DetroitBlues

As far as pickups go, I was very surprised that Heritage makes 18 different pickups now. I have no idea what the differences are, but they are very precise now in the manufacturing...

Originally yes, but I suspect its easier to make them all the same. Up until the standard II came about, the Standard Line matched the CC line with the thicker neck and wider headstock....

Filter out some of your finer points Rich.... Heritage just sorts through the lighter pieces they get and earmark for CC. There was a specified range at first, now its just under a specific weight. Profiles on the previous Standard line was the same as the CC. (My '23 H150 has a fatter neck than my 535, just a hair thinner than my 137). The finish on the CC is just one less stage of polishing... It actually costs more to polish a standard line... I thought that was rather curious to hear. Keep the "relic'd" look for those who want to pay for the upcharge, keep it as a Custom Shop/Special Run only along with the Bigsby wiggle-stick. CC's do have better inlays, but that's why you pay for the CC, but pay for the whole package, not just bits and pieces. Get the extra binding, fancier inlays, etc in the 157 and 555. Cases are a different story, however I don't use my cases. I use one of those Mono bags for gigs. My cases are actual decorations now. (They will get used if necessary) Stainless steel frets is a great idea. Came across a fancy Epiphone Les Paul at American Musical Supply that has some 60's/70's racing vibes and they use stainless steel frets on a sub $900 guitar. Rumor is there may be a tonal difference, but I couldn't say.

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.

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)

I always loved the Millie... but there were 2 different models referred to the Millie. H155 and H158. I'm sure some of you can correct me, but the 158 was first and had round back and maybe some sort of center block that isn't glued to the top and back and the H155 is sort of like a flat-back version that centerblock is glued like a H535? Maybe I'm a bit fuzzy here...

First guitar I learned to play was my step-dad's old Kent,

Sweet guitar and a killer setup. I have a DSL40C I used for a few years now, but I have since started using a Kendrick 5E3 Tweed Deluxe amp. I'm really surprised how great it sounds using both single coil Fenders and of course my Heritages. No tube screamer for me, I like the Timmy a bit better. Bad Monkey if I want to kick in some saturation. The Fender Champion II seems like an interesting amp, I was considering one of them when I finally found a Peavey Bandit Redstripe (I found that amp crunch channels sound nearly the same as a DSL40.)

Bit of a tone report, used the Kendrick at a gig a couple weeks ago. Just running my typical pedal board, modulation and all, to the front of the amp and it was awesome. It fit in the mix just right and cleaned up perfectly with the volume on the guitar rolled back. My sole overdrive was just a Timmy V3. So much fun with a small combo.

Behringer was immediately sued for making near exact clones to include logo and naming. Zero shame in their game. They've done the same for high gain amps too if memory services. There are a lot of demo's and videos out there. It even when so far as stating the Digitech Bad Monkey was suitable as a Klon-like pedal. The prices skyrocketed on those pedals for a hot minute.. Debating selling mine for that very reason. Paid probably $25 for it years ago and they were selling for close to $200 used because of a video Josh Scott from JHS made comparing his actual Klon to the Bad Monkey.

You lost me at Midi...I just plug a guitar cable into an amp.

That's interesting. I was rather surprised to see after years and years, manufactures still employ a string to turn the volume pot instead of a treadle like a Wah pedal....

Excellent choices to have as keepers. Many on here, myself included, have owned and parted with several Heritages we regret selling/trading off. It happens. But you still have some excellent tools in the shed now, so it all works out in the end.