Opinion on H-555 for Sale

[Teaky]

Hello, 

I’ve been GASing over a used H-555 near me ($2,700 link below) and was thinking of going to check it out.  I was wondering if there is anything I should look out for, or if it’s overpriced. If you zoom in near the bridge on the right there’s a long scratch or maybe crack that I’ll be checking out. The description is pretty scant but apparently it has Lollar tuners (which will mean nothing to me if I don’t like the sound) and the bigsby doesn’t seem original. I know very little about these guitars but I know I like how this looks compared to the new H-555s as it’s in my favorite color, I like the inlays and the f-hole binding. I was in the shop a year ago and this was there but I didn’t play it so it’s been there a while.

H-555 For Sale

[zguitar71]

If that is a crack I would be apprehensive about the guitar because it looks like it runs through all the mounting holes on the right side for the bridge, the string retainer and the Bigsby. Idk is $2700 is high for a perfect guitar but one with a big scratch I think it is and if it a crack it is way too high. As for the color, I love the blue and gold and the inlays are lovely on the fret board. 

[TalismanRich]

First, the Bigsby could well be factory installed.   Back then, they were much more amenable to doing customizations like that  I can't tell for sure if it has gold or silver hardware.  Normally the 555s come with gold hardware, but lots of people opted for chrome or nickel, and the factory would gladly accommodate.  Also,  having Lollar pickups would not be unusual.   The Imperials are very good pickups.   When you check it out, see if there is something on the label inside the F-hole.   

As for the "crack", that might well be a reflection from the trem's arm, not a scratch.   A crack would be unlikely as it doesn't seem to follow any grain, and the semi hollows are laminates with the grains between layers going crosswise which can resist the development of cracks like that.    I zoomed in on the full size frontal shot, and didn't see the same type of line.

I have a H-535 it's an absolutely GREAT playing guitar.    The only question is if it feels comfortable, and sounds good to YOU!  

Edited Sunday at 03:42 PM by TalismanRich

[skydog52]

That looks familiar.

[Teaky]

Are there any common things one should look out for with these, like how you need to check for signs of a headstock repair with Les Pauls? @skydog52 Can you tell me about its history?

[skydog52]

11 minutes ago, Teaky said:

Are there any common things one should look out for with these, like how you need to check for signs of a headstock repair with Les Pauls? @skydog52 Can you tell me about its history?

I had one almost identical to that one. That Bigsby on this guitar was added after. Look at the bar they put in to deal with the holes from original stop tailpiece.

Just give them a call and tell them you want more detailed pictures and ask if there are any issues at all with this guitar.

H-555s are the cream of the crop of their semi hollow humbucker guitars. Good Luck!

[DetroitBlues]

Looks like a great guitar, most likely has a slimmer neck that what you'll find on new Heritages. 

The crack is odd, but since its a 555, it has a centerblock meaning its pretty solidly built.  I'd be surprised if its an actual crack too, since the laminated maple/poplar/maple construction would prevent any serious issues aside from someone stepping on it. 

 

[MartyGrass]

99% sure that's a reflection, not a crack.

Bigsby was next door to Gibson back in the day.  That's part of the reason Gibson used so many Bigsbys.

My best guess is that someone loved this guitar and changed the pickups, the tuners, and added the Bigsby.

It looks like an older Heritage because of the solid maple neck.

Expect it to turn yellowish over time, which is cool.

I like it.  

 

[kennyv4]

Beautiful looking guitar.  If there is no crack and everything checks out, you may very well get a good deal on a guitar that has been sitting in the store for a year.  Nothing wrong with giving them a lowball offer and work from there.  Good luck, hope it works out.

[bolero]

beauty!

you probably don't need that bar across where the old tailpiece was, since the B7 has a bar already. 

For a B3 or B6 without a roller bar. it might be useful though.

[chico]

6 hours ago, MartyGrass said:

99% sure that's a reflection, not a crack.

Bigsby was next door to Gibson back in the day.  That's part of the reason Gibson used so many Bigsbys.

My best guess is that someone loved this guitar and changed the pickups, the tuners, and added the Bigsby.

It looks like an older Heritage because of the solid maple neck.

Expect it to turn yellowish over time, which is cool.

I like it.  

 

Aside..

Legendary Ted McCarty left Gibson to work for..

 

Bigsby.  

[rockabilly69]

I just blew it up in Photoshop and that definitely looks like a crack. I would like to look it over very quickly and I would ask how that happened. 

[TalismanRich]

If Teaky is close enough to check it out in person,  he'll know if it is a crack, scratch or reflection within about 2 seconds.    You don't often see a crack that goes across the grain at a smooth curve, especially in a laminate body.

A physical inspection will show anything (headstock repairs, etc.) and he can ask any questions.  

I think $2750 is a bit high.   That's likely $3 - 500 more than it originally sold for.   My H157 was much less than that in 2003.  I would offer $2500 cash.   The used guitar market isn't THAT strong.   A new standard 535 is only $2500 right now from Heritage!  

[bolero]

19 hours ago, chico said:

Aside..

Legendary Ted McCarty left Gibson to work for..

 

Bigsby.  

I think he BOUGHT Bigsby, didn't he?

 

1966-1999 according to this

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigsby_Electric_Guitars

 

1966 along with co owner John Huis here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_McCarty

 

I think that reflection is just the inside edge of the bigsby arm

Edited 2 hours ago by bolero
arm

[DetroitBlues]

5 hours ago, TalismanRich said:

If Teaky is close enough to check it out in person,  he'll know if it is a crack, scratch or reflection within about 2 seconds.    You don't often see a crack that goes across the grain at a smooth curve, especially in a laminate body.

A physical inspection will show anything (headstock repairs, etc.) and he can ask any questions.  

I think $2750 is a bit high.   That's likely $3 - 500 more than it originally sold for.   My H157 was much less than that in 2003.  I would offer $2500 cash.   The used guitar market isn't THAT strong.   A new standard 535 is only $2500 right now from Heritage!  

Used market has definitely bottomed out.  My 2016 Heritage with custom specs was about $1300 less than what a custom core model sells for new today.  I wouldn't expect though I could get more than $1500 or so on the used market unless I want it to sit for a year or two waiting for prices to go up or the perfect buyer.