss them. I do plan to approach the guy who has my old 550 and try to get it back. I closed my shop in 2015 and am now semi retired. The last 10 years of operation really sapped the "guitar player" in me. I got to the point I didn't play much outside of store demos. Finally last year I began to play more...and more. Anyway, the reason I found this forum is that I'm now working on a music project with a writer in upstate New York. The current song calls for a semi hollow tone. So for the first time since around 1996, I restrung the 535 and recorded with it a couple days back. Going to try to get the final track tonight. This guitar rings like a bell and is as much of a joy to play today as when I first brought it home around 30 years ago. This guitar is not for sale and will never be. I have a grown daughter who plays and has some nice pieces in her collection. That's where this will go one day. I'm truly humbled to be the guy who owns this guitar. I hope my new friends here enjoy the story!