Original Hallmark styles?

[TriflerShawn]

..so I'm totally digging the Hallmarks that are based on the Ventures style Mosrites. I hate to even call them copies, and
they appear to me to be the "better mousetraps"

It looks like Hallmark is stepping out a bit and starting to offer models that aren't specifically based on existing guitars.
What's on the horizon?? Any totally original Hallmark creations?? Perhaps more Hallmarks based off the earlier Mosrite style?

I really dig the Deke sig model and would love to see more along those lines.

Whatever is on the horizon, I'm sure it'll be awesome! Don't even have a Hallmark yet, and my only experience with one
is a quick play on a Deke model a few years ago, but I'm a fan of the brand, and will have one (hopefully) soon!

[jfine]

The original Hallmark design is the Swept-Wing, which Joe Hall brought out in the '60's. It looks sort of like a Vox Phantom with cutaways--I believe the current Hallmark company still makes them. Supposedly it was co-designed by Bob Bogle of the Ventures. On the Hallmark website there's a cool article about Hallmark history that's well worth checking out, and there's a Hallmark history thread on this very website. Another cool design that I think they still do is the Stradette, sort of a violin shape with cutaways--those first came out in the '60's under the Gruggett brand. They're all tied together anyway, as both Joe Hall and Bill Gruggett were protege's of Semie Moseley.

[TriflerShawn]

Yeah, duh, I guess I should have said any NEW original styles...........

[jfine]

Well, there is the Wing-Bat model, which looks pretty cool, but it's only available with one pickup, so it's not really my thing--and the George Barris (yep, the custom-car guy) Crest and Dragula models (not really my cup of nitro either, but they are original!). I don't know if those are still available, but they're listed on the Hallmark website.

[TriflerShawn]

Yep, totally down the original Hallmark designs....was just wondering what was on the drawing board?

I would love to see an original design hollow body, or another guitar alone the line of the earlier style
Mosrites, maybe a stripped down, less ornate Deke model (no offense to the Deke sig, I love it!!!)

[Bob Shade]

Thanks for the thread! Well we do have a couple of new models we are considering, but that will be next year.

Wing-Bat!

We have 8 Wing-Bat's left in stock out of the 100 pc. limited edition run. If you want one, with the numbered certificate and the Barris connection, you may want to secure yours now. These are very cool and awesome playing and sounding guitars and if you wanted a neck pickup too I am sure we could work it in.

We have the Krest guitars in stock as well, these are cool too. It features one humbucking pickup with a push pull Vol. knob for a single coil split.

We also have Stradette models in stock in 3 tone sunburst with stunning flame tops. E-mail for pics.

If you are looking for something different we have Swept-Wing guitars in Gold Flake, Silver Flake, and Natural flame tops too. Awesome sounding guitars and the chicks like em too.

We can also custom paint any of our guitars to your liking. Candy colors, flames, band logo, whatever you wish.

Thanks again,

Bob

[Diggey]

Bob, any chance you'll make this, I think it will sell:

http://www.vintaxe.com/boards/viewtopic ... a367815736

Edit,

to be clear, the one in this link has the Hallmark logo, which would be what I was asking. Please note, third guitar down,

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=709&view=print

[Bob Shade]

Those Standel models were made for Standel founder "Bob Crooks" by Bakersfield luthier "Joe Hall" after the "Sterling" brand models ( Joe's first official line, all hand built one of a kind models) were being built. Bob approached Joe about designing and building a line of stringed instruments to compliment the already popular Standel amplifier line.

Joe went to work and designed the huge aluminum chrome plated housing for the built in tremolo and pickups. The body shape is a reverse Ventures. Some had carved tops and some were slab. (Joe co-designed the Mosrite Ventures model with Semie Moseley so this was an obvious easy borrow for the Standel)

The deal with Bob Crooks never really hit pay dirt for Joe, so the relationship was short lived. Joe built about 25 units for Bob (rare!)

By now it was 1965 and the leftover parts from the failed Standel guitars were used to make the very first guitars for a new brand Joe wanted to start called "Hallmark". These leftover Standels were re-branded with the "Hallmark Mark IV" logo and still had the large metal electronics housing with the Standel snake "S" badge. I have seen these in both Rootbeer sparkle and Gold sparkle. (Hallmark is born) Most who know about these Hallmarks refer to them as the "double-brand" due to the Standel badge on the chrome housing.

Most of these Mark IV's you will see with the first "Ball" Hallmark logo. The gold example that Deke owns has the 2nd Hallmark "Wreath" logo which is the one that 99 percent of all vintage Hallmark guitars have. We still use the 2nd logo today. We are considering using the first ball logo for some new models and possible parts in the future.

Sorry to ramble here so let me get to the question.

Yes we could re-issue the Mark IV if the interest is there. I have had a few guys ask about one, but that's about it. It is certainly a possibility. Any further thoughts on this model would be appreciated.

Thank you for the inquiry!

Bob

[TriflerShawn]

Wow...that's "funky" cool!

[Diggey]

Bob, thanks for the info. And yes, I for one would buy one. SO, if you ever do a limited thing as a trial. I'm all in.