Aria Pro II Class Axe XZ-02 Black 2015
Aria XZ-02, very black, made in Indonesia 2015. Aria began making guitars in Japan in 1964, and they still do pretty well on the Japan market to this day. This example dates to 2015 and is part of the Class Axe series, which had a few different shapes all with metal-oriented hardware and electronics. It's made in Indo and appears to come out of the same factory as the ESP LTD stuff, which has always enjoyed a good rep with riffheads down here. It's surprisingly comfy: well balanced, lightweight, great neck joint, intuitive slim round neck shape, sensible hardware... it works really well. The pickups are laughably hot, so it'll push even a pretty clean amp right to the limits. The bridge pickup especially seems to remain clear and articulate even with plenty of gain in the chain. If you're after a quick playing face melter, this one is smart money.
Model: Aria Pro II Class Axe XZ-02
Made: Indonesia, 2015 (serial IW15080100)
Finish: black, matte poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, slim U-shape, jumbo frets, 25.5" scale, 42mm nut, 16" radius
Weight: 3.320kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Duncan Designed HB105 active humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end, no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has some light scuffs around the ferrules, battery cover and elbow area, plus some dimples on the top edge near the middle. The sides have some dimples on the bottom horn, elbow area and near the jack. The front has some minor rub wear in the elbow area, near the knobs and behind the bridge and some light play wear on the horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings and tuned to drop D.