Wow. This neck is huge. Super thick. Might be the thickest neck I own except that vintage Japan Hy Lo hollow body I own. Measured 15/16″ at 1st fret. 1″ (-less than 1/64″) at 12th fret.

Was expecting a thin shredder neck. Not at all. Super dense feeling thick solid maple neck. Normally I dislike immensely maple necks. Not this one. Immediately I took to it and decided it was coming home. It’s so nice I didn’t barter on the asking price which was very low and fair. Bought from original owner – his very first guitar ! He bought this in 1984 although it’s likely a 1983 model.

Dirty and missing two strings but I bought Slinky 10s on the way home at Albany Guitat Center. Strung two strings in at midnight so I could test it out back home.
It’s great! It’s a total keeper.

Has the “Eagle Beak” headstock which entertains me that’s the name Hondo call it.

Definitely massively exceeded my expectations for a Hondo as they are normally spoken of disparagingly.

And yes, I knew it was plywood. So what. It’s very resonant and bright voiced. Bolt on neck with 25.5” scale length which runs counter to most of the Explorers I have so it’s a welcome change.

Also I really like the belly cut on it. None of my explorers have that.

It’s a bit heavy but not as heavy as I was worried it might be.

I think the spider web graphics are hilarious. And I like the black and bare aged maple neck with black fret marker dots – the contrast on this guitar a lot.

Very happy. $75 winner!