225 Parsons Street Factory Tour with Heritage Guitars Masterbuilder Pete Farmer

[@jerrymeeuwse859]

It's a cool old building with a lot of history. I've been inside a number of times and there's always more to see. My mother spent many years at 225 Parsons. She started in 1962 and retired in 1984 when they moved. She was very proud of the guitars she helped build. She was a perfectionist so building guitars fit her well.

[@motoputz3201]

cool story, really kool mom

[@jerrymeeuwse859]

@@cattnipp Know what? She was my mother, and loved her job. (Fingerboard inspector) One of only two, Her and Rem Wall.

[@vilareusser8593]

CASH and Presley walked through this place kids, come for a tour!! Made in Kalamazoo!!!

[@rodanone4895]

the entire crew at The Heritage are amazing. Pete and the team built me a custom. made to measure. H-150... they let me choose my top. they let me pick the tinting for the dirty lemon finish... They priced the instrument unbelievably... 1/3 what the comp would have. you definitely should give them a call if you have a hankering for something special. I've been collecting their guitars for years. have a couple from as far back as 87. They are making as good or better instruments than ever!!! no lie. and it's not confirmation bias. there are over a hundred guitars in my house... if it was on fire that H150 would be the one I grab... unfortunately we'd lose the 1934 L7 that was made IN THE SAME FACTORY. 🤘🤘

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

After watching this video I sincerely hope that your home with more than 100 Heritage guitars will never go up in flames... but given the value they also believe they have for humanity, maybe it would be a good thing if you book them in a good museum...

[@rodanone4895]

@@maurizioferegalli6850 that's a great idea. in addition to the heritage we have a 1934, 16" L7, a 1947 17" L7, 1956 L4... also from Kalamazoo! Not sure who would want to show them. but it would probably be safer. Fire bad! Cheers!

[@flapjack413]

That's part of why I try not to own more than 20 guitars at a time, space being the other reason. I could most likely rescue all 20 if my house were to catch fire, but 100? Hell, even 40 would likely prove too big a challenge. At least make sure your instrument values on your insurance are kept up to date!

[@shook9042]

I'm ordering a Custom Core H150 for my 50th in April. Can't wait!

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

I have always been a Gibson fan and had heard of Heritage guitars but without delving into the subject... After watching this video and getting to know its story I think this Kalamazoo factory should be blessed and if one day I get rich I will buy at least one of these beautiful tools... Congratulations on everything you have done and are still creating.

[@leonthompson8988]

I bought mine used in the 90s and it was great. I owned a 90s good wood era Gibson and that was good as well but certainly not any better than the Heritage. Make sure your Heritage has 500k volume pots installed. In the early years Gibson sued them and out of that settlement came rules at least 12. Heritage had to use 300k pots to load down the pickups so it wouldn't have the Gibson lp growl as it were. I think that if Heritage had been allowed to use the proper value of pots it would not have taken so long for them to earn the reputation they deserved.

[@jacobmoody6121]

I am not even close to being rich and just purchased a H150.

[@Tonedefy]

Just ordered my first Heritage, so stoked, cant wait! Awesome to think that my guitar was built in the same factory where the holy grail 1959 Les Paul was born! ❤

[@jacobmoody6121]

same!

[@MrPickup12]

They did an outstanding job on my custom H-555. I could not be happier with the work.

[@fandangodrive4310]

Just scored a artisan 150 dirty lemon and it's a great guitar

[@barrymcadams4598]

Mine arrives tomorrow!! Get r’ done, lads!

[@tjallingdejong9645]

Great to see this , Heritage Guitars is my Favourite Brand , I have 1 Heritage H-150 for about 10 years now (bought 2nd hand) will never get rid of it , maybe one day buy one more...

[@topografer]

Love the fact that machines are running and making noise in the background

[@aesoundforge]

I Have a 535 and 150, both are fantastic guitars. Build quality is top notch!

[@tinman8518]

I have a rare Heritage acoustic guitar that was built in their early years, 1988. It is an amazing sounding flat top with a beautiful shaded up. It's an HFT-445.

[@deepwater2652]

Sure like playing my H535 and H150 - great tone and beautiful guitars!

[@motoputz3201]

and this is why I own two heritage guitars, they are sweet! I will own each model eventually

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

What models do you have for now???

[@motoputz3201]

@@maurizioferegalli6850 H150, H535

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

@@motoputz3201 So you have the Les Paul type and an ES-335 type, two of the best.

[@motoputz3201]

@@maurizioferegalli6850 yes, I think so too. my H150 is 30 yrs old this year, the H535 is 2 years old

[@billwittman0504]

I've had my 535 since 98 and played it so much I had to get it refretted. It's my BEST friend!!!

[@leonardlangford1260]

I bought a 335 back in 2011.I wish I had seen a Heritage before I bought the Gibson.

[@fuzzatface]

And probably tomorrow is time for limited ed custom core. Amazing guitars!!

[@randygomez9595]

Heritage looks like an awesome company making some really nice guitars. I just recently acquired an H-150 and it is an amazing guitar. Build quality and craftsmanship are top notch, it is really comfortable to play and the tone is amazing!

[@rdmahurin]

Thanks for doing this; good to know you're still going full steam.

[@rcjp]

What a superb factory tour, great information and clearly presented, thanks!

[@tsmerk]

I had the top of my Heritage Golden Eagle refinished at this factory and the result was amazing. Best guitar top I have ever seen.

[@m42tyn]

Fantastic. Hoping to buy one soon 😄

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

I have Just bought a Heritage H-137 very very cool guitar 😊

[@jr0706]

As a Michigan native living down in Florida, I was really unaware of the brand until several years ago. Hopefully on my next trip back to Detroit I can take the 120 mile drive to Kalamazoo to check out this in person. I would love to own a 535 someday.

[@waynecristaudo7220]

I just bought a 2006 ebony custom Heritage with P90s today - I have plenty of other great guitars but this has the best neck I have ever played and I thought none would beat my Strat - but .. fantastic stuff guys!

[@curtisanderson7246]

I’m working toward getting one

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

Someday I'll have a Heritage. Maybe when my wife and kids are gone, lol. ❤️

[@rickflippin1]

My new favorite guitars love them

[@danielcoleman4807]

Obviously skilled craftsmen building quality instruments. I understand the Heritage (Les Paul) custom core is not weight relieved and I like that.

[@tylerwillison4962]

My Custom Core is about 8.3lbs

[@krazyolie]

nice. you can see a few of the harmony models at the back @16:40

[@michaelborski2373]

Hope to purchase my first by May of 2022. I would love to go on a tour if that is a option. Great and very informative video!

[@mattelder9147]

Just bought a H-535. Cool to see the process and care put into the instruments.

[@jamestonguet1737]

great vid , I've had my H575 C for 10 years and LOVE it

[@jjulch]

Love the original body drying rotating drying rack.

[@bean_____Boi]

Very cool indeed

[@rlinwood2478]

Love my Millennium Limited Edition CNSB Terrific resource. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Gorgeous instruments, I'd love to have one of those arch-tops in the amber natural. So classic!

[@ryanstark2350]

I have one. I have both an H150 and H575. I got these about ten years ago. Now they are way more expensive. The H575 has the most insane maple figuring you have even seen. Both sound really great.

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Hello Mr. Farmer, thanks for making this great video-tour of the Heritage Factory in Kalamazoo ! I have the H-535 model in Translucent Emerald Green. I noticed in your showcase that this color isn't shown; just wondering, is Emerald Green a specialty color? Any string-size tips are appreciated from anyone, I know BB=King uses the .008/38's.

[@kmani69]

Amazing guitars !

[@bryanfinkell9022]

My next guitar will definitely be a Heritage!

[@emmettnoble1865]

Thanks, for the factory tour. I hope one day I might be able to visit.

[@peterkelly4791guitzarman]

I’m going to get one grew up three blocks from that place

[@7387470]

Really love your guitars and your history. 😊

[@indysoundco]

Great to see a tour...

[@loriquigley7535]

Loved the video! Is the public able to visit the factory in Kalamazoo?

[@bluzzjazz]

I've got 3 Heritages...30th Anny H-555, H-157 CM and H-170. Their quality and craftsmanship are what Gibson should be ascribing to achieve moving forward. I have two Les Paul's from the 70s.....a 72 Goldtop Deluxe and a 79 Les Paul KM. Both are really good guitars. I'm partial to the Deluxe, the Mini MBs having a singing quality about them. The KM's Cream tops sound very good as well, but it's an anchor, weighing at least 2 lbs more than my Goldtop! The newest Gibson I own is a 2011 Firebird and must say it is a fine guitar. I'm sure Heritage has had some off years but all three of mine are great guitars. The 30 Anny is obviously from 2015, the LP CM is a 2006 and the H-170 is an 87. It must have been a special order as it has a bound headstock with a stinger on the back.

[@bluzzjazz]

suppose to be aspiring....what happens when you don't proof read 😜

[@jdl2180]

I have a H-530, it is my favorite guitar!❤😊

[@benv6875]

My H 150 Core is just incredible.

[@hadleymanmusic]

I would like an unjazzed byrdland and a doublecut LP. Please label kalamazoo on the headstock.

[@carltonjones2915]

Hey folks really liked the tour and updated info. I have a 535 with a Gold top and walnut color sides and back, very nice. Do you know when these were made and do you still produce guitars 535 with this finish. Also it was hard to hear you over the machines at times, you might consider wearing a mic 🎤 when I film it with your iPhone.

[@dinein1970]

I sometimes do regret selling my H150. Was an excellent axe. One day, may get another Heritage.

[@fuzzatface]

Yesterday got my Heritage H150 DLB after saying good bye to my Gibson, and I didnt even needed to plug the guitar in much time.

[@andybrown141]

i was born in kalamazoo , i think i’m meant to have one of these . 😎

[@xxPanteraxxx]

If you do, you won't regret it. Incredible guitars.

[@charlie-obrien]

It's part of your heritage! (totally intended!)

[@balddrummer8736]

I want a H-535!!!!

[@MediaGrope]

Looking forward to seeing this, but please if you do this again, turn off the machines firstly thanks

[@Thisisrance]

I love these guitars, but the headstock really turns me off

[@jjulch]

There is a very special 137 on the bottom left of the showroom floor...

[@winstonli8081]

Noticed that too. It's the custom shop one

[@ghalston5641]

Who’s the Philistine who gave this a thumb down?

[@randygomez9595]

Probably a Gibson fanboy 😆

[@dungeonwolf8919]

Mark Agneesi

[@michaelborski2373]

Tar and feathers! Grrrr

[@djabroni_brochacho4644]

Dang Philistines, they were never happy!

[@ghalston5641]

@@cattnipp nah, your sister.

[@keithbriscoe99]

Very manual, artisan-like.

[@svbarr]

Can't go wrong if buying new to buy Heritage and G+L. Same sound as the big corporations but more old school hand work than regular production Gibson and Fender.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

THAT is how you make a guitar

[@ctpmark]

Anyone that's looking to buy a guitar that the G Corp make, should compare it to what heritage make, and see that the Heritage will be a better instrument with excellent finish and tone.

[@UAL320]

Looks like these guys are really doing things right.....Gibson who???

[@allensaunders449]

Should of turned some of the machinery during the tour

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

Ahh Heritage, who does Gibson style better than Gibson itself.

[@flapjack413]

"What the hell has happened to Gibson's QC???" They stayed at 225 Parsons when Gibson moved to TN. 🤣

[@InTonalHarmony]

🤤🤤🤤

[@evansmith8895]

It’s my understanding heritage was created by former Gibson craftsman who refused to relocate after Gibson left. In my opinion, heritage is a better product in quality control alone. Gibson leadership has lost its mind. They don’t care about guitars anymore, they want to be in other markets.

[@fearnpol4938]

Christ the amount of glue that fella was putting in the neck joint! Interesting to see they don’t care about employee health, just like gibson, with guys wearing bloody bandanas as face masks!