Product: Aria Pro II PW65
Price Paid: US $200 used
Submitted
12/07/2005
at
06:52pm
by
Jeffrey S Heffner
Email: jeffhef at gmail<dot>com
Features
:
9
The serial number on the label inside is missing so I don't know when it was made. I assume sometime between 77 & 80. It's a dreadnaught made in Japan. It's got beautiful inlay around the body and soundhole. Mine doesn't have the tree of life mentioned in the other review. It's block inlays on a rosewood fretboard. The blocks look like a pearl with a V in the middle of each in a different style. Very nice. The neck is comfortable...not too fat not too thin.
The materials are - Rosewood back and sides with a mahagony neck. Hardware is gold and the bridge looks like either ebony or dark mahogany. The top is spruce. The back is a 3 piece similar to a Martin design. I believe it may be a Martin knockoff...D-41 or D-42? Not sure. No electronics but I've added some to it. Came with the Case. Very well made hard shell case.
Sound
:
10
The sound is deep and resonant. It project quite well. For strumming and picking I find it suits me quite well. Not thin or low volume. Very full and doesn't get lost when playing with others.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I bought the guitar several years ago used. I had a setup done on it and it's kept well maintained. I play it frequently so my tech guy see's it a lot. Stays in tune and plays like a dream.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I play this guitar multiple times per week. It's stood up quite well. The finish has some dings but I don't care. I'm not a collector. The finish DOES stand up quite well. They are well deserved dings. It's aging quite nicely.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
10
I've had a number of acoustic guitars. When I got this one I had a Taylor W14C and a pretty decent Takamine. I liked the tone of this one so much I ended up selling the others. It just beat 'em to death. The last few years I've been playing it more in live situations and had an LR Baggs I-Beam put in. JUST SAY NO. The Ibeam and this guitar DO NOT like each other. I finally now have a good sounding pickup system. My guitar guy put in an aftermarket under the saddle pickup with an old EMG preamp. He also added a volume and tone control to the upper bout for me. The pickup system finally captures the sound of this guitar. I couldn't be more pleased.
If something happened to this guitar I don't know what I'd do. I've never had another acoustic sound better or play better. I'm constantly check ebay to try to pickup another one. I've never seen one sell on ebay and I've never come across another anywhere else either. I'd definitely be interested in picking up another. Also, I'd be interested in any history or info on this model of guitar.
Product: Aria Pro II PW65
Price Paid: US $300 used
Submitted
10/16/2004
at
11:16am
by
Jonny Brads
Features
:
10
Japanese made acoustic 6 string made in the 70s.Solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides.Three piece back.This model has a "tree of life" design inlaid all the way up the fretboard in mother of pearl
Beautiful instrument and one of the best acoustics Ive ever played.
Sound
:
10
Its got a big sound,with a deep bass and great mid and high.The sound has a fullness to it that can cut through when playing with other guitars.Nice and tight,no muddiness and clear as a bell when picking.
There are no electrics,but I sometimes use a soundhole pickup when out with it.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I needed to have it setup when I got it as I like my action really low.Its a very well made guitar and it can be seen that a lot of trouble went into the making of it.The tree of life on the fretboard must have taken a long time.Anyone can see this is not a cheapo jap guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Ive never seen another one so I look after this one very well,Ive not got any marks on it,but to be honest,I dont play it much,only on special occasions.It is a very solid and well made guitar tho.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
never contacted them
Overall Rating
:
10
Ive been playing a lot of years and I have about 14 guitars,my favourite is a Martin d35,This Aria is the closest to it for sound and build quality,right down to the three piece back.The tree of life inlay on this guitar makes me the envy of all who see it and Ive been offered more than I paid for it on many occasions,but this one is staying with me.If it was lost or stolen,I doubt if I could replace it as the Pro11 with the tree of life was a limited edition,probably lots of them hiding in collections tho.
