FT: Not-Your-Average Hondo II Project

[Zooberwerx]

Edit: The BA II bridge has been traded! You will need to procure your own replacement.


Okay, here's the deal: I bought this thing new back in '80. This is not the typical Hondo II Professional....it was offered as a head-to-head competitor with the Fender P bass which, at that time, was real junk IMO. Over the years, it slowly became my project / experimental bass as described below. It has the potential to rise from the ashes and, once again, become a playable instrument. I have a handful of pieces parts (pickup mounting rings, strap pins, etc.) which I'll include. The rest is up to you!

*One piece maple neck / FB with walnut skunk stripe.

*3 piece ash (?) body.

*Fender-esque tuners, tension variable.

*Ivory nut (yes, like an elephant).

*Schaller P bass pickup.

*Bill Lawrence humbucker with dual "blades"

*Volume / tone / pickup selector switch.

*BadAss II bridge with grooved saddles (need re-worked).

*Overall condition - very good.

*Weight - ~ 10 lbs.

*Case - are you kidding? I will throw in extra bubble wrap.













Trade bait: I'm always on the lookout for pedals, cheap preamps, and the like. PM me with any questions or offers. Thanks for looking!

Riis

[PatO]

what needs to be reworked on the bridge/saddles?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by PatO

what needs to be reworked on the bridge/saddles?

Sorry for the lack of clarity. The notches are "V" shaped and really should be filed to more of a "U" profile. Other than that, the BA II is intact and fully operational.

Riis

[Danzig]

PM'd

[Zooberwerx]

*The neck is 1 9/16" wide at the nut and 2 7/16" at the 20th fret.

*There are no issues with warpage or twisting. The frets are perfect and show virtually no wear or sprout.

*A fellow TBer said this looks like an "A" neck, whatever the heck that is.

Addt'l trade bait: I'd also consider a 2-4 space rack box and cash +/-.

Riis

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, the BA II is gone....traded it for a pedal. You can still stick a bent-plate unit on it for less than $20. FTR, the BA II was not a major improvement over the stock bridge.

Seeing that I've started the cannibalization process, I'm willing to part the stupid thing out or will trade as a whole. Here's what remains:

*Maple neck with tuners

*Ash / alder (?) body

*Schaller P pickup (cream)

*Bill Lawrence dual-blade soapbar pickup

Make me a trade offer. As previously mentioned, I'll consider pedals, inexpensive preamps, and even a BBE Sonic Maximizer. Cash +/- for the right deal(s).

Thanks

Riis

[DerHoggz]

You aren't willing to sell it then? Seems like a real interesting piece and I unfortunately don't have anything you would be interested in trade-wise.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by DerHoggz

You aren't willing to sell it then? Seems like a real interesting piece and I unfortunately don't have anything you would be interested in trade-wise.

Don't have a clue as to what the value would be, hence the trade route. "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

BTW, where are you in Western PA?

Riis

[atrapp]

a Hondo for trade at TB, will wonders never cease.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by atrapp

a Hondo for trade at TB, will wonders never cease.

That's what I thought, too....

What's amazing is that the neck and body are both in excellent condition despite being 30 years old. The soapbar rout could be enlarged to accommodate whatever pickup one chooses, or just use the Bill Lawrence.

Riis

[DerHoggz]

PM sent.

Is that a 3-piece body?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by DerHoggz

PM sent.

Is that a 3-piece body?

Yes it is. A couple of reminders: I have some of the mounting hardware for the Bill Lawrence, maybe all of it but don't hold your breath. I'll also throw on either Schaller or Dunlop straplocks....your choice.


Again, the BA II bridge has been traded so you'll need a bent-plate or equivalent replacement. Maybe I'm overly optimistic but I betcha somebody has a "donor organ" stuck in a junk drawer somewhere. You'd be amazed at what I've found in the "WTB" forum.

Riis

[DerHoggz]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Yes it is. A couple of reminders: I have some of the mounting hardware for the Bill Lawrence, maybe all of it but don't hold your breath. I'll also throw on either Schaller or Dunlop straplocks....your choice.


Again, the BA II bridge has been traded so you'll need a bent-plate or equivalent replacement. Maybe I'm overly optimistic but I betcha somebody has a "donor organ" stuck in a junk drawer somewhere. You'd be amazed at what I've found in the "WTB" forum.

Riis

Yeah, one of the shops by me has a whole bunch of odd parts and stuff lying around, I'm sure one could be found.