Early 80's Howard Roberts Fusion

[mbrad2112]

Hi,

 

I've noticed some early 80's Howard Roberts Fusions with Fretboard Binding and without. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what models or years had binding and which ones did not?

 

Does anyone have some history here when and where they were made? What were the spec changes before the HR IIL?

 

My 1980 model does not have fretboard binding and I was wondering if mine is worth more or less than the ones with fretboard binding.

 

Thanks as always,

[ksdaddy]

Is it possible there were two HR models? A "Custom" and a "Standard" perhaps?

 

I have a c.1980 Gibson parts catalog at home. I'll look tonight and see if they make reference to more than one HR.

[mbrad2112]

Hi and thanks for the reply. Anything you can find out from your c.1980 catalog would be much appreciated.

 

mike

[ksdaddy]

The catalog I have shows a Fusion with no fretboard binding. It's the only Fusion model listed, otherwise there's the HR Artist and Custom which are whole different animals anyway. Sorry I couldn't do any more than confirm your '80!

[mbrad2112]

You did plenty. Thanks. Maybe they started binding in 81.

 

Thanks

Mike

[tiktok]

I believe binding came in with the Fusion III, in '91, along with all the other changes--gold hardware, Chromyte center block, fingers tailpiece, different control layout.

The only HRF I've seen with binding was one of Alex Lifeson's, which also appeared to have a rosewood fretboard but that could well be a one-off, or something he'd changed (he'd already put a Kahler in at one point).

 

The Fusion IIL ('88-'91) was suposed to be the same spec as the Fusion, although why it had a different designation seems odd.