Moonshiner Mark - Posted - 01/28/2026:  07:14:59

I have a chance to buy a 1980's Korean Hondo 2 #HB88A.

From what I've read it has a chrome tone ring and is known as the Hondo Masterpiece. (Masterclone)

It has the classic banjo style head stock and planetary tuners, block inlays in the neck and a chrome flange.

They are asking $280 and I was wondering if it is worth it?

I'm trying to step-up from my cheap Amazon banjo, that I already find is limiting me with less than 6 months of playing experience.

Edited by - Moonshiner Mark on 01/28/2026 07:26:17

localhost - Posted - 01/28/2026:  07:36:37

If its the masterclone (not the bottlecap one) then for $280 its a worthwhile step up from a cheap amazon banjo.

Culloden - Posted - 01/28/2026:  07:39:34

Save your money and start browsing the classified ads on here. There are a lot better options available than a Hondo. In the 70s and 80s, Hondo was the equivalent of the Kay in the 50s and 60s. It was good enough to start on but would soon have you looking for something better.

jdskyler - Posted - 01/28/2026:  08:01:26

I would second what Mark said, if you've outgrown your Amazon purchase in 6 months you will probably outgrow the Hondo pretty quick. A quick search of the classifieds, there are a few sub $1k range that would keep you happy for a while. Recording King, Vega, Gold Tone ...



What kind of Amazon banjo is it that you have? I think the stuff that comes from Amazon probably suffers from really poor setup. Probably no setup. You might seek out some help with things like bridge placement, head tension and neck adjustment before you throw in the towel.

Edited by - jdskyler on 01/28/2026 08:08:37

Joel Hooks - Posted - 01/28/2026:  08:26:04

A google search shows that the OP banjo is a "bottle cap". Great deal for $50. Okay deal for $75-150 provided it needs nothing but strings and has some kind of case and no work at all is required for set up.

But life is short, why bother with a bottle cap banjo?

localhost - Posted - 01/28/2026:  08:53:22

Were the Hondo branded masterclones (wood pot, full tone ring) made in a different factory than the well regarded pacrim masterclones of that era? Were they lower spec or quality out of the same factory?

Edited by - localhost on 01/28/2026 08:58:32

pinenut - Posted - 01/28/2026:  09:06:39

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moonshiner Mark

I have a chance to buy a 1980's Korean Hondo 2 #HB88A.

From what I've read it has a chrome tone ring and is known as the Hondo Masterpiece. (Masterclone)

It has the classic banjo style head stock and planetary tuners, block inlays in the neck and a chrome flange.

They are asking $280 and I was wondering if it is worth it.

---

Iff, it's the carved headstock, wood rim, bronze tone ring "Masterpiece" and not cracked or broken; grab it quick, the price is low. 

If it's an aluminum rim Hondo; skip it, the price is high and there are better out there on any day (even of the aluminum type).

Cheers.

Edited by - pinenut on 01/28/2026 09:07:55

Moonshiner Mark - Posted - 01/28/2026:  09:07:32

I dont think its the "bottlecap". Here's the pic of it below. It looks like a wood rim and chrome flange.

I currently have a Vangoa 5-string banjo. I upgraded the tailpiece with a straightline tailpiece from Goldtone. And I have adjusted the coordinator rod and truss rod. It plays pretty ok, but pull offs are difficult due to the narrow neck.

Edited by - Moonshiner Mark on 01/28/2026 09:13:31

 

pinenut - Posted - 01/28/2026:  09:12:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moonshiner Mark

I dont think its the "bottlecap".

I currently have a Vangoa 5-string banjo. I upgraded the tailpiece with a straightline tailpiece from Goldtone. And I have adjusted the coordinator rod and truss rod. It plays pretty ok, but pull offs are difficult due to the narrow neck.

---

I've not seen one of these with the Hondo name; cool.  They are good instruments and use common parts; I like them and it's a substantial upgrade from the Vangoa.

The tube and plate is versatile and usually means a thick strong rim.  note:  The die cast tone ring is forgiving to play and have good tone and the brass/bronze rings are louder and less forgiving to play; advantages both ways, win.  note:  it's listed as potentially being a brass ring, very nice.

I think that $280 is more than fair, in your favor, and that it would be unlikely to find better, for the same price, in a reasonable time frame.

Edited by - pinenut on 01/28/2026 09:27:53

GrahamHawker - Posted - 01/28/2026:  09:23:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moonshiner Mark

I dont think its the "bottlecap". Here's the pic of it below. It looks like a wood rim and chrome flange.

I currently have a Vangoa 5-string banjo. I upgraded the tailpiece with a straightline tailpiece from Goldtone. And I have adjusted the coordinator rod and truss rod. It plays pretty ok, but pull offs are difficult due to the narrow neck.

---

You should definately buy. It's a Samick made masterclone -it might be that the model is a HB888 rather than A. Which might mean a better tone ring than some. Under $400 then it's a bargain even if it has a cheaper flathead tone ring. Compared to a Vangoa it will be many light years ahead.

Edited by - GrahamHawker on 01/28/2026 09:24:53

Joel Hooks - Posted - 01/28/2026:  09:27:32

Yeah, that photo shows a better grade banjo than a bottle cap.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 01/28/2026:  10:54:01

Offer the seller 200- if they balk on that, the price they are asking is OK.

Have fun

Culloden - Posted - 01/28/2026:  12:38:45

The banjo in the picture is a lot better than a Bottle cap model, but it's still a Hondo brand. The instrument may be a fine player but, if you try to sell it or trade it off later, you are not going to get back anywhere near what you have in it.

GrahamHawker - Posted - 01/28/2026:  14:03:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by Culloden

The banjo in the picture is a lot better than a Bottle cap model, but it's still a Hondo brand. The instrument may be a fine player but, if you try to sell it or trade it off later, you are not going to get back anywhere near what you have in it.

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I have to disagree. It's only $280. Flathead tone ring banjos are probably always going to be worth that or more. And it might be a decent quality model.

Moonshiner Mark - Posted - 01/28/2026:  14:58:52

He agreed to trade. Straight up for an Ibanez acoustic guitar i have and dont use. 

Edited by - Moonshiner Mark on 01/28/2026 14:59:20