SouthpawGuy Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Found this while looking for something else ... an article in Russian from 2002 on guitarworld.ru http://guitarworld.ru/index.php?action=sho...=35&page=D7 The pics alone are worth a look, some nice shots. The article is mentioned on the Heritage website ... "Guitarist Magazine (UK) November Issue # 229 Page 104 " All That Jazz" Heritage Factory Tour Words and Pictures by Dave Burrluck " http://www.heritageguitar.com/Custom%20Fea.../HRW-pickup.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tulk1 Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Cool find!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxdx99 Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Yes, nice pics SPG. From the Heritage site link, I scrolled to the very bottom of that page and found some interesting factoids on Ren's other inventions that I'd not seen before. Give it a look. There's stuff buried in the Heritage site kinda like at the factory... ya just gotta look under the benches and in the corners to take it all in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthpawGuy Posted March 2, 2009 Author Share Posted March 2, 2009 Yes, nice pics SPG. From the Heritage site link, I scrolled to the very bottom of that page and found some interesting factoids on Ren's other inventions that I'd not seen before. Give it a look. There's stuff buried in the Heritage site kinda like at the factory... ya just gotta look under the benches and in the corners to take it all in. I know what you're saying Randy, I thought I knew all off the nooks and crannies of that site but there you go ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundersteel Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Everytime I see pics from the Heritage factory, I have to chuckle. None of the employees are wearing any kind of safety equipment (masks, face shields, gloves, etc.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthpawGuy Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Everytime I see pics from the Heritage factory, I have to chuckle. None of the employees are wearing any kind of safety equipment (masks, face shields, gloves, etc.) Well they're certainly not going to get hit by a Flying V are they ! Groooooan ! (Sorry couldn't resist.) ... or a Firebird for that matter ! > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pushover Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I appologise for the long post.. But this what it says... well.. sort of.. (by way of an online translator) Such this here is kitchen… March to the factory Of heritage. All of that of jazz. Heritage Of factory Of tour Dave Of burrluck (text and photograph) Guitarist Of november 2002 Perhaps, few of the companies can brag by the fact that are used the production capacities, at which the guitars were produced in the course of 85 years. Heritage from this number. We left for Kalamazoo in order to find out against this on- in more detail. Two hours of ride from Chicago it is to the east located by Kalamazoo - native land Of heritage Of guitar Of inc. We arrived there by the middle of the day, when temperature was for 30, and this together with the high humidity. From the thought about the container of cold beer the organism threw into a chill as with the fever. We to the instant stopped before to enter into the accomodation of factory in order to realize - we are located to 225 Parsons St. Kalamazoo on the very first of the plants Of gibson, the officially opened after “corporate party” on July 20, 1917. In this three-storied building (1) Heritage occupies the pair of floors and it is only part of all plant power Of gibson, which were being located in Kalamazoo in the middle of 60[kh]. Buildings on the proximity of [poobvetshali]; however, the famous brick pipe (2), on which bright brick lined the word Of gibson, is still entire and reminds one of [bylykh] days. Gibson completed its operations in Kalamazoo in September 1984, after production was transferred into Nashville, to the plant, opened in 1975. Some colleagues Gibson decided to remain in Kalamazoo - JP Of moats, Jim Of deurloo, Marv Of lamb and Bill Of paige (3) organized Heritage Of guitar Of inc. On April 1, 1985. They became partners and each of them from time to time occupies place of president, in this case having the equal proper capabilities, they have different financial position. In all they have significant experiment in the area of [gitarostroeniya] (Jim Of marv and JP they generally began work in the company Of gibson in the middle of the 50th). Bill deals with administrative support, JP (4), Jim and Marv on the previous work in to shop, converting lumber into the extraordinarily broad spectrum of guitars. One additional veteran Of gibson - Lane Of zastrow through the belonging to it company Of lasar Of music Of corp. it ensures “exclusive operations on sales and marketing for the company Of heritage”. The undoubtedly enormous shadow Of gibson overhangs this five; it is also clear as famous brick pipe with the similar inscription above the building Of heritage, occupying significant place in their life and in the recollections. Despite the fact that Heritage arose from the approval Of gibson, 6 years ago Of heritage and Zastrow were caused to the law court by its former employer. In the final analysis judicial trial was completed by peaceful means and Heritage obtained permission to further use of a design of similar as two drops of water from Gibson. In actuality from the point of view of [obemov] of the production Of heritage never it could be threat for Gibson. “Our reputation exceeded [obemy] of production” it concludes [Leyn]. “In the last 10 years we increased our [obemy] by 40 percent”. Marv Of lamb evaluates yearly [obem] of output approximately into 1600 tools per year, and into 2400 tools with the maximum load of product lines. “These are comfortable [obemy], which make it possible to preserve known quality and detailing of assortment”. This is small part of general [obemov] of the production of that produced Of gibson, but Heritage and Lane Of zastrow prefer even not to be pulled into the games with the large numbers in the production. However, taking into account that the fact that in the shops only 18 people (it can be 25, including still several men of workers, out of the factory - incrustation and assembling components) work the production potentialities easily to estimate. In contrast to “the new generation” of the [gitarostroiteley] of the type PRS or Music Of man, and also from the majority of other companies, Heritage are made the guitars “on the old”. Machine tools with the programmed control are not used, at the factory there are no dust catchers, at the factory there are no even conditioners. There is no showroom, and by that more receiving, which has bright and contemporary design. Then - is much spilled perspiration in the course of honest and hard work this now and then, it is perceived when you take the guitar Of heritage into the hands… The guitars Of heritage are gathered on the ground floor, there is located small office shelves and the depository of lumber. “With each year increasingly with more difficulty to obtain a good tree…” laments Jim. “Each increasingly more people searches for the tree of high quality… And is this ever more difficult to make taking into account the state of environment.” is added Marv. Heritage uses the mahogany, which increasingly with more difficulty to reach in connection with the state of tropical scaffolding. “It is ridiculous, but this tree is used for obtaining coal, but not for preparing the tools.” Like all high(ly)-class producers Of heritage use the [palisandrovye] cover plates for the heading, which enter from East India. The ebony from Ceylon is used for the jazz guitars. Maple from the East and West Coast of the USA is the same as is used into Gibson. Its selection and the classification is carried out to Heritage, since this was always done in the old times to Gibson. “Models having ultra specifications, imply that you will obtain high(ly)-class cover plate. However, some customers of usual model N -150 can obtain cover plates from the high(ly)-class tree, since the requirements with the selection of tree are very high. This led to the fact that we let out the large number of guitars with the very qualitative cover plates” it reports Marv. “All utilized by us lumber passed drying in the furnace” it adds JP. “We attempt ourselves the value of humidity to hold at the level 6-9 percent, already it is possible to work with this. 14 percent - this already too much”. Basic accomodation on the wood processing has the open planning (5). The machine tools of antiquarian form (acquired even in Gibson) continue work in the customary rhythm, in which they worked even in the times Of gibson. When arose the need for new [obrudovanii] of the type of circular saw for cutting of copies, utilized with the production of the upper and lower components of housing from the one-piece tree for the hollow guitars. Heritage intentionally used the low-technologically effective solution. Heritage as before use pin pattern [marshrutizatory] (to [konechno]-[zhe] they they are inherited from Gibson) with shaping of outlines after lumber are already sawn and glued in the form rough billets. Massive wheel with spoked type c[trubtsinami] (6), utilized for the fixation of the glued housings - this is one additional tool, undertaken in Gibson, which served as cradle for of many thousands electrical guitars. Controlling JP, which bends wooden billets on the template of prehistoric form (7), you understand, that made it this more than once, packing into this not only soul, but also enormous experience and personal craftsmanship. Pattern device for the arching of wooden billets was built for Heritage with one of the former workers Of gibson, which used even it in the immemorial times. It contains two gas burners. One heats template, another - shafts with the aid of which the soaked in the water wooden billet is forced against template, that imparts to billet the required for the sidewalls figured form. Sidewalls from the one-piece [deryavyannykh] billets are used for all models with the [poluakusticheskimi] and hollow housings. Although H -535 having two cuts, has in the center section an insert from the one-piece piece of maple (8), base [konstruktiv] for the sidewalls it is preserved in the same form as for the model H -575 (9). Both designs use a fitting of small laths from the mahogany for strengthening of thin walls from the one-piece piece of tree… While model H -575 has an upper lid of housing and a bottom from the one-piece piece of maple, the model N -535 only of all guitars Heritage, which has the puff-pastry construction of the upper lid of housing and bottom. Jim demonstrated entire manufacturing process. Each of the thin sheets of maple lead is greased by glue (10) and is connected in layers with other sheets. Upper and lower puff-pastry structure consists their three parts - central layer has the perpendicular arrangement of fibers with respect to the outer layers. One complete set, which consists of the upper and lower cover, loads into the press (11) having that slightly bend out press form. Metallic matrix for the press individually stands $10000. Hydraulic jack squeezes out press, forcing billet to assume the convex form. The parts of the wooden billet speaking in favor of the limits of stamping matrix, are cut on the form. First bottom, then the upper part (12) (you will focus attention on “connecting plates” the utilized for connecting the [skonturirovannoy] in the press upper lid housings with the flat insert in the form of wooden block, which is found in the housing of guitar) adhere on the sidewall housings, fixed from the exterior in the clamps for the purpose of the retention of its form and size. These cut out upper, lower and side members of the housing, as it follows based on the example N -575 they leave from the machine tool with the uneven edges, which resemble sea coast on the detailed geographical map. Uneven of edge [oshkurivayutsya] with the aid of the abrasive-belt grinder and outside and inside for the purpose of shaping of the smooth conjugation of the upper and lower and sides of housing. Thus far glue will not dry up binding from ABS of plastic it is fixed with traditional method with the aid of the rope and the tape. The construction of heading is also traditional. When, when are completed staffing the rod of unidirectional action in the plastic sleeve and corresponding billets of the red or maple tree. Billets for the heading are placed into the wooden form, which has angle mold, on two simultaneously for the purpose of giving to them the necessary form, for which is used the cutter (13), with the aid of which is processed consecutively each of the sides of heading. Before the head of heading acquires final form from the sides of billet they adhere “wings” imparting to the head of heading, the necessary width (14). Further is produced the installation of cover plate, cut for the harmonies they are produced with the aid of the old sawing machine tool with the parallel fabrics, inherited from Gibson, the semicircular form of the assigned radius is given to cover plate and the press-fitting of harmonies on one at each moment of time is produced. This work is carried out on the new machine tool, to which 4 months. Heritage recognizes that the machine tool for the giving to cover plate on the heading of semicircular form is somewhat rather rough; therefore is at present ordered the machine tool, which will ensure accuracy in obtaining of the necessary curvature of cover plate with a radius of 14 inches. Also, as Gibson, but in contrast to other high(ly)-class producers of guitars, Heritage perform working the cover plates of headings before they they adhere on the guitar (15). Before the pasting to the heading on the reverse side of cover plate is done concave deepening (16). Before heading will be connected with the housing, it they [oshkurivayut] and they grind on different machine tools (17). For each of the guitars are attached the tags of orders, which is important, if we consider the fact that 50 percent of the tools Of heritage they are made to order. Usually the size of storage in Heritage is very small, since the majority of guitars are made to order. A present model number Of heritage, does not have headings of those fastened with the aid of the bolts; therefore each heading by the [naitochneyshim] means drives on to the housing. As soon as the connecting section of heading acquires final form (18), for the levelling off of heading is used steel rule with three shafts, that are been arranged in the [bridzhevoy] position, at the end the cover plate of heading and in the middle of heading (19). The final operation of grinding (20) the surface of the tree of guitar occupies 40 minutes to each tool. After this, the tools are established on counter (21) spraying paint and varnish coat will be before executed. Let us note the well noticeable tallies of orders. Coloring shop - where the surface of guitars is puttied, is covered with paint and is finished, it is located on the third floor. Itself finishing is carried out by traditional means (22). Like Gibson, Heritage uses a nitrocellulose coating and although coloring camera it appears by sufficiently antique means and IN JP he tells, about the impossibility of its displacement into another place, nevertheless the quality of coloring remains at the very high level. It is similar, colleagues do not use a mask, but ventilation… is produced with the aid of the opening of windows. Logotype on the head of heading is done by the method of gasket. Letters “are rubbed” into heading (23) are further covered with colorless coating. The coats of finishing are very thin, after the imposition of colored layer (and of cleaning at junction (24)) guitar is covered with five layers of colorless coating, one layer grinds off in the process of polishing. After decoration layers dry (25). Guitar returns to the ground floor, where the polishing of its surface on the leather circle is produced. In the final stage on the guitar metallic components are established, after which guitar is established on the counter and it is considered ready to dispatch (26). In the separate accomodation, intended for the assembling and the construction we revealed one of the legendary colleagues of firm Rendall Of wall, that works above guitar (27). Naturally it is the veteran Of gibson with the length of employment of approximately 20 years. One of its merits is the development of [bridzha] TP6, and also three point adjusted by Tune- o -matic installed to the upper lid housing. “I also brought the idea of bass Of grabber… it can idea was not such successful”. Rendall also developed, the so-called diagram “Of double VIP”, which ensures the support of the distinguished phases for each of the coils of [khambakera], A it also created the highly being quoted sensors HRW. We inquired, which makes with such their with those put outting themselves. On the truth speaking, this - my secret- answered Rendall. But it is not possible to take the pair of sensors for the study? No - sense, they - are soldered. Well, then taking into account that each third produced guitar goes with the sensors HRW, company can loudly declare about its particular design. Before to depart, Lane with the pride demonstrated to us new custom-made guitar for Kenny Of burrell (28). “We signed agreement from Kenny to vapor of months ago. Thus far it played to Gibson Of super 400, it planned further to work from Gibson. However, you see, preference it gave to our guitar”. Guitar Of kenny Of burrell - this to 18[ti] one inch jazz guitar with the cut of Florentine form, with two [khambakerami] HRW. And with the assumed retail price USD5500. “You will compare this guitar from Gibson L5CES and you will see how it is competitory” it notes Marv. “Earlier this model was planned as the standard” it continues Lane. “Smith's Johnny collaborated with our firm several years, but now it works from Guild, for this reason we ended the production of this model. Now Kenny will occupy its place…” The history Of heritage c 1985 on the present time was complete of events. Beginning from the first guitar H -140 in 1985 a model number continuously it was enlarged, sometimes including in itself not the traditional for Heritage forms of design. At the present moment a model number is built on the basis of classical ideas and quality is brought to the perfection. “Our model number one was N -150, N, now occupies its place and we sold a reckless quantity of guitars of this model” - explains further Lane. “The main thing in this guitar its universal nature, on it can be played, anything, and on the price we made its very accessible” it reports JP. “I think at the present moment half of volume of output they compose guitars with the housing from the one-piece tree, the other half compose remaining models. About 20 percent comprise hollow guitars with the convex sounding board” it concludes Lane. Completes Marv “model N -575 possibly one of the best existing on the market proposals. You obtain bend out the upper and lower parts of the housing from the one-piece piece of tree, you have a sidewall also in one part of tree. Heading is prepared of one billet. This guitar exceeds any existing analogs”. 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Wolfi Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Very interesting. By the way, we had a test report of a H 150 with P 90's in Germany's biggest guitar magazine (Gitarre & Bass) in January 2009. They reported quite very well and they consider the brand Heritage definetely as "high class", "boutique" and compared it to the G brand custom shop stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tulk1 Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Despite the fact that Heritage arose from the approval Of gibson, 6 years ago Of heritage and Zastrow were caused to the law court by its former employer. In the final analysis judicial trial was completed by peaceful means and Heritage obtained permission to further use of a design of similar as two drops of water from Gibson. In actuality from the point of view of [obemov] of the production Of heritage never it could be threat for Gibson. “Our reputation exceeded [obemy] of production” it concludes [Leyn]. “In the last 10 years we increased our [obemy] by 40 percent”. Marv Of lamb evaluates yearly [obem] of output approximately into 1600 tools per year, and into 2400 tools with the maximum load of product lines. “These are comfortable [obemy], which make it possible to preserve known quality and detailing of assortment”. This is small part of general [obemov] of the production of that produced Of gibson, but Heritage and Lane Of zastrow prefer even not to be pulled into the games with the large numbers in the production. However, taking into account that the fact that in the shops only 18 people (it can be 25, including still several men of workers, out of the factory - incrustation and assembling components) work the production potentialities easily to estimate. In contrast to “the new generation” of the [gitarostroiteley] of the type PRS or Music Of man, and also from the majority of other companies, Heritage are made the guitars “on the old”. Machine tools with the programmed control are not used, at the factory there are no dust catchers, at the factory there are no even conditioners. There is no showroom, and by that more receiving, which has bright and contemporary design. Then - is much spilled perspiration in the course of honest and hard work this now and then, it is perceived when you take the guitar Of heritage into the hands… I think this is the epitamy of what Heritage stands for. In essence, "We could build more. but we don't need or want to. We'd rather have quality over quantity." In a paraphrased sort of way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundersteel Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I liked these parts: From the thought about the container of cold beer the organism threw into a chill as with the fever. While model H -575 has an upper lid of housing and a bottom from the one-piece piece of maple, the model N -535 only of all guitars Heritage, which has the puff-pastry construction of the upper lid of housing and bottom. Jim demonstrated entire manufacturing process. Each of the thin sheets of maple lead is greased by glue (10) and is connected in layers with other sheets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pushover Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I liked these parts: I found several interesting nuggets in there.. I just love these automatic translations. They crack me up.. ;D Think of them like looking at an Esher painting, or one of those "random dot" images that were so popular a few years back. If you look through them, they make a certain amount of sense.. But if you look closely they're incomprehensible: " Then - is much spilled perspiration in the course of honest and hard work this now and then, it is perceived when you take the guitar Of heritage into the hands… With each year increasingly with more difficulty to obtain a good tree…” laments Jim. “Each increasingly more people searches for the tree of high quality… And is this ever more difficult to make taking into account the state of environment.” is added Marv. Heritage uses the mahogany, which increasingly with more difficulty to reach in connection with the state of tropical scaffolding. “It is ridiculous, but this tree is used for obtaining coal, but not for preparing the tools.” While model H -575 has an upper lid of housing and a bottom from the one-piece piece of maple, the model N -535 only of all guitars Heritage, which has the puff-pastry construction of the upper lid of housing and bottom. Before the head of heading acquires final form from the sides of billet they adhere “wings” imparting to the head of heading, the necessary width (14). it also created the highly being quoted sensors HRW. We inquired, which makes with such their with those put outting themselves. On the truth speaking, this - my secret- answered Rendall. But it is not possible to take the pair of sensors for the study? No - sense, they - are soldered. Before to depart, Lane with the pride demonstrated to us new custom-made guitar for Kenny Of burrell (28). “We signed agreement from Kenny to vapor of months ago. Thus far it played to Gibson Of super 400, it planned further to work from Gibson. However, you see, preference it gave to our guitar”. " I also like the way the names come out... Marv Of Lamb... Bill Of Page... Kinda reminds me of ye old english... But they really need to be prefixed by Sir... as in Sir Marv Of Lamb.. (knighthood anyone??) How about from now on you can call me Sir Pushover Of Cliff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shook494 Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Very cool. Haven't seen some of those before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeljames Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 !!! WOW !!! ** pushover - thanks! ** I must start selling the g*word LPs I have, and buy more GR8 Guitars from these guys! I know the world is full of idiots - but why do I have (9) g*word LPs, and only (3) GR8 Guitars from the maters at Heritage ??!! there really is a BIG darn difference - and I have a few gibby custom shop historic reissues (R8 + R9 + R0)... marketing and branding is SOOOOO important. i think Heritage USA should hire me! because I'm good! if not me, they need someone like me who can create a brand for these custom works of playable art! Ren...? Need a resume? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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