1977 Aria Pro II "Backaroo" TE-500 Thinline Telecaster Made in Japan Matsumoku w/case

Maker: Aria

Model: Backaroo

Condition: very good

Description: 

From Japan's legendary Matsumoko factory; we have this 1977 Aria Pro II Backaroo Thinline style Telecaster. A classic example of a "lawsuit"era with a build quality that rivaled the US versions.

This one is in very good condition throughout. The body shows some very minor surface marks and dings but is otherwise in great shape. Neck is solid and only shows some light surface marks. Fretboard shows some light wear along the edges but is otherwise clean. Hardware shows its age but all works perfectly and overall in great shape. Electronics work great and pickups sound fantastic. A killer and somewhat rare Thinline style Tele from Aria Pro II built in the legendary matsumoko factory that was making some of the best guitars of the era. Ships with hard case. 

Has been fully inspected and setup here by our team at Coast Sonic and is ready for a new home. Includes hardcase.

Weight: 9lbs (we know, its a thinline but it is made from solid mahogany with pancake style construction)

Neck Depth: 1st fret .876", 12th fret .982"

Fretboard Radius: 7.25"

Nut Width: 1 5/8"

Pickup Values: Neck 5.41k, Bridge 6.33k

The 1977 Aria Pro II TE-500-ON is a rare, Japanese-made "pancake" mahogany thinline Telecaster copy produced by Matsumoku. It typically features a natural finish, maple neck, and single-coil pickups (SS), distinct from the humbucker-equipped TE-500N. Known for solid construction, this model weighs around  9- 9.5 lbs and is considered a high-quality vintage Matsumoku product

• Model: TE-500-ON (Often referred to as a "phantom" or rare model).
• Body: Mahogany "pancake" construction, often with a hollow thinline design.
• Neck: Maple.
• Pickups: SS configuration (Single-Coil/Single-Coil).
• Production: 1977, Made in Japan (Matsumoku factory).

• Tone: Characterized by a "warm, rich tone" from the mahogany, paired with classic, sharp, punchy single-coil "telecaster twang".
• Condition: Often found with significant aging, including checking, scuffs, or rust, typical of vintage 70s guitars.
• Rarity: Frequently noted as hard to find compared to the humbucker-equipped TE-500N