Hallmark 60's Custom

[dubtrub]

It would be great to have a s/b double neck. I doubt if I'll ever build one but I could consider the idea of purchasing a Hallmark if the price was right.

Just for the sake of this ongoing 'library' of Hallmark guitars, I thought I'd post this photo that I saved to my computer taken from an auction on eBay to use as a visual reference material. I think it was for sale by an individual that participates over at SurfGuitar 101 forum.

[JohnnySpitfire]

Ah yes, indeed he would! We'll have to lure him back here.

I believe I have three options:
1) Get a Custom 60
2) Try and somehow learn Japanese and get a Fillmore
3) Save up and buy a vintage Mosrite (would take a little while longer) - possibly a Jonas Ridge one? What's the reputation on these?

What do you all think? I think the vintage sounds like the best idea really, but it requires... waiting!!? Also, it'd mean buying from America (most likely), and I always worry about getting shafted because I'm over the pond.

Max

Hey Max
Music Ground's branch in Leeds has the Fillmore Rangers in at the moment i rang them last week, they've been keeping it a bit quiet it seems but the bloke on the phone said black & candy apple red - downside is they're £800 which is crazy money ($1600-ish currency conversion fans) upside is they'll ship them anywhere in the UK for £20 on 2 day delivery.

http://www.musicground.com/Pages/Electr ... rblack.htm

they also do some Ventures (the Manchester branch one has a white one in) but they are.....wait for it....£1400

Johnny

[Desert Surfer]

they also do some Ventures (the Manchester branch one has a white one in) but they are.....wait for it....£1400

Johnny

Are they Vintage? or new? I thought the only real Ventures models are made by Wilson Bros. who own the Ventures name. Are these Aria Ventures model which are made by Wilson Bros? (made in Japan?) I haven't seen them in the US.

I heard there are some fake Mosrites from China, better watch for them. I saw their listing on line one time. The Seller even used Zamminc Kevin's old photos.

[MaxTib]

they also do some Ventures (the Manchester branch one has a white one in) but they are.....wait for it....£1400

Johnny

Are they Vintage? or new? I thought the only real Ventures models are made by Wilson Bros. who own the Ventures name. Are these Aria Ventures model which are made by Wilson Bros? (made in Japan?) I haven't seen them in the US.

I heard there are some fake Mosrites from China, better watch for them. I saw their listing on line one time. The Seller even used Zamminc Kevin's old photos.

http://www.musicground.com/Pages/Electr ... handed.htm

Japanese copy I'm afraid. For $3,000!!!

[JohnnySpitfire]

Yep, new...thats a heck of a lot of money for a copy. Those Hallmark look sweet though!

Johnny

[Desert Surfer]

Yep, new...thats a heck of a lot of money for a copy. Those Hallmark look sweet though!

Johnny

$3000! That's Takai! ("expensive" in Japanese) for a Japnese clone. I think this model sell at Ed Roman for $2499? I have tried a few Rangers (Made in Japan) at Ed Roman's and liked it. (He sells at $1500 but negotiable, which is much more reasonable than his other Fillmore Mosrites)

I think it is a good deal if you can get a Ranger for $1100 at retail stores. (I think they are available from Japanese auction website around $899 one time, but you have to pay for the shipping, plus you would not be able to try them. Japanese quality should be pretty consistent, I tried 3 of them at Ed Roman's, they were very close in quality)

Wilson Bros VM65 is about $550 (made in Korea). I have not tried Hallmark 60's Custom (also made in Korea) so I don't know which one has better value. From the picture, the vibrator bar on Hallmark '60 custom seems to be better than VM65 which is a little tight and not as effective to use.

My VM65 is OK but not in the same class of Japanese clone. personally I like the Fillmore Ranger much better, but VM65 is only 1/2 the price. I bought it because of Don Wilson's autographs on guitar and on the case.

[KRamone27]

I noticed everyone had a pic of them with one of their guitars, well here's one of me that my wife took when she caught me rockin out in my living room.

[dubtrub]

Hey Kevin,

I use to hang my guitar the same way back in the 60's but found it more difficult to play that way. Now I wear it more like a bow tie.

What's with that T Shirt?

[KRamone27]

Oh yeah, The Queers are a punk rock band that are not gay by the way. I've allways hung my guitar that low because it's more comfortable to play for me.

[dubtrub]

Oh yeah, The Queers are a punk rock band that are not gay by the way. I've allways hung my guitar that low because it's more comfortable to play for me.

I was just kidding you Kevin. I use to wear my guitar low until my middle aged, then old aged belly forced me to move it higher so that I could reach the neck. OBTW, I have heard of the Queers punk group. I'm old but oblivious.