1971 Aria Les Paul Natural

1971 Aria Les Paul Natural

In the 1960s, after visiting the USA guitar scene, Shiro Arai partnered with Japan’s major instrument maker Matsumoku to build ‘Aria’ electric guitars. This 1971 model 5522N (N=Natural finish) is from the early 1970-1974 era of Fender-style bolt-on-neck Arias. The body features an attractive figured maple top over a bound mahogany pancake body, less thick than a standard Les Paul, making for a light Les Paul weight of 3.7kg (8.1 lbs). The bound ‘open book’ headstock has real pearl inlays, with a 43mm (1-11/16”) nut and full D  profile for a vintage Gibson neck feel. Frets are 75% and after a fret dress and set up by us, the action is low with smooth and accurate playability throughout. There are some scrapes on the bottom edge of body; a bump on the back of the neck has been refinished for smooth feel, otherwise no damage issues. All hardware is original, some tarnish given 54 years old. The original pickups are strong early Maxon humbuckers*, well matched and toneful, measuring Neck 7.21  and Bridge 7.41 ohm. The large-format pots, caps, shielded wiring etc are all original and work well. We’ve upgraded the 3-way switch and input jack. Comes with its equally clean and tidy 1970s MIJ hard case as shown.

* The bridge pickup appears to be a ‘Phase 3 HiFlyer’ humbucker as used by Kurt Cobain in his Univox guitar.