Scooter Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hello all, This is my first post. I am dead set on purchasing my first Heritage guitar in the near future. (Is it blaspheme for me to post here if I don't own one yet?) I haven't bought a guitar since 1987, when my Les Paul custom bit the dust in a basement flood and I picked up a Charvel Model 4 shortly after 'cause I couldn't afford to replace my baby. Recently I decided to take guitar seriously again and would like to buy a serious guitar. Early in my research to see what is out there guitar-wise I was set on Gibson...until I met Heritage. Need I say more on that? I plan to order a Heritage from Wolffe when I buy. Graham is great. I don't have much knowledge about hollow and semi-hollow body guitars. So I want to lean on your experience here. What I'm looking for is versatility. I love to play all kinds of stuff from rockabilly, blues, folk and classical to hard rock. I know that HB and SHB guitars accommodate most of the genres I mentioned here but I'm not sure about rock/hard rock. My questions are: Are the Heritage HB & SHB guitars made to rock and, if so, which models do you find to be the most versatile musically? Thanks future brothers! Sincerely, Scooter ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Gibson L-50 Charvel Model 4 Airline Resonator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoslate Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hello all, My questions are: Are the Heritage HB & SHB guitars made to rock and, if so, which models do you find to be the most versatile musically? Let The Games Begin!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Seacup Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Unfortunately, none of the available Heritage models will get you where you want to go. They're horribly built, totally lack quality control and are seriously overpriced. WAIT! No, I meant Gibbon! What was I thinking?! Har har har. If you're looking for a good all-rounder, look no further than a Millennium Double Cut: http://www.shermonster.org/gallery/d/1343-2/warmoth+001.jpg[/img] They're more of a chambered solid body with f-holes than a semi-hollow body (yeah, it's confusing to me, too), but can cover a lot of sonic territory, especially when equipped with those HRW pickups. Slightly smaller than a H-535, slightly bigger than an H-150. The Gibbon 339 is an inferior ripoff, made with laminated woods and overpriced in comparison, but if you can find one of those at your local Guitarget, you'll get an idea (but only an idea) of what the Millie DC is all about. Welcome to the Club! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mars_hall Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Given your criteria, I would say you would be best served by a 535, unless you would want the extra trim that comes with a 555. The core is solid so your will be able to approach the sounds of a solid body which are more often used for hard rock. After that it comes down to the pickups you use. I would suggest you look at the demos many have on youtube and see if the sound you are looking for is there. Welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoslate Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 http://www.shermonster.org/gallery/d/1343-2/warmoth+001.jpg[/img] Just had to remark...Boy, that's pretty, Dixie!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentrocks Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 First off, Welcome Scooter! I am also a hard rocker, solid body guy for the most part. But with my recent purchace of a H 525....i now believe that a hollow body CAN ROCK! It has 2 Jason Lollar dogeared P-90s...the bridge is very aggressive and bright, but the neck is warm, rich and very good clean. I think because it has a laminated top, the feedback is much more controlable. I throw a ton of gain at it and it just screams! Here it is.... http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/ebmmquilt/525/P1010002.jpg[/img] http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/ebmmquilt/525/P1010065.jpg[/img] http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/ebmmquilt/525/P1010061.jpg[/img] http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/ebmmquilt/eos%20pics/IMG_0078.jpg[/img] http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/ebmmquilt/525/P1010058.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Seacup Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Just had to remark...Boy, that's pretty, Dixie!!! Oddly, I read that in the voice of the hillbilly from Deliverance. "You sho' got a pretty guitar, there, Dixie." My psychosis notwithstanding, it's a shame I cannot play that guitar half as well as it looks. If you know what I mean. :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxdx99 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 from rockabilly, blues, folk and classical to hard rock. I know that HB and SHB guitars accommodate most of the genres I mentioned here but I'm not sure about rock/hard rock. My questions are: Are the Heritage HB & SHB guitars made to rock and, if so, which models do you find to be the most versatile musically? Nice first post - and good questions! First, I'll 2nd 'slate in saying that that IS one durn purty geetar that mr. cup has posted (as is mr 'rocks as well... but he already knows I like that one...). The rockabilly/blues/folk can be covered by most all of the hb/shb guitar that Heritage makes (I think). I'm partial to 535s as Mars_Hall said. It's a very versatile guitar and covers most all the ground you've labeled. Guess maybe how hard the hard rock is. Don't think that any shb can get to metal territory very well - but 535-style guitars are used by a lot of rockers. I haven't played a Millie, but agree that that's also probably a pretty good choice. Quite a few players here like 'em lots. And lastly - would love to see a pic of your L5!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tulk1 Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I'm going to chime in with the Millie DC. It's got semi-hollow goodnes going on. As well as as being able to handle the harder stuff. And if you get on without F-holes (did anyone see that coming??? ???) you have the look of a solid body and the versatility of the semi-solid. http://eriador1.com/millie2008/millie2008-fullfront1.jpg[/img] 2nd choice would be the H535. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Flying Bird Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Good answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentrocks Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Good answers. Bird...you have a hollow rock machine as well!!!! ;D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul P Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Will you guys please stop posting pictures of such beautiful guitars. How can we be satisfied with our own instruments when we have to look at the likes of those. It's unbearable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundersteel Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 For hard rock, I usually grab my H150 LightWeight. It's got a LP-styled body, but it's chambered to make it lighter. It also gives it a more "woody" tone. WELCOME TO THE CLUB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Fella's, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the feedback! This is all very helpful for me. As for a picture of my L-50 I will get one up as soon as I get a replacement chord to connect my digi camera to the computer. Actaully I may be mistaken in it being an L-50. It may be an ES-150, or somethin' like it. I don't know for sure! It looks like an L-50 with a neck pickup in it. It was my Uncles. He had it since he was a teenager and when he passed away back in '97 I ended up with this guitar. I just kind of put it away and didn't think much about it until recently. When I took it out and actually started playing it I fell in love and was kicking myself for having put it away all these years. I had a real gem and didn't know it. Doh! It's the kind of guitar that makes me look forward to playing. Anyway, when I get a picture up sometime maybe you guys can enlighten me if I don't solve the mystery of what species it is beforehand. You guys are great. Thanks! Scooter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big bob Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I like a 575 for everything... science fair 007.jpg science fair 007.jpg_thumb m3.jpg m3.jpg_thumb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hey, Brentrocks, First of all that H 525 is a thing of beauty. If it sounds as good as it looks...well that's just scary then. Is the H 525 akin to the Steve How ES 175? Looks just like it. Also, what's the personality like of these P-90 pickups I am seeing all over the place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brentrocks Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hey, Brentrocks, First of all that H 525 is a thing of beauty. If it sounds as good as it looks...well that's just scary then. Is the H 525 akin to the Steve How ES 175? Looks just like it. Also, what's the personality like of these P-90 pickups I am seeing all over the place? Thanks for the compliment! I believe Heritage did model the 525 after the ES 175 or the 125? The bridge pup is very bright and in your face. with some gain, it is effortless to get some good sqawks, and growls ;D The neck pickup is still punchy, but warmer and richer in tone. i hope this helps....you should get a 525....they are sweet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoslate Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Time Out! OK, Scooter.... Scroll back through your little thread, here. All of this inside of three hours...and we haven't even heard from Kuz and about a dozen other regulars, yet. Jeez, I love this place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Flying Bird Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I like the versatility of the 335/535. From the style of BB King to Jorma Kaukonen's psychedelic play with Jefferson Airplane. Heck if everybody is showing pictures.... http://www.ronwarren.com/heritage2/img_6229_std.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Seacup Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I like the versatility of the 335/535. From the style of BB King to Jorma Kaukonen's psychedelic play with Jefferson Airplane. Heck if everybody is showing pictures.... http://www.ronwarren.com/heritage2/img_6229_std.jpg[/img] Ron just won the thread. Get a mod to lock it. Game over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikenov Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I play mostly rock as well and my 535 is my main guitar. Its so resonant. When I get that sucker cookin' with volume and distortion you can actually feel the air blowing out of the F holes. that is just the coolest experience ever. I would say if you play metal a solid body may be a better fit but if its just rock with nomal distortion the feedback on these guitars is totally controllable and more to the point extremely musical. I love it . The Guitarist for Silversun Pickups uses a 335 and they use a ton of delay and distortion... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Flying Bird Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 ........... you can actually feel the air blowing out of the F holes. that is just the coolest experience ever. Nothing better! It really comes in handy when my arms are sweating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthpawGuy Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Hi Scooter and Welcome to the HOC. Purely by coincidence I was playing my 535 with '59s through my Blues Jnr tonight, I also had the Duncan Twin Tube hooked up. I've been experimenting with the Twin Tube of late, I use the rhythm channel for a clean boost, it really fattens up the tone, and the lead channel with the gain up about half way for the overdriven sounds. That simple setup covers an immense range of tones from big fat smokin' jazz blues cleans to all out saturated power chords that any '70s rocker would be proud of. And it never sounds like a facsimile of the tones, it plays and feels like the real deal. I also have a Prospect, a Millie and a 575, check my sig for pics. The 535 is still my go to Heritage. ( Didn't stop from getting the others though !) Obligatory pics ... (again 8) ) http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/SouthpawGuy/roadtest2.jpg[/img] http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/SouthpawGuy/roadtest3.jpg[/img] http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/SouthpawGuy/Heritage%20535/H535_04.jpg[/img] http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/SouthpawGuy/Heritage%20535/H535_05.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zydecosoultrain Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 Hi Scooter You simply can't go wrong with a H535, all you have to do is choose the pickups that suit your favored styles, Seymour Duncan Jazz in the neck and Jeff Beck Bridge do it for me... of course the Heritage proprietary HRW's aren't too shabby either... Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pro-fusion Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 If you got a 535 or Millennium made without F-holes, you could absolutely do hard rock or metal without too much of a feedback issue. I use my H-555 in my studio for very high-gain lead sounds, and it sounds wonderful. However, I don't have to worry about feedback, since I'm going through a Fractal Audio Axe-FX preamp direct into the board. I've got a Millennium DC on the way that should add yet another lead voice to my arsenal. Alex Lifeson recorded a lot of heavy material with Rush in the late '70s using a Gibson 355, so if he can do it, so can you. And let's not forget Ted Nugent rockin' out on that Byrdland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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