recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
H-781

The **H-781** was Hondo's single pickup Explorer copy with special graphics and finishes. Part of the Deluxe Series, it was introduced in 1982. In 1984, some were made as Formula 1 Series models.

## Features

* 1982-1984
* $349.95 MSRP (1983)

**Body:**

* Laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Rock Maple bolt-on neck
* Rosewood "skunk stripe" (mid 1983-1984)
* Rock Maple fretboard with dot inlays
* Eagle Beak headstock
* Color-matched headstock (except CB & EXP finishes)
* Silk-screened Sunrise logo
* Silk-screened Formula 1 logo
* Gibson style nut (~1982)
* Fender style nut (~1983-1984)
* 21 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* One X-44 high output humbucker with chrome cover
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Grover Rotomatic tuners (Formula 1)
* Fish-shaped truss rod cover (~1982)
* Bullet style truss rod (~1983-1984)
* Metal knobs
* Narrow, blank neck plate (~1982-1983)
* Wider neck plate w/ engraved Sunrise logo (~1984)
* Vintage-style 6-point tremolo
* Optional 6-point Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo w/ fine tuners

**Finishes:**

* Explosion Starburst (EXP)
* Black body w/ White Spiderweb (SW/BW)
* White body w/ Black Spiderweb (SW/WB)
* Blue body w/ Orange Spiderweb (SW/BOR)
* Red w/ Yellow EVH-style tape (VH)
* Black w/ Red/Orange/Yellow Flames (FL)
* Black & White Checkerboard (CB)
* Black & Red Checkerboard w/ Red fretboard (CB)
* Half SW, half VH (VHS)

**Also branded as:**

* Antares AE-14
	+ Rounded Fender headstock
	+ Finishes: Metallic Black, Metallic Red & Metallic Blue
* Eagle EXP
* Lazer
LSE

The **LSE** was introduced by Samick in 1991 as an economy version of the LS, most notably with a bolt-on neck and dot inlays.

**Related:**

* LS
* LCE

## LSE-450 (1991-1992)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* Mother of Pearl Wave logo inlay
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Single-ply body (front), neck and headstock

**Electronics:**

* Two humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Bell shaped truss rod cover (1991)
* Pointed bell shaped truss rod cover (1992)
* Gold Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry Sunburst (CS)
* Golden Sunburst (GS)

## LSE-450 (1993-1994)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* Mother of Pearl Wave logo inlay
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Single-ply body (front), neck and headstock

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Pointed bell shaped truss rod cover (1993)
* Headstock-matching truss rod cover (1994)
* Gold Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry Sunburst (CS)
* Honey Sunburst (HS)

## LSE-450 (Artist Series)

* 1995-2001
* $499 MSRP (2001)
* ~$229 Street (ca. 2001)
* $159 Street (2003 clearance)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top (Jan-Sept 1995)
* Solid Alder body with arched top (October 1995-1996)
* Solid Nato body with arched top (1997-2001)
* Maple veneer (Sunburst finishes)
* Nato veneer (WR)
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* Silk-screened Artist logo
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Single-ply body (front), neck and headstock

**Electronics:**

* Two humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Headstock-matching truss rod cover
* Gold Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Wine Red (WR)
* Cherry Sunburst (CS)
* Golden Sunburst (GS)
* Honey Sunburst (HB or HS)

## LSE-450 F

Same as LSE-450, but with "Tiger Tail" flame Maple veneer.

**Finishes:**

* Translucent Red (TR)
K-38

The Loner was Marlin's top of the line superstrat model.

## K-38KT

* £169 Retail (1988)

**Body:**

* Contoured laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Rock Maple bolt-on neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and Marlin at 12th fret
	+ Red inlays and binding (Charcoal Fire Grey and Dark Blue)
* Body color neck and headstock
* Jackson headstock
* Rounded headstock
* 22 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Binding:**

* Celluloid bound body and neck (Candy Apple Red, Charcoal Fire Grey and Black)

**Electronics:**

* Two wax potted, half blade ceramic humbuckers, one blade single coil (~8K ohms)
* Two coil tap mini switches for humbuckers
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome or Black hardware
* Triangular truss rod cover
* "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo with locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Candy Apple Red with chrome hardware (02)
* Dark Blue with black hardware (04)
* Charcoal Fire Grey with Chrome hardware (05)
* Pearl White with black hardware (06)
* Black with chrome hardware (07)

Left-handed version available in Red and Charcoal Fire Grey
LCE

The **LCE** was introduced by Samick in 1991 as an economy version of the LC, most notably with a bolt-on neck.

**Related:**

* EG-1702
* LC
* LSE

## LCE-450 (1991-1992)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with acrylic block inlays
* Mother of Pearl S-Diamond and Wave logo inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body (front and back) and headstock
* Single-ply neck

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Bell shaped truss rod cover (1991)
* Pointed bell shaped truss rod cover (1992)
* Black Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Black (BK)
* Golden Sunburst (GS)
* Orange Sunburst (OS)
* Granite Red Sunburst (GTRS)

## LCE-450 (1993-1994)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with acrylic block inlays
* Mother of Pearl S-Diamond and Wave logo inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body (front and back) and headstock
* Single-ply neck

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Pointed bell shaped truss rod cover (1993)
* Headstock matching truss rod cover (1994)
* Black Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Golden Sunburst (GS)

## LCE-450 (Artist Series)

* 1995-2000
* ~$239 Street (ca. 2000)

**Body:**

* Laminate body construction with arched top (Jan-Sept 1995)
* Solid Alder body with arched top (October 1995-1996)
* Solid Nato body with arched top (1997-2000)

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with acrylic block inlays
* Silkscreened Artist logo
* Deluxe headstock
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body (front and back) and headstock
* Single-ply neck

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Headstock-matching truss rod cover
* Black Reflector knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Golden Sunburst (GS)
* Cherry Sunburst (CS)
Japanese Market

The Japanese market is unique in that Gibson and Fender's trademark copyrights do not apply there. Therefore, other manufacturers can use their designs, as long as they are only sold within Japan.

Samick made a play for this market starting in the mid 1980s, even going so far as to create brands just for the Japanese market (Meriken, Hot Licks and Nashville), but found it difficult to compete with well-established domestic Japanese brands. By 1991, they began dwindling down their Japanese Market-specific lineup and by 1996 had condensed to a single international lineup.

Dating Japanese market models can be very difficult because most did not include serial numbers at all. For examples using a 3-way box switch, a production date may be ink-stamped on the side of the switch. Only by 1992 did they finally start including serial numbers, following their standard Serial Number format.

## Models

* B-628 (Mini bass)
* BM (Mockingbird style)
* BR (Warlock style)
* EG-1935 (335 style)
* EPSA (Casino style)
* EX (Explorer style)
* F (Dreadnought style)
* FB
* FG (Jackson Soloist style)
* FI (Firebird style)
* FP
	+ FP/TL-1
	+ FP/TL-2
* GB2
* GR-JET (Jet style)
* GR-SA (White Falcon style)
* IPG
* JB (Jazz Bass style)
* JX (Jackson style bass)
* JXSRC (Charvel Model 1C style)
* LP (LP style)
* LS (LP style)
	+ LS-ST
	+ LS-CUS
* MFI (Mini Firebird style)
* MFV (Mini V style)
* MJX (Mini Jackson style)
* MLP (Mini LP style)
* MST (Mini Strat style)
* MTL (Mini Tele style)
* NT (National style)
* PB (P-Bass style)
* RB (Rickenbacker style bass)
* RG (Rickenbacker style)
* S (Strat style)
	+ SM-7
	+ S(M)-1
	+ SM-3
	+ SM-4
	+ SST
	+ SJX
	+ SKM (Charvel Model 1 style)
	+ SRC (H.M. Strat / Charvel Model 3 style)
	+ JXSRC (Charvel Model 1C style)
* SA (335 style)
	+ SA-1
	+ SA-1 WH
	+ SA-2
	+ SAB (Bass)
* SF (Dreadnought style)
* SG (SG style)
	+ SG (Standard style)
	+ SG-1P (Jr. style)
	+ SG-2 (Bolt-On)
	+ SG-3P (Custom style)
	+ SG-7 (Standard style)
	+ SGB (EB-0 style bass)
* SHI
* SJ (Jackson Soloist style)
* SOB
* SP (Spector style)
* SR (Ovation style)
* SSO
* THB (Thunderbird style)
* TL (Tele style)
	+ TL(M)
	+ TLJ (Jackson style)
	+ FP/TL-1
	+ FP/TL-2
	+ TL-3 (Acoustic)
	+ TLJ-PJ (Jackson style bass)
* TV (LP style)
* WF (White Falcon style)
* WR (Strat style)

#### **Meriken lineup:**

* EX (Explorer style)
* FI (Firebird style)
* FV (V style)
* FVB (V style bass)
* GR-FA (White Falcon style)
* GR-JET (Jet style)
* GR-SA (White Falcon style)
* RB (Rickenbacker style bass)
* RG (Rickenbacker style)
* SAB (335 style bass)
* SGB (EB-0 style bass)
* THB (Thunderbird style)

#### **Hot Licks lineup:**

* PJ
* SSH (Strat style)

#### **Nashville lineup:**

* FP/TL-1
* FP/TL-2
* FP-770i
* FP-1000
300 Series

The Vantage 300 Series includes the same specifications as the 200 Series, but with Rosewood fretboards.

## 313T

**Body:**

* Contoured, solid Alder body w/ arched top
* Spoon cut (Single)
* Angled heel
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck with scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Silk-screened Vantage logo
* Gibson style nut
* 24 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Three ceramic single coil pickups
* Molded plastic pickup covers
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Black hardware
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* "ST-36" vintage style 6-point tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Metallic Red (MR)
* Metallic Dark Blue (MDB)

## 318T

**318GTM** features "TM-2" tremolo and Gold hardware.

* 1991-1997
* $349 Street (GTM, circa 1997)

**Body:**

* Contoured, solid Alder body w/ arched top
* Spoon cut (Single)
* Angled heel
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck with scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Silk-screened Vantage logo
* Gibson style nut
* 24 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic single coils, one humbucker
* Molded plastic pickup covers
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Black hardware
* Gold hardware (G)
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* "ST-36" vintage style 6-point tremolo
* "TM-2" 2-point tremolo (TM)

**Finishes:**

* Translucent Red (TR)
* Translucent Green (TGR)
* Metallic Dark Blue (MDB)
* Granite Red Sunburst (GTR)

## 320T

**Body:**

* Contoured, solid Alder body w/ arched top
* Spoon cut (Single)
* Angled heel
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck with scarf joint
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Silk-screened Vantage logo
* Gibson style nut
* 24 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers, one single coil
* Molded plastic pickup covers
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* "ST-36" vintage style 6-point tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Metallic Black (MBK)
Artist Series

The **Artist Series** has easily become Samick's most well-known and acclaimed line. Officially introduced in 1995 (with some early models made in 1994), the Artist Series was the culmination of 30 years of building guitars, and everything learned from working with engineers at Gibson, Tokai and Matsumoku. Nearly all Korean-made models became part of the Artist Series in 1995. In 2001, Samick introduced the Signature Series (Designed by Greg Bennett), which was most likely ***not*** intended to replace the Artist Series, but rather to be sold alongside it. This is likely the case because Samick revamped the Artist Series in 2002, with a new logo and new features (also, adding some Indonesian-made models). What most likely happened was Gibson putting pressure on Samick to stop using designs that were derivative of theirs. The last Artist Series models were produced in December 2002.

Today, as Japanese-built guitars are getting more expensive, players are increasingly recognizing the value and quality of Korean-built guitars.

**Buyer's tip:** Anything claimed by a seller that goes beyond the information contained here, is very likely false. There is often much embellishment and outright fabrication in descriptions from sellers. Buyers beware.

## Models

#### Electrics:

* DC
* DLS (Doublecut LP style)
* EX (Explorer style)
* FV (V style)
* HF (ES-175 style)
* HJ (L-5 style)
* HJS (Super 400 style)
* IHJ
* KMP
* K
* J
* R
* LC (LP style)
* LCE (LP style)
* LP (LP style)
* LS (LP style)
* LSE (LP style)
* LSO (LP style)
* S (Strat style)
* SA (335 style)
* SG (SG style)
* T (Tele style)
* W (Warlock style)
Formula 1 Series

Hondo's **Formula 1 Series** was introduced in mid-1984 as a line of more contemporary copies, all featuring stock Grover tuners (with the exception of the H-7601, being a budget model). The first models introduced were the H-762 and H-785.

**Note:** The Grover Rotomatics used on early examples have larger button posts (4mm diameter from flat side to flat side) than modern Rotomatics. Therefore, modern replacement buttons will not fit them. The change occurred some time in 1984, although it is unknown how long it may have taken Hondo to use up all of the older style tuners.

**All Formula 1 Series models were made in Incheon, Korea by Samick.**

## Models

* H-747 (Steve Stevens style)
* H-762
* H-763
* H-764
* H-770
* H-771
* H-781
* H-783
* H-784
* H-785
* H-787
* H-880
* H-7601
H-787

The **H-787** was introduced in 1985 as Hondo's B.C. Rich Warlock copy, and part of the Formula 1 Series. The bass version is the H-887.

**Related:**

* Samick W

## H-787

**HK-787** features KKT Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo.

**H-787 KT** features Kahler Flyer tremolo.

* 1985-1988
* Formula 1 Series (1985)
* Fame Series (1986-1988)
* $199.95 Street (1985)
* $419.95 MSRP (1988, HK-787)

**Body:**

* Beveled laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Gloss Polyurethane finish
* Jackson headstock (1985)
* Stinger headstock (1986)
* Eagle Beak headstock (1987-1988)
	+ Silk-screened Formula 1 logo
	+ Silk-screened Fame Broadway logo
	+ Color-matched
	+ Roller string trees
* 24 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two Zebra style X-14 humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Black hardware (select finishes)
* 14:1 ratio Grover Rotomatic tuners
* Triangular truss rod cover (vintage tremolo only)
* Metal knobs
* Vintage-style 4-point tremolo
* Optional KKT Licensed Floyd Rose 2-point tremolo
* Optional 6-point Licensed Floyd Rose w/ brass roller saddles
* Optional Kahler Flyer tremolo
* Locking nut (Optional tremolos only)

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Black w/ Red outline (B/R)
* Metallic Black w/ Black hardware (MBK/B)
* Metallic White (MWH or MWH/C)
* Metallic White w/ Black hardware (MWH/B)
* Candy Apple Red (CAR)
* Candy Apple Red w/ Silver outline (CAR/S)
* Jumbo Metallic Black Flake w/ Black hardware (JMBK/B)

    **Also branded as:**

* Mako TWG-2
* Turbo Electrics
* Phantom WA
	+ No truss rod cover
J.B. Player

The J.B. Player brand was created by Dana Zacuto (whose brother founded Mighty Mite guitars) around 1985.[1] In 1989, it was bought out by by MBT International (later Musicorp, Inc.). The original lineup from the late '80s to early '90s featured mostly superstrat models that were made by Cort. By at least 1994, Samick began building the "JBP Artist" line. In 2005, J.B. Player replaced Hondo after they were bought by Musicorp in 1995.

## Samick-built Models

* JBA L-Series
* JBA-700
* PGP-112
I

The Samick **I** was styled after the Ibanez Roadstar, and based on the Hondo H-763.

## IKRB-421

* 1989

**Body:**

* Solid Alder body with arched top
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with sharkfin inlays
* Gloss Polyurethane finish
* Jackson headstock
* Silk-screened First Runner logo
* 22 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic single coils, one humbucker

* Molded plastic pickup covers

* Individual on/off mini-switches
* Coil Tap mini-switch

* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Black hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Triangular truss rod cover
* Black metal knobs
* KKT 2-point Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo
* Locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Translucent Blue (TBL)
* Red Crackle on Black body (CKRB)

## IRRB-421

Same as IKRB-421, but with KKT-3 tremolo.
K-36

The Stingray was Marlin's standard superstrat model.

## K-36KT

* £159 Retail (1988)
* 1987-1988

**Body:**

* Contoured laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Rock Maple bolt-on neck with Rosewood "skunk stripe"
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and Marlin at 12th fret
* Color matched headstock
* Bullet style truss rod
* 22 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two wax potted ceramic single coils, one humbucker (~8K ohms)
* Coil tap mini switch
* Separate on/off mini switches for each pickup
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome or Black hardware
* "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo with locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Candy Apple Red with chrome hardware (02)
* Dark Blue with black hardware (04)
* Charcoal Fire Grey with chrome hardware (05)
* Pearl White with black hardware (06)
* Black with black hardware (07)

Left-handed version available in Candy Apple Red and Charcoal Fire Grey.
H-500

The Hondo H-500 was a copy of the hollowbody electric Norma EG-671 2HT, which was inspired by the Gibson Barney Kessel signature model.

Because these were the very first electric guitars built by Samick, they used Japanese hardware and electronics.

## Features

* ~1973-1975
* $115.95 MSRP (1975, inc. case, strap, book & record)

**Body:**

* Laminated arched Maple top, back and sides

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck
* Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
* Paddle headstock with Psychedelic logo
* 23 frets (including zero fret nut)
* 25.25" scale

**Binding:**

* Celluloid
* Single-ply body (front and back) and neck

**Electronics:**

* Two Maxon single coil pickups
* Two sliding toggle switches
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 2-ply pickguard
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* Black knobs
* Rosewood bridge with tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Sunburst (S)
* Walnut (WA)

**Also branded as:**

* Audition 7008
* Horugel
* Lero 4130
* Tele Star
H-18

Hondo's range of Dreadnoughts from the **H-18** to the **H-45** were mostly copies of Martin's Dreadnought range. They were introduced in 1983.

**Made in Incheon, Korea by Samick.**

**Related:**

* Samick SF-35

## H-18

* 1983-1988
* $169.95 MSRP (1983)
* ~$179.95 MSRP (1984-1985, est.)
	+ ~$109.95 Street (est.)
* $219.95 MSRP (1988)
* $249.95 MSRP (Late 1988)
	+ $149.95 Street

**Body:**

* Laminated Honduran Mahogany sides and back
* Laminated Alaskan Sitka Spruce top
* "Hand-voiced", scalloped X bracing

**Neck:**

* Set-in Nato neck
* East Indian Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* 20 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body (front)
* Single-ply body (back)
* Celluloid binding

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 14:1 ratio Grover Rotomatic machine heads
* Rosewood bridge

**Finishes:**

* Natural (N)
* Black (B)

## H-18E

Same as H-18, but with built-in electronic transducer system.

* $259.95 MSRP (1984)

## H-18/12

Twelve-string version.

* $259.95 MSRP (1988)

## HL-18

Left handed version.

* $219.95 MSRP (1988)

## H-28

* 1983-1988
* $189.95 MSRP (1983)
* $209.95 MSRP (1984)
* $289.95 MSRP (1988)
* $299.95 MSRP (Late 1988)
	+ $189.95 Street

**Body:**

* Laminated East Indian Rosewood sides and 2-pc laminated back
* Laminated Alaskan Sitka Spruce top
* "Hand-voiced", scalloped X bracing

**Neck:**

* Set-in Nato neck
* East Indian Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* East Indian Rosewood headstock veneer
* Silk-screened Hondo Guitars logo
* 20 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body (front)
* Single-ply body (back)
* Celluloid binding

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 14:1 ratio Grover Rotomatic machine heads
* Rosewood bridge

**Finishes:**

* Natural (N)

## H-28H

Same as H-28, but with Herringbone bound top and soundhole, Pearloid "snowflake" inlays and tortoise shell pickguard.

* $199.95 MSRP (1983)
* $224.95 MSRP (1984)
* $289.95 MSRP (1988)

## H-28HS

Same as H-28H, but with solid Alaskan Sitka Spruce top and laser-cut Mother of Pearl "Hondo Guitars" inlay.

* $179.95 Street (1985 X-Mas sale)

## H-35

Same as H-28, but with 3-pc back and single-ply bound neck.

* $209.95 MSRP (1983)

## H-35HS

Same as H-28HS, but with laser-cut Mother of Pearl ornate flower inlays on headstock and fretboard, pyramid volute, gold hardware and single-ply bound neck and headstock.

* 1986
AV

The Vantage AV (Avenger) was first introduced in 1981, made in Japan by Matsumoku. In 1987, the first Korean Avengers were introduced, the X-34 and X-38. Later, the X-77 Avenger would be re-issued. The AV-70, 75 and 77 were introduced in 1997, based on the classic models AV-315 ST, X-77 TD X and AV-325, respectively.

## AV-70

Based on the AV-315 ST.

* $489.95 MSRP (1997)

**Body:**

* Beveled, solid Alder body

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Vantage headstock
* Silk-screened logos
* 24 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Electronics:**

* One ceramic single coil, one humbucker (uncovered)
* 3-way switch
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone (Push/Pull Coil Tap)

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* "TM-2" 2-point tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Natural (NA)

## AV-75

Based on the X-77 TD X.

**Body:**

* Beveled, solid Alder body

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Vantage headstock
* Silk-screened logos
* 24 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic single coils, one humbucker (uncovered)
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone (Push/Pull Coil Tap)

**Hardware:**

* Gold hardware
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* "TM-2" 2-point tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Translucent Green (TGR)

## AV-77

Based on the AV-325.

* $529.95 MSRP (1997)

**Body:**

* Beveled, solid Alder body
* Flame Maple veneer top

**Neck:**

* Set-in Rock Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Inlays offset after 9th fret
* Vantage headstock
* Silk-screened logos
* 24 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers (uncovered)
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone (Push/Pull Coil Tap)

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Schaller style tuners
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knobs
* Tune-O-Matic style bridge w/ stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Translucent Black (TBK)
Deluxe Series Mark II

The Deluxe Series Mark II was introduced around 1982-1983. This was Samick and Hondo's effort to build on the success of the Deluxe Series and further utilize what they'd learned from Tokai and Matsumoku. In 1984, the Revival Series took it one step further by offering many of the same models with stock Grover tuners. The last Deluxe Series Mark II models were made in early 1985.

Contrary to what many people will claim, there was no lawsuit over these guitars, and they were not authorized by Gibson either; Samick didn't start working with Gibson until 1985. So we must infer that these guitars just managed to slip under the radar until then.

**All Deluxe Series Mark II models were made in Korea by Samick.**

## Models

* H-727
* H-732
* H-735
* H-740
* H-748
* H-935
LSO

The **LSO** was a unique variation of Samick's LS body shape featuring a string-through tailpiece design. It was discontinued in 2002.

**Related:**

* LS
* LSE

## LSO-450 (F)

**Body:**

* Solid Nato body with arched top
* "Tiger Tail" flame Maple veneer
	+ Sometimes denoted by an "F" in the model name

**Neck:**

* Set-in Nato neck w/ scarf joint
* Medium tenon
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* Ornate Artist logo silk-screen
* 14o headstock pitch
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Single-ply body (front) and neck

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* Knurled switch nut (2000-2002)
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Headstock-matching truss rod cover
* Amber bell knobs
* Tune-O-Matic style bridge w/ string-through-body tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Tobacco Sunburst (TS)
* Honey Sunburst (HB)
H-1100

The **H-1100** was Hondo's top-of-the-line, Japanese-made Strat copy. Part of the Professional Series, this model was made by Tokai from 1980-1981 and sold until 1983. It is based on the Tokai ST model.

Its closest successor was the Korean-made Fame Mastercaster MC-003

**See also:**

* MC-003
* H-760

## H-1100

* 1980-1983
* $545 MSRP (1980)
	+ $370 Street
* $599.95 MSRP (1983)

**Body:**

* Contoured, solid Sen (Japanese Ash) body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Maple bolt-on neck
* Rosewood "skunk stripe"
* Maple fretboard with dot inlays
* Eagle Beak headstock
* Silk-screened Script logo
* Silk-screened Sunrise logo (later models)
* Heel-adjusted truss rod
* 21 frets
* 25 7/16" scale

**Electronics:**

* 3 Tokai "Grey Bottom" single coil pickups
* Brass shielding
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Tokai vintage-style machine heads
* Three-ply, 11-screw pickguard (black or white)
* Tokai vintage-style 6-point tremolo

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Black with Rosewood fretboard (B/R)
* Natural (N)
* Blonde (BD)
* White (WH)
* Lipstick Red (R)
* 3-Tone Sunburst (SB)
* Golden Sunburst (GS)
* Golden Sunburst with Rosewood fretboard (GS/R)
* Walnut (WA)
* Pearl Walnut
* EVH-style taped stripes (VH or VHT)

## H-1120

**H-1120 F** (Fretless model w/ Rosewood fretboard) also available on order (Black finish only).

* 1980-1983
* $595 MSRP (1980)
	+ $405 Street
* $599.95 MSRP (1983)
* $629.95 MSRP (1983, Fretless)

**Body:**

* Contoured, solid Ash body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Maple bolt-on neck
* Rosewood "skunk stripe"
* Maple fretboard with dot inlays

* Eagle Beak headstock
* Silk-screened Script logo
* Silk-screened Sunrise logo (later models)

* Vinyl-wrapped truss rod
* 20 frets
* 34" scale

**Electronics:**

* 1 split bass pickup
* Brass shielding
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Tokai machine heads
* Tokai bridge

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Black with Rosewood fretboard (B/R)
* White (WH)
* Natural (N)
* 3-Tone Sunburst (SB)
* Golden Sunburst (GS)
* Golden Sunburst with Rosewood fretboard (GS/R)
Ranger

The Samick **Ranger** (or **Rangercaster**) was a hybrid Strat/Tele design reminiscent of the Hondo Fame Mastercaster MC-001. It was part of the American Classic Series. The TA-630 DLX was essentially the Artist Series version of the Rangercaster,

## Ranger-3 PL

* 1994-2001
* $549 MSRP (2001)
* $199 Street (2003 clearance)

**Body:**

* 7/8 scale solid Ash body
* Arm contour
* Heel bevel
* Belly cut

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on, Bird's Eye Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Valley Arts headstock
* Silk-screened Samick/Valley Arts logo
* Bullet style truss rod
* 21 frets (1995-)
* 22 frets (-2001)
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Three Duncan Design single coil pickups
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Gold hardware
* Locking Gotoh machine heads
* Pearloid pickguard (P)
* Knurled metal barrel knobs (1995-1999)
* Fender-style plastic knobs (2000-2001)
* Gotoh vintage style "hardtail" bridge (L)

**Finishes:**

* Black (BK)
* Metallic Purple (MPU)
* Translucent Blue (TBL)

## Ranger-3 BL

**Body:**

* 7/8 scale solid Alder body

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on, Bird's Eye Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Valley Arts headstock
* Silk-screened Samick/Valley Arts logo
* Bullet style truss rod
* 21 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Three ceramic single coil pickups
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Gold hardware
* Lubricated, die-cast machine heads
* 3-ply black pickguard (B)
* Knurled metal barrel knobs
* Gotoh vintage style "hardtail" bridge (L)

**Finishes:**

* Black (BK)

## Ranger-4

* 2001
* $549 MSRP (2001)
* $219 Street (2003 clearance)

**Body:**

* 7/8 scale solid Ash body
* Arm contour
* Heel bevel
* Belly cut

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on, Bird's Eye Maple neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Valley Arts headstock
* Silk-screened Samick/Valley Arts logo
* Bullet style truss rod
* 21 frets (1995-)
* 22 frets (-2001)
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two Duncan Design single coils, one humbucker
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Grover Rotomatic machine heads
	+ 14:1 ratio
* Pearloid pickguard
* Knurled metal barrel knobs
* Wilkinson "VS-100" tremolo

**Finishes:**

* 3-Tone Sunburst (3SB)
* Translucent Blue (TBL)
* Translucent Red (TR)
RC

The Orion **RC-23** model was a copy of the B.C. Rich Bich and was the basis for the later Hondo H-785 model. The Antares branded version of this model was named "**ARC-23**". Some examples have no brand name at all on the headstock.

## Features

**Body:**

* Beveled laminated Nato body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Crescent headstock
	+ Silk-screened brand logo
	+ Mother of Pearl "S" inlay
	+ Color-matched
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Single ply, neck

**Electronics:**

* Two chrome covered humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Individually enclosed tuning machines
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply
* Black "notched" Speed knobs
* Tune-O-Matic style bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Walnut (WA)
* Metallic Red (MR)
* Metallic Blue (MB)
HMM

The **HMM / H-783** model was Hondo's copy of a Gibson Melody Maker D (specifically the double cutaway version made from 1961-1964). It only appeared in one catalog in 1978 and was built until 1980 (when the name changed to H-783, a designation that would later be re-used on an Explorer style model), but it was brought back for a short time around 1982 as the Orion model MM-28.

## Features

**Body:**

* Laminated Nato body
* Maple veneer (Sunburst finishes)

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck
* Stained fretboard with Pearloid dot inlays
* Melody Maker headstock
* Silk-screened Script logo
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two single coil pickups
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Individually enclosed tuning machines
	+ Oval buttons
* Single-ply black pickguard
* 2-ply fish shaped truss rod cover
* Witch Hat knobs (Hondo)
* Black Speed knobs (Orion)
* Compensated wraparound bridge / tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* 3-Tone Sunburst (S)

**Also Branded As:**

* Orion MM-28
H-1060

The H-1060 was Hondo's top-of-the-line, Japanese-made ES-335 copy. Part of the Professional Series, they were made by Tokai, based on their ES-100 model.

**Note:** Owners of this model, please contact me with any information you can provide; a picture of the neck joint would be greatly helpful.

The Korean-made version (H-935) would go on to be one of Hondo's most popular models.

## H-1060

* 1980
* $615 MSRP (1980)
	+ $419 Street

**Body:**

* Laminated Maple arched top, back & sides
* Solid center block

**Neck:**

* Set-in Mahogany neck
* Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
* Deluxe headstock w/ volute
* Silk-screened Script logo
* 22 frets
* 24 5/8" scale

**Binding:**

* Single-ply body (front and back)

**Electronics:**

* Two Gotoh humbucker pickups
* 3-way selector switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Brass nut
* Headstock-matching truss rod cover w/ "Professional" silkscreen
* Black Witch Hat knobs w/ pointers
* Tune-O-Matic bridge w/ stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Wine
* Walnut
* Dark Brown Sunburst
* Translucent Black
* Burgundy Sunburst
KKT

KKT is a designation given to Samick's Licensed Floyd Rose tremolos.

**All KKT tremolos were made in Korea by Jin Ah.**

## KKT/KKT-1

Within Samick's naming conventions, the KKT is designated by the letter "K". Later examples are stamped with "Mfg. Under Floyd Rose Patents" and earlier examples have no markings.

Within Vantage's naming conventions, the KKT-1 is designated by the letter "F".

**Note:** There are fairly common stories of the block on this tremolo breaking.

Also known as the "Bennder" tremolo (Epiphone) and "Bendmaster" (Westone).

**Features:**

* Two-point fulcrum
* High-carbon-steel tipped posts
* Individually adjustable saddles
* Fine tuning screws

## KKT-2

Within Samick's (and Vantage's) naming conventions, the KKT-2 is designated by the letter "J".

**Features:**

* Two-point fulcrum
* High-carbon-steel tipped posts
* Individually adjustable saddles
* Fine tuning screws
* Locking nut
* Two Allen key wrenches, mounted on back of headstock

## KKT-3

Improvements to plate, arm, saddles and block over KKT-2.

Within Samick's naming conventions, the KKT-3 is designated by the letter "R".

Within Vantage's naming conventions, the KKT-3 is designated by the letter "D".

**Features:**

* Two-point fulcrum
* High-carbon-steel tipped posts
* String locking mechanism
* Individually adjustable saddles
* Fine tuning screws (Tuning range increased 10%)
* Zero fret locking nut
* Adjustable arm tension
* Two Allen key wrenches, mounted on back of headstock

## KKT-4

Within Vantage's naming conventions, the KKT-4 is designated by the letter "B".

**Features:**

* Two-point fulcrum
* High-carbon-steel tipped posts
* String locking mechanism
* Individually adjustable saddles
* Fine tuning screws
* Zero fret locking nut
* Adjustable arm tension
* Two Allen key wrenches, mounted on back of headstock
K-32

The Sidewinder was not only Marlin's best selling model, but the best-selling guitar in the U.K., from 1986 to 1988 before finally being overtaken by the new Korean Squier (which was largely a response to the Sidewinder's success). In August 1988, the Marlin inlay at the twelfth fret was changed to dots.

## K-32

K-32KT features "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo.

* £99.95 Retail (1986)
* £114.95 Retail (KT, 1986)
* 1986-1988

**Body:**

* Contoured laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Rock Maple bolt-on neck with Rosewood "skunk stripe"
* Maple fretboard with dot inlays and Marlin at 12th fret
* Natural gloss finished neck
* Fender style headstock
* Bullet style truss rod
* 22 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Three wax potted ceramic single coils, blade style at bridge (~8K ohms)
* Angled neck pickup
* 5-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Standard vintage style 6-point tremolo
* Optional "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo with locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Black
* White
* Red
* Pink
* Light Blue
* Cream

## K-34

   K-34KT features "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo.

* £114.95-119.95 Retail (1986)
* £134.95-139.95 Retail (KT, 1986)
* £149 Retail (1988)
* 1986-1988

**Body:**

* Contoured laminate body
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Rock Maple bolt-on neck with Rosewood "skunk stripe"
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and Marlin at 12th fret
* Fender style headstock
	+ Color-matched
* Bullet style truss rod
* 22 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two wax potted ceramic single coils, one double blade humbucker (~8K ohms)
* 5-way switch
* Coil tap mini-switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome or Black hardware
* Standard vintage style 6-point tremolo
* Optional "KKT" Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo with locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Flamingo Pink with chrome hardware (01)
* Flamingo Pink with black hardware
* Candy Apple Red with chrome hardware (02)
* Purple Haze (03)
* Midnight Blue with black hardware (04)
* Charcoal Fire Grey with chrome hardware (05)
* Pearl White with black hardware (06)
* Black with black hardware (07)

Left-handed version available in Candy Apple Red and Charcoal Fire Grey.

## KB-24

**Body:**

* Contoured laminate body
* Rear belly carve

**Neck:**

* Maple bolt-on neck with skunk stripe (later models)
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays and Marlin at 12th fret
* Body color headstock
* 20 frets
* 34" scale

**Electronics:**

* One split pickup, One humbucker
* 3-way switch
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Metal knobs
* Adjustable bridge

**Finishes:**

* Candy Apple Red (02)
* Midnight Blue (04)
* Charcoal Fire Grey (05)
* Pearl White (06)
HDC

The HDC was introduced in 1978 as the double-cut version of the HLP. However, unlike the HLP, the HDC was the first Hondo model to feature an original headstock design.

While seemingly almost identical to the Vantage "Entertainer", it's **not** a copy of that because that model was introduced in 1982. However, it may have some influence from the Ibanez Artist and/or Epiphone Genesis. The headstock inlay is one used by Gibson on high end archtops.

**Made in Incheon, Korea by Samick.**

## HDDCS/HD-770

The HDC model was only offered as a set-neck model with DiMarzios, thus the name "HDDCS" (See: Naming Conventions). In 1980, it was re-named HD-770. Some examples did not have the Flower Pot inlay.

* 1978-1980

**Body:**

* Solid Ash body with arched Ash top

**Neck:**

* Set-in neck
* Stained fretboard with Pearloid block inlays
* Deluxe headstock
* Mother of Pearl Script logo
* Mother of Pearl Flower Pot headstock inlay
* Volute
* 22 frets
* 24.75" scale

**Binding:**

* Triple-ply body
* Double-ply fretboard and headstock

**Electronics**

* Two DiMarzio K-10 humbuckers
* 3-way switch
* 2 Tone, 2 Vol

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* Black speed knobs
* Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Antique Brown Sunburst (AB)
* Wine (WI or W1)
* Black (B)

**Also branded as:**

* Mansfield M62
Vantage

Vantage was a brand started by Music Technologies, Inc. (MTI) around 1978. MTI was formerly known as Unicord, Inc., which created the Univox and Westbury brands [1]. The very first known model was a re-branded Hondo HLP called the V-100, most likely sold around 1978. By 1979, their guitars were mostly unique designs made exclusively by Matsumoku in Japan.

For more information on Japanese Vantages, see: Vantage-Guitars.com and Matsumoku.org.

This continued until Matsumoku closed in early 1987. Some time that same year, Samick purchased the Vantage trademark and began building Vantages. There were no Japanese made Vantages after Matsumoku closed in 1987. MTI cancelled their rights to the brand in April 1989 [2]. Coincidentally, Samick had a relationship with Matsumoku dating back to the 1970s, where they were tutored by the Japanese manufacturer, so they were a fitting new home for Vantage.

Samick kept the classic Avenger X (and later reissued the AV), while re-creating the VLP Spirit as the DL, and the VSH as the 635V. However, it was largely a new lineup, mostly consisting of contemporary "superstrats". At first, a new pointy, "reverse" headstock was used, but in 1991, all models returned to classic Vantage headstock designs. Notably, there was only one neck-through model offered (the 928), which was a superstrat, unlike the neck-through models that Vantage is now known for (Coincidentally, Samick had built neck-through guitars in the style of those classic Vantages under various brand names during the early 1980s).

Production ended by 2003.

## Models

* 100 Series
* 200 Series
* 300 Series
* 400 Series
* 500 Series
* 600 Series (Hollow/Semi-Hollow)
* 700 Series
* 800 Series
* 900 Series
* 9000 Series
* AV (Avenger)
* DL (LP style)
* VAV (LP style)
* VC
* VF (V style)
* VG (SG style)
* VL
* VR
* VS (Dreadnought style)
* VSP
* VT (Tele style)
* VT / VTL
* V-100 (LP style)
* YB
* YS (Strat style)
* X (Avenger)

## Indonesian Models

* MIE
* VIB
* VIE
NTSC (GDC)

*For other robots named NTSC see: NTSC (Disambiguation)*

**NTSC** was a Heavyweight built by **Team Tiki** that competed at the 2006 ComBots GDC demonstration event. It was a slow, four-wheeled, weaponless robot, with wood armor, and a TV on top. Despite being from the long line of Team Tiki novelty bots, NTSC managed to gain infamy by winning its one, and only battle against **Last Rites**, by knockout.

## RobotHistory

### ComBots CDC

NTSC's only fight was against **Last Rites** the purpose of this fight was to show what Last Rites could do. However things did not exactly go as planned. The fight started with Last Rites spinning up, and colliding with the front of NTSC, sending splinters everywhere as well as knocking the TV off the top.

Last Rites then went for the TV itself, thoroughly destroying it, however while doing this a chunk of the TV got stuck in Last Rites blade jamming it up. Shortly after this Last Rites got high centered on debris from the destroyed TV, and was counted out, as the remainder of the cabinet fell off of NTSC. Following this upset, NTSC never had another battle after this fight, and was retired.

## Combat Record

### Wins/Losses

* **Wins:** 1
* **Losses:** 0

## Trivia

* Along with Heavyweight **Yaotl**, and Middleweight **WarSaw**. NTSC is one of only three Large robots (Lightweight or heavier) to only have one battle in RoboGames/ComBots. Out of the three NTSC is the only robot that actually won its only battle.
	+ Additionally this makes NTSC one of the rare undefeated robots in RoboGames/ComBots history.
HEG

The **HEG** was introduced around 1974 as a copy of the '72-73 Gibson SG I & II models [1]. It replaced the SG-414 and was sold under the Hondo and Cobra brands. Early models had no pickguard and fretboard inlays that extended to the 21st fret. Around 1976, it was replaced by the HSG.

**Made in Incheon, Korea by Samick.**

## HEG-5005

* $105 MSRP (ca. 1974)

**Body:**

* Beveled laminate body construction

**Neck:**

* Nato bolt-on neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Open Book headstock
* Silk-screened Psychedelic logo
* Silk-screened Cobra logo

* 21 frets

**Electronics**

* One pickup with mini-humbucker style cover
* Front-mounted controls
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* Open-gear tuners with oval buttons
* Two-ply pickguard
* Witch Hat knobs
* Compensated wraparound bridge

**Finishes:**

* Black
* Cherry
* Walnut

**Also branded as:**

* Cobra HEG-5005

## HEG-5006

* $115 MSRP (ca. 1974)

**Body:**

* Beveled laminate body construction

**Neck:**

* Nato bolt-on neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* Open Book headstock
* Silk-screened Psychedelic logo
* Silk-screened Cobra logo
* 21 frets

**Electronics**

* Two pickups with mini-humbucker style covers
* Front-mounted controls
* 3-way switch
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* Open-gear tuners with oval buttons
* Two-ply pickguard
* Witch Hat knobs
* Compensated wraparound bridge

**Finishes:**

* Black
* Cherry
* Walnut

**Also branded as:**

* Cobra HEG-5006

## HEGB-5004

* ~1974-1977
* $159 MSRP (ca. 1974)

**Body:**

* Beveled laminate body construction
* Belly carve

**Neck:**

* Nato bolt-on neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays (early models)
* Rosewood fretboard with block inlays (later models)
* Open Book headstock
* Volute
* Silk-screened Psychedelic logo (1974-1975)
* Silk-screened Block logo (1976)
* Silk-screened Script logo (1977)
* 21 frets

**Electronics**

* Two pickups with mini-humbucker style covers
* One mini-humbucker and one "Mudbucker" style pickup (~1977)
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* Two-ply pickguard (later models)
* Witch Hat knobs
* Adjustable bridge with chrome cover

**Finishes:**

* Black
* Cherry

**Also branded as:**

* Cobra HEGB-5004
* Festival
Orion

The brand **Orion** was created by Vega Musical Instruments (a division of Galaxy Trading Company), along with the slightly more upmarket brand Antares. Because the Vega brand was purchased by Galaxy from C.F. Martin in 1979, we can infer that Orion was probably created shortly thereafter. The brand does not seem to have lasted long (the only known catalog is from 1982), and only consisted of re-branded existing models mostly from Cort (most likely), as well as some from Samick.

## Electric Models

* EG (Teisco style)
* FA (L-5 style)
* FB-25 (The "Paul" style)
* FB-29 (Explorer style)
* FL (Fender Lead style)
* GE (Guild style)
* GS (Vantage style)
* IM (Iceman style)
* JL (LP style)
* KT (Vantage style)
* LA (LP style)
* LK (LP style)
* LP (LP style & Marauder style)
* LS (LP style)
* MM (Melody Maker style)
* MT (Mustang style)
* RC (Bich style)
* SC (Strat style)
* SG (SG style)
* SK (Strat style)
* TA (LP style)
* TC (Tele style)
* TV (DC LP style)
* V (V style)
WR

The WR was a superstrat style model with a B.C.Rich style headstock. It was exclusively offered on the Japanese market.

## WR-2H

* ¥45,000 Yen (1990 MSRP)

**Body:**

* Contoured body

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Rock Maple neck with scarf joint
* Maple fretboard with small dot inlays
* Silk-screened First Runner logo
* 24 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* Two ceramic humbuckers (Super II style)
* 2-way mini-switch
* 1 Master Volume

**Hardware:**

* Black hardware
* 16:1 ratio lubricated, die-cast tuning machines
* Wide fish shaped truss rod cover
* Metal knob
* "KKT-3" Licensed Floyd Rose locking tremolo
* Zero fret locking nut

**Finishes:**

* Black (B)
* Pink (P)

## WR-2H/R

Same as WR-2H, but with reverse headstock.
Luzifer

*Not to be confused with the Pakistan Lightweight robot that registered to compete in RoboGames 2016, and 2017.*

**Luzifer** was a Heavyweight robot built by German team, The Devil Crew that attempted to compete in RoboGames 2012. It was a four-wheel drive, orange, and silver, invertible, box shaped robot armed with a lifting wedge, and top flipping arm similar in design to 4x Gold Medalist Sewer Snake. However although it attended the event Luzifer did not wind up competing.

In 2016 a rebuilt version of Luzifer applied to compete in the 2016 Robot Wars Reboot. However it was rejected, and instead continued to appear at the oldlive event in the UK.

## Trivia

* Luzifer was originally known as Black Hole 2, and was the spiritual successor to German Robot Wars champion Black Hole.
HES

The HES was Hondo's first Fender Stratocaster copy, introduced around 1973. It was replaced by the HFS in 1976.

**Made in Incheon, Korea by Samick.**

**Related:**

* HFS
* HEP
* Tele Star E-400

## HES-5000

* ~1973-1975
* $139.50 MSRP (ca. 1973)

**Body:**

* Lightly contoured laminate body
* Maple veneer (front and back)
* Light belly carve

**Neck:**

* Bolt-on Nato neck
* Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
* CBS Fender headstock
* Volute
* Gloss black finish
* 21 frets
* 25.5" scale

**Electronics:**

* 3 single coil pickups
* 3 sliding toggle switches
* 1 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* 3-ply, 9 screw pickguard
* Fish shaped truss rod cover
* 3-way adjustable "hardtail" bridge with removable cover

**Finishes:**

* 3-Tone Sunburst (S)

**Also branded as:**

* Cobra HES-5000
* Orion SC

## Vibra 3189

* 1977-1981

**Also branded as:**

* Artist
* Duke EG-5000T