Heritage
Since 1985
Heritage Guitars was founded in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when three former Gibson craftsmen took over Gibson's shuttered Parsons Street factory. They continued building Gibson-style instruments with the same tools, techniques, and location. The lineup includes the H-150 (Les Paul-style), H-535 (ES-335-style), and H-575 (ES-175-style). The Standard Collection and Custom Core represent USA production; the 2024 Ascent Collection is a China-made budget line. PlazaCorp acquired Heritage in 2016; BandLab Technologies took a stake in 2017. H-150 standard models run $2,499–$3,500; H-535 runs $2,999–$3,800. Pre-2016 vintage examples command $1,500–$4,000+. Used Heritage guitars average $1,800 with 5% annual appreciation.
41
Years in Business
80K+
Guitars Sold
$20M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Heritage Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Heritage guitars.
Heritage Price Overview
Heritage covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,800
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
280
Active listings
Sold This Month
72
+6% vs last month
Price Range
$1,200-$4,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Heritage Timeline
Gibson Leaves Kalamazoo
Gibson closed its Parsons Street factory in Kalamazoo, moving production to Nashville.
Heritage Guitars Founded
Three former Gibson craftsmen—Marv Lamb, Jim Deurloo, and J.P. Moats—founded Heritage in the same Parsons Street building.
H-150 and H-535
The H-150 (LP-style) and H-535 (ES-335-style) became the core models, built with original Gibson tooling.
H-575 and Hollow Bodies
Expanded with H-575 (ES-175-style) and other hollow/semi-hollow models.
PlazaCorp Acquisition
PlazaCorp acquired Heritage, bringing new investment and distribution.
BandLab Technologies Stake
BandLab Technologies (owner of Mono, Reverb competitor) took a stake in Heritage.
Ascent Collection
Launched the Ascent Collection—China-made budget line—while keeping USA production for Standard and Custom Core.
Kalamazoo Legacy
Heritage remains the last major guitar maker in Kalamazoo; pre-2016 examples are increasingly collectible.
Complete Heritage Product Lineup
Heritage: Built in the same Kalamazoo factory where Gibson began—by the craftsmen who stayed
Solidbody
H-150 Les Paul-style guitars
LP-style, Standard $2,499–$3,500, Custom Core higher
Semi-Hollow
ES-335-style and related models
ES-335-style at $2,999–$3,800
Hollow Body
ES-175-style archtops
ES-175-style
Ascent Collection
2024 China-made budget line
Budget line, China-made
"Heritage: Built in the same Kalamazoo factory where Gibson began—by the craftsmen who stayed"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
H-150 Guide
Gibson Heritage at Lower Cost
The H-150 ($2,499–$3,500) is built in the original Gibson factory with similar construction. You get LP-style tone and feel at a fraction of Gibson Custom Shop prices.
Parsons Street Legacy
Heritage uses the same Parsons Street location and much of the original Gibson tooling. The H-150 is the closest thing to a 'Gibson from Kalamazoo' you can buy new.
Standard vs Custom Core
Standard Collection is the core line; Custom Core offers upgraded specs. Both are USA-made. Ascent is the 2024 China budget line.
H-535 Guide
ES-335 Alternative
The H-535 ($2,999–$3,800) is the ES-335-style semi-hollow. Same construction philosophy—center block, carved top—at a lower price than Gibson.
Pre-2016 Collectibility
Pre-PlazaCorp Heritage guitars (before 2016) are increasingly collectible. Expect $1,500–$4,000+ for clean examples.
Used Value
Used Heritage guitars average $1,800 with 5% annual appreciation. H-150 and H-535 hold value well.
Used Heritage Buying Guide
Pre-2016 Premium
Pre-PlazaCorp Heritage guitars often command a premium. Serial numbers and build dates matter for collectibility.
Inspect the Build
Heritage uses set necks and traditional construction. Check the neck joint, fret condition, and electronics. Original pickups add value.
Kalamazoo Connection
Heritage is the last major guitar maker in Kalamazoo. That legacy supports long-term value and collector interest.