NBD 80’s Hondo Deluxe Series 808 Short Scale

Just got this 30” short scale Hondo Deluxe Series 808 off of Craigslist for $100, including the case. Needs some work (the brass bridge will hopefully clean up nice with some brass cleaner, needs new strings, etc) but I’ve been looking for a fun travel bass and this fits the ticket.

 

I talked them down from $175 as the input jack wasn’t accessible to test it out - hopefully it works or is an easy fix. I’ll post more pics once I get it all set up.

 

Just needed a washer and nut for the output jack to attach it to the pickguard. Plugged it in - the bass works and sounds pretty good even with the rusty strings (surprisingly deep low end). More pics to come after I clean it all up and put some new flats on it.

 

Here are some pics of the bass all cleaned and set up. There was a loose wire that needed to be re-soldered and the brass bridge got a bit cleaner but it’s still badly tarnished. Plays really well - neck is surprisingly comfortable even though it is 17mm string spacing. Sounds pretty good with the original pickups and pots - shielding didn’t really help the buzz I get in my basement. Overall a great hundred dollar find!

 

Doh! Yes, OUTPUT jack.