ivan about the Hondo...they were pacific-rim knock-offs of popular guitars(strats,teles,les pauls, etc.) from the late 70's early 80's. Not sure of the country of origin as they may have been from korea, taiwan, japan, etc. A music store owner with a heart knew my budget and had me plug one into a Fender twin along side a Tele Standard at 3 times the money...I could hear no difference other than a slightly 'thinner' sound from the Hondo when in the bridge position. Had him throw in a 1/4 pound tele pick-up for 60.00. My current guitar is an Alvarez with a solid top and lam sides and back. Picked it up, strummed one chord and traded 2 Mexicasters and 80.00 cash for it. It's not real loud, but clear as a bell as many other pickers have commented when hearing/playing it. My favorite all time was one made for me by Jan Burda in Evanston, Ill. He owned a store at that time called Hogeye Music. It may still be there. Anyway, he built a copy of a D-28S from a set of plans obtained with the prototype specs by a company named Ditson. It was made of red cedar, walnut sides and back, ebony fingerboard and a rosewood pickguard. Had all the cut-thru of an '18' and the overtones of a '28'. 12 frets to the body and the best sounding guitar I've ever had the pleasure of playing. His guitar line was called 'Dove' at the time.