Aria Pro II ZZB Explorer

Very basic features, like you'd expect form an inexpensive 80's bass. 2 PUs, 1 vol 1 tone, PU switch. What sets it apart from your average cheap bass: this model has 24 frets. I've seen others with less, but mine has a full 2 octave neck. Modified Explorer body style looks cool, sits at a comfortable, easy to play angle, allows perfect access to all 24 frets. Slight variation of Gibson style, improvements actually, looks sharper, easier to play, pointy inline headstock suits body style better than clunky Gibson or Epiphone headstock. Bolt on joint is nicely rounded, not a big blocky heel like Fender.

Suits hard rock/metal. Very 80's black/white paint job. Sounds better than I expected it to actually, pretty good for a cheap old bass, but a bit noisy and a little feedbacky if you are foolish enough to stand next to your very very loud tube amp. It can't compare to an Alembic Exploiter,(actually bought it as a "stunt double for my Alembic) but it does the job better than any other budget bass, nicer to play and better body design than Epiphone or Hamer.

About what I expected, competent job. No problems, no buzzing or neck issues, put together well but it isn't going to make you drool like a custom made multi thousand dollar bass. But what do you expect? Great for the money.

This bass is pushing 20 years old, I got it used. It's taken some spills by the look of it, but that's the previous owner's fault not the bass'. Bass held up well. No fear of it giving out on me.

Well, it's pretty old. I wouldn't go looking for much from Aria.

Overall rating I am giving is a 10. This is taking into account the price. That considered, great deal, you won't find a more cost effective way to live out your John Entwistle or heavy metal fantasies. Once you get used how different the Explorer body style sits than other basses, you won't want to go back to traditional styles again. It looks pretty far out but it's actually very practical, awesome fret access and the big body gives perfect balance.