Hallmark Inquiries

[fishyfish235]

Okay, I think I will just let him play with a Ventures recording. That way, the sound of the bass and drums are true to original.

What would you like to hear him play? He can play a lot of em, from Walk Don't Run to Diamond Head. The most challenging one I've heard him play was Slaughter On 10th Avenue

Anyway, thanks for all the help with the Hallmark.

[marsman]

I was a Gibson player during my playing days, but always wanted a Mosrite, but like
you, the cost stopped me, so I opted for the Hallmark C60, beautiful guitar, well built and
solid as a rock. The only thing is after playing the Gibson SG, the Hallmark is heavier,
but you get use to it.
I'm still experimenting on string gauge, 10-46 is the norm, I would like to try a little lighter.

As for your son, when I was his age my dad spent a little extra on my first real guitar,
to this day I still remember the day we bought it, which brings a smile on my face.

Good Luck

[LOSTVENTURE]

I find it difficult to beieive that I've been playing along with the Ventures for almost 50 years. They were a great place to start, as they give you a solid background of "information" to work with. I tend to throw some of Nokie's and Jerry's licks into everything I play, even with the Church choir. As for Hallmark vs the actual Mosrite, it's always going to be an individual preferrence. The Custom 60 is an exceptional instrument all on it's own. It is going to stand out against any guitar on the market and at any price level. I personally consider it a Mosrite on steroids, a Strat with soul, a Tele with depth and a Les Paul with a wicked bark, all rolled into one. I own versions of all of those guitars (except the Mosrite) and they are all sitting in the close right now.
Try taking the C60 over to Guitar Center or Sam Ash and see what happens.
Don

[fishyfish235]

I'll try that once we have it

One quick question, the 60C has a floating bridge right?

[LOSTVENTURE]

Some of the heavy vibrato users say that the bridge "rocks". I don't do a lot of vibrato and mine seems to sit still. So of there is "floating" involved, I guess you would be referring to the rocking action. The bridge is still more stable than any vibrato equipped guitar that I have ever played.
Don

[CookieMan]

I have to agree with what folks are saying about the Hallmark 60C. I've had mine for about 3 months now and it's quickly become my favorite guitar. Plays and sounds fantastic, looks are to die for. I've had a few guitars with vibratos (an early 70's Fender Mustang, a Stratocaster copy and an Ibanez Starcaster) and staying in tune while using the vibrato was impossible. I don't know how Bob does it, but the Shade vibrato truly "rocks" both literally and figuratively. For the first time, I'm able to use a vibrato at a gig and not have to re-tune between songs.

I've always felt that it's worth paying more for a quality instrument because it feels and sounds better than something cheap, so it gets played more. The Hallmark 60C is a great value and well worth its price. Go get one for your son, Fishy - he'll thank you for it.

[fishyfish235]

That's good news. My son is always complaining that his guitar gets out of tune so easily, and yet he uses the vibrato. He'll be happy with this then

[LOSTVENTURE]

ON SECOND THOUGHT, maybe the Hallmark is the wrong move. If your son realizes what he has, he may never know the thrill of over-paying for a Gibson or deciding if his next Fender should be MIA, MIM, MIJ, CIJ (or who knows where else). These are events that have shaped, or distorted, many of our lives over the last couple of decades. These are events that need to be lived and shared by everyone.
Just a thought.
Don
ps: I have a nice MIJ Fender Mustang for sale. (Just a joke guys !!!)

[fishyfish235]

Well, he has a Yamaha Pacifica right now. He doesn't like the shape of the Gibson though, he says it's too uncomfortable to him. Hey, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

[LOSTVENTURE]

OK, I have to admit that I'm a bit jellous here. One of the things that usually holds back a beginner is getting your fingers accustomed to the mechanical aspect of simply holding down the strings on the neck and being able to change chords as fast as the music demands. My first $49.00 Sears Silvertone had 1/8" action at the first fret. Talk about giving blood for the cause. Not many of us could afford a nice guitar so we dealt with what we had. My buddies and I would sit in study-hall and compare our callouses. The Hallmark has the low, fast action that makes it hard to put the guitar down and very easy to practice for hours at a time. Which is what it takes to stay with it in the long haul. Good luck with your purchase, and say "Hi" to Mr. Shade for me.
Don