Alex Skolnick Ditches Heritage Guitars

[HANGAR18]

Didn't Heritage just build a new signature model guitar for him, like, 10 minutes ago or something?

Many of us saw it being built at PSP6 this year.

WTF!?

This Heritage Guitar Fan is not happy.

 

http://www.espguitars.com/news/alex.html

 

 

******A excerpt from the ESP Web Site***

 

A FEW WORDS FROM ALEX SKOLNICK ABOUT ESP


It gives me great pleasure to announce my brand new signature model from ESP Guitars.

When ESP offered to build my signature instrument, I admit being a tad skeptical, for two reasons: First, in recent years, Iʼve become a vintage guitar enthusiast, with standards that are tough for any manufacturers to live up to, especially those whose history begins after 1970. Second, what was being promised was a tall order: a new guitar bearing the same traditional quality Iʼd grown accustomed to, but with a fresh feel, a modern aesthetic, options for variation and greater durability. Iʼm thrilled to report that the project has succeeded on all counts. When this guitar first arrived at my home, there was no question it was beautiful. Plugging it in, it sounded great. But not wishing to rest on the initial reaction alone, I began to put the instrument through rigorous challenges. First, there were blindfold tests: someone would hand me the guitar, alternating with my vintage Les Pauls and my previous signature model made in Gibson's original factory by Heritage (a fine instrument but somewhat “locked in” design-wise and extremely difficult to acquire, even for me). While I won't say that they all felt exactly the same - even identical models have their own individual personalities - I will say that the new ESP felt instantly in the same league, easily qualifying for a seat at the table. At that point, I knew it was safe to move onto the next phase.

The real tests would take place beyond my New York apartment and out in the world: at concerts, jam sessions, clinics and recording sessions. This guitar would meet the enthusiastic approval of not just myself but all who encountered it including those whoʼd be working with it: front-of-house audio engineers at my concerts, studio engineers at recording sessions, my trusted local repair guy at one of the best guitar shops in the city, my traveling tech who deals with the nuts & bolts of guitars on tour full time, the guys from Testament (who can be sticklers about what gear gets used with the band), the guys in my improvisational trio (equally honest in their assessments). Iʼd even pass it around at my master-classes, asking young students and to give me their fresh, unbiased perspective. The guitar passed everyone's tests with flying colors.

The folks at ESP worked very hard with me on this guitar- I have to give them credit for never applying pressure, giving me all the time I needed to arrive at a final decision and respecting my previous instruments while being determined to better meet my needs. It feels great to partner with a company that has the structure in place to properly fulfill my touring requirements, make these instruments available to fans that wish to acquire them and provide the option of purchasing an exact replica of my instrument or a slightly scaled down version for those on a tighter budget..."

[JeffB]

The fact is, ESP make superb instruments that play and sound great. As a company they are easy to to contact and have a high profile.

Theres a lot of plus's for anyone with a sig model.

[brentrocks]

I knew this was coming....but I couldn't say anything publicly

[goSteelers]

This is like when Eddie switched his signature model from MusicMan to Peavey -- MusicMan was a great guitar, but they couldn't (wouldn't) make them fast enough for him to line his pockets the way he wanted to . . .

[Guest HRB853370]

Didn't Heritage just build a new signature model guitar for him, like, 10 minutes ago or something?

Many of us saw it being built at PSP6 this year.

WTF!?

This Heritage Guitar Fan is not happy.

 

http://www.espguitars.com/news/alex.html

 

 

******A excerpt from the ESP Web Site***

 

A FEW WORDS FROM ALEX SKOLNICK ABOUT ESP

 

 

It gives me great pleasure to announce my brand new signature model from ESP Guitars.

 

When ESP offered to build my signature instrument, I admit being a tad skeptical, for two reasons: First, in recent years, Iʼve become a vintage guitar enthusiast, with standards that are tough for any manufacturers to live up to, especially those whose history begins after 1970. Second, what was being promised was a tall order: a new guitar bearing the same traditional quality Iʼd grown accustomed to, but with a fresh feel, a modern aesthetic, options for variation and greater durability. Iʼm thrilled to report that the project has succeeded on all counts. When this guitar first arrived at my home, there was no question it was beautiful. Plugging it in, it sounded great. But not wishing to rest on the initial reaction alone, I began to put the instrument through rigorous challenges. First, there were blindfold tests: someone would hand me the guitar, alternating with my vintage Les Pauls and my previous signature model made in Gibson's original factory by Heritage (a fine instrument but somewhat “locked in” design-wise and extremely difficult to acquire, even for me). While I won't say that they all felt exactly the same - even identical models have their own individual personalities - I will say that the new ESP felt instantly in the same league, easily qualifying for a seat at the table. At that point, I knew it was safe to move onto the next phase.

 

The real tests would take place beyond my New York apartment and out in the world: at concerts, jam sessions, clinics and recording sessions. This guitar would meet the enthusiastic approval of not just myself but all who encountered it including those whoʼd be working with it: front-of-house audio engineers at my concerts, studio engineers at recording sessions, my trusted local repair guy at one of the best guitar shops in the city, my traveling tech who deals with the nuts & bolts of guitars on tour full time, the guys from Testament (who can be sticklers about what gear gets used with the band), the guys in my improvisational trio (equally honest in their assessments). Iʼd even pass it around at my master-classes, asking young students and to give me their fresh, unbiased perspective. The guitar passed everyone's tests with flying colors.

 

The folks at ESP worked very hard with me on this guitar- I have to give them credit for never applying pressure, giving me all the time I needed to arrive at a final decision and respecting my previous instruments while being determined to better meet my needs. It feels great to partner with a company that has the structure in place to properly fulfill my touring requirements, make these instruments available to fans that wish to acquire them and provide the option of purchasing an exact replica of my instrument or a slightly scaled down version for those on a tighter budget..."

Why are you overreacting about this? Its the freaking music business. Buddy Rich went from Slingerland to Ludwig then Rogers faster than you can say paradiddle.

[H]

I'm waiting to see the ESP version of the H-575 I've seen him playing

[Redsand]

I knew this was coming....but I couldn't say anything publicly

 

An HOC insider eh....how long before you take delivery?

 

http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/gallery/image/5737-totonka-skolnik-psp6/

[Kuz]

It had been a nice 4 year endorsement and he said nothing but glowing accolades for Heritage.

 

They only made what 15 for the public and didn't sell very well. People aren't stupid, they know they can get a 150 with a bound headstock for a lot less than one with A.S. signature on it.

 

Good luck to AS, he seems like a good dude. And when he pulls out a guitar at home or in the studio out of the public's eye.... my money is on he's playing his Heritages.

[yoslate]

...in recent years, Iʼve become a vintage guitar enthusiast, with standards that are tough for any manufacturers to live up to, especially those whose history begins after 1970. Second, what was being promised was a tall order: a new guitar bearing the same traditional quality Iʼd grown accustomed to....

 

"...my vintage Les Pauls and my previous signature model made in Gibson's original factory by Heritage (a fine instrument but somewhat “locked in” design-wise and extremely difficult to acquire, even for me). While I won't say that they all felt exactly the same - even identical models have their own individual personalities - I will say that the new ESP felt instantly in the same league...."

 

He's always struck me as an intelligent, well spoken guy. Sounds like a respectful nod to Parsons Street to me. I can't imagine the change is anything other than what brought Aelx to Heritage in the first place, a business deal. Best wishes to him!

[Guest HRB853370]

...in recent years, Iʼve become a vintage guitar enthusiast, with standards that are tough for any manufacturers to live up to, especially those whose history begins after 1970. Second, what was being promised was a tall order: a new guitar bearing the same traditional quality Iʼd grown accustomed to....

 

"...my vintage Les Pauls and my previous signature model made in Gibson's original factory by Heritage (a fine instrument but somewhat “locked in” design-wise and extremely difficult to acquire, even for me). While I won't say that they all felt exactly the same - even identical models have their own individual personalities - I will say that the new ESP felt instantly in the same league...."

 

He's always struck me as an intelligent, well spoken guy. Sounds like a respectful nod to Parsons Street to me. I can't imagine the change is anything other than what brought Aelx to Heritage in the first place, a business deal. Best wishes to him!

As 'Slate stated, It is NOTHING more than business! ESP is paying him to represent their brand and Heritage more than likely didn't pay him, "only" furnished him his guitars. Who even knows if he had to pay something for those Heritages, but if he did, it was discounted no doubt.

 

I wonder what exactly he owns when it comes to vintage guitars! Would anybody bet a 58-60 Les Paul perhaps?

[Gitfiddler]

It's called the music BUSINESS.

 

More power to Alex. He's a great guitarist. Any guitar company would be fortunate to have him endorse their instruments. Heritage's business model is very narrowly focused and inflexible. It's almost like a mom and pop shop, only bigger. What they do, they do in a magnificent way. But they have never been out to give away guitars or seek big name endorsements. They just make great, hand made guitars that can be customized...to a small degree.

 

My question is what will happen to the resale market of current Heritage Alex Skolnick models?

[HANGAR18]

Why are you overreacting about this? Its the freaking music business. Buddy Rich went from Slingerland to Ludwig then Rogers faster than you can say paradiddle.

 

The same reason I yell at the TV when I'm watching hockey and things don't go the way I want them to go.

 

And besides, I never liked Buddy Rich anyway. But that's a different argument.

[HANGAR18]

...While I won't say that they all felt exactly the same - even identical models have their own individual personalities - I will say that the new ESP felt instantly in the same league...."

 

 

I did kinda notice that. Not all the Heritage guitars I've ever owned ever felt exactly the same (for the reasons we are already familiar with).

 

At least in his statement he implied that Heritage Guitars are the measuring stick for world class vintage boutique guitars.

[HANGAR18]

My question is what will happen to the resale market of current Heritage Alex Skolnick models?

 

Perhaps buyers and sellers of Alex Skolnick (Heritage) signature model guitars on the used market will argue and debate their value the same way people do with Gary Moore (Heritage) signature model guitars.

[brentrocks]

There are only 20 Alex Skolnick heritages in existence and Alex has at least seven of them that leaves 13 in the public and I have one of them so they will become one of those Gary more like heritages but maybe not quite as collectible as the Geary more.

[Guest HRB853370]

 

The same reason I yell at the TV when I'm watching hockey and things don't go the way I want them to go.

 

And besides, I never liked Buddy Rich anyway. But that's a different argument.

LMAO!

[tulk1]

Saw this one coming. Not a surprise.

[smurph1]

the thing that struck me as strange was Skolnik's statement that Heritage guitars are hard to find.. All you have to do is go on the for sale section of the HOC and there are always plenty there.. Just struck me as strange that's all..

[Millennium Maestro]

I personally concider it a disgrace that an endorsee only has 20 units produced with only 13 hitting the public.... Even the Gerry Gessie has sold WAY more units.

 

Marketing is the largest downfall for Heritage guitars! They are the best guitar that most players dont even know about and are mostly a difficult instrument to aquire in most markets... There is not even a dealer in Vegas.

[Millennium Maestro]

 

the thing that struck me as strange was Skolnik's statement that Heritage guitars are hard to find...

Hey Smurf, hows it going... Glad things are looking up for you!

 

His comment I believe were directed at his model specifically. Brent took his Skolnik to Winter NAMM just so there was a unit there to display!

[Guest HRB853370]

I personally concider it a disgrace that an endorsee only has 20 units produced with only 13 hitting the public.... Even the Gerry Gessie has sold WAY more units.

 

Marketing is the largest downfall for Heritage guitars! They are the best guitar that most players dont even know about and are mostly a difficult instrument to aquire in most markets... There is not even a dealer in Vegas.

I know right? And who the heck knows who Jerry Geesie is!

[Billgelder]

I personally concider it a disgrace that an endorsee only has 20 units produced with only 13 hitting the public.... Even the Gerry Gessie has sold WAY more units.

 

Marketing is the largest downfall for Heritage guitars! They are the best guitar that most players dont even know about and are mostly a difficult instrument to aquire in most markets... There is not even a dealer in Vegas.

You would think with all the casinos in vegas, there would be lots of dealers.

[smurph1]

 

 

Hey Smurf, hows it going... Glad things are looking up for you!

 

His comment I believe were directed at his model specifically. Brent took his Skolnik to Winter NAMM just so there was a unit there to display!

Doin good Bro!! Thanks..

[brentrocks]

I don't blame Alex one bit....if I were a rock star and had a signature axe, I would expect to see my model in magazines. He needs a company that will put his name out there....he is not getting any younger.

[CJTopes]

Accept for this web site I had never heard of Alex Skolnick before. Who ever said it was just bussiness is probably correct. I however would not trade a Heritage for a ESP....

 

If Heritage needs some one to make a signature model, let them know that I'd be more then willing to do so.