Any Idea Where This Hondo II was Made

[ronin614]

The title pretty much says it all. Is there any way to tell whether this was made in Korea or Japan? The seller says its from the late 70s

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Figjam]

Seems like korea.

Hondo II Bass circa 1980's Black | Mike's Music

same headstock

 

[Skybone]

IIRC, most Hondo II's from the mid-70's to the mid/late-80's were MIJ's.

Once Japanese production costs started to rise mid/late-80's, we saw the rise of Japanese brands employing Korean manufacturer's in a bid to maximize production & minimize costs (much as we've seen the Chinese manufacturer's take over from the Koreans in the last 5-10 years).

 

[ronin614]

Are they decent? I know they're inexpensive, but are they any good? I'm talking specifically of the ones with the "fender" headstock

 

[ronin614]

Oh, and thanks for the input.

 

[JIO]

The title pretty much says it all. Is there any way to tell whether this was made in Korea or Japan? The seller says its from the late 70s

Any input is appreciated.

The oversized control knobs in that configuration would cause inadvertent turn-down while playing issues. (for me anyway) And is it a short scale bass? Looks like an inexpensive beginner bass at best.

 

[Skybone]

Are they decent?

There in lies the question...

The only thing that I would say, is that you would need to play it & find out for yourself.

 

[DirkP]

What I don't like about these early/cheap MIJ basses is the headstock. Maybe it's just cosmetics, but a headstock that is made out of three pieces of wood? Looks so cheap.

Seems very common for early or cheap MIJ Fender copies prior to Tokai/Fender (Squier).