The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Hi all I am new here and was hoping to find out some information about this guitar.

I have this Aria Pro II that someone sanded 1/2 the name off of the headstock. Can anyone help identify what model ot is and year made. I think it is The CAT made in 1986. It also looks like something that needs to be added to the list of guitars as I do not see any CAT pics or specs.

Thank you for your help.

Also I tried to contribute these pics but the mailbox is full.

Welcome.
Indeed, you are as correct as we know. It is an '86 The CAT.
So far, most if not all TheCATs look to be '86 and have laminated bodies.
Very nice guitar but I feel like they may not be completely Mat made if any at all.

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Quality service since 3:00 last Tuesday

Is there any other information I could supply to further determine if it is a MAT made ax?

Would they like pictures for the Web Site? I didn't see ANY Cats in that section.

Lastly any idea on their value/worth?

Thank you Jorg

Oh and yes the body is laminated pieces of wood as viewed inside the back cavity.

The neck sure seems nice.

Well, several issues with these. They don't say MIJ or Matsumoku anywhere on them.
TheCAT bodies are slightly different in shape than any other RS body and they're laminated.These things make me think TheCATs were early attempts at saving money by having them built in Korea.
I could be wrong but I've compared them side by side. I currently own 3 Mat made RS guitars and used to own a TheCAT.
Like I said, they're still nice guitars.
I no longer own my TheCAT because it was a lefty. Being a righty, I flipped it over but the upper horn is too close to the neck when on the bottom. I knew a guy looking for a lefty body so I sold it to him and found another righty RS body.
It's still in project status at this time.

I paid $170 shipped if I remember correctly. I agree, the neck is very nice.

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Quality service since 3:00 last Tuesday

Nope no Japan or Mat on the guitar ... not even "TheCat" ... hehe ....

Thanks again Jorg ... very helpful information.