Hondo II HD-850 Bass Pickups identification...

[Michael Ambrose]

I was recently given an old Aspen-branded bass in exchange for some repair work. And you know me, I've always got to find out who actually made which oddball branded piece.

I've since learned that this Aspen is actually identical to a Hondo II HD-850.

...which I've read, to my excitement, was originally stocked with DiMarzio P-style pickups!!

Only thing is, there's no markings on these pups.

SO. Can anyone out their in weirdo Asian brand land clue me in? Did DiMarzio stamp or mark their bass pickups in any way?

[Bassassin]

Modern ones sensibly have a DiMarzio logo moulded onto the covers, but there are few ways to ID old DiMarzios:

The early 80s Model P pups had "Patent Applied For" stickers underneath, obviously these can fall off & aren't present on later versions.

Being US-made, the hex pole pieces (if it has them) are imperial, not metric - you should need a 3/32" key to adjust them.

DiMarzio wiring on all their split-coil pups is red/white/green/black - if the wires are any other colours, it ain't a DM!


Anyway, let's get a look at this Aspen of yours.

Jon.

[Michael Ambrose]

Aw, crap... no green line, no adjustable pole pieces even! Bummer!!!