Gibson Es-335 Vs Heritage 535

[sniffyduke]

What do you think?

Friend Plays better than Gibson.

[Flyin' Brian]

If you're not a nut about the name on the headstock (or the shape of the headstock, which for some is a big deal) a really well set up Heritage will hang in with and surpass a Gibson for much less money.
I have two.

[gtraddict]

I would have to agree they are a lot more instrument, they are a lot lot less and better, plus you can get some great options from factory

[XKnight]

Seems to me that the prices are comparable. Used, the Heritage is usually quite a bit less though. Quality wise, I can't say since I've never played a Heritage. Since they produce a smaller quantity of instruments than Gibson I would expect Heritage to have better quality control. I'd want to play either guitar before buying though.

[bluesjuke]

I guess I haven't played the right 535 yet.
So far I've played 5 of them and didn't find the quality or playability matching a 335.

I hear people say they are great all of the time but still haven't seen it.

[Flyin' Brian]

I was checking 335s on MF. They run from $2400 to about $4K depending on the model.

I have a Heritage Prospect which is ES339 sized. I had Heritage change the following non standard items:

Fat neck carve
Ebony fingerboard instead of rosewood
Split block inlays instead of dots
Tone Pros hardware
Ebony pickguard
HRW pickups with dual VIP wiring ($350 option)

Total with hard shell case was just under $1900.

Heritage has raised their prices, so I'm not sure now. The place to get them is Wolfe Guitars in Jupiter FL. They'll work with you, offer a return policy and they get the cream of Heritages and set them up if necessary before they ship them, and nobody beats their prices.

[sniffyduke]

Yes Gibson I saw was $2,600.00
Heritage was $2,000 with tax and case.

My friend says the heritage play and soud 10x better but some people just wan't the Gibson name like having a Polo shirt.

Is this Correct?

[bluesjuke]

If you're referring to my post that's your decision.
I'm not comparing the Heritage/ Gibson by name just experience to date.

I'll keep playing them as I run across them.
The ones I have played were out of being interested so it's not a Gibson thing.

Maybe that they just don't feel right to me.

[James Dawson]

Someone once commented that the new Heritage 535 seemed more like an old 335. And that the newer 335's are a different flavor than the old.

I had a '67 335 and I have to say it sounded different than newer 335's but I can not definitely say what leads to the difference.

[paraedolia]

Are the Heritages still plek'ed as standard? I think they're just gorgeous guitars, and the 535 is a great take on a 335. Whatever happened to that whole thing a year or so ago about Heritage supposedly shutting down? Did I imagine that?

[bilbal]

I would love to respond to this. I lusted for a Gibson ES335 since I was a teenager - say 14 or 15. While all the other "guitarists" I knew were getting Ibanez, Kramer, Hondo (yes Hondo), and the occasional Les Paul or Strat handed down from their uncles, I was completely smitten with ES335s. I remember talking to the guy that owned the largest music store in the area and him telling me that unless I am going to buy it, don't even try it out. He knew I would love it I guess. So, I followed suit with my peers and had my parents by me an Ibanez RG Series (IIRC). That dude saying that to me stuck and up until about a year and half ago, I never as much as touched a 335. The day came when I did finally test drive one in the local shop I use to do business with. A week later I bought one. I held on to it for about a year and foolishly sold it to help afford a Shiva. That was the biggest mistake of my gear buying/selling life. By the time I realized I hated the Shiva (sorry Bogner owners) my 335 was long gone. I again started my lusting for another 335. I recently got a stupid, good deal on a new (leftover) H535 in Tobacco Burst. so I bought it. As much as I loved my first Gibson, I have to say that I prefer my Heritage. I'll admit, when I was first introduced to this guitar, I thought I would never be satisfied because it's not "a real 335" Anyone that says the name on the headstock of guitar is not important, is...well, I'm not going to open that can of worms - I'm not even that stupid - LOL!!!. Once I got over the fact that the name wasn't Gibson and realized how AWESOME this guitar is, I resolved to the fact that though I still don't have a Gibson ES335, I have a Heritage H535 that is as good and better in some respects. I think of my Heritage as a Custom Shop Kalamazoo. There is not a single thing that is inferior about my guitar. It sounds amazing. It looks incredible and plays like I would expect a guitar of its quality to play. One day I will own another Gibson ES335 because I like them as well. I have a feeling I will own another Heritage as well.

I think she's beautiful.
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1819.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1828.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1830.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1832.jpg

[Flyin' Brian]

Are the Heritages still plek'ed as standard? I think they're just gorgeous guitars, and the 535 is a great take on a 335. Whatever happened to that whole thing a year or so ago about Heritage supposedly shutting down? Did I imagine that?

Yes they are still PLEKed.
No you didn't imagine. They did shut down for a couple of months for a reorganization. They took on a new business partner because they had gotten way behind on production due to a small fire and due to VERY old style ways of doing things. I was there once and watched one of the owners packing guitars into boxes for shipping!!! But they're building and shipping guitars now. If only they'd upgrade their horrible website!

[Garbanzoman]

Having had both Gibson and Heritage guitars, quality on the Heritages has been better overall. Don't have a 335/535 right now, though. Gibson's scale length is 24.625", while Heritages seem to measure out at a real 24.75", so they're going to feel just a hair different. I prefer the shorter 24.625 Gibson scale.

[Trebor Renkluaf]

Well I currently own two Heritage H-535s and have compared them (and several other 535s) to many 335s and always walk away feeling the 535 is the superior guitar. They are almost alway lighter and more resonant than their Gibby counterparts - almost accoustic like in their unplugged volume and response. The Gibby sounds like a cigar box with strings attached by comparison. I've let numerous friend who have 335s play my Heritages and everyone was impressed, commenting on the weight and the resonance of the gutiars. Plugged in they just sound gorgeous. Also, many options are available from Heritage at no or little upcharge. The woods and finishes on the Heritages are almost universaly superior to Gibby.

I can afford a 335 and would own one if I felt it were the superior instrument - I don't.

[Monster Tone]

I tried both and bought a Gibson ES-335. For me it was an easy choice, there wasn't a difference in quality between the two and the 335 was cheaper (I bought it used). I find that the only thing these 335 vs 535 threads achieve is letting the Heritage owners bash Gibson and justify the fact that they chose to buy a Heritage. I would suggest that you go and play a few examples of each and decide for yourself. After all one man's pleasure is anothers man's poison.

[sniffyduke]

I would love to respond to this. I lusted for a Gibson ES335 since I was a teenager - say 14 or 15. While all the other "guitarists" I knew were getting Ibanez, Kramer, Hondo (yes Hondo), and the occasional Les Paul or Strat handed down from their uncles, I was completely smitten with ES335s. I remember talking to the guy that owned the largest music store in the area and him telling me that unless I am going to buy it, don't even try it out. He knew I would love it I guess. So, I followed suit with my peers and had my parents by me an Ibanez RG Series (IIRC). That dude saying that to me stuck and up until about a year and half ago, I never as much as touched a 335. The day came when I did finally test drive one in the local shop I use to do business with. A week later I bought one. I held on to it for about a year and foolishly sold it to help afford a Shiva. That was the biggest mistake of my gear buying/selling life. By the time I realized I hated the Shiva (sorry Bogner owners) my 335 was long gone. I again started my lusting for another 335. I recently got a stupid, good deal on a new (leftover) H535 in Tobacco Burst. so I bought it. As much as I loved my first Gibson, I have to say that I prefer my Heritage. I'll admit, when I was first introduced to this guitar, I thought I would never be satisfied because it's not "a real 335" Anyone that says the name on the headstock of guitar is not important, is...well, I'm not going to open that can of worms - I'm not even that stupid - LOL!!!. Once I got over the fact that the name wasn't Gibson and realized how AWESOME this guitar is, I resolved to the fact that though I still don't have a Gibson ES335, I have a Heritage H535 that is as good and better in some respects. I think of my Heritage as a Custom Shop Kalamazoo. There is not a single thing that is inferior about my guitar. It sounds amazing. It looks incredible and plays like I would expect a guitar of its quality to play. One day I will own another Gibson ES335 because I like them as well. I have a feeling I will own another Heritage as well.

I think she's beautiful.
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1819.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1828.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1830.jpghttp://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_1832.jpg

Great post thank you. There are players out there who are more concerned with the fashion.

Here is a cool TRUE story.

My buddy was working on the VAN HALEN tour. I hope I don't get in trouble for this.

Well Eddie Van Hallen had a wall af his Sig amps about 15 cabs and heads.
From the front you would never know. The Cabs Were empty and Backstage behind the amps was 1 JCM800 that he was running through.
It was covered be a velvet blue curtain.

[mark norwine]

My experience with heritage is that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. A helluva lot of "clunkers" have escaped that factory over the years.

But if you find a 535 that rocks your world, then I guess you've arrived.

[Zelmo]

My experience with heritage is that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. A helluva lot of "clunkers" have escaped that factory over the years.

But if you find a 535 that rocks your world, then I guess you've arrived.

Funny, I've heard the same thing (a zillion times) about the Gibson, and rarely about the Heritage.
As for me, my H535 is one guitar that I'll probably never sell.

[dharmafool]

Referring to Zelmo's post, I've experienced the same thing with both 335s and 535s. And a good setup job doesn't necessarily redeem these puppies.

That said, I got a 535 over a 335 because I could custom order it with a few upgrades. It sounds great with a Seth Lover in the neck position, though the '59 in the bridge is a little too bright for me until I roll back the tone control about half-way. Maybe it needs a higher value cap; I don't know what's in there now.

I don't think I'll keep the 535, however, because it has a '60s slim neck profile, which I can't take for more than 45 minutes. I'll sell it some day when I can get closer to the amount I spent I on it.

A few months back, I bought a used Johnny A. It has altogether supplanted The Heritage for my thinline needs.

[TNJ]

Are the specs on the 535's the same as the 335's...it looks like the body may be a little thinner on the 535?
Also, do they use a laminate top?

I've played good and bad Heritages.
I've played good and bad Gibsons.
The best 335 style guitar I've ever played was a Gibson USA Memphis made Cherry Dot Neck Reissue. Made in '99 and stock with '57 classic humbuckers.
AWESOME kinda describes every tone that came outta that guitar.

If I can find another semi-hollow lam top like THAT one, I wont care if it's a Hondo or a Rogue!

S.
j

[Dave Orban]

Funny, I've heard the same thing (a zillion times) about the Gibson, and rarely about the Heritage.
My experience, too.

[Dave Orban]

Are the specs on the 535's the same as the 335's...it looks like the body may be a little thinner on the 535?
Also, do they use a laminate top?

I've played good and bad Heritages.
I've played good and bad Gibsons.
The best 335 style guitar I've ever played was a Gibson USA Memphis made Cherry Dot Neck Reissue. Made in '99 and stock with '57 classic humbuckers.
AWESOME kinda describes every tone that came outta that guitar.

If I can find another semi-hollow lam top like THAT one, I dont care if it's a Hondo or a Rogue!

S.
jHeritage uses a solid carved maple top. Gibsons are made with maple plywood.

One big problem is that the plywood that Gibson uses today is a LOT heavier (and more dead-sounding) than what was used in the 50s and 60s.

[stevieboy]

Heritage uses a solid carved maple top. Gibsons are made with maple plywood.

.

According to their website, 535's have a lam top. Nothing wrong with that.

It does seem that supporters call it "laminated." When someone wants to knock it, it's "plywood!" :banana

I like Heritage guitars, I own an H137, that I bought in person at Jay Wolfe's, thumbs up on that store. Used to have a 575. I like Gibsons too. As many have pointed out, it's matter of finding the one you like. I don't buy into the idea that anyone who has a Gibson just wants the name on the headstock.

I think there are more choices stock with the various Gibson 335's as far as neck carves. You guys that special ordered Heritages, how long did it take? I've heard it takes a long time, but that might not be true.

[Flyin' Brian]

I think there are more choices stock with the various Gibson 335's as far as neck carves. You guys that special ordered Heritages, how long did it take? I've heard it takes a long time, but that might not be true.

I ordered my Prospect in February and picked it up at the factory in May. Not bad. They're great about special orders. I have a Sweet 16 that's 1 inch thinner than standard, so it has less tendency to feed back. No upcharge, although if I was gonna do it again I'd have soundposts installed.
I think what Dave was talking about were the Gibson 175/Heritage 575s. The Gibsons are lam tops and the Heritages are solid.

[Monster Tone]

Heritage uses a solid carved maple top. Gibsons are made with maple plywood.

One big problem is that the plywood that Gibson uses today is a LOT heavier (and more dead-sounding) than what was used in the 50s and 60s.

The Heritage 535 is plywood as well. Mind you so are your vintage ES-175 and ES-330. Nothing wrong with laminated woods on a semi in my opinion.

[gkoelling]

I've read solid tops can be more prone to feedback. True?

[Dave Orban]

The Heritage 535 is plywood as well. Mind you so are your vintage ES-175 and ES-330. Nothing wrong with laminated woods on a semi in my opinion.

I wasn't saying that there was. The problem is that the plywood that Gibson uses today is MUCH heavier (and deader-sounding) than what they used in the 50s and 60s.

I stand corrected about Heritage using solid wood on the 535s... must have been thinking about their 575s... ;)

[Dave Orban]

According to their website, 535's have a lam top. Nothing wrong with that.

It does seem that supporters call it "laminated." When someone wants to knock it, it's "plywood!" :banana

I just call it what it it: plywood. Hey, my '53 175 (my main gigging guitar) has a plywood top... ;)

[LocustXReign]

I have zero feedback issues with my H-575 and I use it through a 50 watt badcat through a 4x12 at very loud, distorted volumes. I don't use sound posts either.

[HRydarcik]

I've had both...a 1997 Gibby 335 and a 2000 Heritage 535...my 2007 MIJ Tokai ES 120 is a better guitar than either of them...on par with the 60s 335 I once owned.

[TNJ]

Like I said, the best semi-hollow I ever owned was a laminate top '99 DotNeck Reissue Gibby USA.
Better than any Heritage 535 I laid hands on, better than any Gibby Historic I ever played.
Period.

I prefer laminate tops to carved maple, but that's me.
I am with Norwine, I guess...there are clunkers from both Heritage and Gibson. And there are stellar tone machines from both as well.
You just have to run the racks until you find THE ONE. That's probably why I'd never order one built from either company. I'd rather play it, then decide.

Same as it ever was,

S.
j

[ghost]

I have yet to play a heritage or a Gibson that compares to my 1979 Ibanez Artist 335 style guitar (not sure of the model number)...

I'm not sure if my top is ply or solid, but the finish and playability have made me a big fan of MIJ 1970's guitars

YMMV, etc...:hide

[Flyin' Brian]

there are clunkers from both Heritage and Gibson. And there are stellar tone machines from both as well.
You just have to run the racks until you find THE ONE.
S.
j

I can think of one Heritage that floated your Steely Dan boat! Or maybe it was the Victoria that did it.

[GCDEF]

I've owned three 335s and one 535. Still have the 535. It's more lively and responsive to play and sounds better to me. The two main physical differences between it an a 335 that I can see are the jack is on the side instead of the front of the 535 and the neck joint is two frets higher on the 535, so you get better upper fret access.

Under really high gain and volume settings it'll howl a little, but we do plenty of hair band songs and it hangs with them easily. Sounds really good for them actually.

[TNJ]

I can think of one Heritage that floated your Steely Dan boat! Or maybe it was the Victoria that did it.

Yeah,
You have a stellar tone machine, my friend.
Sweet through and through.
The amp doesnt suck either. :)

S>
j

[brentrocks]

Funny, I've heard the same thing (a zillion times) about the Gibson, and rarely about the Heritage.
As for me, my H535 is one guitar that I'll probably never sell.

tomato

TOMATO


:agree

[mainstreetexile]

My friend says the heritage play and soud 10x better but some people just wan't the Gibson name like having a Polo shirt.

Is this Correct?

Your friend is delusional to say the Heritage is 10x better than a 335. I've owned two 535s, both nice guitars. I have a '92 ES-335 now. I could have kept the 535s - no problems with them, but the 335 feels more solid to me and, more importantly, has a broader, fuller tone.

To each his own, I like Heritage 535s and would be happy to own one still if I hadn't found an ES-335 I like better.

[Red Suede]

They sound different. I couldn't figure out why until I measured my 535. A bit smaller than a 335 dimensionally, so it dosen't sound quite a thick as a 335. Seems a little more focused and midrangey while maintaining the main 335 characteristics that I enjoy. I did break the bank to get some Tom Holmes pickups, so now I don't miss my '61' dot neck 335 at all. The fit and finish is really good. Those Heritage guys are building good stuff.

http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x57/Redsude/?action=view&current=Heritage535withTomHolmespickups.jpg

[harvestmark]

I believe I'm on the verge of purchasing a Heritage 535. It's a lot of guitar for the money. The ones I've played have been very high quality. I've tried them acoustically next to Gibson 335's & I liked the Heritages better. Not every one. The ones I really liked had a baseball bat type neck. I'm probably gonna' pull the trigger soon.

Mark Miller

[bilbal]

I just got home from rehearsal. I took my Heritage H535 tonight cause it was closest to the door (to be honest). This guitar is friggin' great. I had the best time pulling the coolest tones out of her this evening. She just makes me happy. I have gotten quite a few guitars lately and while I dig them all for their own reasons, my Heritage is the go-to guitar for me. It's the most versatile in my collection. I am very pleased that I decided to go ahead with the purchase. I almost back out but figured if I did, I would never get the insane deal I got ever again. So I bought it. It is every bit the quality of my Gibson in every respect. I can say without hesitation that I will stay with it and put off buying a 335 for awhile - if ever. I have all the Gibson I need with my Les Paul.

For anyone on the fence as they say, the best thing to do is try each out and let them make the decision for you. What I like about Heritage guitars may not be the same thing as you would. Only you can decide which guitar is best for you. Don't let us sway your decision. You'll know soon enough which company is best for your specific needs.

[Guitar55]

A little over a year ago I compared a new 535 to a new 335. The Heritage felt better, played better and sounded better acoustically. I agree that it is easier to find a great 535 than a great 335.

[saxophonist56]

from my personal experience most of the gibsons don't stay in tune out of the box. the heritage's i just got both stay in tune and fit and finish is just phenomenal. i'd say heritage is really putting out stuff les paul would be proud of. they both just feel like an old friend right out of the box. (an old friend that kicks major sonic ass):AOK

[bilbal]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sniffyduke http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4726244#post4726244)
My friend says the heritage play and soud 10x better but some people just wan't the Gibson name like having a Polo shirt.

Is this Correct?

Your friend is delusional to say the Heritage is 10x better than a 335. I've owned two 535s, both nice guitars. I have a '92 ES-335 now. I could have kept the 535s - no problems with them, but the 335 feels more solid to me and, more importantly, has a broader, fuller tone.

To each his own, I like Heritage 535s and would be happy to own one still if I hadn't found an ES-335 I like better.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____
Yeah the 10x remark is a little foolish but maybe he was just trying to stress the fact that he prefers the H535 over the 335. The Heritage would have to be one hell of an AWESOME guitar to be 10x better than a Gibby, IMO.

The simple fact is that you are going to find dogs and diamonds in both guitars. Personally my pick is Heritage for 335 type guitars at this time. Who knows, maybe I'll pick up a Gibson one day that I like more. I'm game for trying. I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard that I love. I tried out an H150 about a week after buying my Les Paul and thought the LP was much better - go figure!!! I like good guitars that make me sound good.

[Sadhaka]

i'd say heritage is really putting out stuff les paul would be proud of. they both just feel like an old friend right out of the box. (an old friend that kicks major sonic ass):AOK

But what would Orville think?

[CocoTone]

Funny, I've heard the same thing (a zillion times) about the Gibson, and rarely about the Heritage.
As for me, my H535 is one guitar that I'll probably never sell.


Guess I arrived. $1750 brand new, and a couple of hours polishing, and new vol pots. A keeper fer sure.

CT.http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/CocoTone/335.jpg

[HRydarcik]

I've had both...my Tokai ES 120 beats them both easily.

[harvestmark]

After looking for a semi-hollow body for awhile, I kept going back to the Heritage 535. Finally bought it a few weeks ago. Did not find any 335's I liked better in the price range. I purchased a new guitar.

Mark Miller

[saxophonist56]

the thing about heritages in general is that they are "90% handmade"

if you look at all the gibson standards for instance they are obviously not.

very pretty but definitely not handmade.

i don't really have any complaint against historics and actually love them but they are usu. at least twice the price of a heritage.

the heritage guitars are kind of like what i had in my head. or as close to something made in the 50's or 60's at the gibson factory. only better because of the plek machine.

after all kalamazoo is the orig. home of gibson. the men there are the guys that didn't move when gibson did.

i think my next heritage will be something like an L5.

anyone heard mimi fox? how did i miss her? superlative jazz guitarist. plays heritage.

[brentrocks]

I just got home from rehearsal. I took my Heritage H535 tonight cause it was closest to the door (to be honest). This guitar is friggin' great. I had the best time pulling the coolest tones out of her this evening. She just makes me happy.


that is great to hear!

i bet the boys down at 225 Parsons st. would love to hear that...maybe i'll send Ren & Vince an email w/ your quote!!!:banana

[Trebor Renkluaf]

I've had both...my Tokai ES 120 beats them both easily.
The Tokais are really nice. I just wish they made a 1 11/16" nut instead of 1 5/8" - that's just too narrow for me.

[jads57]

I haven`t read this whole thread so forgive me if this has already been addressd. The problem w/ modern ES-335`s for me is the neck angle(pitched too steep). If you look at the vintage 1964 and pre versions you`ll notice that most of these guitars have way less pitch. This translates to the strings being closer or more parallel to the body. You can see this on most PRS guitars w/ wrap over tailpeice as well. As far as the Heritage 535 it also has a thinner body than the 335. Overall I prefer the Heritage, but if you can find the right 335 they`re great guitars!

[HRydarcik]

I haven`t read this whole thread so forgive me if this has already been addressd. The problem w/ modern ES-335`s for me is the neck angle(pitched too steep). If you look at the vintage 1964 and pre versions you`ll notice that most of these guitars have way less pitch. This translates to the strings being closer or more parallel to the body. You can see this on most PRS guitars w/ wrap over tailpeice as well. As far as the Heritage 535 it also has a thinner body than the 335. Overall I prefer the Heritage, but if you can find the right 335 they`re great guitars!

I agree...I had a mid to late 60s 335 12 string and the thumbwheels for the bridge were very close to the body and the pickups didn't stick up that far above the pickup rings. I also had a 1997 335 and the thumbwheels were up 5/16ths to 3/8ths of an inch and the pickups stuck up way up above the pickup rings...I just thought that was very unattractive.

Last year I ordered a lefty Tokai ES 120 from Japan and was amazed at the neck angle...just like the 60s 335...here's a couple of pics...the thumbwheels are only 1/8 inch off the body and the pickups don't stick up far at all above the rings.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/heritagefan/Gear%20pics/DSCN0562.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/heritagefan/Gear%20pics/DSCN0563.jpg

[Guitartim]

Overall Heritage has really gotten better in the last few years. QC is much better and they plek all of their instruments. Set-ups can vary as with most makers, but Heritage is paying attention and guitar buyers are keeping them very busy down at Kalamazoo.

And another cool thing is if you do have an issue, complaint, or problem, the OWNERS still answer their phone or email, handle things and are nice to you! I still own and love my Gibsons, but the level of customer service those old timers give at Heritage AFTER the sale of their hand-made guitars makes believers out of previous headstock worshippers.

Here is my Heritage. Meet 'Palomino'!


http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/6738/heritageh55507at9.th.jpg (http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=heritageh55507at9.jpg)
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8175/heritageh55507rearen5.th.jpg (http://img254.imageshack.us/my.php?image=heritageh55507rearen5.jpg)

[motis1953]

Whoever said that Heritage Guitars are 10X better than current Gibsons was kind of blowing it out of proportion. Realistically they're only about 3X better. I would rate the quality as good or probably better than anything coming out of the custom shop. If you can get to Jay Wolfe's shop in Florida you can find one with the finish you want, the neck shape and body weight you want, and the pickups you want. If you can't get there the guys will do it for you over the phone. Good luck.

[Jazzydave]

I was always a Gibson guy. When I was about 7-8 I was watching MTV and this guy came on...this gorgeous guitar in hand, wailing! It was Slash and the song was Sweet Child o' Mine. I was in awe and I knew right then I wanted to be a guitar player AND I wanted to play THAT kind of guitar!

After awhile I got into Zepp, early Clapton, etc, etc. I started playing Epiphones when I was a teenager and finally got a Gibson. I played Gibson pretty much exclusively until about 3 yrs back when I bought a Heritage H535 off ebay for dirt cheap. I was BLOWN AWAY. Not only was I blown away, but EVERY other guitar player I jammed with was also blown away! They were always asking about it and how I was getting that tone (although we ALL know that tone is in the fingers, but I nice guitar helps!).

I've owned H150s and for my money, they don't get any better. When it comes down to it, everyone loves the old Gibsons for a reason. The new ones just don't have the same mojo. I picked up a NEW Gibson Les Paul CUSTOM Black Beauty a few weeks ago and was looking it over. There were some flaws that were just painfully obvious. You just don't see that with Heritage guitars.

Heritage uses REAL mother of pearl inlays instead of cheap plastic, premium woods on ALL of their guitars, and what you pay for in the Gibson Custom Shop is what you get every day out of the Heritage factory.

Do I still love Gibsons? Of course! I'd love to replace my old Tobacco Burst Std but in the meantime, I'm sticking with Heritage.

[magnus02]

So are newer heritage 535's better than older ones? I found a '89 535 for sale for a good deal and I'm wondering if its cheaper bc its an older model and maybe of lower quality than the newer ones that are plekd etc... what is a good price for a used 535?

[Presc]

I bought an '01 535 off a fellow TGPer recently and am loving it. The last Gibson 335 I played was quite nice - but this 535 (identical finish) sounds just as nice, plays better, and has prettier woods. The deal breaker: the new 335 was $3000. I got the 535 used for $1250, when I looked around at new ones they were going for $1800.

I'm getting tons of compliments on the look and tone of the guitar, and one of my good friends is now strongly considering ordering a Prospect.

[JimmyR]

I've owned quite afew 335s - some better than others! The first was a '65 and it sounded quite good but had a way skinny fingerboard which was too skinny for me. My current 335 is one of the best for me - it's an '07 Fatneck. I don't know if all fatnecks sound like this one but mine is a cracker! I love it.

So I recently got the chance to try a similar Heritage. The neck was smaller than I like but it sounded pretty good, and the standard of finishing was higher than Gibson's. It feltknida more "handmade", but I seriously doubt that there's much difference in how the guitars are built. I think sound wise they were almost equal, but I am biased towards my Gibson. Some 90s 335s I have played have been very ordinary sounding though - very nasal and not very pleasant.

A couple of days ago I was in a friend's music store and they had just received a new Tokai 335. It was one of the better ones with a laquer finish. They also had a fairly recent used Memphis 335 which was almost identical except that the finish of the Tokai was far superior! I swapped between the two guitars for some time. The Tokai was way more playable; just light years better. The Gibson was used but still very new and badly in need of a setup. With a truss rod tweak, some nut work and saddle height adjustments (about 15 minutes work) it would have played a lot better, probably as well as the Tokai. But the thing is the Gibson sounded a lot gutsier plugged in. I know that pickups probably had a role to play in this, but even thought the Gibson was crap to play I would rather buy it and do the work myself. Even at almost twice the price here! If I didn't have the money though I would be very happy with the Tokai.

I also got an Edwards 335 not too long ago! (can you tell I like this guitar style??) Again, the Edwards is a fantastic guitar and half the price of the Gibson. It also sounds a little different because it does have solid top and back. The neck I like better than the Tokai and it's as well built and finished as the Tokai. But my fave is still my Gibson Fatneck. Maybe I got a good one? I don't know. But it just feels more solid and howls more than all the rest. The Heritage would probably be my next pick. Even moreso if the neck was a bit bigger.

I think the moral of the story is that we are blessed to have so many options now! They are ALL great guitars.

[bilbal]

that is great to hear!

i bet the boys down at 225 Parsons st. would love to hear that...maybe i'll send Ren & Vince an email w/ your quote!!!:banana

Please do. It's the truth!!!!

Bill

[Mr. Bertha]

this is just my experience, yours may vary. I was in the market for a 335, and tried tons. I skipped the truly vintage pieces because they were out of my price range. Several 1990s 335s were ok. I considered them to be worth the 1500-2000 they were going for. Nearly bought one. The most standout 335 I tried was a 1970s TDW. Amazing feel and tone it was exactly what I wanted but it cost well over 2500. I eventually got a 535 with a few unique options/upgrades(pickups, block inlays, vintage style bridge, custom pickguard shape) for 1800 and never looked back. The neck is perfect-for me- and the tone gives me everything I was looking for. If I'd had the money I would have been happy with the 335tdw, but I'm just as happy for a grand less. The 535 IMO is in a class with only a few 335s that I consider ideal for me.

[weezy]

IMO, the only 335 style guitar that has come close to the quality and mojo of my 08' Gibby 335 fatneck was a Hagstrom Viking that I played around with a few weeks ago. I have tried many Heritage 535's and similar models from Heritage and I truly believe they are different animals. They feel completely different to me, different size, sound and feel.

Having said that, I agree they are making high quality instruments - probably better quality than the original Heritage instruments since they began reverse-engineering them.

[michaelprice83]

Heritage. No comparison to the Gibson production and "Custom Shop" models. Maybe true vintage spec masterbuilt pieces are better but I've never played any. Played tons of 335s the ones that are currently $2800 in my guitar shop, and my heritage owns it.

[jzgtrguy]

IMO, the only 335 style guitar that has come close to the quality and mojo of my 08' Gibby 335 fatneck was a Hagstrom Viking that I played around with a few weeks ago. I have tried many Heritage 535's and similar models from Heritage and I truly believe they are different animals. They feel completely different to me, different size, sound and feel.

Having said that, I agree they are making high quality instruments - probably better quality than the original Heritage instruments since they began reverse-engineering them.


I think you may be on to something regarding the differences between the 335 and the 535. I think there are some structural differences on how they are built and also maybe a difference in the woods used ie lam top versus a solid top and so on.

Can anyone speak to the structural differences on the builds of these two guitars?

[Red Suede]

The Heritage is smaller than a 335 in length, width and body thickness. I measured mine because I wanted to know why there seemed to be a tad less thickness and fullness than my old 335. It's an almost negligible difference in tone but it's there. A bit more focused, not quite as full. I like the difference though, and the main 335 characteristics remain, especially after I loaded it with the Tom Holmes pickups.

[jzgtrguy]

I thought there was a difference inside the guitars. I thought they treated the solid blocks inside differently. I also thought that the Heritage had solid wood top and the 335 a laminated top. I might just be misinformed.

[shark_bite]

I just got home about an hour ago from my first gig with my most recent acquisition:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/1d/44/e408_3.JPG

So anyway yeah, whoa. This thing is smoking balls! Plugged it straight into my Bassman and went nuts. I've been trying to find this tone for a long time now, and I can safely say I've now got what I need.

[rh]

I just got home about an hour ago from my first gig with my most recent acquisition:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/1d/44/e408_3.JPG

So anyway yeah, whoa. This thing is smoking balls! Plugged it straight into my Bassman and went nuts. I've been trying to find this tone for a long time now, and I can safely say I've now got what I need.

That was the trade in the Emporium? Yeah, just judging from the picture it seemed like it had some potential to be a great one.

[shark_bite]

That was the trade in the Emporium? Yeah, just judging from the picture it seemed like it had some potential to be a great one.

Actually, no -- I was talking to Jeff about it, though. He wanted trades and I didn't really have anything I wanted to let go of (besides a pile of cash, though not quite as much as he was asking - like he said, it wasn't going to be a fire sale)... but then I found the same axe on ebay and the bid was really low, so I threw down a $1500 bid and went out for beer, thinking I'd get blown away. As luck would have it, nobody else bid after me. Someone must have fallen asleep at the wheel, so I got it for $1425.

[rh]

Actually, no -- I was talking to Jeff about it, though. He wanted trades and I didn't really have anything I wanted to let go of (besides a pile of cash, though not quite as much as he was asking - like he said, it wasn't going to be a fire sale)... but then I found the same axe on ebay and the bid was really low, so I threw down a $1500 bid and went out for beer, thinking I'd get blown away. As luck would have it, nobody else bid after me. Someone must have fallen asleep at the wheel, so I got it for $1425.

Congrats! A great 535 is on my "buy one day" list.

[shark_bite]

Congrats! A great 535 is on my "buy one day" list.

Yeah... this thing is a keeper. Just threw together a quick soundclip into aforementioned 59 Bassman LTD. All you Gibson people can't deny that this is a fine-sounding guitar. Probably even better if someone better was playing it :)

Here's the clip (http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7107237), if anyone's interested in hearing the Heritage in action.

[rh]

Yeah... this thing is a keeper. Just threw together a quick soundclip into aforementioned 59 Bassman LTD. All you Gibson people can't deny that this is a fine-sounding guitar. Probably even better if someone better was playing it :)

Here's the clip (http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7107237), if anyone's interested in hearing the Heritage in action.

Works for me. :AOK

[Deacon]

I recently owned a Heritage "35 Special" H-535, and I now own a '59RI ES-335.

Both were/are excellent guitars.

The neck on the '59RI is quite a bit chunkier than the 535 had, and it feels like the is also a wider neck ... both of which I prefer.

The Historic 335 was about twice the cost of the 535 (bought both used). Is it twice the guitar? No way ... but I'm much happier with the Gibson than I was the Heritage.

It feels better to me because of the bigger neck, and it sounds and plays amazing.

Just personal preference.

[GCDEF]

The Heritage is smaller than a 335 in length, width and body thickness. I measured mine because I wanted to know why there seemed to be a tad less thickness and fullness than my old 335. It's an almost negligible difference in tone but it's there. A bit more focused, not quite as full. I like the difference though, and the main 335 characteristics remain, especially after I loaded it with the Tom Holmes pickups.

I had a 535 and 335 at the same time for a while. They seemed identical in size to me. One notable difference, the 535 neck joined the body two frets higher, so upper fret access was better. 535 has wider binding and the jack on the side instead of the front.