Aria Pro II Stagecaster ST-400 Natural 1977
Aria Pro II Stagecaster, natural, made in Japan 1977. 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. 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: Matsumoku plant, Japan; 1977
Serial: C771410
Finish: natural; gloss polyurethane
Body: four-piece alder (not 100% verified)
Neck: maple with maple cap board, 10" radius, 25.5" scale, 42mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.515kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Aria SP-II single coil x3
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, bottom edge and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has a dent on the top horn and dimples on the belly carve, back edge, bottom edge and bottom horn . The sides have dimples on the top horn, dents and scuffs in the elbow area, scuffs along the back edge, dents and scuffs near the jack and some dimples and dents on the bottom horn. The front has a dent near the bridge and near the jack, dimples on the top horn and elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only