The frets have as bit of normal wear but don't need immediate attention 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s. All electronics tested and working properly. Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The front is pretty clean, just a minor mark on the top horn, a couple of dimples around the F-hole, some light marks behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard. The sides have a few minor marks: dimples on the top horn, some minor chips on the shoulder, a couple of dimple near the rear strap pin, a small chip around from the knobs and a small chip on the bottom horn. The back looks great, just some minor scuffs concentrated around the ferrules and a couple of dings along the bottom and top edges. The neck is pretty clean, just a couple of minor dimples on the lower side around from approx fret 7 nothing major at all and it's smooth in the hands. The headstock has a couple of scuffs on the bottom edge. Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, 7.25' radius, 25.5' scaleĬosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Made: Japan, Matsumoku plant, 1976 (serial L760324)įinish: semi-transparent blonde gloss, white pearl guard These vintage MIJ Teles are growing in renown and desirability, word is getting out slowly that you get a brilliant instrument for around a quarter what a similar era of Fender is likely to cost you. I love those names the Japanese versions of American guitars had - Backaroo, Breezy Sound, Reborn Old, etc. This is an especially good rhythm guitar, it really eats up a nice open chord. That's pretty nice, a far cry from the Aria's I remember in the 80's. There's a heap of brightness and sparkle to the tone, moreso than some other vintage MIJ Thinlines this will cut through a mix a little easier while maintaining that sought after semi-hollow warmth. This one feels perfectly sturdy and reliable in the hands, with a charismatic slim neck and the always-appreciated lightweight body.

These Matsumoku-made Arias and Grecos are very well regarded for quality the late 70s was about when Japanese guitar making really started hitting some bullseyes. The grain of the sen ash peeking through the blonde really does look awesome it's such a nice tightly grained top and the semi-opaque lacquer creates a certain mystique. The blonde finish is a rarity the natural gloss is far more common. Aria TE-500 Thinline Tele style, made in Japan 1976, blonde.

Aria backaroo