Heritage Guitar Inc. of Kalamazoo - Our Story 

I was gonna buy a used heratige H 535 but after watching these videos I'm gonna buy a new one to help the company

Just bought a new custom shop aged dirty lemonburst H-150. I have old Gibsons and started playing them in 1972. I love your story and my new guitar. Heritage indeed! You made the American Dream. Congratulations and Well Done Gentlemen. You embody the American Spirit. We should all aspire to follow your example.

Gibson has the audacity to say "Play authentic". THIS is authentic. Heritage is the true successor to Gibson. The company that left Kalamazoo may still have the name Gibson, but everything that made them great is long gone. Only Heritage remains.

This should be a Movie !!!!

heritage is the real gibson company with nice expierienced working guys. thanks for the epiphany

There’s one Custom Core H-150 Artisan Aged in a local dealer store that I just kept going back to each time I’m there. For a player who loves singlecut guitars the most, it’s just the best singlecut that I’ve ever played. Now I know how awesome Heritage made guitars are, and I’m glad my curiosity got the better of me to pick one up and plug it in. That one particular H-150, I’m gonna bring it home with me soon I hope.

I just picked up a 2021 Artisan Aged H150. It is by far one of the best instruments I have every played. Thanks for keeping this company alive!

I purchased a Les Paul from Heritage Guitars in 1993 (flame top, zebra coloured pickups from Seymour Duncan). The last eight years the guitar was stored in an unheated garden shed with high temperatures during the summer and freezing temperatures in winter time. I took it out of the case yesterday and with a new set of strings it plays just beautifully. These instruments are built to last!

Thank you friends. Just purchased a new-to-me mint H-137, made in 2019 I believe. My dad immigrated to the States (San Francisco, Bay Area) in the early sixties. I was born in the late sixties a few years after mom came over to join him. He passed about five years ago, and loved being American, an engineer and a craftsman. I think he would have loved the guitar too, wish I could show it to him. Peace, and liberty! Sunil Menon.

THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart ❤ !!!

Man am I the only one almost brought to tears after hearing this old guys talking about this?

Well, I became a proud owner of a Heritage H-150 yesterday!! I had to have one of these beautiful guitars!! I currently own 2 Gibson Les Paul’s as well but I don’t think a collection of these beautiful guitars is complete without a Heritage guitar built in the original factory by hand!! Today I can say without a doubt that I am proud and happy to be the new owner of a special guitar like the Heritage guitar!! I can’t wait to start playing it, it’s a beautiful lemon burst!! 🙏🏻🙌🏻🫶🏻

This piece of culture should be preserved and the state should embrace it. People often just realize what they had when it's already gone. Good to see the youngsters take over. I loved my 92 Parsons street (with serial number one, Schaller pickup s) from the day I saw it. Came back to the shop in Amsterdam for 4 months in a row to play and to see if it was still there until I had saved up the money. The man at the counter said he would hold it for me the last month. And I got it . Ever since. It needs a fret job, much buzzing now, but I am not sure where to go here in the Netherlands. No hurry though, I only play at home when I have the energy.

Thank you folks at the Heritage Guitar Factory for making such incredible guitars! I've bought an aged H150 Pelham Blue a couple of days ago, I couldn't be happier! Thank you for the works of art you are making there!

I love my Heritage was introduced to Heritage by a working pro who handed me The Eagle Model he needed cash at the time and wanted me to sell it back down the road. Well I kept my promise and sold back reluctantly but promised myself to buy one. in the future. I purchased H575 built in 2000 that had no play wear and was mint! I love looking at it as much as playing. I am part Michigander my family being from Detoit it also does have special meaning for me. I love the Logo. Mine says "The Heritage".

I'm from michigan and H*LL F***ING YEAH!!! Way to go fellas this truly warms my heart to see a TRUE American company who actually cares about the history and quality of a product.

I've never even seen one in person. I really want to try em now!

I love my H-150CM Thank you. Heritage is magic.

I toured that factory back in 1968. Great memories for me, being a ten year old! I love that the tradition is still going..

Last week I bought a Custom Core H-150 and it is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship! Everything about it is top notch. The neck fits perfectly in my hands, the top is a beautiful sight, and those pickups sound amazing! And the revised headstock with just Heritage inlaid is a vast improvement for me! This is one that can be passed on for generations!!

Yes, the world does need "another guitar company". Too many companies go through the motions without any real heart. I truly appreciate that you guys care about what you are doing and honor the history behind the designs that you represent. I first learned about you from Gary Moore and always heard about how great your guitars were/are. In fact, I never heard a bad thing about Heritage which is really saying something. Thank you for doing what matters. Keeping the "heart" in your craft.👍🏻

Wow- Underrated guitars!! I’m getting my first H535…TODAY!!!! All American and built by men that are old school and that are a dying breed unfortunately. When men were men! I’m in Illinois and I’d love love love to see this factory and witness the craft and skill in person. I’m an artists through and through and hopefully my young sons one day will understand why daddy is always playing his guitar and writing on paper - I’m a songwriter- it’s in my blood and I was born with it- it can be annoying because I have music in my head constantly but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Great work fellas!!! Thank u!!!!!!

Give these guys some love people these are the ultra purist and do an amazing job

After this I"m scrapping Gibson out of my wish list. Heritage it is.

My favorite guitars!!! My H-140 gold top(1989) and H-575 (natural) from 1987 are simply AMAZING!!! THANK YOU!!!

You are America! I'm glad to be a part.

Low and behold I just came across this today April 12024 what a coincidence. I've been looking for a Heritage Dreadnaught for a while.

Keep rocking, guys! Keep rocking! 👍🏻🙏🏻

Just bought one yesterday can't wait to get it in my hands 👐🍻✌️♥️

Got a H150 and a H357. Best beasts ever!!!

just imagine, one of these guys build a few of 59' les pauls.....just bought my first heritage h535. I am sure as hell I will love it.

I have 1989 H-535 and just love it. Everyone always complements how beautiful the guitar is. It is a work of art. Thank you Heritage!

I ordered a Super Eagle in the very early years of Heritage, still have to this day. JP Moats had taken my order. Thinking about a H-530 now.

What an amazing story and guitars. I stopped in one Friday 8-9 years ago, looking for some parts for my '00 H-170. Rendal looked at my guitar and told me he have to do a setup before I leave with it. He pointed to about 200 guitars that I was "cutting" in front of. He whipped that thing into shape in 20 minutes, telling amazing guitar stories. I was so humbled by the experience, I was so nervous when he handed it back, I must have sounded like a fool. One of the greatest experiences of my life. Also, the best playing guitar I ever laid hands on.

crazy seeing the place where my old LP was built way back when

I remember seeing your "150" in my favorite music shop, back in the late 90's!!!! But I could of thought I saw some in early 80's........

I've owned a 1992 Heritage golden eagle since 1995. I love it

Magnífica y historia de esta empresa que por lo que puede apreciarse es la de su gente, y en la que cada instrumento lleva un poco de cada persona. Eso la hace trascender más allá de donde está localizada geográficamente. Un abrazo a cada artesano de Heritage Guitars desde México con afecto

I am so psyched. My first Heritage Guitar arrives today April 1st. I think that is some serious karma for sure. I bought the H-535 in a natural finish and I cannot wait to plug it in to my Fender, Marshall, Orange and other amps. I was about to buy the Gibson ES-335 Satin and at the last minute I changed my mind. Thank you for posting this fantastic video of a real American Institution. PEACE!

Great guitars

I’ve got a Heritage 150 and it is an amazing guitar.

I think I saw my guitar being made! I love my Heritage, such a beautiful instrument & the story behind the company is fantastic.

How awesome would it be,to be able to go to this historic factory and build your own custom 1 of 1 guitar.. That's a once in a lifetime situation and would probably cost 10k or more... I'd build a vintage spec version of an H147CM (I prefer that body shape over the standard H150)

It’s great to see a real American guitar that hasn’t shut down and moved to Mexico .

Love Heritage guitars! My H-535 is a real player!

Can’t beat ‘em

Love my Heritage 535 which is second to none and an awesomely beautiful guitar!

Good to see and I hope the company prospers.

I love this.

Looks where Gibson goes today, I admire and appreciate your works. Go on gentlemen.

Stopped by to have frets dressed on a brand "G" SG in 1964. Got a great factory tour too. Stopped by again in 2008 to have frets dressed on my Heritage H-150 and got another factory tour. Strange parking lot! When I think of holy places, Parsons street is high on the list.

Great work guy's.

I had a double cut semi hollow Heritage in late 97, and it blew my Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus away in every aspect. I should have done the trade.

I love these guys

Damn great stuff and history. Why is it so difficult to find in europe good dealers ? I really would like to play a heritage for testing. So take my best regards to your awesome guys and i wish your company all the best !🇬🇧🇬🇬

Best guitars I’ve ever owned

Please make lots of successors for your heritages!

Wow. Hello, Jack French. You replaced the neck on my 1999 Heritage H150CM in 2005. In fact, I asked about you in an email I wrote to Mike at Support for Heritage Guitars yesterday. Please check with him.

The real Gibson soul is carried over to the heritage guitar. And Edwin Wilson, chief reissue officer at the Gibson Custom Shop, came here in search of the truth.

nicely done!! excellent promo vid....keep up the good work!

Time to clean up that shop, how can they find the parts to put the guitar together!

I've owned three, still own two and wouldn't sell them for the world. IMO they are the finest guitars made today.

That tobacco burst at 5:40 is just about as beautiful as anything on God's green earth.

Wow, almost moved to tears. This is AMERICA! This makes me want to buy a Heritage next time around and buy it new instead of saving $500 on a used one

I love that these guitars are 100 percent handmade American made .i mean I know that's what I want ,and I think that's what a lot of people that play guitar ,and love guitars wants .i mean you can go with some CNC machines on some things but for the most part please stay handmade

Thank you for building a great guitar. I consider "The Heritage" to be the real Gibson. Your standard off the rack compares and exceeds Gibson's "custom shop" I buy more of your guitars.

If you want a "real" Gibson, then buy a Heritage!

Really hope the new owners dont ruin this great company. Remains to be seen.

8 Gibson reps disliked this video. Thank you Heritage for upholding the tradition of handmade American guitars.

This is an undenile part of Gibsons history, they are crazy not to be a part of the Heritage name. I bet there's an old unfinshed burst body somewhere in that building if not there's one that could be built on those machines with those hands. Cool American History here.

I’d work there if they teach me!

That´s what i call a Human -) btw, i have a Heritage 535 myself and love it !!!!!!!

I plan to buy a new H-530 in a few months. Possibly a new H-150 as well. With the retirement of the original guys, I do have concerns.

Nothing wrong with CNC, mass-produce guitars. Done right they are just as good, and maybe better. These kind of instruments are about who makes them and how they're made. But I don't pretend they "sound" or "play" better. I love them because I understand the process involved in making them. I own good computer-made guitars too. I'm keeping all of them.

I'm a fan of human beings crafting guitars, not robots or machines.

Hey guys! Let me come be your electrician! My dream job!! Ive been an electrician for 22 years 12 of that i spent as an industrial electrician in a large osb mill. I love guitats especially my 2000 H150 sunburst with a one piece top. Come on guys! Im a shoe in! Lol!😊. Will work for guitars!!

We miss Aaron Cowles and J.P.Moats ..We will never forget you and all others associated with thi building..!!

Are they still made in the old shop?

I gust purchased a 150 from sweetwater.com made last march and the grounds where not hooked up?

I like everything about Heritage except the headstock

I was recently roaming the mean streets of Bend, Oregon when a bearded man wearing tight fitting trousers approached me and said “BRO, HEROTAGE IS MORE GIBSON THAN GIBSON”. I looked at him, took a step back and said “I have no idea what that means but thank you for your passion.”

Showww

I’m going to buy one…. Screw Gibson

anyone wanna buy a 2019 gray silver sky in WA? I want to buy a Heritage h150 now after seeing this video.

Let's help together

H-157 black beauty and H-150 Cherry burst both lefties made in mid 90's. Will never part with them.

@3:27 Gibson & Fender was accused of doing this in the mid 2000's . I bet it was probably true . I have decided to not buy another Gibson . They are NOT making guitars for working class musicians . Gibson is in the market for collectors and making max profits for their shareholders. Their QC is awful and they mistreat their employees . The time to buy a Gibson was in late 2018 to mid 2019 . This is when the changed ownership and wanted to impress the public . I have 3 guitars from that time frame and they are GREAT . 2 Factory and 1 Custom shop . I recently bought a couple of Gibson's from 2022 and they were duds so I sold them . I heard the Murph Labs are great but I'm a working class musician , I can't afford to spend $10K on a fricking guitar LOL. I spent $5k on my 2019 R9 and IMO , that was too much .

Don't do the import deal!!!!!

One of the things not mentioned is, being in a heavily unionized Auto manufacturing state, Gibson struggled with the Unions, thus the real decision to leave. It made sense for Gibson to move the Music Capitol of the US, a city that works, lives, and breaths music, the resources are greater, and to get out from under the boot of the unions. Many other companies have done the same thing which is why middle Tennessee is growing and prosperous, and Michigan continues to stagnate and bottom feed. Even Michigan's own Ford Motor company is investing in Tennessee building "Blue Oval City". One can argue the merits, but the fact is, Michigan is hostel to companies, and Ford probably won't exist in Michigan in about another 10 years.

This is why I also hate Gibson and their bullshit. They allow Slash a pass for having a 1959 imposter made by Kris Derrig , because it brought back the Les Paul. Slash sold more guitars than Les Himself!!! And yet if Heritage used the “open book” headstock, Gibson would sue and try to get Parson Street back just to burn it to the ground. These guys that stayed and did not run to Nashville for work are the best ever for staying true to them and their artistic ways of hand built in America!!! I love their story and will never buy another Gibson of any kind ever again

Play authentic,play Heritage.

**please read this guys and don’t take it wrong because I love your brand and your craftsmanship but everyone I talk to says they love your guitars and would buy one if the headstock wasn’t so ugly. Just change it , even if on a “modern model” or one model year or something . Watch that one sell like crazy. Again I hope you don’t take it like I know more than you because I don’t but enough people have the same opinion it’s gotta have some truth. Honestly trying to help. 🎸🎸

Gibson snobs pooh-pooh Heritage. Let 'em, I say. Ignorance is bliss. But these ARE Gibsons, in all the ways that really matter. Gibson is just a name at this point. Gibson snobs insist they can tell the difference in the sound. Stradivarius snobs say the same thing about violins, but in blind listening tests they CANNOT. Put the same pickups in the guitars, plug them in the same amps, and play them with the same hands and they sound exactly the same. Anyone who tells you different is a liar. I loved the one I bought in 2003. Haven't seen new ones. I do know they cost twice as much as mine did. The price of progress I suppose.

I just wish they wouldn't have sold out to corporate America

Heritage of knowledge... Don't change anything guys!!! Pass the knowledge to the young guys we saw in the video and give us all the beauties you build each day for a long time please??!