Heritage by Name. Heritage by Nature.

When you hold a Heritage guitar, you’re not just holding an instrument — you’re holding a piece of Kalamazoo history. Since 1985, Heritage Guitars has carried forward a proud tradition of American guitar building, rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of individuality. For players who crave more than mass production, these guitars represent a living connection to the artisans who shaped the golden age of electric guitar.

From Kalamazoo to the World

The story begins in 1985, when a group of veteran luthiers purchased the legendary guitar-making facility at 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Armed with decades of experience and the original equipment that had produced some of the world’s most iconic instruments, they set out to keep the craft alive. Their mission was simple: build guitars that were as unique as the players who would take them onstage, into studios, and into history.

It didn’t take long for the world to notice. That same year, Heritage introduced its first models at the NAMM Show, signaling to musicians everywhere that the Kalamazoo tradition was alive and well.

A Tradition Carved by Hand

Nearly forty years later, Heritage continues to define itself by uncompromising craftsmanship and an unshakable dedication to detail. From the Custom Shop, where bespoke masterpieces are shaped by hand to exacting specifications, to the Core Collection, which offers timeless designs with an artisan’s touch, every guitar reflects the ethos of 225 Parsons Street. Even the Standard and Ascent Collections bring that same DNA to players looking for an American-made guitar built for a lifetime of music.

Detroit Guitar’s Heritage Spotlight

At Detroit Guitar, we’re proud to showcase some of the finest examples of Heritage’s artistry — guitars that embody the past, present, and future of Kalamazoo craftsmanship.

• Custom Shop Core Collection H-555 Ebony – A semi-hollow masterpiece, the H-555 combines lush resonance with elegant styling. Its Ebony finish captures the sophistication of Heritage’s Custom Shop, pairing showpiece aesthetics with tonal depth that’s at home in jazz, rock, or blues.
  Explore the H-555 Ebony →
• Custom Shop Core Collection H-150 Dark Cherry Sunburst Artisan Aged – The H-150 is Heritage’s answer to the single-cut legend, and this Artisan Aged version carries a soulful patina that feels broken-in from the first chord. Its Dark Cherry Sunburst finish is a nod to Kalamazoo’s roots, with a voice that’s rich, warm, and unmistakably Heritage.
  See the H-150 Dark Cherry Sunburst →
• Custom Core Collection H-150 Dirty Lemon Burst – Few finishes capture vintage character like Dirty Lemon Burst. This H-150 pairs classic looks with modern reliability, delivering searing lead tones and a sustain-rich body that sings with every note.
  Discover the H-150 Dirty Lemon Burst →
• Custom Shop Core Collection H-137 TV Yellow Artisan Aged – With its unmistakable TV Yellow finish and stripped-down design, the H-137 is pure rock ’n’ roll attitude. The Artisan Aged treatment gives it the character of a well-loved companion, while P-90 punch makes it a raw, expressive tool for players who value grit as much as finesse.
  Check out the H-137 TV Yellow →
• Custom Core Collection H-150 Olive Drab – A bold twist on the single-cut formula, the Olive Drab finish sets this H-150 apart visually while retaining the legendary Kalamazoo DNA. It’s equal parts classic and modern, perfect for players who want tradition with an edge.
  View the H-150 Olive Drab →
• Custom Core Collection H-150 Gold Top – The timeless Gold Top finish has defined generations of electric guitars, and Heritage’s H-150 brings that tradition to life with unmatched craftsmanship. Balanced, resonant, and visually iconic, it’s a guitar built to inspire.
  See the H-150 Gold Top →
• Heritage H-530 Transparent Cherry – Feather-light yet full of resonance, the H-530 is Heritage’s most lightweight thinline hollow body. Its Transparent Cherry finish highlights the maple’s natural beauty while letting the guitar breathe with woody, open tones that blues and rock players will love.
  Explore the H-530 Transparent Cherry →
• Standard H-535 Original Sunburst – The H-535 is a workhorse semi-hollow that embodies versatility. From jazz smoothness to rock crunch, it adapts seamlessly to any genre. The Original Sunburst finish ties it directly to Kalamazoo tradition, making it a modern classic.
  Discover the H-535 Original Sunburst →

Carrying the Flame Forward

As Heritage looks ahead, its mission remains the same: to honor the roots of guitar-making while forging instruments for a new generation of players. At Detroit Guitar, we’re honored to be part of that story, connecting discerning musicians with guitars that are built to inspire, endure, and carry the spirit of Kalamazoo forward.

Come experience Heritage for yourself — and see why these guitars are truly built like no other.