Aria Pro II LS500 1981 - Les Paul Copy (Matsumoku, MIJ)

This is the Aria Pro II Les Paul standard transition model. When Gibson sued Ibanez over copyright, Aria decided to change some details of their own copy guitars to avoid the same fate. Matsumoku changed the shape of the head stock with a move away from the classic Les Paul open-book style. These guitars, which were sold outside of the Japanese market, were then known as the transition models

This particular model from the LS series has amazing Aria Pro II T top pickups in it. They're full bodied with a nice mid range poke and sound fantastic.. I absolutely love them! The violin finish looks gorgeous and is a call back to the earlier masterpiece prototype guitars (PE 1500 etc). It has a very refined and grownup look about it.

Overall the guitar is in really good condition cosmetically (particularly the top) but the back has suffered a few long scratches and the upper side has a scrape which has removed the paintwork (sort of relic style). These imperfections can be seen on the photos.

I have given the guitar a clean, service and setup. The frets are level and polished, neck is straight with a slight relief and all electronics are in good working condition.

I've honestly really enjoyed playing this guitar and will be sad to see it go. The next owner is going to love it's wonderful sound and playability, I guarantee!