Gitfiddler Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 With the change in ownership of Heritage Guitars, there seems to be a desire to revitalize not only the brand, but also build on the history of the Parsons Street location. Based solely on what I've read about the origins and 30+ year track record of Heritage, there does not seem to have been a lot of record keeping of all of the early accomplishments, innovations, models, limited editions, custom guitars, and more. Those fortunate enough to have attended some of the Parsons Street Pilgrimage events were given tours of the hidden wood stash, never released guitars (in parts or whole) and cool but incomplete projects. Heritage's presence at NAMM over the years should be a part of this history, as well as their loyal dealers who stuck with them during the early days, the fire, the poor quality days, product developments and more. How this US business has survived in a very competitive market where most of the competition has relied on CNC guitar making and cheap overseas labor is a story in itself! Hopefully the new owners will take advantage of the still living 'historians' who founded this amazing company, and put together a thorough history of Heritage Guitars of Kalamazoo, MI. Your thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yooper Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 It's the story of guitars and people. A documentary from many of the video clips we've had posted here at HOC would be good place to start. Footage of Heritage guitar performances would add essential music to the story. Nothing beats the spoken words from the founders and factory crew at Parsons Street. What a great job it would be to interview the makers, merchants and musicians for the project. And the Parsons Street Pilgrimages could add a neat side clip too. It's a story that needs to be told. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 In addition to be legitimate historical contribution a professionally produced Heritage documentary would be a great marketing tool.........but so would regularly posting pics of recently finished guitars on their FB page. I simply cant figure that one out. Take a look for yourself, where's the guitars??.....https://www.facebook.com/HeritageGuitarInc/?fref=ts I like seeing a company show off it's latest and greatest.... https://www.facebook.com/GnLguitars/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/CollingsGuitars/?fref=ts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schundog Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 In addition to be legitimate historical contribution a professionally produced Heritage documentary would be a great marketing tool.........but so would regularly posting pics of recently finished guitars on their FB page. I simply cant figure that one out. Take a look for yourself, where's the guitars??.....https://www.facebook.com/HeritageGuitarInc/?fref=ts I like seeing a company show off it's latest and greatest.... https://www.facebook.com/GnLguitars/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/CollingsGuitars/?fref=ts I love you like a brother, Matty, but, for a drummer, you think/worry too much.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 I love you like a brother, Matty, but, for a drummer, you think/worry too much.... Not worried, just perplexed. There's like no guitars to look at bro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HANGAR18 Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 They should definitely make some cool t-shirts available for sale at some point. I wore my Brent special the other day and everywhere I went people were talking to me about it. The shirt that reads... "When G left Kalamazoo, they left their Heritage behind." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 They should definitely make some cool t-shirts available for sale at some point. I wore my Brent special the other day and everywhere I went people were talking to me about it. The shirt that reads... "When G left Kalamazoo, they left their Heritage behind." Like these?? They've been in boxes at the factory for months but I guess they just haven't started marketing them yet....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalismanRich Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 Back at PSP, I was thinking it would be a good time to put together an article about the "changing of the guard" at Heritage. Talk to the original owners about what they have built, talk to new owners about their goals, hopes and aspiration for the company. Then, submit it to a magazine (I was thinking Vintage Guitar). It seems that it would have been right up their alley, pay homage to a great group of luthiers, and give the company some much needed publicity. Alas, I'm not a writer. I was busy trying to do some video through the tour and then spent the night at the jam. Plus we probably need someone with the gift to turn phrase (like Schundog or Yoslate) to wax eloquent. I know there are plenty of photos available. An hour or two spent asking questions would give enough material. Anyone out there interested in such a project? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polo Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 Back at PSP, I was thinking it would be a good time to put together an article about the "changing of the guard" at Heritage. Talk to the original owners about what they have built, talk to new owners about their goals, hopes and aspiration for the company. Then, submit it to a magazine (I was thinking Vintage Guitar). It seems that it would have been right up their alley, pay homage to a great group of luthiers, and give the company some much needed publicity. Alas, I'm not a writer. I was busy trying to do some video through the tour and then spent the night at the jam. Plus we probably need someone with the gift to turn phrase (like Schundog or Yoslate) to wax eloquent. I know there are plenty of photos available. An hour or two spent asking questions would give enough material. Anyone out there interested in such a project? Jack Baruth. Whether you love him or loath him.....I personally can not think of anyone else on the planet that would be better suited for this task. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steiner Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 Jack Baruth. Whether you love him or loath him.....I personally can not think of anyone else on the planet that would be better suited for this task. +1 All Hail the Jack! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 It's certainly feature-article worthy. I'd expect that there'd be considerable push-back from the other guitar manufacturers (advertisers). That story being the main reason most of us are Heritage owners, it stands to reason that if more people knew it, more would want to become Heritage owners. There could be no better advertising, yet it's a story that should be told aside from advertising value. I don't know Jack Baruth or much about the controversy that occurred here. I have read some of the stuff he's written specific to Heritage guitars. Jack gets it. If such an article is to be written, better it written by somebody who gets it than somebody who learned about it for the purpose of writing an article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abcpeterson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 Like these?? They've been in boxes at the factory for months but I guess they just haven't started marketing them yet....... I've emailed them several times over the past few months inquiring about t-shirts and hats, they told me to just keep checking the website. Also, as far as their artist relations go, there are a couple of Michigan artists that are on the verge of blowing up big time, specifically The Accidentals (http://www.moreaccidentals.com/) and Whitey Morgan and the 78's (http://www.whiteymorgan.com/). I've emailed Heritage to recommend that they check them out. I just saw that The Accidentals got a bunch of free Fender gear a few weeks ago - seems like a missed opportunity for Heritage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holyroller Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 I want !!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElNumero Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Like these?? They've been in boxes at the factory for months but I guess they just haven't started marketing them yet....... They are on display in the first room on the left when you walk downstairs, and for purchase... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElNumero Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 It's certainly feature-article worthy. I'd expect that there'd be considerable push-back from the other guitar manufacturers (advertisers). That story being the main reason most of us are Heritage owners, it stands to reason that if more people knew it, more would want to become Heritage owners. There could be no better advertising, yet it's a story that should be told aside from advertising value. I don't know Jack Baruth or much about the controversy that occurred here. I have read some of the stuff he's written specific to Heritage guitars. Jack gets it. If such an article is to be written, better it written by somebody who gets it than somebody who learned about it for the purpose of writing an article. Better that controversy be laid to rest forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElNumero Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 +1 All Hail the Jack! Could be a good song for AC/DC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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