Hondo (Unmarked ) FA25 L5CES Copy "Fatboy" (1980)

"Budget friendly L5 copy" is something that is not too often heard - and for obvious reasons - they're simply difficult to make. At one such time, Hondo had attempted to build a premier model clone in the heyday of the lawsuit era. Now, not long lived, their model which has gone on to be called "Fatboy" was one such laminate built clone of a fine L5 CES (y'know the one with the two pickups with the cutaway). A few different versions of that model would come and go with slight changes made - and I *believe* this is one such guitar. With no markings on it, and a replaced headstock veneer, its a bit hard to determine exactly what this is without the aid of a little sticker on the back which won't get you too far which reads FA25 (a well known Fender acoustic model which this is not). It has a heavier laminate construction, but does have a 17" lower bout and the same-ish measurements from there out. Four speed knobs upon mini pots doesn't give us much to read for a date, but it does appear to be an instrument likely from the 80's, The two Humbuckers, also unmarked sound shockingly good - with a decent balance and rejection to feedback. A classic 60's looking burst, its evident that this is from the lawsuit era - the previous owner reported it was a Korean built instrument. The neck has a 25.5" scale length made out of a solid piece of maple with a fully bound rosewood fingerboard, complete with block MOP inlay. The frets show a bit of wear, as does some of the fingerboard and binding, but all in all in plays well with even low action - with a current setup very much for a Telecaster player. I think that's exactly what this is, a great jazz box for the Tele player who doesn't need a full on Gibson, but might want that sound and vibe. Replaced tuners, it has nicely functioning Sperzel currently. Includes a hardshell case.

Weight 8.7lbs