joceravolo wrote:
Hi guys,
I've been getting into Japanese guitars for the last year or so. They are great!
But it is a pain to know who build what.
I have 2 HB-35 from the 80's. Great guitars, I'll post photos tomorrow.
The owners mentioned Matsumoku as the manufacturer.
Who else built these in the 80's?
Thanks,
Jose.
Hi. Long time lurker, first time poster. I own 4 of the original MIJ Washburn HB-35s. Some state that these were made by Matsumoku, however based on a great deal of research...I believe 100% that Yamaki was the manufacturer of the original HB-35s, from 1981-1983 as well as most of the Washburn Wing series.
The original HB-35s are very rare and feature dot inlays, and string-through bridges which have brass saddles. The Washburn Wing solid-bodies and Yamaki-made Daion electric guitars have the same bridges and pickups. The Daion Headhunter 555 is very similar, with the exceptions being in the body shape, headstock and inlays. The finishes on these guitars are the same as well. Yamaki guitars have a very distinct clear coat which is very clear, deep and is very resistant to scratches.
These early HB-35s have 6 digit serial numbers which are embossed on the back on the neck in black lettering. They also have push-pull knobs which split the coils to single-coil when pulled up. This is actually a very useful thing as the pickups respond quite nicely when in single-coil mode. Some say that the pickups were made by Gotoh, however there is no marking on the backs of them other than a serial number.
I currently have a 1981, 2 1982s and 1 1983. The original HB-35s are the best 335 style guitars, and are the best playing, best-quality built guitars that I have ever played. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be glad to help.
Here are some photos. Click on the thumb to enlarge.
1982 Sunburst and 1983 Cream with Vibrato
1981 Sunburst - First year of HB-35s ever made. Has top mounted jack
My collection
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