I'm hada535. Like my name says "had a" beautiful 535 that I regret selling. My wife arranged a tour of the Heritage factory about 15-20 years ago. It was a great experience seeing all the old equipment like side bending forms, etc., and talking to the guys working. Before I left I got to go in the office and play the big fancy archtop that they took to shows. I believe it was the American Eagle that was on the front of the catalog. I was given a color catalog signed by Ren and also some picks. I immediately drove to Elderly and bought a used 535 for $800. I enjoyed that guitar for several years. I don't remember what the financial emergency was at the time I sold it. While in the tour, I also saw an archtop with Gretsch on the headstock. I'm not sure what the deal was with that, maybe a one-off or maybe Heritage also made guitars for other companies. It was interesting to see where my old Gibson mandolins and guitars were made. I no longer have those, unfortunately. Seems there was another factory upstairs at the time. Been awhile. Highly recommended if they still give tours.
