The guitar arrived yesterday afternoon, brought by the seller herself. She had business in the area and saved me the shipping cost
. The guitar itself was/is in better condition than the photos, but I had hoped that the missing string pin would have found itself in the case pocket - it wasn't... They are plastic pins anyway, so I've ordered a set of ebony pins and new strings.
Soundwise, it has a mellower tone than my Kiso-Suzuki (also with plastic pins,) - could be also due to the type of strings and age (both guitars have OLD ones mounted) and the actual construction of both is nearly identical - exception: height adjustable bridge (K-S) and truss-rod access. Neck and head design are 98% identical, which make me believe that the ARIA was actually made by Kiso-Suzuki. Both of them are '78 vintage. Action might need a bit of fiddling when the new strings are on.
The case is likely original (perfect fit) and in fair shape. Some delamination of the covering and on the top plywood that can be repaired plus a couple of tears on the back covering.