Hallmark 59 Custom model

[Veenture]

Guys, I'm pretty sure it's not Hallmark's intention to let the new Joe Maphis compete with the H60C…notice in Bob Shade's intro he addresses "Bakersfriends"…which is not a wide audience I would say and my guess is that the colour of the 59 Custom will show up better in real life; I know this to be the case with my second run Hallmark 60 Custum tri burst.

[MWaldorf]

Without in any way detracting from the 60 Custom sunburst, it's a modern looking burst. It's the same thing with the Fender reissues - the burst isn't as bright in the yellow and red bands as the 1960s bursts. It would be great to have a more period correct burst on the 59 Custom, it would be another reason to step up.

By the way, I had a chance to see the 59 Custom vibrato hardware in person today at Bill Gruggett's house, and it's really cool. The flip mute has some tension on the hinge so it looks like it will stay up or down as intended. It wasn't assembled so I just got to look at the parts but I get good vibes from it. Later in the day I was able to briefly play Artie's 63 single pickup Mosrite that DubTrub is cleaning up. It's got the same notched metal bridge and it seems to add twang.

Anyway, it's a cool looking guitar and I look forward to checking one out in person someday. BTW - will the "mistake plate" be removeable?

[gplayer]

At first I was a little disappointed that the 60 Custom didn't have the brighter red and yellow burst. But, I've grown to really like the "modern burst" on it. Putting the older style burst on the '59 would give it even more distinction from the '60. Especially, if it's more period correct.

[Sarah93003]

Wow, that is a total beauty! Way, cool. I need to ask for a raise!

[Bob Shade]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to chime in and address the burst and color issue. First, we use Alder for a body wood which was used on the Mosrite 63 sidejack guitars for better tone. Basswood which was used for 64's and up was easier to carve, but not a great tonal wood for sustain and great tone. So the Alder has a little different look to it when finished. Also in 1963 there were different finishing materials available on the market than there are today. Also, if you have not noticed before, Mosrite, to get the bright yellow and red burst would paint the bodies white first, so the burst looks very bright, but there is no wood grain showing. We like to see the beauty of the grain underneath of the finish.

Yes the mistake plate can be removed if desired, we attach it with spray adhesive. Although I really believe it adds to the uniqueness and beauty of this model.

The pickups are the same as the 60 Customs but for an upcharge we will handwind pickups and even provide vintage magnets if desired. We have the remaining stock of Mosrite 60's and 70's pickup magnets.

Thanks again for the interest!!

Best regards, Bob Shade

[Elnjay]

As much as I think that the Swept-Wing bass is a pretty kewl machine...

Bob, why don't you make the classic '60's style Mosrite BASS ?

There are probably more than a few bassists who would like to own a Mosrite-style bass guitar
if they were readily available. Right now the choices are either a "real" Vintage model, or a few other mfrs, including the very nice Japanese versions ( I own a Fillmore Ranger; great bass- but not readily available, and somewhat pricey...)

I think you should go for it.

[JimPage]

Hey--

Speaking to Elnjay's point about the Mosrite-styed bass, I owned a 1967-or-so one back in the day, and that Swept-Wing bass that Bob makes feels VERY much like I remember. It is just a joy to play.

I confess that I didn't care for the look of the Swept-Wing Hallmark as a GUITAR, but for some reason I like it as a bass and Man, does it play nice!!!

Jimmy wants!

Also, thanks to those who had nice comments about Bob's photos of the 59 Custom. Bob and John art-directed, but I did the photography Bob posted in this thread and must say that is a gorgeous guitar in person. I tried to do it justice through the lens.

--Jim

[gplayer]

Hey Guys!

Just wanted to chime in and address the burst and color issue. First, we use Alder for a body wood which was used on the Mosrite 63 sidejack guitars for better tone. Basswood which was used for 64's and up was easier to carve, but not a great tonal wood for sustain and great tone. So the Alder has a little different look to it when finished. Also in 1963 there were different finishing materials available on the market than there are today. Also, if you have not noticed before, Mosrite, to get the bright yellow and red burst would paint the bodies white first, so the burst looks very bright, but there is no wood grain showing. We like to see the beauty of the grain underneath of the finish.

Yes the mistake plate can be removed if desired, we attach it with spray adhesive. Although I really believe it adds to the uniqueness and beauty of this model.

The pickups are the same as the 60 Customs but for an upcharge we will handwind pickups and even provide vintage magnets if desired. We have the remaining stock of Mosrite 60's and 70's pickup magnets.

Thanks again for the interest!!

Best regards, Bob Shade

I completely agree with seeing the grain of the wood. Remember, these are "Hallmark" guitars, not Mosrites.
I think giving tribute to the past design, in a modern way, isn't a bad idea. JMO

[JimPage]

>>Remember, these are "Hallmark" guitars, not Mosrites.

A wise observation.

--Jim

[sleeperNY]

Jim, you did a great job with the photos.

Jim