1979 Aria Pro II TSB-650 Tri Sound Bass – Matsumoku Japan – Rare Early Version

Beautiful Aria Pro II TSB-650 Tri Sound Bass, made in Japan in 1979 during the Matsumoku era.

Serial number 089215, consistent with production in August 1979.

This is the early “TRI SOUND BASS” version of the TSB-650, preceding the later “THOR SOUND BASS” designation. The original TRI SOUND BASS lettering is clearly visible on the headstock, together with the TSB-650 MODEL truss rod cover.

A particularly interesting example of late-1970s Japanese craftsmanship, featuring the distinctive neck-through construction, laminated maple/walnut neck, natural ash body, rosewood fingerboard, brass nut and the characteristic electronics of the TSB-650.

The bass retains its period-correct configuration, including:

Two cream Aria MB-III double-coil pickups

Two Dual Sound mini switches

Concentric volume/tone controls

Brass bridge

Aria Pro II branded tuning machines

Brass nut

Diamond fingerboard inlays

All visible hardware and components appear to be original and period-correct. I have not made any modifications to the instrument.

I personally purchased this bass in Japan directly from its previous owner, who had kept it unused for many years. It was subsequently brought to Italy, where it is currently located.

It also comes with the vintage brown fitted case/bag shown in the photos, which came with the bass when I purchased it in Japan. I cannot confirm its manufacturer, exact age, or whether it was originally supplied with the instrument, so it is simply included as part of the bass's history.

Condition

Considering its age, the bass is in Very Good overall condition and is fully functional.

Both pickups, both Dual Sound switches, the concentric volume/tone controls and the output jack are working correctly.

The instrument naturally shows signs of nearly five decades of age and use, including some scratches, small marks and general wear to the finish, together with oxidation and patina on some of the metal hardware. These have deliberately been left as they are rather than cosmetically restored.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The natural finish remains very attractive, and the laminated neck-through construction is particularly striking, with the different woods clearly visible through the body.

The instrument has not been refinished or cosmetically restored and is being sold as a genuine vintage bass.

A beautiful and increasingly difficult-to-find example of the early Japanese Aria Pro II / Matsumoku period, particularly interesting for collectors looking for the original Tri Sound version of the TSB-650 rather than the later Thor Sound models.

Serial number: 089215

Year: 1979

Production period: August 1979

Model: TSB-650

Version: Tri Sound Bass

Country of manufacture: Japan

Construction: Neck-through