(SOLD) Aria Pro II ST-400 Stagecaster Sunburst 1978
Aria Pro II Stagecaster, sunburst, made in Japan 1978. These vintage Aria guitars enjoy a great reputation. They were made at the famous Matsumoku plant, which produced famous guitars for Epiphone and Yamaha over the years among others. The workmanship on offer is immaculate, it really does feel and look beautifully made. The neck is a gorgeous piece of quartersawn maple with some pretty concentric grain radiating out from the centre of the back, it's visually attractive and feels excellent too. It's a slim C style shape, so it's easy and quick to move around on and the fret and finish work on it is bang-on. The burst finish looks all the better for a few decades on the clock, and paired with the golden maple headstock and board, it has a sweet vintage aesthetic. It really shines when you plug it in, the tone is great. It's clear and precise, but with plenty of weight in the bottom end and a howling, warm midrange. If you're after a huge player with massive tone for small cash, or a superb mod platform, this is surely a winning candidate.
Model: Aria Pro II ST-400 Stagecaster
Made: Japan, 1978, Matsumoku plant (serial B780164)
Finish: sunburst
Body: alder (not 100% verified)
Neck: maple with maple cap board, 10" radius, 25.5" scale, 42mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.880kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Aria SP-II single coil x3
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is pretty clean, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few demos around the back and bottom edge and near the cavity cover, as well as a hole from a since-removed strap pin and a little chip near the neck plate, no major marks. The sides have light scuffs in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has a few dimples behind the bridge and in the elbow area as well as some play wear on the guard and top horn, no major marks. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.