Hondo Basses Any Good?

[Valhalalf]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]So

For a self indulgent laugh some friends and I are going to put together an 80's cock rock tribute act. Might not ever gig, might just be rehearsals, but could be a huge ammount of fun.

Anywho, I've been looking for suitable bass for this, nothing expensive but decidedly fitting of the genre (my 5 string jazz isn't going to really be quite right).

I spotted this on ebay and was hoping for some thoughts, experience with Hondo as I've never played one. I messaged the seller to see if there was a country of origin which there wasn't but it does have the serial number 880610722 on the back of the headstock[color=#000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2].[/size][/font][/color] Reading the internet I am led to believe the MIJ models are much better than the Korean ones.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290879024459?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649"]http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649[/url]

Also price wise, is it in the right ball park or is there room for negotiating?

It looks the part at least, maybe some barbed wire fret markers and an Iron Cross sticker and it'll be good to go

Thanks for your help guys

Alfie[/font][/size]

Edited June 9, 2013 by Valhalalf

[Cat Burrito]

I remember Hondo in the 80s and they were ok budget make instruments, some good ones and some real dogs. I'd say that was definitely the higher end of acceptable price wise. Not a rip off as such but certainly not a bargain. You'd have probably paid less than that for it back in 1988 and they are not a collectors brand. Then again it's a muck about bass for a laugh with some mates so if you want it, go for it

[RhysP]

My first "New" bass was a Hondo (one of the S.D. Curlee Licensed models) & it was actually very good.
A few of my friends had Hondo guitars & they ranged from excellent to not that good quality-wise.
The style of finish makes me think that's more of a mid 80s instrument.

Price-wise I think thats a bit steep - you could probably pick up a used Jackson or BC Rich bass (Not US ones obviously) for that price & they'd probably be better instruments.

[Mr. Foxen]

Yeah, I just pciked up a nice NJ series Japanese made BC Rich for that money. Get the £50 pink precision from the other thread and hotrod it.

[RhysP]

How about this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dean-metalman-bass-/321140780565?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4ac57b6e15

[Mr. Foxen]

Shape is pretty heavily associated with Dimebag, wrong decade/style.

[RhysP]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1370796685' post='2105641']
Shape is pretty heavily associated with Dimebag, wrong decade/style.
[/quote]
That shapes been around since the late 70s.

[Mr. Foxen]

Doesn't change the association.

[Valhalalf]

hmmmm might bypass the Hondo then, can't see the pink P Bass in the threads?

I'm loving this right now

http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/02/15/jackson-introduces-dave-ellefson-signature-kelly-bird-bass/

[Mr. Foxen]

[quote name='Valhalalf' timestamp='1370804321' post='2105818']
hmmmm might bypass the Hondo then, can't see the pink P Bass in the threads?

I'm loving this right now

[url="http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2013/02/15/jackson-introduces-dave-ellefson-signature-kelly-bird-bass/"]http://www.notreble....elly-bird-bass/[/url]
[/quote]

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/208797-new-pink-westfield-b1000-on-ebay-for-l49/

Or you oculd buy my NJ BC Rich Bich for £250. Its a YOB bass for me, but I don't massively dig the balance compared to my eagle, so I'd like £250 more.

[Valhalalf]

I think I'm gonna have to snag one of those Pink P Basses with a black pickguard and maple neck.

I'm literally losing money not buying it ;-)

[Valhalalf]

Just ordered the P Bass from Magnus at the discount price in the other thread.

Alas they were out of stock of the black pickguard/maple neck versions so went white/rosewood. I was going to swap the pickguard for a matt black one anyway, really wanted the maple neck though but for that price I'll take what I can lol.

Thanks for the heads up Mr Foxen

Edit: Just had a call back from the awesome Magnus, he managed to find a black/maple bass in the back of the stockroom, his last one. Cashback!

Edited June 10, 2013 by Valhalalf