I live in Chicago, was visiting Kalamazoo back in November 2021 and called Heritage to see if they let me come in and take a tour. The guy said absolutely. I was pleasantly surprised! They don’t know me from Adam. When I got there, Pete Farmer came in a guitar room they have and said let’s tour it up. Pete and the sales guy (I’m sorry I don’t have your name off the top of my head) were amazing. It’s like they absolutely love their job and it shows. I love guitars too and have a fantastic Gibson CS 60th anniversary LP I wanted to compare the Heritage to. Heritage is a custom shop hands down. I walked the floor seeing old Gibson binding machines in action, hand sanding of necks and hollow bodies. I walked through and met about 20 employees who’ve been making these guitars for an average of 20 years up to like 40 years and dang they are a family of employees. They all have their booths and work spaces. After the tour we went back to the guitar room and they offered to let me jam on some warmed up tube amps with their guitars and my CS Gibson. Just a mind blowing experience. Pete has such passion and enthusiasm with his builds it’s great to see his perspective and love for creating beautiful guitars. In the end, I bought the most beautiful, medium/light translucent blue, marble maple cap on a walnut oiled mahogany back and neck, limited edition, H-150. Craftsmanship at its finest. Get a Heritage and your love for it will only grow as you play it and look at it. And remember it was touched by real passionate luthiers who are itching to show off their work. Their slogan should really be, all our guitars custom shop guitars from a boutique builder of world class guitars. That’s my experience with Heritage.
I live in Kalamazoo and am very proud to have Heritage in my community, they are truly world class guitars hand crafted with attention to detail and pride.
Awesome 👍 man there's a place I'd love to visit! I love my H-150. It's a 2000 model and it hung in the store from 2000 till I got it in 06. I think because nobody knew what it was and maybe the folks there didn't really know how to sell it. I always saw it hanging there for years and after awhile I began to wonder about it so I asked to play it and...wow! I didn't get it that day, it was out my price range at 1750 but that damn guitar haunted me man! I just couldn't stop thinking about it like a crush 🥰. Finally I decided I had to have this guitar and went back to try to see what kind of deal I could make. Before I ever said anything about numbers the clerk said, "and we'd be able to give you a really good deal on that" ...well ok then I said. I ended up getting that guitar with a price tag on the tuner that said 1750.00 for 1100 dollars and they even let me make a down payment of half to secure it and then come back with the rest from my next paycheck. I knew they wanted to sell it after six years but dang!! Anyway she's been a lovely companion ever since and plays and sounds glorious! I would count myself amongst the Heritage addicts and would say without a doubt they are more Gibson than Gibson these days. The top is easily a triple A, it's a nitro finish, it's the long neck tenon, those things alone would have one paying what? 3500 to 4000 grand for a comparable Gibson? To me it's the Les Paul Gibson should be making as the standard right now. But it would take one hell of a Les Paul before I'd trade the 150 for it! I'll tell you that much for free! If you never have, try one, you'll buy one!
@@tracyblair3064 But are their custom order guitars still hand made? Like a "G" custom shop quality H-150 with most types of mods are like $3800.... That's a steal compared to what Gibson is wanting for a basic no frills CS LP
@@39MercFlathead im just mad i didn't buy all the forms and other things dumped onto online storefront when they suddenly appeared and some of them really weren't that much... Since I bought the forms I can't say they're Gibson but I could say legally that they're made on the same forms, et al, that Kalamazoo guitars were made. But definitely missed the boat and in all fairness would have had to probably borrow against my house, which the kids wouldn't have been keen on lol
Heritage guitars really are great. I actually live within 5 minutes of their factory in Kalamazoo. I drive past it pretty regularly. Cool to think about all of the amazing guitars that have come out of there.
Not surprised; lots of people like these brands (that are way overhyped by the internet) and have the mentality of ''hey I'm buying a gibby or a fender, but better!''. Guess what? Who makes the best les paul, 335 and strats? you know it. Gibson and Fender. Gibson and Fender have been my favorites for my whole life.
All the famous 'Bursts were made in Kalamazoo, the heritage of Heritage Guitars. Gibson moved to escape unions and chase lower wages in Tennessee and make copies, every year they claim are closer than the prior year ... could almost be called 'Nibsons'.
@@roymontero4066 , whoa, boy! He never wrote that. But most of the most valuable guitars in the world were made in Kalamazoo, before the Corporate Suits got greedy. Just a fact.
Born and raised Michigan boy here. I have owned a H-150 for a few years and love it. A great Demo for very good instruments. You guys kill it every time you put up a new video. So happy to see you getting into the Heritage line.
Damn, Cap, look how far you've come as a guitarrist, completely mind blowing progress. Pete, beautiful playing as always Proud of you sir! Cheers from Puerto Rico!
Man, that 530 sounds amazing. Pete's obviously pushing his amp a lot harder, but you can still hear echos of the Grant Green 330 sound there. Beautiful instruments.
Geez Captain, until they showed your face I thought you had Bonamassa on. Great Blues, sir! Thanks for calling Nashville beautiful. I moved here from California 20 years ago an have never regretted it. Love making music here.
I got my heritage 535 used for 1500 usd and I couldn’t be happier to be honest.it’s one thing to have a Gibson and be apart of the family but to have a cousin brand that can go head to head and hold its own for a lesser price is what makes all the difference.If your a a fan of great quality, beautifully made guitars then you’ll love heritage!
I went to college in Kalamazoo in the 90s. One of the cleaning ladies is my dorm had worked for Gibson, got to meet both B B King and Clapton. Les Paul used to go to the Kalamazoo plant a bit as well. A lot of cool history
I ordered a custom shop h-150 last year. you cannot believe the instrument for the money. I have many... if the house was on fire that's the one I'd grab. I love the fact it came from the same place as my 34 L7 too. I've been waiting for you chaps to show these folks some love. they make a heck of an instrument... in Kalamazoo! THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO.
That live video feature exemplifies why you're the forerunner in this industry right now. You're always looking ahead but not for the sake of it, rather to solve simple problems with tools that already exist. I hope you know you're both becoming legends and culturally significant in a global way. Excellent video thank you!
I own a 2011 Heritage Golden Eagle. Basically the Custom L5. And their former flagship jazz box before being bought out. The thing plays itself. Most gorgeous tone.
I have a ‘94 gold top H 140 .I’m pretty sure they will be offering a gt in the 150 series,if not have a look around for a used one. Stellar builds from the 90’s
In the 15 years I worked as a sound engineer that one heritage jazz guitar that I heard being played through a small Roland cube amp was the best sounding guitar I ever heard.
As a Gibson fanboy, I like what Collings is doing with their electrics. They’re beautiful and sound great. The Gibson look is just so embedded in my head that all the other guitars look off like the pick guard, horn and shape. My takes as a 20yo
Have to admit, I thought the same regarding the Pick Guard. Knew I wanted A Heritage though. Ordered a Gibson PG and was sure the first thing I'd do was swap it out. However IRL the Heritage PG looks much better, feels better too. Now I have an extra LP pick guard still in the package. LOL
The fact they come with duncan pickups is a nice bonus . Hard to beat the seth lovers for late 50s paf tone in a modern package. I have a seth lover neck paired with a whole lotta humbuckers bridge in a les Paul 50s standard and they ones are amazing . The clean tones from the seth neck and the middle position cleans are gorgeous .
Tip of the cap to SD for supplying the '59 and Seth Lovers for these guitars, which are made on the same Lessona winding machine that used to be in that Kalamazoo factory for decades.
Bought a lemon burst H-150 last year after months of looking for a single-cut for me. I'm _very_ happy with it. Just enjoyed playing it the most of all the ones I tried. Runner-up was an Eastman.
I'd quite like to see a comparison of quality 335s -- a Gibson, a Heritage, a Yamaha MIJ, an Ibanez MIJ, an FGN Masterfield if you can get hold of one, and a Collings. I don't there's been one yet -- mostly comparisons of two of those but not of all of them.
It's an amazing guitar, a friend of mine was a Heritage dealer in New Mexico. He ordered me a custom built tobacco burst H-535 left handed with fat 50's quarter sawn mahogany neck Duncan Seth lovers and gold Nashville hardware. Paid cost $900.00.. Will be pulled from my dead cold hand.
Lee, I loved your playing and it seems obvious Pete is proud of you. I've got two from The Heritage, lured by the story, legacy and philosophy of staying true to the original. Both are wonderful in tone and feel. The 535 in walnut has Lollar P90's and the Les Paul style, custom made, has ThroBak KZ 115's. (The KZ is for Kalamazoo) They are both very fine. No one would be disappointed. Price was actually lower than "G".
based on used pricing, this what a real player can afford for a quality product. I've played a fair few of these and I'm almost partial to them compared to the gibson's, quality wise. Notice how I said "player". You're not going to want to look at these like some sort of investment you can sell for 20k in 30 years. If you ACTUALLY play guitar, want a gibson feel but with better QC (my opinion and some others only), and are not trying to use it make a quick buck later, get a Heritage.
Once you have owned an Heritage l.p. you won't even think about selling it to buy a Gibson. Mine was made in the first 5 years they were in business so I can't attest to how the new owners are running things. It would appear those 3 ex Gibson employees who started Heritage trained their employees very well.
I don't know if you've caught up yet. But even cheap guitars are made well these days. Of course the materials used will be off less quality. But CNC machines cut necks and bodies quick and way more accurate any human ever could. Giving consistent products at low prices and CNC machines don't care in which country they are. A cheap Fender Squier will be better than a 800$ 80's -90's guitar. It's just wood and simple electronics, not rocket science.
I was left my dad's 1989 H535ASB after he passed away. It's a great instrument with fantastic build quality and plenty of character. I also own a Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2019 model. They're both fantastic and I feel very lucky to own them. I hope one day that I'll be in a position to own a Heritage H150.
Interested to hear the Custom Core H-150. I’ve played the standard and I feel those 59 SD’s let it down a little. The one that really kicks the LP Std to touch for me is the Maybach Lester 59 with the Amber Spirit of 59 pups. Incredible tone and craftsmanship!
That’s hand down some of the finest guitar playing I’ve ever heard.....the intro....Cap and Pete....I’m 45 years old playing from when I’m 6 years old....heard thousands of sounds...
Cool seeing Heritage get a spotlight. Gibson lost some magic after leaving Kalamazoo behind. As for best American brand, I think Collings probably deserves a look, too.
Nice guitars and a fun video as usual! I particularly liked the jams this video (they are always good). Lee’s playing really shined in this one- great job! Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 1.5 hrs from the Heritage factory, I am thrilled to see Anderton’s showing some love to this little brand. Of course, they work out of the factory that made all of the famous Gibson’s from the 50s and 60s. Does anyone know how their production methods differ, being such a smaller shop?
I think I'd go for a Heritage guitar before I'd buy one from from that company in Nashville. Always liked the Heritage "Sweet 16" guitar. IMHO, a very nice sounding instrument and easier to play than an arch top / hollow body guitar that's 17 inches wide at the body.
I would say that this is your best intro but idk what the next one is going to sound like so I can't say that. They keep getting better and better keep it up 👍
Gibson moved to Nashville because of the lack of organized labor. Suspect the folk that started Heritage were largely responsible for building the LP Artisan I have owned since '77. Have always felt the folk who built it knew they were building something special regardless of the derision that has fallen upon 'norlins'.
If you review the history both plants were open concurrently for several years as Gibson companies. When the decision was made to shut down Kalamazoo most employees relocated. 3 (or 4) original employees stayed to start up Heritage. They are fine guitars but resale is hard, they're priced like Gibson and when buying used people gravitate to Gibson unless the Heritage is much less expensive. Not a fan of the Headstock is about the only negative thing visually.
The original owners of Heritage were the hands on Foreman/Superintendents/Managers at Gibson Kalamazoo who built the classic 1950 & 1960 Les Paul's, 330's & 335's etc etc so they knew how to build them how they used to be built.
I have. Couple of mid 90’s H 140’s. I’ve never been able to totally bond with a full size LP.These scaled down versions are perfection.IMO Cheers from PEI ,Canada.
I hear these are some well made guitars that are really nice players. Never played one but if I were in the market I'd have to consider these guitars. I'd also have to figure in the cost of taking out the tuners and filling the holes with wood dowels, adding some wood to the sides of the headstock, repainting, and reinstalling the tuners. Then it just might be the finest American electric guitar.
Can't tell you just how long I've been waiting for this! Can't wait to watch, and really been thinking of getting this as my first singlecut, so no doubt in my mind that this review will help out a ton
I bought the first 535 that came into Chappels in Bond Street, London in 1989. It was sunburst with the matching wood scratchplate, which itself was a work of art. Unfortunately they don't do this anymore. Tone and build quality is A1. I eventually changed the tuning pegs as the guitar kept going out of tune.....combination of wear and ratio of the screw according to the tech.All in all a great instrument.
The guitar player in the band my brother plays in got a Heritage 535 a decade or more ago. It used to be uncertain which pickups you'd end up with, but it sounds like they have that sorted. The build quality is outrageous. Being a major Gibson dealer I'm pleasantly surprised that you'd get away with giving Heritage air time, particularly with the "late unpleasantness." But good on you. They are great guitars.
I completely agree on the SD 59's, I've got a Trans Black 25th Anni 535 from 2008-9 ish (I think) And at that time Heritage were touting the SD 59's as an upgrade on the Anniversary guitars to the Schaller pickups they were fitting to the standard models. Except I didnt really like them, it felt like they were "shouting" at me. So I swapped them out for some Wolfetone Dr Vintage pickups. Totally transformed the guitar
10/19/2023 - Just bought a Heritage 550 (the 535 with a few more fancy details) this past July. I used to play a mid-60's Gibson 335 since I bought it in 1976 as a teenager. It's a beautiful guitar... made in Kalamazoo of course. Prior to the 550 I have owned several Heritage 575's (the Steve Howe ES-175 equivalent). The Heritages are all beautiful guitars that play well and sound fantastic. I paid $3k for the used Heritage 550.
I've got a friend who works at a well known supplier and says Heritage guitars are what Gibson should be... He gets his hands on a lot of guitars, so that's saying something! Great playing as always! Loved the intro jam!
Just like the Captain says; "It's all the ingredients that go into your favorite pie,....." I completely agree. It's like the big "G" is the more well known blueberry pie and these are the huckleberry pie. But if you like Huckleberry, you are in for a real treat!
I like the idea of matching the hollow body H-530 with Lollar pickups. The ES- 330 was a guitar on my list but Gibson don't make them anymore I've looked for the past two years. Seems I know where to go and I am good friends with our city's only Heritage dealer who has offered me a good discount already. Have played the H- 335 and they are great also.
That opening jam was awesome....straight out of a roadhouse in some flyblown part of Arizona. NICE GUITARS BTW !!! I think I'd like the sound of some Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" in the LP style example. Very nice sounding with the 59's too though with bite on tap when you want it. I like that Heritage has some history with Gibson in a sense so the DNA is quite strong here.
Great to see Andertons getting into Heritage. I’ve owned several over the years, and my blonde 535 is a go-to guitar for me. Fabulous instruments, and great bang for the buck. Btw, most 535s now come from the Heritage factory with Duncan Seth Lover pickups.
I tried one of those lp models and it was as good as the G...but since i came from the G, its feel a lil bit weird with the headstock But that es535 sure sound more beautifully than my es335...i might get one of those
I have a 2002 Heritage H-150CM that I bought in 2003 and it torches every VOS, NOS and Custom Shop LP is faces. Having Motor City Pickups in it doesn’t hurt either.
Great reviews folks, and Lee is sounding " good like he should".got a Gold top 535 with a dark walnut color sides and back, do they still make those in the 535 as well. Would love to date mine.
These seem good if you're absolutely sure you're never going to sell them or don't mind getting much less for them used than a Gibson. I like some of the details like the improved tuner placement and SD pickups.
My band used to practice in the old Gibson factory, upstairs around 2010-2013. There are still old Gibson parts laying around, covered in dust, sitting in empty rooms
I live in Chicago, was visiting Kalamazoo back in November 2021 and called Heritage to see if they let me come in and take a tour. The guy said absolutely. I was pleasantly surprised! They don’t know me from Adam. When I got there, Pete Farmer came in a guitar room they have and said let’s tour it up. Pete and the sales guy (I’m sorry I don’t have your name off the top of my head) were amazing. It’s like they absolutely love their job and it shows. I love guitars too and have a fantastic Gibson CS 60th anniversary LP I wanted to compare the Heritage to. Heritage is a custom shop hands down. I walked the floor seeing old Gibson binding machines in action, hand sanding of necks and hollow bodies. I walked through and met about 20 employees who’ve been making these guitars for an average of 20 years up to like 40 years and dang they are a family of employees. They all have their booths and work spaces. After the tour we went back to the guitar room and they offered to let me jam on some warmed up tube amps with their guitars and my CS Gibson. Just a mind blowing experience. Pete has such passion and enthusiasm with his builds it’s great to see his perspective and love for creating beautiful guitars. In the end, I bought the most beautiful, medium/light translucent blue, marble maple cap on a walnut oiled mahogany back and neck, limited edition, H-150. Craftsmanship at its finest. Get a Heritage and your love for it will only grow as you play it and look at it. And remember it was touched by real passionate luthiers who are itching to show off their work. Their slogan should really be, all our guitars custom shop guitars from a boutique builder of world class guitars. That’s my experience with Heritage.
Great story, thanks!
I live in Kalamazoo and am very proud to have Heritage in my community, they are truly world class guitars hand crafted with attention to detail and pride.
Awesome 👍 man there's a place I'd love to visit! I love my H-150. It's a 2000 model and it hung in the store from 2000 till I got it in 06. I think because nobody knew what it was and maybe the folks there didn't really know how to sell it. I always saw it hanging there for years and after awhile I began to wonder about it so I asked to play it and...wow! I didn't get it that day, it was out my price range at 1750 but that damn guitar haunted me man! I just couldn't stop thinking about it like a crush 🥰. Finally I decided I had to have this guitar and went back to try to see what kind of deal I could make. Before I ever said anything about numbers the clerk said, "and we'd be able to give you a really good deal on that" ...well ok then I said. I ended up getting that guitar with a price tag on the tuner that said 1750.00 for 1100 dollars and they even let me make a down payment of half to secure it and then come back with the rest from my next paycheck. I knew they wanted to sell it after six years but dang!! Anyway she's been a lovely companion ever since and plays and sounds glorious! I would count myself amongst the Heritage addicts and would say without a doubt they are more Gibson than Gibson these days. The top is easily a triple A, it's a nitro finish, it's the long neck tenon, those things alone would have one paying what? 3500 to 4000 grand for a comparable Gibson? To me it's the Les Paul Gibson should be making as the standard right now. But it would take one hell of a Les Paul before I'd trade the 150 for it! I'll tell you that much for free! If you never have, try one, you'll buy one!
Unpopular opinion. I like the headstocks and pickguards.
I agree with this
Me too
3
4
Not sure it is an unpopular opinion.
Just want to say Lee it’s crazy how much your playing has improved
It’s almost a meme at this point. How good you can get on guitar!
Cap'n kicks ass! 🤠 He is , after all, The Captain.
Brandon - I second that. It's quite dramatic really.
I’ve only been watching this channel for a couple months but Lee you’ve seriously leveled up your playing man!!
I second that! great job capt.
Side note: Heritage now employs Edwin Wilson, who used to lead the custom shop at "G."
Beat me to it. He dragged them, kicking and screaming, into the world of CNC woodworking, PLEK setup, and OSHA compliance.
Does that mean to "Play Authentic" I can play Heritage? Sounds great to me.
@@39MercFlathead Hahaha, right! 👍🏼
@@tracyblair3064 But are their custom order guitars still hand made? Like a "G" custom shop quality H-150 with most types of mods are like $3800.... That's a steal compared to what Gibson is wanting for a basic no frills CS LP
@@39MercFlathead im just mad i didn't buy all the forms and other things dumped onto online storefront when they suddenly appeared and some of them really weren't that much...
Since I bought the forms I can't say they're Gibson but I could say legally that they're made on the same forms, et al, that Kalamazoo guitars were made.
But definitely missed the boat and in all fairness would have had to probably borrow against my house, which the kids wouldn't have been keen on lol
Heritage guitars really are great. I actually live within 5 minutes of their factory in Kalamazoo. I drive past it pretty regularly. Cool to think about all of the amazing guitars that have come out of there.
Heritage and G&L have been my favorites for years.
You must be some kind of "originalist"! Lol
Not surprised; lots of people like these brands (that are way overhyped by the internet) and have the mentality of ''hey I'm buying a gibby or a fender, but better!''. Guess what? Who makes the best les paul, 335 and strats? you know it. Gibson and Fender.
Gibson and Fender have been my favorites for my whole life.
@@charlie-obrien or someone who hates resale value
Captain, that blond is perfect for you, loved your playing.
That 535 is gorgeous for sure!
All the famous 'Bursts were made in Kalamazoo, the heritage of Heritage Guitars. Gibson moved to escape unions and chase lower wages in Tennessee and make copies, every year they claim are closer than the prior year ... could almost be called 'Nibsons'.
So guitar craftmanship only comes from Kalamazoo...got it
@@roymontero4066 , whoa, boy! He never wrote that. But most of the most valuable guitars in the world were made in Kalamazoo, before the Corporate Suits got greedy. Just a fact.
@@captainamerica9353 @Roy Monfero Reading comprehension is hard
he’s a ‘cheap strats are the best strats’ kinda guy, ykwim
Born and raised Michigan boy here. I have owned a H-150 for a few years and love it. A great Demo for very good instruments. You guys kill it every time you put up a new video. So happy to see you getting into the Heritage line.
I just wonder why Captain Lee pronounces Michigan like Mitchigan
Ha, easy, just say Leicester to understand
it’s pronounced leister i think
Got a Heritage h150 a few weeks back. First lp neck that fits my hand, also sounds amazing.
Damn, Cap, look how far you've come as a guitarrist, completely mind blowing progress. Pete, beautiful playing as always Proud of you sir! Cheers from Puerto Rico!
Spot on!
Man, that 530 sounds amazing. Pete's obviously pushing his amp a lot harder, but you can still hear echos of the Grant Green 330 sound there. Beautiful instruments.
Geez Captain, until they showed your face I thought you had Bonamassa on. Great Blues, sir! Thanks for calling Nashville beautiful. I moved here from California 20 years ago an have never regretted it. Love making music here.
Kissup Bret. JK :)
@@waxman9550 LOL.
I got my heritage 535 used for 1500 usd and I couldn’t be happier to be honest.it’s one thing to have a Gibson and be apart of the family but to have a cousin brand that can go head to head and hold its own for a lesser price is what makes all the difference.If your a a fan of great quality, beautifully made guitars then you’ll love heritage!
I’ve had one among my gibsons for years. Heritage is an absolute monster of a guitar.
I went to college in Kalamazoo in the 90s. One of the cleaning ladies is my dorm had worked for Gibson, got to meet both B B King and Clapton. Les Paul used to go to the Kalamazoo plant a bit as well. A lot of cool history
I ordered a custom shop h-150 last year. you cannot believe the instrument for the money. I have many... if the house was on fire that's the one I'd grab.
I love the fact it came from the same place as my 34 L7 too.
I've been waiting for you chaps to show these folks some love. they make a heck of an instrument... in Kalamazoo!
THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO.
That live video feature exemplifies why you're the forerunner in this industry right now. You're always looking ahead but not for the sake of it, rather to solve simple problems with tools that already exist. I hope you know you're both becoming legends and culturally significant in a global way. Excellent video thank you!
I own a 2011 Heritage Golden Eagle. Basically the Custom L5. And their former flagship jazz box before being bought out. The thing plays itself. Most gorgeous tone.
This is wild. I was just on the Heritage website yesterday. I wish there was a gold top option on the single cut.
I have a ‘94 gold top H 140 .I’m pretty sure they will be offering a gt in the 150 series,if not have a look around for a used one. Stellar builds from the 90’s
I actually really like Heritage headstocks! I wish they would release an SG
And they stay in tune, which is the most important thing.
In all honesty the Captn’s playing in that intro blowed me away, amazing!
Pete's 1st few notes in the lead, too
I have a 150 Aged finish....best ‘Les Paul’ I’ve ever played. I have had a recent Gibson 50’s standard, sold it...the Heritage 150 blows it away.
Lee, mate, keep that blonde guitar for yourself, that was an exceptional match between player and instrument.
Lee, in all seriousness I'd love a video on your practice approach to getting that good
I love my Heritage 530. It's just a lovely guitar to play! It's the one guitar that always seems to get playing time.
That LP style guitar did it for me. What a lovely sound on that rascal; great playing Mister Pete
In the 15 years I worked as a sound engineer that one heritage jazz guitar that I heard being played through a small Roland cube amp was the best sounding guitar I ever heard.
The old "orange" cubes from the 80s? Loved that little amp, killed as a SS amp.
I played a Heritage H575 through a Roland Cube for years. Wonderful.
Nils, Do you think the 59 pick ups can put out high gain or no?
@@kcussrebutuemos4815 I don’t know. Only heard it being played by someone else and she was always playing clean.
@@kenthhamner2641 no, probably a newer version. Sounded great for clean jazz tones with that heritage
Heritage are 1 of the 5 best sounding guitars I've tried in my life.
As a Gibson fanboy, I like what Collings is doing with their electrics. They’re beautiful and sound great. The Gibson look is just so embedded in my head that all the other guitars look off like the pick guard, horn and shape. My takes as a 20yo
Collings guitars are nice, but the last one I saw advertised (Premier Guitar) was $6600. Ouch.
Have to admit, I thought the same regarding the Pick Guard. Knew I wanted A Heritage though. Ordered a Gibson PG and was sure the first thing I'd do was swap it out. However IRL the Heritage PG looks much better, feels better too. Now I have an extra LP pick guard still in the package. LOL
In additon to my earlier comments, I met the great Henry Johnson back in 2014 in Bahrain. He has a 555 which he loves and still uses on stage.
I've wanted a Heritage forever. Used to know a guy who used an H-150 as his main stage guitar. He loved it.
The fact they come with duncan pickups is a nice bonus . Hard to beat the seth lovers for late 50s paf tone in a modern package. I have a seth lover neck paired with a whole lotta humbuckers bridge in a les Paul 50s standard and they ones are amazing . The clean tones from the seth neck and the middle position cleans are gorgeous .
Tip of the cap to SD for supplying the '59 and Seth Lovers for these guitars, which are made on the same Lessona winding machine that used to be in that Kalamazoo factory for decades.
Bought a lemon burst H-150 last year after months of looking for a single-cut for me. I'm _very_ happy with it. Just enjoyed playing it the most of all the ones I tried. Runner-up was an Eastman.
Which model Eastman? If you don’t mind me asking.
@@Newnodrogbob It was an Eastman SB59/v, i.e. the reliced version of their single cut. Comes with Lollar pickups, too.
I have a Heritage H 535 which is the 335 1958 neck. It is an amazing handmade guitar made on the old Gibson machines in Kalamazoo.
I paid $2600 from Wolfe Guitars who was their first dealer I do believe. Great guitar.. It plays itself.
Best sounding intro guitar tones of any of your videos yet. And I have watched a bunch!
I'd quite like to see a comparison of quality 335s -- a Gibson, a Heritage, a Yamaha MIJ, an Ibanez MIJ, an FGN Masterfield if you can get hold of one, and a Collings. I don't there's been one yet -- mostly comparisons of two of those but not of all of them.
It's an amazing guitar, a friend of mine was a Heritage dealer in New Mexico. He ordered me a custom built tobacco burst H-535 left handed with fat 50's quarter sawn mahogany neck Duncan Seth lovers and gold Nashville hardware. Paid cost $900.00.. Will be pulled from my dead cold hand.
Love the Em blues opener! Classic tones from some great guitars and great playing.
Lee, I loved your playing and it seems obvious Pete is proud of you.
I've got two from The Heritage, lured by the story, legacy and philosophy of staying true to the original. Both are wonderful in tone and feel. The 535 in walnut has Lollar P90's and the Les Paul style, custom made, has ThroBak KZ 115's. (The KZ is for Kalamazoo) They are both very fine. No one would be disappointed. Price was actually lower than "G".
the feed back in the intro is the sweetest dessert
In the entire video really, including the last note.
based on used pricing, this what a real player can afford for a quality product. I've played a fair few of these and I'm almost partial to them compared to the gibson's, quality wise. Notice how I said "player". You're not going to want to look at these like some sort of investment you can sell for 20k in 30 years. If you ACTUALLY play guitar, want a gibson feel but with better QC (my opinion and some others only), and are not trying to use it make a quick buck later, get a Heritage.
They are guitars for a player, not a collector. Gibson Custom Shop quality at a much lower price.
Making a profit 30 years later is NOT a quick buck. Old used guitars don't use that much value, want to retain value? Get a Gibson
they might be worth more than a gibson in 30 years.
I have a heritage h-157 with hrw pick ups. Brought in 2010. Absolutely love that guitar. Tho it did cost right arm and both legs.
Finally some heritage content
That intro jam guys was legendary! Superb 👌🏻
Once you have owned an Heritage l.p. you won't even think about selling it to buy a Gibson. Mine was made in the first 5 years they were in business so I can't attest to how the new owners are running things. It would appear those 3 ex Gibson employees who started Heritage trained their employees very well.
I don't know if you've caught up yet. But even cheap guitars are made well these days. Of course the materials used will be off less quality. But CNC machines cut necks and bodies quick and way more accurate any human ever could. Giving consistent products at low prices and CNC machines don't care in which country they are. A cheap Fender Squier will be better than a 800$ 80's -90's guitar. It's just wood and simple electronics, not rocket science.
@@UmVtCg you obviously haven't owned a very high end guitar, yet!
My H 150 is from 2000. Got no complaints it's everything I want in an LP for half the price.
That’s the best I’ve ever heard you play Lee! Great demo!!
I'm very interested in the H150 in Dirty Lemon Burst
Love my old H150. Replaced what was standard Schaller pups with Seymour ‘59’s. Great guitar.
I was left my dad's 1989 H535ASB after he passed away. It's a great instrument with fantastic build quality and plenty of character. I also own a Gibson Les Paul Traditional 2019 model. They're both fantastic and I feel very lucky to own them. I hope one day that I'll be in a position to own a Heritage H150.
Interested to hear the Custom Core H-150. I’ve played the standard and I feel those 59 SD’s let it down a little. The one that really kicks the LP Std to touch for me is the Maybach Lester 59 with the Amber Spirit of 59 pups. Incredible tone and craftsmanship!
That’s hand down some of the finest guitar playing I’ve ever heard.....the intro....Cap and Pete....I’m 45 years old playing from when I’m 6 years old....heard thousands of sounds...
Cool seeing Heritage get a spotlight. Gibson lost some magic after leaving Kalamazoo behind. As for best American brand, I think Collings probably deserves a look, too.
That jam for the intro was mint you guys! Awesome players!
Nice guitars and a fun video as usual! I particularly liked the jams this video (they are always good). Lee’s playing really shined in this one- great job! Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 1.5 hrs from the Heritage factory, I am thrilled to see Anderton’s showing some love to this little brand. Of course, they work out of the factory that made all of the famous Gibson’s from the 50s and 60s. Does anyone know how their production methods differ, being such a smaller shop?
I have a vintage LP Custom and a Heritage 575 Custom ..The Heritage is exquisite
Great playing Lee !!! I listened to you guys jam out a couple of time very nice
I think I'd go for a Heritage guitar before I'd buy one from from that company in Nashville. Always liked the Heritage "Sweet 16" guitar. IMHO, a very nice sounding instrument and easier to play than an arch top / hollow body guitar that's 17 inches wide at the body.
I would say that this is your best intro but idk what the next one is going to sound like so I can't say that. They keep getting better and better keep it up 👍
Gibson moved to Nashville because of the lack of organized labor.
Suspect the folk that started Heritage were largely responsible for building the LP Artisan I have owned since '77. Have always felt the folk who built it knew they were building something special regardless of the derision that has fallen upon 'norlins'.
If you review the history both plants were open concurrently for several years as Gibson companies. When the decision was made to shut down Kalamazoo most employees relocated. 3 (or 4) original employees stayed to start up Heritage. They are fine guitars but resale is hard, they're priced like Gibson and when buying used people gravitate to Gibson unless the Heritage is much less expensive. Not a fan of the Headstock is about the only negative thing visually.
The original owners of Heritage were the hands on Foreman/Superintendents/Managers at Gibson Kalamazoo who built the classic 1950 & 1960 Les Paul's, 330's & 335's etc etc so they knew how to build them how they used to be built.
I have. Couple of mid 90’s H 140’s. I’ve never been able to totally bond with a full size LP.These scaled down versions are perfection.IMO Cheers from PEI ,Canada.
Awesome sounding guitars, played nicely by Lee - but look who he has as a coach - and he has the good fortune of spending every working day with him!
I hear these are some well made guitars that are really nice players. Never played one but if I were in the market I'd have to consider these guitars.
I'd also have to figure in the cost of taking out the tuners and filling the holes with wood dowels, adding some wood to the sides of the headstock, repainting, and reinstalling the tuners. Then it just might be the finest American electric guitar.
Can't tell you just how long I've been waiting for this! Can't wait to watch, and really been thinking of getting this as my first singlecut, so no doubt in my mind that this review will help out a ton
Lee's getting good 👍
Lee at one of his finest moments - the blonde suits him!!!
Lee, you've elevated your playing to spine-tingling levels! !!! Cool chops!!!!
I own 2 Heritage guitars, H575 & Eagle Classic. Alongside the assorted Fenders & Gibsons I own, they stand out as the best made instruments.
I have 535 and 530 and I love both of them...but 530 is speechless
I bought the first 535 that came into Chappels in Bond Street, London in 1989. It was sunburst with the matching wood scratchplate, which itself was a work of art. Unfortunately they don't do this anymore. Tone and build quality is A1. I eventually changed the tuning pegs as the guitar kept going out of tune.....combination of wear and ratio of the screw according to the tech.All in all a great instrument.
The guitar player in the band my brother plays in got a Heritage 535 a decade or more ago. It used to be uncertain which pickups you'd end up with, but it sounds like they have that sorted. The build quality is outrageous. Being a major Gibson dealer I'm pleasantly surprised that you'd get away with giving Heritage air time, particularly with the "late unpleasantness." But good on you. They are great guitars.
Lee's feedback work in the intro jam is gold!
I completely agree on the SD 59's, I've got a Trans Black 25th Anni 535 from 2008-9 ish (I think) And at that time Heritage were touting the SD 59's as an upgrade on the Anniversary guitars to the Schaller pickups they were fitting to the standard models. Except I didnt really like them, it felt like they were "shouting" at me. So I swapped them out for some Wolfetone Dr Vintage pickups. Totally transformed the guitar
10/19/2023 - Just bought a Heritage 550 (the 535 with a few more fancy details) this past July. I used to play a mid-60's Gibson 335 since I bought it in 1976 as a teenager. It's a beautiful guitar... made in Kalamazoo of course. Prior to the 550 I have owned several Heritage 575's (the Steve Howe ES-175 equivalent). The Heritages are all beautiful guitars that play well and sound fantastic. I paid $3k for the used Heritage 550.
Lee's musical expression is phenomenal! This looks perfectly comfortable for him. Another entro tune for their up coming album! Thanks fellas!
Hey Cap, great demo of wonderful guitars! It is a Joe B thing to wrap over the tailpiece , FYI. Hope you guys are doing well.
Captain, you really getting good. Maybe it’s that Pete influence!
I have the limited addition 535 in Blue , really an excellent guitar
Lee, you’re really killing it. Good stuff man.
I've got a friend who works at a well known supplier and says Heritage guitars are what Gibson should be... He gets his hands on a lot of guitars, so that's saying something! Great playing as always! Loved the intro jam!
I have a 535, unbelievable guitar, the build quality is exceptional
A 335 shaped guitar and a blues jam seems to be right in Lee's comfort zone.
Just like the Captain says; "It's all the ingredients that go into your favorite pie,....." I completely agree.
It's like the big "G" is the more well known blueberry pie and these are the huckleberry pie.
But if you like Huckleberry, you are in for a real treat!
You should upload your jammings to Spotify and make a playlist of them. It was one of the videos that you don't want the jamming to end:(
Those are great sounding guitars. I'd definitely consider one.
Lee is playing great, and oh boy would I love to see Pete and Larry Carlton jam out on these guitars (or a Sire for that matter)!
I like the idea of matching the hollow body H-530 with Lollar pickups. The ES- 330 was a guitar on my list but Gibson don't make them anymore I've looked for the past two years. Seems I know where to go and I am good friends with our city's only Heritage dealer who has offered me a good discount already. Have played the H- 335 and they are great also.
That opening jam was awesome....straight out of a roadhouse in some flyblown part of Arizona. NICE GUITARS BTW !!! I think I'd like the sound of some Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" in the LP style example. Very nice sounding with the 59's too though with bite on tap when you want it. I like that Heritage has some history with Gibson in a sense so the DNA is quite strong here.
Great to see Andertons getting into Heritage. I’ve owned several over the years, and my blonde 535 is a go-to guitar for me. Fabulous instruments, and great bang for the buck.
Btw, most 535s now come from the Heritage factory with Duncan Seth Lover pickups.
I picked up a new one 3 weeks ago, '59 pickups. Heritage said they stopped putting in the SL pickups last August
@@kerrfoot That is sich a shame! I hate those 59 pickups, they have no articulation and sound so dull!
I tried one of those lp models and it was as good as the G...but since i came from the G, its feel a lil bit weird with the headstock
But that es535 sure sound more beautifully than my es335...i might get one of those
Beautiful guitars, and I loved Lee's funky playing at the end. Lee keeps pushing me to get better.
i love how pete's prdal arrangement looks like a throne or like a fort
I find it hard to try one of these Heritage guitars where I'm located. Thanks for the video. Now I need to decide if I'll order one blind.
I like your jams Cap! You've improved a lot man! Respect
I have a 2002 Heritage H-150CM that I bought in 2003 and it torches every VOS, NOS and Custom Shop LP is faces. Having Motor City Pickups in it doesn’t hurt either.
Great reviews folks, and Lee is sounding " good like he should".got a Gold top 535 with a dark walnut color sides and back, do they still make those in the 535 as well. Would love to date mine.
I’m a 335 player and I think the 530 takes it in this video. Just such a great sound.
I love the heritage, haven’t touched any recent ones, shame they have no resale value....would love to buy one used
These seem good if you're absolutely sure you're never going to sell them or don't mind getting much less for them used than a Gibson. I like some of the details like the improved tuner placement and SD pickups.
My band used to practice in the old Gibson factory, upstairs around 2010-2013. There are still old Gibson parts laying around, covered in dust, sitting in empty rooms
I love the sound & colors of that Heritage guitars. Could you please test any other P90 microhumbuckers Les Paul models from the Heritage brand ?