The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Hi all. First post here, but I've always loved the Matsumoku guitars and am possibly picking one up. I am having difficulty sourcing information on the distinction between the 1970's Aria and Aria Mach 1 brands. I am in particular looking at an Aria Mach 1 AF255 J-200 copy that has the features of an Aria 9480 J-200 copy. For example, it has the inlays in the bridge and the "Custom" engraved truss rod cover of the Aria 9480, but the label in the soundhole clearly notes it as an Aria Mach 1 AF255.

Was the Mach 1 brand a lower quality line than the regular Arias? I know that the Aria 9480 had laminate back, sides and top, so I wouldn't expect the Mach 1 to be different in that regard, but hesitant on moving on this guitar until I have a better idea of where in the Matsumoku lineage it comes from. It's also a bit pricy as listed ($575) but the seller is willing to negotiate.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ok, let's keep it more simple then. I'm looking at an Aria Mach 1 AF255 from probably 1977 that is in pretty nice condition. The seller is asking $575 with case. Is that price seriously overreaching? Should I offer closer to $400 or be happy if he settles at $500?

Wow... love the model... mach one is a nice series...

I would not go 575 myself but would be most tempted at 400$

and get killed by the wife walking in the house with it !!!



Man would I be tempted by this guitar....

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MAA Member since June 29th 2009, taking one baby step at a time..... and failing miserably!

Moi aussi.

Tempted...and killed...dead.

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The Mach 1 series was nice, eh? Yeah, I told him that I'd likely be closer to $375 and he didn't balk. Maybe I will follow up on it.