The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Q&A, discussion, and information for the labels covered by The Guitar Gallery (Specifically and exclusively guitars made by Matsumoku up to 1987)
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PostPosted: Thu 25 Oct 2018 01:14 PM 
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Any idea anybody, what the name of this beauty is? Got it the other day from a bloke who bought it brand-new in 1973 or 1974, maybe 1976. He didn't play it very often so it`s in unbelievable good condition. Could be a 1723TD from 1972, but I´m not sure (neck`s different). Unfortunately no serial number. Aria-Logo mother-of-pearl, weight ca. 3,9 kg (8,6 lb). A wonderful guitar. Would be very grateful for any information about my new baby.


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PostPosted: Fri 26 Oct 2018 03:06 PM 
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Welcome Bongoman!
I believe that is a 1723. I've seen many of these but can't seem to find any pics or references here to your particular guitar. There is another happy owner of one here:http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=13178

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PostPosted: Fri 26 Oct 2018 06:19 PM 
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There is quite a few differences that I can see, I have only seen four 1723TD's including mine and they have all been the same, so if perhaps this is a later or earlier model and the 1723TD did go through some changes during production I have found no reference to it. There were two types of 1723 that I found in the catalogues, the 'T' and the 'TD' , one natural finish and one coloured finish. This one is a bit of a mystery. However in a price list there is a 1723TC , to me though it does resemble an AE550 but without the bullet truss..


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PostPosted: Fri 26 Oct 2018 06:34 PM 
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I found this, MIJ Alcivar, someone posted it on a Facebook page when I was researching my guitar, it has the same pearl logo , could there be a connection here?



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https://www.facebook.com/groups/5507461 ... cation=ufi


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PostPosted: Sun 28 Oct 2018 12:00 PM 
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Thanx for the replies so far. Here some more pics. Some one in a FB forum wrote, that number on the pickguard would look like a maxon pickup code= 1976.


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PostPosted: Mon 29 Oct 2018 08:37 AM 
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I think you are correct, this is probably an AE550. The differences are slight but you can tell the AE500/550 is a later model. I wouldn't get too hung up on the truss rod being different. Notice both variations appear in the catalog: http://matsumoku.org/models/aria/mach_1_ae/ae5xx.html.
I believe the term they used was "specifications subject to change". . .

I always wanted a natural strat. I dig 'em. . . :rockwoot:

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PostPosted: Tue 30 Oct 2018 02:19 AM 
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Its definitely a strange one, the Gibson style nut, the logo not reading pro on what could be post 75, the pearl type logo, the elusive 1723TC is still a possibility, but only because we dont have a photo of it, and we have photos of most if not all of the natural strats that we know about. In fact its listed in the 1975 catalogue which would put it in the transitional period which might account for the logo not being solid black and the possible Maxon 1976 stamp.

Wasn't the AE550 a StageCaster?


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PostPosted: Tue 30 Oct 2018 08:25 AM 
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I believe the Stagecaster name came along with Aria Pro II badge and was labeled ST400/500/600 etc.

http://matsumoku.org/models/ariaproii/copies/st/st.html

Notice these look more like full on strat copies in every detail. More so than the 1723 or the AE5xx.

I'm not certain but I believe these first showed up in '77 catalog.

http://matsumoku.org/models/ariaproii/c ... 5.jpg.html

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PostPosted: Tue 30 Oct 2018 06:49 PM 
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The St400 has the same tuners, no truss rod plug at the head stock. Does the body look like Alder or Ash to you? Then again it doesnt say Pro on the logo. Im wondering if it was a transitional guitar between Aria and Aria pro.


But then its got a very pronounced 70's headstock shape.


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