1980 Aria Pro II ZZ Deluxe - Red Thunderbolt = Metal Master Supreme - Crazy Explorer Style - Shred Ready - Made in Japan - Pro Set Up w Perfect Frets/Action/Intonation!

Unleash the Rock Beast: 1980 Aria Pro II ZZ Deluxe Electric Guitar

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings,  Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

Introduction: A Vintage Icon Ready to Roar

Step into the golden era of rock and metal with this stunning 1980 Aria Pro II ZZ Deluxe electric guitar – a Japanese powerhouse that captures the raw energy of the '80s shred scene. Built during Aria's heyday at the renowned Matsumoku factory, the ZZ Deluxe was designed for players who demand bold looks, thunderous tone, and effortless playability. Inspired by the iconic Explorer shape, this guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a statement piece that screams attitude. If you're a collector, gigging musician, or tone chaser hunting for vintage vibe without the sky-high price tag, this ZZ Deluxe is your ticket to sonic glory. With its sleek black finish accented by fiery red highlights, it turns heads on stage and delivers the goods where it counts – in your hands.

Design and Build: Crafted for Legends

The Aria Pro II ZZ Deluxe boasts a distinctive offset Explorer-style body, ergonomically shaped for comfort during those marathon jam sessions or high-energy performances. Crafted from solid mahogany (or alder in some variants, but this one's resonant mahogany core shines through), it provides a warm, sustaining foundation that resonates with depth and punch. The body is finished in a glossy black that's as mysterious as a midnight solo, punctuated by bold red accents – think striking red binding along the edges, red pickup rings, or subtle red inlays that add a pop of aggressive flair without overwhelming the classic aesthetic.

The bolt on neck suggests this is a very early iteration of this model and it ensures seamless playability, with a slim maple neck that's fast and responsive under your fingers. Topped with a rosewood fretboard featuring 22 frets and pearl dot inlays, it offers that vintage feel with modern reliability. The scale length clocks in at 24.75 inches, perfect for bending strings and hammering out riffs with ease. Hardware-wise, expect a sturdy Tune-O-Matic-style bridge for rock-solid intonation, reliable die-cast tuners that hold tune through the heaviest dives, and knurled control knobs for volume, tone, and a 3-way pickup selector – all dialed in for intuitive tweaks mid-song.

Electronics and Tone: Powerhouse Sound for Any Genre

At the heart of this beast are high-output humbucking pickups – Aria's Protomatic V (essentially rebranded MMK 45s), known for their aggressive bite and clarity. The bridge pickup delivers searing leads with plenty of harmonics for pinch squeals and dive bombs, while the neck position offers creamy, sustained warmth ideal for bluesy bends or melodic passages. These pups are wired for versatility: crank the gain for thrash metal fury reminiscent of early Megadeth, or clean it up for punchy rock rhythms. Professionally set up and fine-tuned, this guitar plays like a dream – low action, impeccable intonation, and optimal string height for effortless fretting and lightning-fast runs. Whether you're plugging into a Marshall stack or a modern modeler, the ZZ Deluxe cuts through the mix with authority, blending vintage growl with contemporary punch.

Condition: Battle-Tested Beauty

This 1980 ZZ Deluxe is in very good condition for its age – a true survivor from the era of big hair and bigger amps. It's seen some action, with a couple of minor dings and light scratches that tell stories of past gigs without detracting from its overall appeal. These are superficial character marks, adding authentic patina rather than flaws. The fretboard and frets show minimal wear, thanks to a recent professional setup that has it playing better than ever. No structural issues, no buzzing, just pure, optimized performance. The black finish retains its deep luster, with the red accents popping vividly under stage lights. It's been meticulously maintained, ensuring it's gig-ready right out of the case (hard case recommended for protection, though not included unless specified).

Why This Guitar?

Vintage Value Without the Hassle: Aria Pro II guitars from the '80s are underrated gems, often compared to higher-end Japanese builds like Ibanez or ESP. Notable players like Dimebag Darrell (Pantera) kept one as a backup, while '80s icons from A Flock of Seagulls wielded them on massive stages. This ZZ Deluxe offers that pro-level quality at a fraction of Gibson Explorer prices.

Versatile Tone Machine: From hard rock and metal to blues and alternative, its high-output pickups and resonant body adapt to any style. Imagine nailing those Cliff Burton-inspired bass lines on guitar (Aria's basses were Metallica favorites) or channeling '80s hair metal excess.

Collector Appeal: As production models from this era become scarcer, owning a well-preserved 1980 example is a smart investment. Values for similar ZZ Deluxes hover around $800–$1,200, depending on condition, and this one's setup elevates it above the pack.

Playability Perfected: Freshly dialed in by a pro luthier, it feels alive – low action for shredding, balanced weight (around 8–9 lbs) for comfort, and stable tuning even after aggressive playing.

Ready to rock? Contact us for more photos, a demo video, or to arrange shipping. Don't let this black-and-red beauty slip away – it's not just a guitar; it's your next obsession. Grab it before another player does, and unleash the '80s spirit in your music! 🚀

This guitar has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. If needed the frets have been leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 

About The Guitar Dude 

Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).  

Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content. Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. @TheGuitarDude

Our Guarantee  

We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.  

Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)

- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues. 

- Intonation is spot-on.  

- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.  

- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.  

Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy 

We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:  

- You must notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.  

- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.  

- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described.  

We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.  

Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.  

We are a small business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.  

Payment, Shipping & International Duties  

- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.  

- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.  

- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.  

International Shipping Note 

International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. Contact us for a personalized quote.  

Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.