Begin limited production of guitars in Japan. 1975 Distribution network establishes Hondo brand in 70 countries. By now, company is manufacturing violins, mandolins, and banjos. Introduce American-made strings on their instruments. Over 22,000 Bi-centennial banjos are sold.
Company makes improvement in finish quality throughout the line.
Introduces scalloped bracing and higher quality tuners. Introduces DiMarzio Pickups to the line to become the first company to use American-made pickups on an import instrument. Over 790,000 Hondo instruments sold world-wide. Establishes relationship with guitar designer, Mark Erlewine. All guitar production returns to Korea.