Product: Aria Pro II PE-200
Price Paid: US $225.00 used
Submitted
06/11/2002
at
02:26pm
by
Ken Griffith
Features
:
9
This 1977 Aria Pro II PE-200 is an almost(99%)EXACT replica of a "first year production model" Gibson Ripper base. I use the term "first year production model" because the Aria, like Gibson's 1st Rippers, has a bolt-on neck. The ONLY (1%) differences are: (1) The machine heads/tuners are slightly larger than a Ripper's and (2) The Aria has a different bridge design. I"ll say one thing for Japanese copies...some of them may be cheaply manufactured (unlike the Pro II series), but their finishes can be absolutely breath-taking, as with mine. It has a Beautiful tobacco brown burst finish, even on the "back" of the neck !! A nice added touch.
Sound
:
10
I realize that the Base Database is for providing information TO musicians BY musicians, and I don't want to waste your time repeating alot of the same info. already provided by other musicians, so I will try to be brief, yet thorough, by saying that since my bass is almost EXACTLY like the Gibson Ripper in both looks and functions, I'd suggest you investigate the reviews here, of the Ripper, then apply them to the Aria Pro II PE-200.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
Like a LOT of imported guitars and bases I've owned, the fret job is rather lacking in quality, the frets being poorly dressed and filed. But as I described earlier, the finish is Flawless and Stunning. Nice low action with no buzzing or dead spots. The "7" rating is for the poor fret job....the finish rates an "11" !!
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This bass is built like a tank !! It is Very sturdy and well-built.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I've never needed to contact the Aria company (or whoever manufactures Aria products).
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing bass for over 20 years and like a LOT of other musicians, I've played (and even owned, at one time or another) MANY different brands of basses, and the Aria Pro II PE-200 is a really great value for the bucks. The quality isn't to die for, but what do you expect for such a low price? If you like the Gibson Grabber, G-3, and/or Ripper styles of basses (but can't afford one), then I urge you to buy a PE-200 if you ever come across one. I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed with your purchase.
