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I see this question all the time.... Custom Core Vs Standard Line. What makes a Custom Core so much better than a Standard model? Weight, wood, pickups, electronics, hardware, etc... Is there really much of a difference truly? Let's take a look at H150's.. A staple guitar for Heritage: Custom Core: Standard Line: So look at these as a comparison, side by side if you can... What does the Custom Core offer you don't get on a Standard Line. For those who have taken the tours at PSP, you may have noticed, Heritage selects both models from the same wood sources, use the same tooling/assembly methods, same operators, same paint, same quality inspection.... Maybe some hardware differences? Maybe different pickups? So in my opinion, there is very little separation between the lines. But perhaps there is a better solution here. Custom Core models should probably be completely different: Standard Line: H150 (P90 and Humbucker), H530, H535, H137, and H575 Custom Core: H157, H555, maybe a H530 custom model that is more like a 555, Eagle Classic, and H717. Custom Core offers Bigsbys and aged finishes. Just something that makes sense to me. Is this unpopular to think like this or is it a does it make sense? I am in no way slamming Heritage as you all know I strongly support them. But there are times I scratch my head... Everyone loves just about every model coming out of the shop, no matter what line.... You really don't hear the complaints like we used to... bad finishes, bad nuts, twisted necks... Those are seemingly been resolved in the last ten years,,,

I think I saw your post on Facebook asking the same question. Here's my opinion.. Both the custom core and standard line are made in the same place, using the same tooling, from the same selection of woods by the same people. Quality control is the same for both. So other than physical differences (pickups, hardware, and inlays), ask yourself what are you really getting out of it? I have a 2023 standard line H150, it heavy compared to a custom core, but a 535 won't have the same weight variance. Now that both CC and Standard use in-house build pickups.... the lines of demarcation between both models is even blurrier now. If you want the blinging, nicer wood package, get a Custom Core. If you want a solidly built, high quality guitar and save a bit of coin, get a standard line.

For those of you that have played/owned both the Standard and Custom Core H-535, is the Custom Core model a noticeable upgrade over the Standard? The Standard is already a very high-quality guitar. I've seen some people say yes (which I'd expect), but have also seen a few people say they actually preferred the Standard model for whatever reason. Curious on people's thoughts.

So i picked up one of the Carvin stereo amp pedals a few years back and it's really pretty cool. I read about thes Valeton amp/FX modelers getting rave reviews, especially the GP-5 which is on sale at Sweetwater for $63.99. I ordered one as now I will have a complete amp set up that will sit in one hand as a spare amp in case one of my rigs goes down. Everything I have read says this little pedal is amazing sound wise with multiple Chorus, delay, distorion models, etc.as well as amp models and IRs.. I also plan on keeping it in my bag as a spare reverb unit. While watching one of the videos, I noticed Steve Sterlacci playing on an H-535. If you are wanting to see it, it is the second demo video. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GP-5--valeton-gp-5-multi-effects-processor-pedal

VIP-1 which has also flown.

STAT, Parsons Street, and H-162. Only the STAT remains.

Fred! You're alive! Where have you been hiding? Awesome Heritage Gumby!

I get what Punkkitty means, maybe use something like a lint roller? Otherwise maybe try a little soapy water and a toothbrush. That felt-like paint is unique, but I believe it should hold up. Pickup is passive. Just an odd duck shape though. If it was active, you'd find a battery door somewhere on the guitar (typically on the back)

Was the Roy Clark the same size as a 535/55? I thought it was a smaller body for some reason, like a Millennium or Prospect

Academy is another street in Kalamazoo

I was thinking of the Academy. I own a Prospect 12 which must be very rare as I have never seen another anywhere. It is a truly great 12 string. There are someother unkown Heritage guitars out there also. I do own the Leon Rhodes model which is very much a tele style guitar. I am always looking for one of the Aaron Cowle Heritage mandolins and would love to try out one of their flat tops.

Gorgeous guitar!

Yes, the Prospect is a semi. It's a bit like a smaller version of the 535, much narrower at the waist. It came out in 1991, along with the Academy which is a single cutaway.

There is another semi-hollowbody named after a street in Kalamazoo. I owned one but I forget what it's called. Starts with P Prospect?

I thought the Parson's Street was a hollowbody?

But calling it Ascent is kinda like First Act…..I assume they are Chinese made? So maybe Cheritage instead?

That blue one is identical to my DC from Wolfe, except mine is trans cherry

Good video, thanks C, but in the second part, what is surprising to me is the guy, Ry Charters, who owns Kal-Tone, never worked for Heritage. Hard to imagine a teenager growing up in Kalamazoo who loved guitars and aspired to repair and build them NOT wanting to work for Heritage.

Hey, look who popped on! Glad to see you're still around.

Good to hear! I actually just played a beautiful used Heritage Custom Shop Artisan Aged H-530 at a local shop near me: H-530 Antique Natural It's a real stunner but out of my price range. I definitely don't have any qualms about going for a standard. I have no doubt they are fine instruments!

Welcome back JP. A year ago, I snagged a 530 after checking one out at the factory during PSP. Mine is the original Standard, with the Lollar P90s, not the newer Std II with the new Heritage pickups but it's still every bit a great guitar! It's since edged out my 535 for "most playing time". I can play without an amp, and plug in when I need to. Yeah, prices bumped up, but the standard lines are still good values for a quality US build. Plus they come Plek'd so we hear very few comments about poorly cut nuts or fret issues. The factory is stressing consistently high quality control.

fantastic. thanks for posting @rwinking Great stuff.

I remember you! welcome back.

This Heritage Parsons Street is a great player, A different feel other Heritage. You're unlikely to see another one and may have different headstock ,tail piece, etc. It's the Darth Vader of Heritages . 6.36 LBS.

Welcome back JP!