Aria Pro II Strikin' Sound Strat-style, natural gloss, made in Japan around 1976. Aria was the house brand of the Matsumoku factory, which produced some of the most iconic Japanese guitars of the seventies and eighties. This one references sixties style Strats, so it's got a rosewood radius-laminate board, smaller headstock with a gold logo and a comfy vintage-C shape neck. The body is a proper two-piece centre joined piece of ash, which adds a whole bunch of presence and punch to the tone. The tone on offer is sparkly and snappy with a pleasing full midrange and plenty of attack; it's a little thicker through the lows than a standard Fender from the same era. You get so much guitar for your cash here, it's really quite... strikin', apparently.

Model: Aria Pro II ST-600 Strikin' Sound
Made: Japan, circa 1976, Matsumoku plant (serial missing)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: ash, two-piece centre join
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, 42mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.730kg
Mods: switch replaced, neck plate replaced
Pickups: Aria ST single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of dents in the elbow area and around the cavity, as well as widespread dimples and light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples on both horns and near the jack. The front has a few dimples near the jack, in the elbow area and top horn, as well as some light scuffs from play 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 electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.