(More on that one here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=118036&p=1651292&hi ... e#p1651292). Eventually another one showed up on ebay with free shipping at less than 10% markup from retail. Basically the markup paid for shipping.This is my first MIJ guitar so here's some observations:
1. The crafstmanship and finish are really top shelf. I'd say the nitro finish meets or exceeds the modern AV65 nitro finishes I've seen from Corona.
2. The shape and parts on the Heritage guitar are all US. That includes the pickguard. As you'll see in the pics, I replaced the pickguard with a US JM shaped guard and it 100% lined up.
3. The neck has a clear glossy finish! I really dislike when Fender tries to simulate aging only on the neck by using a satin finish that slightly yellowed. The instrument is new and not relic'd, don't just relic one part.
4. The pickups sound great. For my preferneces this guitar sounds better than the stock CFM AV65 I have.
5. This finish is billed as "transparent white" but the edges of the guitar are more solid white. I'd be tempted to call this "Mary Kaye burst". It's a really neat look and is a great blend of transparent while still feeling very white and not pinkish yellow which a lot of transparent white finishes can lean towards.
6. I've never loved the gold guard on white look so I swapped it out with a US JM pickguard I had in the parts drawer. I prefer this look but I know that is probably not the popular opinion here.
Anyway, enough talk, here's the pics:
