Gitfiddler

So what the heck is "NCJ Day"?? Well, it stands for "New Cookie Jar Day"! 🙂 And not just any cookie jar. It's a 1999 limited edition "Fender Cookie Master" cookie jar! Fender offered only 2500 of these things. They pop up for sale every so often on the inter-web. It's so cute, I couldn't resist, even if it may never have cookies inside. Check it out... Here's where the cookies go... Here it is next to its big Heritage Liberty cousin...

I've heard/read that JJ 6V6's sound somewhat like 6L6GC's in certain amps. That said, I really like their sonic 'girth' in my smaller sized amps, especially how they wake up my 80's Champ II and Super Champ rigs. YMMV

Is it possible that some of these subtle, audible differences are due in part to other components or tubes (e.g. rectifier) interacting with these different 6V6 tubes?

Check with Heritage. Maybe one of the workers can steer you in the direction of a wood guard. Also check with Jay Wolfe of Wolfe Guitars. He seemed to always have something special for Heritage guitars. His secret suppliers might have been the old guard at Kalamazoo, but its worth a call to see if he can help. https://wolfeguitars.com/

The only Heritage I had re-fretted was my H157. It was a custom order with several upgrades, but the tiny frets were my least favorite. I had it re-fretted by Gary Brawer, one of the best guitar techs in the SF Bay area. He followed my request for "no nibs". The end project came out fabulous! Each fret end has a rounded (hot dog) shape and the guitar plays superb. Not sure why more guitar builders don't offer this as an option.

It reminds me of Yoslate's P90 Super Eagle.

Cool looking amp. What's the tube set? If it has a reverb driver (12ax7?) maybe it needs replacing.

Yea, I heard you all the way up here in Northern Calif!! That thing is LOUD! 🙂

Congratulations on a magnificent JS. Play it in good health.

I'm no lawyer, but wouldn't copying a currently registered trademark be illegal? "The Heritage" appears to still be an active trademark. https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/search/search-results Interestingly the stacked script font version of "The Heritage" with "The" being on top of "Heritage" looks like it is dead, and possibly available. It would also match the stacked "The Heritage" on the HB-1 headstock. Another possible workaround would be to have a decal made that simply says "Heritage". That trademarked name appears to be "dead". Even the script font of the dead "Heritage" trademark should be permissible under the circumstances. Check with a real lawyer if any of this looks viable for your project. Good luck!

Sounds like you've found the perfect rig for your musical style. It's tough to find an amp that sounds great at home as well as in a live venue. Enjoy that sweet MB California Tweed!

@MartyGrass...Awesome!!!

I recall chatting with Big Mike about this Johnny Smith years ago. As usual he was very excited to own it, describing how beautiful it was, etc. He also mentioned he was planning on having Shatten vol/tone controls added. I'm glad Mike was able to do a mass, no hassle sale of his large collection. As Marty suggested, if interested, contact the music store that has his guitars.

Congratulations, Brent. That's a beauty, and it came from the factory with Seths.

Awesome score! Play it in good health.

While I'm not interested in purchasing an off-shore, bargain basement Heritage, these low-priced imports will help spread the Heritage name to a much wider audience.

@MartyGrass...What an awesome score! Is that formerly one of Big Mike's treasures?

Didn't Ren use some type of super-secret cryogenic process on the Schaller magnets or something? In my very un-scientific comparison of HRW's vs. Schallers, the HRW's sounded clearer and slightly higher output. My test mules were my 535, 555 and 575's. In these guitars I like the HRW's better. However, my favorite pickup remains SD Seth Lovers.

Heritage 157 weighing only 8lbs 14oz is great news! The Black Beauty version is very tempting.

Some great playing by Justin Derrico on this CC H-157 demo.

Awesome! Great move, Heritage! (Just keep em under 10lbs)

@TalismanRich...Yes sir, that is the correct interpretation of the intent of this thread. However, so is the 'just for fun' part. 🙂

Just go into your guitar archives/storage place, put on a blindfold...spin around a few times...then point in any direction. 🙂

OK, just for fun, please tell us what your 'all-time favorite' Heritage guitar or model. What is the reason for your selection? Over the years I've been blown away by the quality and variety of Heritage guitars that have come out of Kalamazoo. I love their archtops, semi-hollows and solid body guitars. And add in those amazing Heritage limited edition, custom one-offs, custom core models, etc., that makes picking only one is tough! Coming up with my favorite is almost as difficult as picking my favorite child. That said, I'll start off by telling ya'll my 'all-time favorite Heritage... It's the now out of production Heritage H-525. Why? This full hollow body gitfiddle can do rock, RnB, country chicken-pickin', and jazz without breaking a sweat...or a string! And I think they are a beautiful, timeless design! 🙂 Now it's YOUR turn! 1. What your 'all-time favorite' Heritage guitar or model. 2. What is the reason for your selection?

Very thorough amp review, especially since you've just begun your sonic journey with this new rig. Interesting that you feel the amp leans more into the vintage bassy 'tweed' tone rather than 'glassy Fender' (scooped?) tones. Maybe an EQ pedal will help dial in your desired sound if knob twisting doesn't get you where you want to be. But it does appear from your comments that you really dig the tones you're getting. Tweaking a new amp at home and again at a live venue is part of the fun and part of the adventure. Enjoy!!