Aria Pro II LC500, Tobacco Sunburst, made in Japan circa 1979. This is gorgeous, what a stunner. Aria Pro II was owned by the same company as the iconic Matsumoku guitar factory, that produced some famous early Ibanez guitars, among many other things. This model references the 1968 Les Paul Custom, so you get the split diamond inlaid headstock, block inlays, bound fretboard, seven-ply double body binding and a carved maple top. This one has a beautiful birdseye maple top, on display under the excellent burst finish. The hardware, frets and neck are all in great shape, so this is playing very smoothly all the way up the neck. The tone is great: heaps of natural sustain, dark plump lows, creamy mids and a rounded, smooth treble. It's great clean, especially on the neck pickup, which is always a good sign on an LP, as the bridge-pickup-dirty tone tends to look after itself a bit more easily. This is amazing value and a very convincing piece of handmade Japan vintage goodness.

Model: Aria Pro II LC500
Made: Japan, 1979 approx, Matsumoku factory
Serial: N/A
Finish: Tobacco Sunburst (TB), gloss poly
Body: mahogany, birdseye maple carved top
Neck: three piece maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, 42mm nut, slim C
Weight: 4.405kg
Mods: knobs and bridge replaced
Pickups: Aria AL-7 humbucker x2
Accessories: basic vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and some scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has dimples on the horns and some scuffs in the elbow area and back edge. The sides have minor dimples and some minor corrosion of the binding around the whole body; the binding is mostly fine but there's a couple of chipped sections along the back edge. The front has scuffs behind the tailpiece 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 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only