Vintage 1981 Aria Pro II CS-400 Gibson SG Type Electric Guitar Matsumoku Japan

Aria's original design, inspired by Gibson SG - with much more dynamics. Early 1981 production run, 6 digit serial number. Extended sustain with massive fixed bridge. Two zebra colored Protomatic V humbuckers. Coil tap and phase reversal switches.

Dual fixed bridge (quick-hook or string-through). Signed CS series machine heads. Endorsed and used on stage by the Rod Stewart and the Alice Cooper bands, the Cardinal Series CS-400 was the higher-end model of Aria's Cardinal Series, the "rare-earth" line. It blended design cues of the Gibson SG series with Aria's engineering and with the highest quality production of the Matsumoku plant in Japan. This model is favored both by collectors (for scarcity and looks) and professional musicians (for the combination of woods, handcraft, and the massive bridge).

The guitar plays and sounds great, and is in excellent condition. There are a few nicks and dings here and there, not very visible, all sealed and well cared for, and none of them detract from the presentation or the sound. The sustain and reverb kick pretty much everything else out of the water - not surprising given the massive fixed bridge, set neck, and matched woods (something that the Aria-Matsumoku collaboration was famous for). The two zebra colored Protomatic V humbuckers provide both the whine and the growl, and the two additional tone control options (coil tap and phase switch) keep things firmly outside of the ordinary. You still have the usual two-volume, two-tone set of pots.

Not the case here - the tuners are intact, and the knobs are the original etched wheels. Same for all the covers, including the signed truss rod cover. If you ever wanted a badass instrument that has character, brains, and a hint of overseas flair - this is it.

I verify my guitars against available Aria catalogs and corroborated information from collectors. Please be aware of the many built-from-parts and look-alike guitars, as well as unauthorized restorations.

This is not one of them. My instruments are kept in a climate controlled, smoke-free and dust-free environment. They are regularly maintained and never taken to gigs.

Any signs of prior use come from previous owners and are carefully documented. Unauthorized duplication of these materials is prohibited. The item "Vintage 1981 Aria Pro II CS-400 Gibson SG Type Electric Guitar Matsumoku Japan" is in sale since Wednesday, December 19, 2018. This item is in the category "Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Electric Guitars". The seller is "travellight" and is located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

This item can be shipped to United States.