(SOLD) Aria Diamond VB-300 Violin Bass Sunburst 1970
Aria Diamond VB-300 bass, made in Japan circa 1970. Diamond was a series under the Aria umbrella that existed from around 1969-75, made at the same Matsumoku plant as both the Aria branded stuff and other notable brands like Ibanez and Greco. This is a cool little take on the 'Beatle Bass' genre, with a cute pair of mini humbuckers and a comfy bolt on neck. The neck is a bit more intuitive than other basses in this genre we've had through, as it tapers a little more as you go up the board and has a generous round profile. The tone on offer is woody, round and warm, with a charming jovial attack and a strong fundamental note. The finish has plenty of scuffs and fading, as you'd expect from a bass this old, but it's held up remarkably well really. A little rough, but a Diamond nonetheless.
Model: Aria Diamond VB-300
Made: Japan, 1970 approx, Matsumoku plant (serial 2172299)
Finish: sunburst, gloss poly
Body: laminate maple, fully hollow
Weight: 2.640kg
Neck: two piece maple, rosewood board, 'slim taper' profile, 30.5" scale, 42mm nut,
Mods: re-wired with new 3-way switch
Pickups: Aria mini humbucker x2
Case: basic hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the end and edges, as well as some discolouration on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some checking lines in the clearcoat near the cavity and neck joint, as well as widespread light scuffs around the body. The sides have minor scuffs and dimples around the whole body and discolouration on the binding, no major marks. The front has some dimples around the tailpiece and knobs, as well as widespread scuffs and fading on the whole body. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are in reasonable shape, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh La Bella flatwound strings.