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Hondo II "Rickenbacker" Copy

Hondo II "Rickenbacker" Copy

4.0 (5)

2 Reviews

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Page last updated Mar 20, 2026

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Mike Kiker

Hondo II Ric 4001 Copy vs. Rickenbacker 4003

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hondo II "Rickenbacker" Copy.

Comparisons

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Modern "chickenbackers" are criticized for poor playability, unlike vintage Univox and CMI copies, which are considered comparable to authentic Rickenbackers.
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The El Degas Rickenbacker copy has a neck with a 1 1/2" nut width, preferred over the real Rickenbacker's chunkier necks, which are considered unergonomic.
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Despite criticism of Rickenbackers' playability, many players still value their distinct tone, which is considered a standout feature in the market.
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Build quality

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Preference is noted for the solid ash body version over the laminate body in Hondo copies, though visual identification is challenging.
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The early Hondo basses were designed by Matsumoku and are described as solid, despite a tendency for neck dive and going out of tune.
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Value and pricing

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$600 is considered a fair price for a well-maintained Hondo Rickenbacker copy, despite past availability at lower prices.
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Features and functionality

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Late 70s Hondo models reportedly came with DiMarzio pickups, known for their high output, often necessitating a lower tone setting around 3.
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User experience

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Some users report that the Hondo basses have a considerable weight, which can affect comfort during longer playing sessions.
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One user converted their Hondo to fretless and noted it felt as solid as a 90's Warwick, despite its rough appearance.
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Some owners describe authentic Rickenbackers as having a neck that can warp, with frets needing leveling, resulting in choked spots despite adjustments.
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Real Rickenbackers have been criticized for having a sticky neck finish that can feel unpleasant during play.
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Authentic Rickenbackers are noted for their weight, comparable to heavy basses like Warwick 6-strings, potentially affecting comfort over extended use.
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Setup and maintenance

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Rickenbacker copies like the El Degas reportedly have a single truss rod, differing from authentic models, impacting their adjustability and maintenance needs.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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skylinerr

5339

over 5 years ago

Nice

I always wanted one because of peter hook, recently i found one locally and bought it for £400, its not a great bass but it does sound pretty solid and has the dream factor from peter hooks use of it

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal