Aria LS-500, gold top, made in Japan 1980. Aria Pro II have a long and storied history; many of their earlier guitars like this were made at the famed Matsumoku plant that produced famous 'lawsuit' models by Ibanez and Yamaha. Here we have a pretty straight-up take on the iconic Les Paul Standard, dressed in stunning gold. The neck is slim, straight and comfy, the body is pretty lightweight and rings truly and has a certain integrity in the hands common to these handmade beauties from a bygone era. Plugged in, this is hefty: the neck pickup is dark and rich with a sweet outline of treble around the edges, while the bridge pickup delivers a fat and full punch with a fun growly midrange. It's especially good for punk and classic rock chuggy rhythm rhythm parts, it has that satisfying percussive kick to it. The gold is bright and gaudy, with an almost slightly green tinge in certain light...paired with the aged cream plastics and dark streaky rosewood board, it looks classy indeed. This is a fine LP indeed.

Model: Aria Pro II LS-500
Made: Japan, Matsumoku plant, 1980 approx (no serial)
Finish: gold top, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, maple cap, chambered
Weight: 3.910kg
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, slim 60s profile
Mods: bridge and tailpiece appear to have been replaced
Pickups: Aria AL-7 humbucker x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few light scuffs near the neck joint, along the back edge and in the elbow area. The sides have some scuffs on the top horn and some dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some light dimples in the elbow area and some light play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.