1985 - Back to the Future premiers, VH-1 makes its debut broadcast, the Internet's Domain Name System is created (Al Gore isn't mentioned) and Hondo makes the Fame Series 861 bass guitar. What a great year, and what a great instrument. What's not to love about this rare bird?
Made in Japan for only one year, it boasts the following features: multi-laminate wood body (plywood), maple neck, rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, tilt-back pointy headstock, Fender-ish body, P and dual-J pickups, vol/tone/pup-selector switch & single/dual-coil switch, metal knobs, Grover open tuning machines, mirror pick-guard, string-through bridge/body, the list goes on. (Note: matching zebra print spandex pants NOT included!!!)
And just like big hair, the paint just screams "I love the 80's!" After almost 30 years it now shows some yellowing/discoloration that says, "Yeah, that's right - I'm vintage." It's got that special kind of 'mojo' going on that will take you back in time - whether you've been there or not.
Overall it's still in great shape. The neck is straight, the frets show no appreciable wear, it has been strung with brand new DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams and plays great. Intonation is set, but you may wish to adjust the neck relief and action to your liking. The tone pot is a tiny bit scratchy - just needs some use as I've already cleaned it out. There are various scuffs and a few nicks that validate it's age, but no major gouges or damage. This is no safe queen and should not be treated as such - get it out and play it!!
Starting at $389 shipped CONUS via FedEx Ground. I DO NOT have a bag or case for it - it will be packaged with care; if I can find a bag/case for it that may alter the price, it all depends. If you gotta have one we'll work something out.
Ask any questions you wish - this is a neat bass, apparently rare (it was only made the one year in '85) and produces some interesting tones given the combinations of the switches (it's all passive 'lectronics in it). Here goes nothing!
Made in Japan for only one year, it boasts the following features: multi-laminate wood body (plywood), maple neck, rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, tilt-back pointy headstock, Fender-ish body, P and dual-J pickups, vol/tone/pup-selector switch & single/dual-coil switch, metal knobs, Grover open tuning machines, mirror pick-guard, string-through bridge/body, the list goes on. (Note: matching zebra print spandex pants NOT included!!!)
And just like big hair, the paint just screams "I love the 80's!" After almost 30 years it now shows some yellowing/discoloration that says, "Yeah, that's right - I'm vintage." It's got that special kind of 'mojo' going on that will take you back in time - whether you've been there or not.
Overall it's still in great shape. The neck is straight, the frets show no appreciable wear, it has been strung with brand new DR Marcus Miller Fat Beams and plays great. Intonation is set, but you may wish to adjust the neck relief and action to your liking. The tone pot is a tiny bit scratchy - just needs some use as I've already cleaned it out. There are various scuffs and a few nicks that validate it's age, but no major gouges or damage. This is no safe queen and should not be treated as such - get it out and play it!!
Starting at $389 shipped CONUS via FedEx Ground. I DO NOT have a bag or case for it - it will be packaged with care; if I can find a bag/case for it that may alter the price, it all depends. If you gotta have one we'll work something out.
Ask any questions you wish - this is a neat bass, apparently rare (it was only made the one year in '85) and produces some interesting tones given the combinations of the switches (it's all passive 'lectronics in it). Here goes nothing!