The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Just picked this up which looks quite old. Logo on headstock just says 'Aria Pro II'. Obviously very simple model but has a certain character. Can' identify model - is it a true Aria or an Aria neck on a different body? Looks Aria like though.
Grateful for your thoughts.

To tell if the body is not original to the neck pull the neck off and look for extra bolt on holes. That bolt arrangement is obviously unique to that guitar.

The headstock shape is almost positively BC Rich. The body hints at something BC Rich would come up with considering the exaggerated horns.

Many Aria Pro II copy guitars were available in Japan long after the hotly debated lawsuit era as many trademarks didn't extend to japan in most cases. For example the Gibson open book headstock shape was used for Japanese models long after the lawsuits.

I did find an image of one other BC Rich guitar with the only differences being the pickup arrangement but for the life of me can't find it now.

Hi Crusty
Thanks for your response. I took the neck off the guitar and there are no additional holes in the body so I guess the neck and body belong together.
Just to clarify, are you saying that this might be an Aria copy of a BC Rich? Sorry, don't know the history that well.
All the best

There were quite a few copies of other makes. Early on quite a few but later only in Japan.

The headstock shape is definitely BCR. Someone could very well have replaced the logo but I don't see any real reason to.

As far as the entire guitar, can't say for certain.

Wutz is the most knowledgeable here where Aira Pro II in Japan goes. Hopefully he jumps in.

Again, thanks, Crusty. I've got the guitar back together and sounds good actually.
Grateful to hear from Wutz and others if they have any info. Much appreciated.

I knew I remembered that neck bolt pattern from somewhere. I had a Parker with the same style heel.

Parker neck bolt pattern....

Good spot! Any idea when this would be made?

Not sure. I didn't see any serial on the back of the neck. Is there one? If not it may have been just a sticker as there is no neck plate.

No serial number that I've seen.

Curioser and curioser.... I spotted this guitar for sale as well, glad you are enjoying it.. Its an interesting guitar, let us know what you think of it when its all back together and set up