The Complete Heritage Guitar Price Guide 2026: Born in Gibson's Original Factory

Last updated: February 2026

When Gibson left Kalamazoo in 1984, they didn't take the craftsmen. They didn't take the factory. They didn't take the knowledge that had built the Les Paul, the ES-335, and the SG. They left 225 Parsons Street—the building where every iconic Gibson had been made since 1917—and they left the people who knew how to build them. In 1985, those craftsmen formed Heritage Guitar. Same factory. Same tools. Same hands. The H-150 became the Les Paul. The H-535 became the ES-335. The H-575 became the hollowbody jazz box. For four decades, Heritage has built American guitars the way they were built when Kalamazoo was Gibson's home. In 2024, Heritage introduced the Ascent Collection—H-137 and H-150 models at $195-$699, made in China to reach budget-conscious players. But the heart of Heritage remains at 225 Parsons Street: the H-150, H-535, and H-575 at $2,499-$3,800, built by the people who learned from the people who built the originals.

This guide breaks down Heritage pricing from the Ascent budget line to the USA Standard Collection. Whether you're seeking Gibson heritage without the Gibson price or curious about the Ascent's value proposition, understanding the market will help you make an informed decision.

Heritage Guitar Market Overview 2026

Heritage occupies two segments: USA-made premium (225 Parsons Street) and Ascent budget line (China, 2024+).

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Heritage Price: $2,400 (USA); $350 (Ascent)
• Active Listings: Approximately 220 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 55 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $195 (Ascent H-137) to $3,800 (USA H-575)

The USA line holds value well—Kalamazoo heritage, same factory as vintage Gibson. The Ascent Collection is too new for long-term value data but offers exceptional entry-level pricing. Used USA Heritage: $1,800-$3,200 typical.

Understanding Heritage's Philosophy

225 Parsons Street

The address is legendary. 1917: Gibson moved in. 1952: The Les Paul was born there. 1958: The sunburst. 1959: The ES-335. 1984: Gibson left for Nashville. 1985: Heritage was born. The craftsmen who stayed didn't reinvent. They continued. Same dovetail joints. Same carving techniques. Same attention to detail. When you buy a USA Heritage, you're buying from the factory that built the originals.

What Heritage Preserves:

1. Factory: 225 Parsons Street—unchanged
2. Methods: Handcrafted, traditional construction
3. Designs: H-150 (Les Paul), H-535 (ES-335), H-575 (hollowbody)
4. Craftsmen: Trained by or alongside Gibson-era builders

The Ascent Revolution (2024)

Heritage's 2024 move surprised the industry: the Ascent Collection. H-137 and H-150 at $195-$265. Ascent+ at $499-$699 with H-335 semi-hollow. Made in China. Heritage described it as "exceptional value while maintaining our high standards." The goal: bring Heritage to players who can't afford $2,500+. The USA line remains untouched—Ascent is additive, not replacement.

USA Standard Collection Pricing: $2,499-$3,800

Handcrafted in Kalamazoo—the heart of Heritage.

H-150 (~$2,499-$2,899)

Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany with carved maple top
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
• Fingerboard: Ebony or rosewood
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan '59 or Heritage 225 Standard
• Bridge: TOM with stopbar
• Scale: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.6875"
• Weight-relieved (Standard II) or solid (Standard)
• Finish: Nitrocellulose

Why the H-150: The Les Paul that Gibson left behind. Same factory. Same construction. Mahogany body, maple top, set-neck. At $2,499-$2,899, it undercuts Gibson Les Paul Standard by $300-$800. The Heritage advantage: Kalamazoo craft at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage.

H-535 (~$2,799-$3,299)

Specifications:

• Body: Semi-hollow, maple
• Center block: Maple
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
• Fingerboard: Ebony or rosewood
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan or Heritage
• Bridge: TOM with stopbar
• Scale: 24.75"
• ES-335-style design

Why the H-535: The semi-hollow that defined jazz, blues, and rock. ES-335 heritage. Same construction principles. At $2,799-$3,299, it competes with Gibson ES-335 at $3,200+. Jazz, blues, rock—the H-535 does it all.

H-575 (~$3,299-$3,800)

Specifications:

• Body: Full hollowbody
• Maple construction
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickups: Floating or mounted
• Bridge: TOM or similar
• Scale: 24.75"
• Jazz box heritage

Why the H-575: The full hollowbody. ES-175 lineage. Jazz and blues. Warm, woody, resonant. The H-575 represents Heritage's commitment to the full range of Gibson's classic designs.

Other USA Models

H-137: Single-cut, simpler than H-150. H-170: Double-cut. Eagle: Archtop. Millennium: Solidbody. Prices vary; all Kalamazoo-built.

Used USA Values: $1,800-$3,200 (excellent condition)

Ascent Collection Pricing: $195-$699

Budget line—China manufacturing, Heritage standards (2024+).

Ascent H-137 (~$195)

Specifications:

• Body: Okoume with basswood top
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Laurel
• Pickups: Vintage-modern humbuckers
• Bridge: Fixed
• Finish: Black, White, Sunburst
• Made in China

Why the Ascent: At $195, Heritage offers an electric guitar for the price of a pedal. The goal: "encourage young people to play." Entry to the Heritage name. Quality materials, versatile electronics. Not USA—but Heritage oversight.

Ascent H-150 (~$265)

Specifications:

• Body: Okoume with carved basswood top
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Laurel
• Pickups: Vintage-modern humbuckers
• Finish: Black, White, Sunburst
• H-150 shape at budget price

Why the Ascent H-150: The iconic Heritage shape at $265. Same silhouette as the $2,500 USA model. For players who want the look and feel without the investment.

Ascent+ H-137 (~$499)

Specifications:

• Upgraded from base Ascent
• Better components
• Heritage quality standards
• Made in China

Ascent+ H-150 (~$699)

Specifications:

• Premium Ascent tier
• Enhanced playability
• Closer to USA feel
• $699—exceptional value

Ascent+ H-335 (~$699)

Specifications:

• Semi-hollow
• H-535 style at budget price
• Versatile for jazz, blues, rock
• First semi-hollow in Ascent line

Used Ascent Values: Too new for established market; expect 50-65% retention typical for budget imports

Where to Buy Heritage Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $2,450 USA; $380 Ascent)

• Best selection of used Heritage
• Kalamazoo heritage community
• 4.0% price appreciation year-over-year (USA)
• Best for: H-150, H-535, H-575

Sweetwater (Average Price: $2,900)

• New Heritage USA inventory
• Ascent Collection available
• 3.5% appreciation
• Best for: New purchases with warranty

eBay (Average Price: $2,200)

• Used Heritage finds
• 3.8% price trend
• Best for: USA H-150, H-535

Guitar Center (Average Price: $2,350)

• USA and Ascent
• Physical inspection available
• 3.5% growth
• Best for: Try-before-buy

Tips for Buying Used Heritage

1. USA vs. Ascent: Verify origin. USA has "Heritage" headstock, Kalamazoo build. Ascent is 2024+, China. Don't overpay for Ascent thinking it's USA
2. 225 Parsons Street: USA Heritage is from the Gibson factory. That's the value proposition
3. Model Identification: H-150, H-535, H-575—know the differences. H-137 is simpler single-cut
4. Condition: Set-neck construction—inspect neck joint. Check for headstock repairs
5. Pickups: Seymour Duncan or Heritage 225—original adds value
6. Ascent Resale: New line. Used market developing. Buy for playing, not investment

Heritage vs. Competitors

How Heritage compares at the USA and budget levels:

Heritage Advantage: Same factory as vintage Gibson. Same craftsmen lineage. Kalamazoo at Nashville-competitive prices. The H-150 delivers Les Paul heritage from the building that invented it.

When Others Win: Gibson for brand recognition. PRS for different aesthetic. Eastman for handcrafted at lower price (different origin).

Heritage vs. Gibson: The Kalamazoo Question

The Heritage Pitch: You're buying from the factory Gibson left. The people who built the originals. The address that built the burst. Gibson has the name. Heritage has the address.

Famous Heritage Players

Artists who have chosen Heritage:

• Session musicians: H-150 and H-535 for studio work
• Blues players: H-535 for semi-hollow versatility
• Jazz guitarists: H-575 for hollowbody tone
• Rock players: H-150 for Les Paul heritage
• Collectors: Kalamazoo heritage, finite production

Investment Potential: Which Heritage Hold Value?

Strong Value Retention (USA)

H-150, H-535, H-575:

• 70-80% retention for excellent condition
• 4% annual appreciation typical
• 225 Parsons Street heritage supports demand
• Finite production—Kalamazoo doesn't scale

Factors That Enhance Value:

• Original case
• Mint condition
• Desirable finish
• Seymour Duncan or Heritage pickups (original)

Developing (Ascent)

Ascent Collection:

• Too new for long-term data
• Budget import typical depreciation: 50-65%
• Heritage name may support better retention
• Buy for playing, not investment

Note: USA Heritage is investment-grade for players. Steady value. Ascent is for accessibility—exceptional value at $195-$699.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Heritage

For Budget-Conscious Beginners ($195-$500)

Recommended Models:

• Ascent H-137: At $195—lowest Heritage
• Ascent H-150: At $265—iconic shape
• Used Ascent: When available, $150-$350

What to Prioritize:

• Entry to Heritage name
• H-150 shape at $265 is remarkable value
• Upgrade path to USA when ready

For Intermediate Players ($500-$2,000)

Recommended Models:

• Ascent+ H-150: At $699—premium budget
• Ascent+ H-335: Semi-hollow at $699
• Used USA H-150: At $1,800-$2,200

What to Prioritize:

• Ascent+ vs. used USA—similar price range
• USA gets you Kalamazoo; Ascent+ gets you new with warranty
• Body style: solid (H-150) vs. semi-hollow (H-335)

For Serious Players ($2,000-$3,500)

Recommended Models:

• USA H-150: At $2,499-$2,899
• USA H-535: At $2,799-$3,299
• Used H-575: At $2,500-$3,000

What to Prioritize:

• Solid (H-150) vs. semi-hollow (H-535) vs. hollow (H-575)
• Wood and finish
• Pickup configuration

For Jazz and Blues

Recommended Models:

• H-535: Semi-hollow versatility at $2,799-$3,299
• H-575: Full hollowbody at $3,299-$3,800
• Ascent+ H-335: Budget semi-hollow at $699

What to Prioritize:

• Semi-hollow (H-535) for versatility
• Full hollow (H-575) for traditional jazz
• Ascent+ H-335 for budget entry

The Heritage Difference: 225 Parsons Street

What You're Paying For (USA):

• The factory that built the Les Paul
• Craftsmen trained by Gibson-era builders
• Same construction: set-neck, mahogany, maple top
• Kalamazoo—not Nashville
• American handcrafted at competitive prices

What You're Paying For (Ascent):

• Heritage design at $195-$699
• Quality materials and electronics
• Gateway to the brand
• "Exceptional value while maintaining our high standards"

Compare: Play a Heritage H-150 alongside a Gibson Les Paul Standard. Same design language. Similar tone. Different factory. Heritage offers the Kalamazoo story at a price that doesn't require Gibson's marketing budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Heritage the same as Gibson? A: No. Heritage was founded in 1985 by craftsmen who stayed when Gibson left Kalamazoo. They build in the same factory (225 Parsons Street) with similar designs (H-150 = Les Paul style, H-535 = ES-335 style). Same heritage; different company. Heritage is independent.

Q: Where are Heritage guitars made? A: USA models: Kalamazoo, Michigan—225 Parsons Street, the original Gibson factory. Ascent Collection: China—introduced 2024 for budget accessibility.

Q: What's the Ascent Collection? A: Heritage's 2024 budget line. H-137 at $195, H-150 at $265, Ascent+ models at $499-$699 including H-335 semi-hollow. Made in China. Goal: bring Heritage to players who can't afford $2,500+. USA line unchanged.

Q: How does Heritage H-150 compare to Gibson Les Paul? A: Similar design—mahogany body, maple top, set-neck. Heritage is built in Kalamazoo (Gibson's original factory); Gibson is Nashville. Heritage often slightly lower price. Both excellent. Heritage offers the Kalamazoo story.

Q: Are Heritage guitars good investments? A: USA Heritage holds value well—70-80% retention, 4% annual appreciation. 225 Parsons Street heritage supports demand. Ascent is too new for investment assessment; buy for playing.

Q: Should I buy USA or Ascent? A: USA for Kalamazoo heritage, handcrafted quality, resale value. Ascent for budget entry, first guitar, or players who want Heritage design at $195-$699. Different goals, different instruments.

Conclusion

When Gibson left Kalamazoo in 1984, they left the factory. They left the craftsmen. They left 225 Parsons Street—the address that built the Les Paul, the ES-335, and every sunburst that defined American guitar. In 1985, Heritage was born. Same building. Same hands. The H-150, H-535, and H-575 continue the legacy at $2,499-$3,800. In 2024, the Ascent Collection extended Heritage to $195-$699—H-137, H-150, H-335—for players who couldn't reach the USA price.

From 225 Parsons Street to the world, Heritage proves that the best guitars come from the people who build them—and sometimes, the people who stayed are the ones who remember how it's done.

For the most current pricing and availability, check authorized Heritage dealers or the official Heritage website. Ascent Collection pricing and availability may vary.

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