New Member!

[JimPage]

Hi--

I have been reading this forum recently and greatly enjoyed it. I had gotten back into contact with Bob Shade, of Hallmark Guitars, and that led me here.

Bob is a wonderful and knowledgeable person, and a real straight arrow. When he began the venture (no pun intended) that became Hallmark, he was my guitar tech and I remember thinking that there are few who succeed at such a thing. I am so proud he was one of the few, and he has earned all he has achieved. I have read many posts noting his helpful manner and honest approach to business.

I am in my mid-50s, live outside Washington, DC, and have been in bands since the mid-1960s, playing guitar or bass. Have had too many nice instruments to remember, including a late '60s Mosrite sunburst bass that I traded for an Ampeg fretless because I wanted to be Rick Danko!

Bad decision on my part!

Professionally, I have been in graphics and marketing since high school, have worked for three US Presidents in that capacity, patented the first color-sep computer process while a consultant to Marvel Comics, and am now a marketing production director for a large medical association in DC. A new grandfather and happy to be one!

I am hoping that my next guitar will be one of Bob's sunburst Hallmarks. I know the care he puts into them, and I have had a tough time finding an electric solidbody that I feel comfortable with.

Thanks for letting me join your fine forum--

--Jim

[101Volts]

Welcome, Jim! I don't hear bad things about Hallmark guitars, I hope you'll find your next purchase a satisfying one!

[gplayer]

Welcome JimPage. Are you looking to get a production Hallmark or one Hallmarks USA Customs?

[JimPage]

Hey, G--

I suspect that it will be a regular production model. I haven't really had a chance to discuss it with Bob, but we are planning to get together Saturday morning on a project.

I must confess that when I bring a new Tolex case into the house, my wife gives me the skunk eye.

You can't open a closet in our place without a guitar or bass falling out of it, and she just doesn't see the need for so many instruments. I have tried to tell her that it is like a set of golf clubs, and each has its purpose, but she ain't buying that argument.

--Jim

[LOSTVENTURE]

When you walk in the house with that alligator case (it comes with the 60 Custom) you are going to get a lot more than a "skunk eye". I got my sunburst from Mr. Shade just over a month ago and it is still hard to put down. These are works of art, and a ginuine steel at the price he's asking. By the way, my family is crazier about the case than they are the guitar. You really have a lot to look forward to. Have fun, and welcome !!!
Don

[gplayer]

Hey, G--

I suspect that it will be a regular production model. I haven't really had a chance to discuss it with Bob, but we are planning to get together Saturday morning on a project.

I must confess that when I bring a new Tolex case into the house, my wife gives me the skunk eye.

You can't open a closet in our place without a guitar or bass falling out of it, and she just doesn't see the need for so many instruments. I have tried to tell her that it is like a set of golf clubs, and each has its purpose, but she ain't buying that argument.

--Jim

Have you tried the pair of shoes analogy?

[Veenture]

Have had too many nice instruments to remember, including a late '60s Mosrite sunburst bass that I traded for an Ampeg fretless because I wanted to be Rick Danko!

Bad decision on my part!

Hey Jim, what a nice intro...and don't feel too bad about your "Bad decision..."If it's of any comfort, you're not alone...
Yes, Danny and the team have started a great forum for us to enjoy!

[JimPage]

Pair of shoes one? Nope, but I WILL!

Problem is, after 34 years, my wife has pretty much got my number. I think it was just after I bought my tenth Martin guitar.

She knew then that I was nuts.

--Jim

[jnslobaugh]

welcome to the forum Jim.

Enjoy...

[Johnny]

Hi.