![]() The very first known model was a re-branded Hondo HLP called the V-100, most likely sold around 1978.īy 1979, Vantage guitars were mostly unique designs made exclusively by Matsumoku in Japan. MTI was formerly known as Unicord, Inc., which created the Univox and Westbury brands. ![]() Vantage was a brand started by Music Technologies, Inc. ![]() This lead to the creation of the Wide Tune-O-Matic in 1981, however, the original design was also revised with a more durable metal and continued in use. Note: The stock bridge on these models commonly failed, caving in at the center due to insufficiently durable metal. Around late 1979, the headstock was redesigned to avoid lawsuits following the famous Gibson/Ibanez lawsuit. Serial numbers for these guitars follow their respective manufacturers codes (which both happen to use the first digit to represent the last digit of the year. After 1974, all HLPs were made in Korea by Samick. However, they are very rare and noticeably different from the typical HLP. For the first two years, they were made by Hoshino Gakki (Ibanez) in Japan. The HLP was Hondo’s first Les Paul copy, Introduced in 1973. Note: ALL Hondos from 1972-1989 (unless otherwise specified) are made in Korea by Samick. The new company introduced modern American and Japanese production methods to the Korean market, while taking advantage of the low-wage level in Korea to offer inexpensive, entry-level guitars. The Hondo brand was created through a joint-venture between Samick and Texas-based IMC (International Music Corporation).
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