Parsons Street Pilgrimage

[VictorB]

http://wwmt.com/news/local/guitar-fans-from-across-the-country-make-their-way-to-kalamazoo

Guitar fans from across the country make their way to Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Guitar fanatics from all over the country are making their way to the old Gibson guitar factory in Kalamazoo Friday.

It's called the Parsons Street Pilgrimage.

When Gibson left town in the 80's, several former employees started Heritage Guitars, where they still hand-craft instruments to this day.

It's something guitar owners want to see, and today, they got the opportunity.

"I've had this guitar, I think it's been three years now," one visitor said.

They come from all over the country, to see where their favorite guitars are brought to life.

"These guys, they're really rock stars in the guitar-building industry and that's what we're all here sharing," said Guy Nitz.

Nitz is the front man in a Las Vegas-based trio, playing--exclusively--Heritage guitars.

He helped organize the Parsons Street Pilgrimage to take fellow guitar-lovers behind the music and into the famous factory that's been operating in Kalamazoo for nearly 100 years.

"This is the same spray booth they painted the most prestigious Les Pauls from 1959, and that's the heritage that goes along with these guitars," Nitz said.

Heritage was taken over by new owners this past April--who say they have big plans for the historic building, adding an event center, a restaurant and possibly even a museum. But they promised the crowd they'll stay true to their roots and keep cranking out custom guitars for years to come.

"You gotta remember it's a musical instrument but it's also a work of art," said Jim Deurloo, one of the original Heritage founders.

Deurloo says the future of music here in Kalamazoo is not only bright, it's buzzing. And that is music to his ears.

"Heritage's best years are ahead of them," he said.

The Heritage owners club plans to have a jam session at the VFW at 6 p.m. Friday night.

Guitar owners from all over the country will be in Kalamazoo to celebrate music.

Interesting! Can't wait to see what the new owners have prepared for the future!

 

[Roberteaux]

I was just thinking about the old place the other day, wondering what the current situation was.

It is really interesting. Thanks for posting!

--R

 

[Hanover Fist]

I've been to those "pilgrimages" a few times, and they've been a lot of fun. But when their forum was temporarily shut down a couple years ago, I've was perma-banned, so I no longer receive invitations to attend.

 

[rockinlespaul]

I truly hope the best for them.

 

[LtDave32]

http://wwmt.com/news/local/guitar-fans-from-across-the-country-make-their-way-to-kalamazoo



Interesting! Can't wait to see what the new owners have prepared for the future!

Keeping up the interest is key.

At first when reading about the restaurant and event center, I kind of thought it to be gimmicky. But it keeps the guitar interest up, and that's a good thing.

 

[parts]

Haven't been there since the early 70s..so never saw Heritage..just Gibson.. Loved the palace...and I mean palace..
You could smell wood and nitro..sawdust floors..and real people building real guitars..

saw my 66 ES355 before it was finished..and again when it was being assembled and wired..

Incredible for a 17 year old..

 

[Stinky Kitty]

This is a good time for Heritage if the new owners hold true to their promises.
I just acquired one of the 2014 Black Beauty Alnico V / P90 edition.
It's due to arrive next week..