The hated headstock returns (to my house)!

[LucSulla]

I bought a Heritage H-535 here recently. I used to have one and sold it because I was in between jobs and in a pinch. Always wanted another. 

I've owned a couple of Heritage LP style guitars, and while I didn't hate them, I never liked any of them as much as any of the Gibson LPs I've owned. They weren't dead per se, they just just didn't do "it," as subjective as that "it" is. 

The H-535s are a little different to me. For some reason, I've always dug them more than the ES-335s I've owned or played and found them to be more consistent, at least since I've been messing around with them post 2010. And, as negative as I am on the headstock, I have to admit the straighter string pull and tuning stability makes it easier to live with if not as aesthetically appealing. Plus, 335 prices being what they are, hunting down a good one from Oxford, MS, seems like it would be a pretty grueling task.

But mostly I'm posting here because Chris' boundless hatred of the brand always makes me chuckle. So bring on the Hateraid! 

I have to say that the QC on this 2023 seems to be better than on the 2002 I used to own. That one wasn't bad, but this thing has the lowest string height without a buzz I've ever touched on a guitar. Super clean inside and out, and it doesn't seem I'll need to cut a better back angle on the nut like I have to do with damn near every Gibson I buy. I like the new-style pick guards a lot more. They look much less like a Klingon battle axe. Duncan 59s are also better sounding pickups than the HRWs that were in the one I first had. Heritage guys love those things, but I found them to just be just OK. 

Yeah, yeah, I know. I promise this is my only return to the dark side. I really did always think they did a great job with these though. 

[Steve Haynie]

I would hit the like button, but I am afraid it could damage my reputation with some of the people on this message board.

[DaveH]

2 minutes ago, Steve Haynie said:

I would hit the like button, but I am afraid it could damage my reputation with some of the people on this message board.

@LucSulla Fixed it for you

Steve, you can safely ‘like’ this one.

[tbonesullivan]

They definitely do seem to have better QC under new management, though it's taken a while. They are also dealing much more with stores that don't really accept things like poorly made guitars.  I have an H-535 from 1998 I think? Came with the Schaller Golden 50s, which are great if you want a really crystal Hi-Fi sound, but not so much for rock. They also honesty make them in much better colors than Gibson would usually offer.

[LucSulla]

2 minutes ago, tbonesullivan said:

They definitely do seem to have better QC under new management, though it's taken a while. They are also dealing much more with stores that don't really accept things like poorly made guitars.  I have an H-535 from 1998 I think? Came with the Schaller Golden 50s, which are great if you want a really crystal Hi-Fi sound, but not so much for rock. They also honesty make them in much better colors than Gibson would usually offer.

The translucence of the top doesn't really come through well in that picture, but I wasn't going to do a photoshoot for a board that largely hates those guitars, haha.

There does seem to be a noticeable change in fit and finish though. I'm happily surprised.

[DaveH]

25 minutes ago, LucSulla said:

but I wasn't going to do a photoshoot for a board that largely hates those guitars, haha.

Please don't confuse my PS skills with hate, every Heritage I've had/played was very good. That said, the only one I still have is a Korina single cut Special with 2 P90's... H137, IIRC.  Very nice, very playable, and resonant as heck. And THAT being said, I never liked the headstock either! 😂

[BTMN]

Very nice. I thought you were talking about a Dean headstock before I opened the thread. 😎👍🏁

[LucSulla]

2 hours ago, DaveH said:

Please don't confuse my PS skills with hate, every Heritage I've had/played was very good. That said, the only one I still have is a Korina single cut Special with 2 P90's... H137, IIRC.  Very nice, very playable, and resonant as heck. And THAT being said, I never liked the headstock either! 😂

I don't totally get why they never tweaked it a tear myself. Just another couple of millimeters on each side to widen it slightly and/or shortening it about as much would make it look much better. But I do appreciate not having to use the "Lester Pinch," as I've dubbed the technique of squeezing all the stings quickly and and immediately after a guitar solo on a couple of my LPs to get it back in tune. Then I think to myself cleverly, "none of the people in this audience know just what a pro I am."

Oh well, I bought it because I think they are great sounding semi-hollows. Not the first butter face I've had over at the house I reckon.  

[Bennyboy-UK]

I could smell this was about Heritage!!