Aria 5102T 1970s - Sunburst with case

This lovely Aria Diamond hollow body guitar, in the style of an "Epiphone Riviera", was built in the Matsumoko factory in Japan, as far as I can establish. When I bought it about 8 years ago, the guy said his father had bought it in South Africa. I believe it was built some time between 1970 and 1975.

It has laminated arched top and back, bolt on maple neck with a central through stripe of mahogany and a rosewood finger board. The block inlays all seem secure, although the 'board has shrunk back a tiny bit. The frets seem original, fairly small but very playable. Some shallow wear grooves in the 'board. The neck is slim and quite narrow at the nut, measuring 1" 9/16 wide. Great for those with slim fingers. Strung with Dunlop Super Slinky strings. It is light, resonant and well balanced, very rewarding to play.

The two staple-pole humbuckers sound great and there is a wide range of tones available with the two volume, two tone controls and 3-way selector switch on the treble horn. The bridge has what appear to be Delrin rollers, each adjustable for intonation. The tailpiece has Matsumoko's take on a Bigsby with ball bearings. It had no spring or trem arm when I got it, so I made a laser cut stainless steel one and fitted a bigsby spring. The friction of the arm is adjustable by the knurled nut.

The hook-up cables are braided for screening as far as I can see through the F-holes and it sounds pretty well screened. The label has the name "Conrad" and number 40080, which was apparently another brand manufactured in the Matsumoko factory at the time.

The Japanese poly lacquer has yellowed a bit over the binding in places and there are a few scratches here and there, and a shallow ding on the back of the neck. The original tuners have lost the pressed cases they probably hd and look like vintage open back tuners, all working. The top of the headstock has a few chips. I hope all is visible in the photos.

The hard case is included, not branded but it feels appropriate to the age and origin of the guitar, in good condition with a nice patina.

This was the first Japanese made guitar that I bought and it has led me to buy and play several more, though I have to admit my fingers are too big to ever do this one justice, so it is time to pass it on.