Eastwood or Hallmark ???

[JohnnySonic]

Hey Hyman! Any updates on the Mark II bass? Would be cool to see some pictures if the bass is in your possession. =)

[GTSP]

Hi !
I thinking about buying a Mosrite guitar and don have the money to buy the "real" one (I play bass in may band and want to spend most of my money on bassguitars...) and I am wondering if should go for a Hallmark or a Eastwood ? Wich one is best ? I also looking for a hardcase for my Mosrite Mark II Bass anyone who knows where I can buy that ?
take care

//Magnus

So....what did you decide?

I was about to order the "sheena", but when I was about to do that they had got the Johnny Ramone deal so I didnt order it (I dont like the new version with aoutograph on the pickguard and headstock).
So now I am back on square one....

I would contact Bob Shade @ Hallmark & see if you can get one without the JR sig. That JR thing is brand new & it wouldn't surprise me if they still have some with the old pick guard. Bob told me they didn't sell a whole lot of them.

[twango the clown]

Just a few months ago I bought the 'Road to Ruin' model and talked at length with Bob at time of purchase. He told me that Hallmark was just on the cusp of starting to put the Johnny signature and picture on the two Mark II models. On the spot I ordered a 'Road to Ruin' with a shade tremolo added, because on my Custom 60 I can't keep my hands off that thing.
I told him I would only want it with the picture of Johnny playing one if there was a little tiny picture of him playing one on the headstock of the guitar in the picture.
I liked the Ramones you understand; I played openers for them five times, and they were a profound influence on me. That does not mean that I want a picture of Johnny on my guitar, any more than I would want a picture of Les Paul on my old Gibson.
I want it to be my guitar.
Well, that said, I play out with both my Custom 60 and my Road to Ruin, and I could make a few comparisons if that helps.
First thing, both guitars are miles ahead of anything else I've had, and I've had a lot.
The 60 Custom, (mine is sunburst) is an elegant, opulent guitar with a warm, sensuous tone even (especially) at low volume, which is an eye-opener for someone who grew up with Les Pauls. It plays like a dream anywhere below the 14th fret if you bend notes, but chokes on long bends about fret 15. I assume that's because it's a faithful copy of the Mark I Ventures model which had the same trait. Remember, Semie Moseley didn't expect the arrival of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Leslie West, et al. The idea was ease of playing high chords (those surf guys used to take a barre chord as far up as it could go!) and ease of playing high lead runs as fast as possible in the legato style, which does not anticipate bends. Don't worry, you can learn to play that way. The guitar makes you. Heavy flatwounds help.
On The Road To Ruin model, you can play anything you're used to playing on a Fender, Gibson, Jackson etc., and won't have any problems with long bends. In fact it's a great guitar for long bends in blues. It's perfect for slide too. The pickups are a little weaker and more trebly than the Custom 60, sort of like the difference between the sound of a Stratocaster and an ES-135. The difference in the feel is similar too, because the necks balance out in different places.
What I mean is, picture a reverse firebird and an explorer. Both have similar outlines, both have the same scale length, but they feel different because the neck is in a different balance point.
With the Road to Ruin, you will get a feel like a Fender or Les Paul, and the nut will be just where you expect it. With the Custom 60, you have a longer guitar and as you look down, the nut is an inch or two further out to your left. If you're used to the balance of a standard guitar, there will be a period of adjustment, as with a big Gretsch, ES 335, Reverse Firebird, etc. As a bass player you may prefer the greater length of the Custom 60.
If you want to 'Shred' go for the Road to Ruin.
They both rule. My Gibsons and Fenders are gathering dust since I got my Hallmarks. I spend as much time as I can free up bouncing between the C60 and the RTR.
Try a little echo at clean volume for a mind-cleansing experience.

[mosriteforever]

Hey Twango!! I remember your RTR with the Shade Trem. I thought that was a good move and I remember Bob and I getting that guitar ready for you. I just did not realize it was you. Thanks for the kind words about Hallmark!! Maybe I should get one of those myself!!

Mosriteforever!!!!

[twango the clown]

Have you guys ever thought about making a Ventures bass?
Well, of course you have! I'm sure there's some legal ligature, but...
I like the sweptwing, but might seriously consider a Ventures bass even though it's not exactly my instrument.
I could adapt. I'm guessing there may be others out there like me.

[Veenture]

Have you guys ever thought about making a Ventures bass?
...//...I'm guessing there may be others out there like me.

Yep...I'm for a two pickup version, Sunburst preferably...or pearl white... or CAR... or ink blue...or...

[twango the clown]

I think that would be the one bass that would truly tempt me to be a bassist.

[Hyman]

Hi everybody !!!

I ordered a Hallmark JR White today but without the Johnny Ramone stuff on the guitar or case !!!
Cant wait until I get it !!!!

I still havent got my Mosrite bass diet I think I will try and get it from another dealer...
Does anyone here know a good place to buy it from ???