HAMER vs. HERITAGE

[PUCKBOY99]

O.K.

I grabbed a set of the 50th Anniversary Seths & have been looking for a guitar WORTHY of them.

Wolfe Guitars is local & I've been chatting with Jay about stopping up to take a peek.....look at these 2 GORGEOUS specimens:

Given the choice which would you choose & why? Which would hold their value better?

Thanks again..................I'll give a few reviews after I stop in on Tuesday.

BTW...his new store should be opening soon.

I'm gonna be in BIG TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smack:

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

NO HAMER OR HERITAGE PEOPLE OUT THERE???

Lew

Jeff H.

????????

 

[Frantic_Rock]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Hmmm. I'd probably get the monaco - but that's not the same price, i don't think. Wouldn't that be at least 500 dollars more expensive?

But a les paul is a les paul. If u want a les paul with Original PAF sounding pups then get the heritage.

I have no experience with the monacos. You have to ask Lew, about how they compare to LPs

Oh and offcourse play them - how else can u decide!

 

[Hoss]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

i haven't played a Heritage...but i've yet to find a better looking, feeling, sounding new guitar being made on the market today than a Hamer!

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

DO NOT "peruse" that website Hoss.........the stock will make ya' cry!!!

Super nice guitars over there....but they sure ain't cheap!!!!!!

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

heritage!

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Terry -

Both are excellent guitars. The Hamer will more than likely hold it's value better all things considered, and Hamer builds and excellent instrument. However, with that said, I would pick a Heritage every day. Why you ask, let me tell you.

I am a huge Les Paul fan, and something about the vibe and authenticity of having a guitar made where the original LP's were made in the late 50's, by some of the same craftsman, or people who were trained by those craftsman is very appealing to me. Not to mention that they pay great attention to detail with regard to the original LP specs. They use top quality wood (as does Hamer) and components.

The thing that really sold me on Heritage was Jay Wolfe. I talked to him at length about having a guitar built to the exact specs of an original 59'. SAM (south american mahogany), eastern rock maple top with mineral streaks, brazilian rosewood fingerboard, correct neck angle, headstock angle, dish carve....everything. Total was going to be $1600 - with an AA maple top and a hardcase, for a custom order. I will still have this done, probably sometime this year.

I know Hamer builds a very quality instrument, but I have a soft spot for the nostalgia and crafstmanship that exists in Kalamazoo.

There's 2 shiney pennies to rub together from me.

 

[chcjunior]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

If you have the option to actually see the Heritage you wish to buy, then certainly look into those. The one I got had sub-par binding to say the least. This was the one I got from Jay Wolfe who maintained that this is to be expected from Heritage guitars. Note that the majority of people have been extremely satisfied with Wolfe Guitars, and that I am apparently the exception to the rule.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

CHC---what exactly was the problem with the binding, was it not laid properly, was there a gap, or was it bleeding from the finish? Just curious as a lot of the guys over at the LP forum say that the Historic Re-issues have color bleeding problems into the binding because of the finish products uses....apparently that is historically correct to the 50's LP's. They also state that it wears itself out after a while.

Just curious.

 

[chcjunior]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

CHC---what exactly was the problem with the binding, was it not laid properly, was there a gap, or was it bleeding from the finish? Just curious as a lot of the guys over at the LP forum say that the Historic Re-issues have color bleeding problems into the binding because of the finish products uses....apparently that is historically correct to the 50's LP's. They also state that it wears itself out after a while.

Just curious.

There was four seperate issues with the binding. There was bleeding on the topside of the single cutaway. In addition, there was apparently a smudge from a thumb. On the side of the neck that faces the floor, there was a vertical streak of stain, as well as stain on the corner around the 7th fret.
On the side of the neck that faces you near the nut, the stain line was literally squiggled. On that same side near the neck joint the stain line went diagonal for an inch.

I've got a G&L Asat Deluxe now, and there is NO binding issues at all. That shop builds them by hand as well, so the claim subpar binding is to be expected from the hand made process is bunk. Of course, the Dean USA Hardtail I picked up from Sprinter is immaculate as well as far as binding (or any other issues) goes.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Wow....those are some issues to have on ONE guitar with binding. A guy might have lived with one issue. Did you ever get the shipping issue resolved? Too bad it turned out that way....it definately sounds like the exception from Heritage, at least from the research I've done.

 

[chcjunior]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

I filed a claim with my credit card company for the shipping difference. We'll see how it turns out. As well, I lodged a complaint with Heritage and the Better Business Bureau.

It's not even so much the $50....it's the principle of the matter to me. Both Heritage and Jay's quality control process should have stopped that guitar from even making it to my door. Couple in the fact that Jay tried to rationalize the defects as being offset by the Heritage tradition and tone, and I've been left with a bad taste in my mouth.

I don't wish ill on many people, but I certainly hope karma catches up to Mr. Wolfe.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

O.K. good things to look at!!!

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll be sure not to get sucked into the beauty of the tops & go over them really well.

I also understand that Hamers get what they've termed "Hameritis"...some type of flaking or whiting of the finish around the neck joints, so.

I'm with ya' on the "mojo" of Kalamazoo Jeff....seems like a really nice option to that "OTHER" company!!!!

 

[tone4days]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

just on looks, it's a real toss up .. i wouldnt mind second pick .. if i got first pick, i'd lean heritage just 'cus it is so damn close to a real LP in body looks ... but you gotta put em in your hands and see what they feel like and then plug in and hear what they sound like ...

have fun

cheers,
t4d

 

[kherman]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Both are great guitars .
For me it boils down to looks.

I like the HC150.

I don't like that little extra 1/4" of wood in the cutaway on the neck pocket on the Hamer.
The depth of the cutaway does not look as deep as on the heritage. Looks like it bottoms out at about the 21st fret.

i'm going to throw another one at you.

Diodati.

this is mine.

They are made in Japan and sold in the U.S. by Pete Diodati in New Hampshire.
The feature:
Honduran 1 piece neck.
Honduran 2 piece body.
Carved maple top. *
Indian rosewood fretboard.
MOP inlays.
Tusq nut.
Acrylic Lacquer finish.
Sealed Gotoh tuners.
TOM bridge.
Gotoh pickups. (Swapped them out as you can see).
Mine weighs I'd say around 9lbs or less.

The guitar body is shape much closer to the Heritage H150 than it is the Gibson LP.

* the top is a quilt veneer over thick plain maple. I've noticed no loss of tone to this.
To me it's no different than a primed and painted gold top would effect tone.
Just seems to be a common Japan building practice.

Has a very full, wide , open tone. Not compressed sounding at all. Very resonant.

Has a medium neck tenon. Longer than a Gibson Production. Extends all the way to the neck pickup cavity. Just doesn't have the tongue going into the bottom of the cavity like a Historic.

I believe Pete is a Heritage dealer as well. So, you could ask him more about how they compare.
http://www.diodatiguitars.com/
info@diodatiguitars.com

Whren I was looking for an LP type, I was looking at Heritage H150, Dean EVO Premium, Hamer studio. Happen to hear about Diodati and gave it a try. I'm quite happy.
Had it for a couple years now. Holding up great.
Inlay work is impeccable, not a glue or filler line around em. Tight fit.
Tweed case it comes with i nice too.

Just a thought.

Otherwise, yeah, I like the Heritage.

Kent

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Nice Kent........I've never heard of the Diodati's but d@mn fine looker!!!

I'm gonna go up on Tuesday & try out a few...I asked Jay to grab a few of the Heritage, Hamer Monaco, Studio Custom & Newports & have a fun time.

I've never played a Hamer or Heritage, but they sure seem like great alternatives to that "other" overpriced company!

 

[Curly]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

well, first of all, Seymour said the anniversary Seths were very cool pickups, and not that many were made, so it's great that you got a pair

I'm partial to Hamers, after learning about them here, and I'm still amazed at their craftsmanship when I pick them up. I'd be tempted to look for a used Monaco (I've looked for a used one myself) - I've seen them go for less than $1000.

however, there are some nice Heritages here on the forum, too, like Chip's and kaknight's ... well, and Seymour's
you've got to respect their commitment to sourcing original woods in this day and age, and the supplies won't last forever

it's a tough call ..
so I'll repeat the same old advice: play both and the differences will be apparent

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

The Heritage guitars just don't do it for me. I don't think thier designs are graceful and the way they play just feels stiff to me. They are beautifully constructed but I'm not a Heritage fan. I like that they are made in the old Gibson factory at 225 Parsons though.

I prefer Hamers. They play great (I love the fretboard radius and neck shapes) and look great. I love my Monoco Super Pro.

I do have one criticism of Hamers though: I'd like to see them go to a thinner finish...they are still making it a little thicker than I prefer.

Lew

 

[kherman]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

Thanks Puckboy.

The Diodati is a sweet guitar.
Pete only has a small batch done each year.

Also, when you go to check out the Heritage and Hamer.
Dont' discount the Hamer Studio. Give that a try too.
Either way what ever you choose from those companies will be a fine made instrument.
It's actually going to boil down to your personal preferences.
Tone, feel, play.

Have fun!!

Kent

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: HAMER vs. HERITAGE

WELL....I didn't get the chance to go to Wolfe's yesterday. I got a little busy around the house & running errands, but I did pull the trigger on this:

Got it from a guy selling it on HC...spoke to him a little & worked out the deal. I should get it by the weekend!!!! There are more pics on the "MY GUITARS" link below.

And then, I stopped off at a local mom & pop shop to grab a new wall hanger & damned if they didn't have a used Studio in there. Played it a while & LOVED the body styling.....can't wait for the new addition.

Should be a nice proper home for those 50th Anniversary Seths !!!! :beerchug:

BTW...is that when you know you've hit bottom in the GAS department? When you buy a guitar for the pickups you have?????? :dunno: :biglaugh: