(SOLD) Aria Pro II PE-JR750 Vintage Sunburst 1991
Aria Pro II PE-JR750, vintage sunburst, made in Japan 1991. This is a quirky little thing, so cool though! Aria enjoyed a good reputation for many decades in Japan, they were making some exceptional guitars through the 'lawsuit' era before growing increasingly creative in decades following. This is roughly styled on a Gibson Les Paul Junior, but it's a totally different beast in some ways. The maple in the top is lovely piece, so it has that depth through the flamed grain you don't see on cheap and nasty veneers... paired with the gold hardware and five-ply binding, it looks super classy. The Bigsby-style tailpiece and TMB-2 bridge add a certain breathy jangle to the attack, even before it's plugged in you can hear the natural resonance easily. The pickups are awesome: heaps of glassy sheen on the top end, with a self-assured thick juicy bass response and a midrange that turns from talkative and airy to creamy and screamy with the twist of the volume knob. The three-bolt easy-access neck joint might seem a little strange to Gibson traditionalists, but it works a treat in terms of stability and playability, it really feels great. Being so light and with a comfy, slim-60s style neck, it's an absolute breeze to play and will suit those of us with smaller hands and heights. I saw this for sale in Japan and had to have it, so if you're having that moment right now, we share the same affliction... thanks and sorry!
Model: Aria Pro II PE-JR750
Made: Japan, 1991 (serial 914625)
Finish: vintage sunburst (VS)
Body: mahogany, flame maple cap
Weight: 3.295kg
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 11" radius, 24.75" scale, 43mm nut, slim 60s profile
Mods: none
Pickups: Aria OSL-1 soapbar single coil x2
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has a few little scuffs, dimples and dents around the body, no major marks though. The sides have minor dimples on the bottom horn, near the jack and on the elbow area, nothing nasty. The front is pretty clean and tidy, a couple of dimples around the tailpiece and some play wear around the strings only. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets appear freshly dressed and polished, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.