What's with the Mexican pots?

[pcovers]

I buy Asian. I have a very nice Agile (Korea) and owned a really sweet Walden (China). No problem at all with buying non US goods...................however, if I am buying from a US maker, with a reputation for quality US made products, I don't want it to come with parts purchased outside the US specifically because they were cheaper in cost to buy there. As for the comparison of parts from Germany and Mexico. Germany has a very long history of being known for very meticulous engineering and manufacture methods. There are very few goods sourced from Germany because they are made more cheaply. Sourcing from Mexico, never known for their engineering and manufacturing precision and prowess, is almost always an economic move.

 

I don't see this as a preference for what country is acceptable as I do the difference of a long standing history and reputation for quality engineering and manufacture versus a place where cheap things are made cheaper than somewhere else.

 

I prefer my US made guitars to not source cheap parts. A good pot is not that costly anyway. Just use US quality parts. No issues at all with buying foreign...when I make the conscious decision to so or when the foreign sourced part is done so specifically for quality.

[Kuz]

I buy Asian. I have a very nice Agile (Korea) and owned a really sweet Walden (China). No problem at all with buying non US goods...................however, if I am buying from a US maker, with a reputation for quality US made products, I don't want it to come with parts purchased outside the US specifically because they were cheaper in cost to buy there. As for the comparison of parts from Germany and Mexico. Germany has a very long history of being known for very meticulous engineering and manufacture methods. There are very few goods sourced from Germany because they are made more cheaply. Sourcing from Mexico, never known for their engineering and manufacturing precision and prowess, is almost always an economic move.

 

I don't see this as a preference for what country is acceptable as I do the difference of a long standing history and reputation for quality engineering and manufacture versus a place where cheap things are made cheaper than somewhere else.

 

I prefer my US made guitars to not source cheap parts. A good pot is not that costly anyway. Just use US quality parts. No issues at all with buying foreign...when I make the conscious decision to so or when the foreign sourced part is done so specifically for quality.

 

Fair enough and I agree with you.

 

They have since changed to Mullard caps and CTS pots for the last 2 plus years.

[Jazzpunk]

Mexican food???? People are talkin' Mexican and you're thinking food??? I'm thinking . . . Salmya Hayek . . . or Penelope Cruz. But then again . . . they fall under the "food" catagory too, don't they. Yeah . . . . now I'm thinkin' about Mexican food too. I'm thinkin' Penelope for an appetizer and Salma as an entree. OUCH!!! Any suggestions for desert????

 

I think the major difference here is that only one of us is actually going to get what he wants tonight!

[High Flying Bird]

Interesting thread. No one seemed to mind that the Schaller pickups and hardware was made in Germany.

 

Come on Guit, every body knows the Germans make good stuff. Just look at the Sham-Wow.

 

Bottom line, how do the pots sound and feel?

[Gitfiddler]

"...They have since changed to Mullard caps and CTS pots for the last 2 plus years..." Kuz

 

 

I have no idea where these are made, but I've heard nothing but great things about them. If this is what's in my 535, then I'm sold.

[tulk1]

Interesting thread. No one seemed to mind that the Schaller pickups and hardware was made in Germany. Oh yes, the pickups were/are not for everyone, but I do not recall seeing any post about them being non-USA parts.

Speed Reading again, are we? Schallers

[the jayce]

THE THOUGHT OF MEXICAN PARTS IN HERITAGE GUITARS IS REPULSIVE. SO MUCH FOR THIER NESTALGIA! THE ONE COMPANY I THOUGHT WOULD NEVER SELL OUT, DID. I KNOW SOME GUYS HERE WILL FIND WAYS TO SUGAR COAT THE WHOLE SUBJECT BUT I KNOW THEY ARE BOTHERED BY IT TO.

 

IT MAKES ME SICK THAT HERITAGE ACTUALLY SUNK TO THAT SQUIRMY LEVEL JUST TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS, SHAME ON EM' AND AN ACT LIKE THAT WILL HURT THEM IN THE LONG RUN- JUST ASK GIBSON,FENDER ECT ECT........ GUYS LIKE US BOUGHT OUR HERITAGE GUITARS FOR MANY REASONS AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS FOR MOST OF US I BELIEVE IS BECAUSE WE THOUGHT WE WHERE GETTING AN ALL AMERICAN MADE INSTRUMENT. HECK!! WE HAVE 20% UNEMPLOYMENT HERE IN MICHIGAN WHERE THESE GUITARS ARE BUILT AND THERE GOING TO BUY THAT CHEAP MEXICAN MADE CRAP TO PUT IN THERE GUITARS.

 

I'M SURE SOME OF OUR MICHIGANDERS OUT OF WORK WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BUILT THEM POTS FOR THEM FOR A REASONABLE PRICE BUT AS ALWAYS THAT URGE TO CUT CORNERS AND SCROUNGE THAT EXTRA BUCK ALWAYS WINS, JUST LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMPANIES BEFORE THEM. I WONDER HOW MANY HERITAGE GUITARS ARE SOLD DOWN IN MEXICO? VRS HERE IN THERE OWN COUNTRY. SUCH A TRAVESTY INDEED.

 

IMPORTED CHEAP LABORED PARTS IN A HERITAGE!!! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE DAY!

[Kuz]

THE THOUGHT OF MEXICAN PARTS IN HERITAGE GUITARS IS REPULSIVE. SO MUCH FOR THIER NESTALGIA! THE ONE COMPANY I THOUGHT WOULD NEVER SELL OUT, DID. I KNOW SOME GUYS HERE WILL FIND WAYS TO SUGAR COAT THE WHOLE SUBJECT BUT I KNOW THEY ARE BOTHERED BY IT TO.

 

IT MAKES ME SICK THAT HERITAGE ACTUALLY SUNK TO THAT SQUIRMY LEVEL JUST TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS, SHAME ON EM' AND AN ACT LIKE THAT WILL HURT THEM IN THE LONG RUN- JUST ASK GIBSON,FENDER ECT ECT........ GUYS LIKE US BOUGHT OUR HERITAGE GUITARS FOR MANY REASONS AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS FOR MOST OF US I BELIEVE IS BECAUSE WE THOUGHT WE WHERE GETTING AN ALL AMERICAN MADE INSTRUMENT. HECK!! WE HAVE 20% UNEMPLOYMENT HERE IN MICHIGAN WHERE THESE GUITARS ARE BUILT AND THERE GOING TO BUY THAT CHEAP MEXICAN MADE CRAP TO PUT IN THERE GUITARS.

 

I'M SURE SOME OF OUR MICHIGANDERS OUT OF WORK WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BUILT THEM POTS FOR THEM FOR A REASONABLE PRICE BUT AS ALWAYS THAT URGE TO CUT CORNERS AND SCROUNGE THAT EXTRA BUCK ALWAYS WINS, JUST LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMPANIES BEFORE THEM. I WONDER HOW MANY HERITAGE GUITARS ARE SOLD DOWN IN MEXICO? VRS HERE IN THERE OWN COUNTRY. SUCH A TRAVESTY INDEED.

 

IMPORTED CHEAP LABORED PARTS IN A HERITAGE!!! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE DAY!

 

DUDE, THEY DON'T USE THEM ANYMORE!!! THEY LISTENED TO YOUR RANT!!!!

 

NO MEXICAN PARTS FOR OVER 2YRS.

 

BTW, DO YOU OWN A HERITAGE GUITAR?

[Jazzpunk]

I'M SURE SOME OF OUR MICHIGANDERS OUT OF WORK WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BUILT THEM POTS FOR THEM FOR A REASONABLE PRICE BUT AS ALWAYS THAT URGE TO CUT CORNERS AND SCROUNGE THAT EXTRA BUCK ALWAYS WINS, JUST LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMPANIES BEFORE THEM. I WONDER HOW MANY HERITAGE GUITARS ARE SOLD DOWN IN MEXICO? VRS HERE IN THERE OWN COUNTRY. SUCH A TRAVESTY INDEED.

 

 

Jayce, didn't you acquire your Heritage through a trade? If so how are you doing your part to support Heritage guitars and their ability to employ more folks in Michigan?

 

If you've purchased a new guitar from Heritage than please excuse my comments. However, if you have not than you should be careful about pointing fingers.

[Orangepicker]

If that's the case then I think this really sucks!!! The boys up at Heritage want us to support their efforts and buy American (their guitars) rather than the on slought of Chinese and Korean and Japanese guitars coming in to our beloved US of A. That works both ways!! They should be buying ALL American components when assembling their guitars. If someone from Heritage is screening these posts . . . then this is intended specifically for you. If not, then I hope the administrator let's them know of my sentiments. If I want Mexican . . . I'll buy a cheap Fender Strat

That is why Heritage now uses all CTS pots!!!

[the jayce]

Hey guys, I did trade a gibby for a 157, but I have also bought a 150, so I have spent the money that way as well. I didnt realize heritage switched back to good pots, I just read the post today about the mexican parts and assumed they did the ole corner cut to save money like most companys eventually do. Cudo's for them for doing the right thing and switching back. I would have spared everyone the rant had I known. peace......

[the jayce]

DUDE, THEY DON'T USE THEM ANYMORE!!! THEY LISTENED TO YOUR RANT!!!!

 

NO MEXICAN PARTS FOR OVER 2YRS.

 

BTW, DO YOU OWN A HERITAGE GUITAR?

Yes, and I love em.

[Assumer]

Mine is a 2007 and when I opened it up they were CTS pots. Don't know when they switched.

[FredZepp]

( Should I bring this up?)... Just checked and...

My 2000 H-150 Classic has pots from mexico... they look fine to me and certainly work great.

I can't make out the brand name on them.

It looks like CGE...

 

So where are the CTS pots from... ? ( from the web... can't say if it's true.)

 

"CTS is a brand of pots. I would say they're regarded to be the highest quality pots out there, though IMHO Alpha pots are pretty close if not the same quality at a fraction of the cost. CTS pots have been used by Fender for decades. The CTS pots Fender uses now come from their Taiwanese factory."

 

or...

"CTS (Chicago Telephone Supply) Corp has been a major manufacturer of electronic components for many years. Their manufacturing is all "off-shored" these days, but they make good stuff. Be aware that they make parts to many different specs. For example, here is what RS Guitarworks say about the pots CTS make for them..."

 

or...

"

They have been Chinese or Asian for quite some time. The fact is that any decent paper carbon pot like CTS, ALPHA, CGE, etc, will all last about the same. (CGE is no longer making pots)"

or

"The CGE was Mexico (No longer since 2007) and CTS is and has been China or more specifically Taiwan for a while."

 

Keep in mind... it doesn't bother me one bit and I have no favorite here..

. just that I'm not sure what is available and I DO TRUST the boys in Kalamazoo to buy the right thing if they can find it. My pots work fine.

[Orangepicker]

Fair enough and I agree with you.

 

They have since changed to Mullard caps and CTS pots for the last 2 plus years.

I recently received 2 rep samples, a 150 and a 535 and they have CTS pots and small silver cylindrical Sprague capacitors. I inquired as to the Mexican pots about 3 years back and Rendal said "they work don't they?" It's true they worked but I am glad that they are using CTS as I changed them out in my older Heritage guitars. I inquired of Vince about a year ago and he told me they were using all CTS pots. I know it's been a long road but when things are brought to the owners attention they really do listen when it comes to improving the overall quality of their product.

[Mikenov]

I have to agree with FredZepp here. I want the best stuff available but just knowing what I know about the electronics/computer industry, there is no way MOST electronic components aren't made in mostly China or Taiwan. Let's face it. It's a global economy. If you don't want ANY foreign made stuff in anything you buy, prepare to not buy anything. Every US made car has China parts in it. Believe it. I recently had to provide certification of origin for everything a customer bought for a whole year. It was a crap load of work. There was probably 170 different parts I had to get details on. NOTHING was made in America except software. Many were US companies but NOTHING actually was manufactured here. That's just not what we do anymore.

[tulk1]

I know it's been a long road but when things are brought to the owners attention they really do listen when it comes to improving the overall quality of their product.

 

[pcovers]

What Heritage should know, and likely does, is that a large market for their product makes decisions based on romance, lore, history, and "feelings". I posted earlier that I do own and enjoy several asian guitars. They are great quality, regardless of price. The fact is, neither required any attention or meddling to "fix" though I have had a new Heritage with a horrible nut as have others. Believe me, I am not cutting down Heritage, as I love what they have; I do love the product, but just as much, I love what they stand for. There is a history you can buy into and an emotion you can share with others that you cannot do with an impeccably crafted asian guitar.

 

So, here is the point, a large segment of the Heritage market will be disturbed by things like Mexican pots, not because they don't work (that answer shows lack of understanding of the market) rather they are not wanted because they pose a challenge to several of the reasons many buy into a Heritage guitar in the first place. I think it sounds like Heritage gets that and has adjusted to the market demands. That is great.

[FredZepp]

What company makes a pot in the US?... Any? ( I couldn't find any..)

 

With the big volume companies like Gibson and Fender buying pots made offshore, what is being made here?

It appears that the company making them in Mexico went out of business ( or moved to Asia somewhere).

 

And.... what about the plastic parts on the Heritage, (or a Fender or Gibbon for that matter), where are they made ?

 

It would be like demanding that the local store only carry 100% made in the US televisions, radios, or toasters.

 

 

LOVE my Heritages and it's no bad comment on them if there aren't parts made here, that they buy good quality made else where.

The guitars are simply top notch , hand-made , American icons and their survival and success has been a story of inspriration.

[Kuz]

What company makes a pot in the US?... Any? ( I couldn't find any..)

 

With the big volume companies like Gibson and Fender buying pots made offshore, what is being made here?

It appears that the company making them in Mexico went out of business ( or moved to Asia somewhere).

 

And.... what about the plastic parts on the Heritage, (or a Fender or Gibbon for that matter), where are they made ?

 

It would be like demanding that the local store only carry 100% made in the US televisions, radios, or toasters.

 

 

LOVE my Heritages and it's no bad comment on them if there aren't parts made here, that they buy good quality made else where.

The guitars are simply top notch , hand-made , American icons and their survival and success has been a story of inspriration.

 

Well played Fred!

[FredZepp]

Well played Fred!

 

Sorry if I sounded like I was on a soapbox... all are entitled to their opinions.

[Kuz]

Sorry if I sounded like I was on a soapbox... all are entitled to their opinions.

 

Not at all, I was complimenting you on your informative post!

[Jazzpunk]

What Heritage should know, and likely does, is that a large market for their product makes decisions based on romance, lore, history, and "feelings". I posted earlier that I do own and enjoy several asian guitars. They are great quality, regardless of price. The fact is, neither required any attention or meddling to "fix" though I have had a new Heritage with a horrible nut as have others. Believe me, I am not cutting down Heritage, as I love what they have; I do love the product, but just as much, I love what they stand for. There is a history you can buy into and an emotion you can share with others that you cannot do with an impeccably crafted asian guitar.

 

So, here is the point, a large segment of the Heritage market will be disturbed by things like Mexican pots, not because they don't work (that answer shows lack of understanding of the market) rather they are not wanted because they pose a challenge to several of the reasons many buy into a Heritage guitar in the first place. I think it sounds like Heritage gets that and has adjusted to the market demands. That is great.

 

Sorry but I just don't get how someone could be disturbed by the idea that one component in a Heritage guitar comes from Mexico while at the same time having no qualms about purchasing an instrument entirely made in China. I have strong opinions about the Chinese government having heard first hand accounts from friends of mine who have done business there.

 

One of my friends is a designer for Reebok and had to make a trip to China. He is not a bleeding heart liberal by any means so to see the impact that his visiting the manufacturing plants had on him was quite astonishing. To hear how he was 'escorted' everywhere he went and never allowed to speak with the laborers. To hear how he was politely cautioned to stop inquiring about their housing and standards of living. It really opened his eyes to what he and most all of us have become entangled in. It is an ugly truth that most choose to ignore.

 

I try to avoid products made in China though it is nearly impossible when it comes to computer/tech gear that I need in order to stay employable. I avoid what I can though and would never buy a guitar or other 'luxury' item from them. I would much rather support Heritage, pots made in Mexico or not.

 

It's a complicated subject but to each his own.

[shook494]

That's it........I'm keeping the MIM pots:)

[Jazzpunk]

I think it is unfair for people to scrutinize Heritage down to where the pots are coming from while not caring about where and how foreign products are made or how they effect our economy.

 

If one buys only 100% Made in America than I can see them having a problem. If one does not than I think there is a bit of hypocrisy there.

 

Just my 2 cents. As I said I know it is a complicated subject and to each his own.