Incoming TODAY!!! The elusive H525!!!

[brentrocks]

I found this on Reefeeverb. 

The Heritage H525 is a full hollow thin line guitar with a Florentine cutaway. Maple Laminate top and back with a solid maple rim. Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard. 2 Lollar dog ear P90s. The H525 is loosely based off of the vintage Gibson ES125. 

These H525s RARELY come up for sale. 

But this one was dramatically different. The body was finished in a matte black. Originally is was a VSB (vintage sunburst) kind of a light tangerine burst. The H525s had a cult following among Heritage enthusiasts. But not many were ever made. 

When I first saw it, I wasn’t a fan of the refin. But after stalking the ad for a couple of days, I decided to pull the trigger. I figured, worst case scenario, I could always get the top refinished at some point if I don’t like it. But it’s actually pretty cool. 

The seller also upgraded the bridge to a Faber ABR1. I believe everything else is stock. 

He currently has it setup for 11s. I will be putting 9s on it, so there will be some extensive setup work to be done. 

I had one of these 525s many years ago and they are such a joy to play. Lightweight and full of warm creamy goodness!!!

This is a pic from the seller. I will have pics and a full report after setup.
 

[brentrocks]

It’s at the neighbors house.   Lol.   I’m still at work.    
 

[kennyv4]

Very nice, enjoy.

[TalismanRich]

Yes,  the 525 IS a nice guitar!

It surprises me that it wasn't more popular.   I actually preferred it to the 575, which for some, is probably sacrilege. 

 

[Gitfiddler]

Awesome score, Brent!  H525's are my all time favorite Heritage model.

 

[CVS]

Congrats & enjoy - 1st time I have seen one of these. I will be on the lookout.....

[TalismanRich]

CVS,   This is mine.   I picked this up one night at Brents house.   LK155 had it at PSP one year and I really liked the guitar.   When it became available,  I jumped.

[skydog52]

Congrats. I still have the one you sold me. Love it!

[29er]

I've had this model on my mind ever since I bought my H-530 and wonder how the tone compares to the 530? The body depth is a bit more than a 530 so I assume it would be a bit warmer than a 530. Can anyone confirm or shoot down my thoughts. Oh, and congrats on the NUGD!

[bolero]

I remember talking to Bill Paige about them, it must have been when they first came out: I was telling him about my Gibson ES-135 & saying they should make a thinner H-575 style, as it is more manageable to play & doesn't feed back so easily

Bill said " have you heard about our H-525? "  and pointed to one on a rack

Well there ya go!!

Congrats Brent, that looks really nice!

[bolero]

btw do they have a centerblock at all?

[brentrocks]

[brentrocks]

[brentrocks]

[TalismanRich]

2 hours ago, bolero said:

btw do they have a centerblock at all?

There's nothing inside except air!

[Steiner]

10 hours ago, TalismanRich said:

There's nothing inside except air!

And the center block with which they attach the fixed bridge.

[DetroitBlues]

That's a beauty!  I rather like the satin look, gives it a rather vintage vibe.

Congrats!

 

[brentrocks]

I’m thinking about having a Silverburst finish shot on just the top and then leaving the back and the rim satin black.  To match my 157 custom core.

 

 

Edited December 4, 2025 by brentrocks

[golferwave]

Great find Brent!  Who do you use now for finish work?

[TalismanRich]

6 hours ago, Steiner said:

And the center block with which they attach the fixed bridge.

If you check mine, it doesn't have a fixed bridge!

[brentrocks]

1 hour ago, golferwave said:

Great find Brent!  Who do you use now for finish work?

Thanks Scott!!   My go to guy is Dave Teski.  One of the finish guys at Heritage 

[brentrocks]

So….

 

After getting this baby setup for 9s, and getting it all dialed in, I have come to the conclusion that….

 

This H525 is friggin awesome!!!

 

Holds tune like a champ!!   The 2 Lollar p90s sound absolutely amazing!!!   

 

I’ve never had a Faber bridge on a guitar before.  I really like it. It’s a locking bridge.  

 

The neck is a very comfortable medium C carve. Sets up with a medium/low action.   Frets show minor wear.   

 

The guitar is nice and light.  It has a slight bit of neck dive, but it’s hardly noticeable.   

 

Overall, a very nice playing Heritage guitar with great tone!!!!

[bolero]

4 hours ago, brentrocks said:

Thanks Scott!!   My go to guy is Dave Teski.  One of the finish guys at Heritage 

That guy knows his **** I was talking to him at a PSP

[RJLII]

15 hours ago, brentrocks said:

Thanks Scott!!   My go to guy is Dave Teski.  One of the finish guys at Heritage 

I think I'd have this in his hands right away. The rattle can black really wrecks the vibe for me. A nice gloss black would be attractive, but I've always been a fan of finishes that highlight the wood. I'd be hoping the black is laying on top of the original finish so it didn't seep into the pores of the wood.

[brentrocks]

10 hours ago, bolero said:

That guy knows his **** I was talking to him at a PSP

Yes he does.  He’s done lots of work for me over the years