Aria Custom Shop PE-MID-I MIJ Flame Top MIDI Guitar w/ Original Case & Paperwork

Rare and very high-quality Made in Japan Aria Custom Shop PE-MID-I in original flame burst finish with the original hard case and paperwork.

Important distinction: this is the desirable PE-MID-I electric model — not the later PE-MID-II nylon-string version. These PE-MID-I guitars were part of Aria’s higher-end Custom Shop line and combined a professional-grade Japanese electric guitar with built-in MIDI/synth functionality.

The guitar features both a standard 1/4" output and the original multi-pin MIDI output, along with onboard synth controls and switching mounted on the back of the guitar. Designed for use with external guitar synth systems and MIDI gear, these were extremely advanced instruments for their era.

Even without using the MIDI side of things, this is just a genuinely impressive guitar on its own.

The build quality immediately stands out when you pick it up — excellent fretwork, smooth comfortable neck, quality gold hardware, and a very resonant body. The flame maple top is especially striking in person with deep figuring across the entire body.

The pickups sound fantastic as well — warm and full with excellent clarity and sustain. This feels much closer to a boutique Japanese instrument than what most people expect when they hear the Aria name.

Just cleaned, restrung, and professionally set up with great action. Electronics are functioning properly including the onboard controls.

Condition is very good overall for its age with light cosmetic wear throughout including small scratches, dings, and normal signs of use.

There is one important condition note:
The guitar previously had a crack on the back of the neck near the headstock transition area. It was never fully separated and has since been properly repaired. The repair is stable and the guitar plays excellent, but the crack remains cosmetically visible under close inspection as shown in the photos.

Includes:

• Original Aria Custom Shop hard case
• Original PE-MID-I paperwork/warranty documentation

These PE-MID-I models are extremely uncommon, especially complete examples with the original case, paperwork, and intact MIDI system.

Case: Original Hard Case

Scale Length: 24.75“

Nut Width: 1.7“

Fret Wear: 9.9/10

Action at 12F (6th): 4/64“

Action at 12F (1st): 4/64“

Weight: 7lbs 13oz

Overall Condition: 8/10

Cool Factor: 11 out of 10

USA Seller, check my feedback to see how I value my customers and see my other listings for more rare Japanese Guitars and other unique gear! I use recycled packaging for reduced environmental impact and ship all items 100% insured against loss or damage.

Internal Use (Bin) - PA-2-2