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A sorry looking 1979 Aria ST-400B appeared one day in a shipment. Someone had mistakenly consigned this to end-of-life status, which rusty strings and pitted bridges often do. But beneath the surface imperfections often lies a fantastic instrument with many many years ahead of it. This is one such instrument. We have 2 ST-400s here (at the moment, there may be more later) and despite starting life at the entry level point, they play better than guitars many levels up other manufacturers' ranges.
By this time, the Matsumoku plant was fully equipped with CNC machinery and quality levels were remarkably high - very little variance between equivalent models, and only the grade of electronics and hardware deciding the final pricing. Therefore by the time these guitars arrive here, it matters less where it featured in the range - once we are back to timber, cheaper models tend to be lighter, more expensive models tend to be heavier. They are all made to the exact same standard.
This SuperMonaco is one of a pair - it accompanies the Monaco with the single P-90, and both are so much fun, and so adorable that I intend to make more of these offering different options for sounds.
This Super Monaco features a pair of Montys Guitars Full Monty P-90s, AlNiCo 5, 7.9k at the neck and 8.9k at the bridge.
These P-90s are everything you'd expect from Monty - power and clarity. It is really out on its own - doing its own thing and ready to give you 'your sound'. Whilst the tones you will get cannot be categorized as lightweight, the actual instrument is. You'll think its laminate, but it is solid alder.
The bridge is a black Gotoh GE101TS providing ample sustain and great stability. High quality Aria tuners are rebuilt and ready for many years of reliable service.
Like most of our guitars, they are not supposed to look brand new - neither to we intend to add flaws, or relic anything. The finish on this guitar is supposed to reflect the life it has led, but add a radiance; some excitement and new character to enjoy.
Details
The Look
A radical new look and expression. Everyone needs at least one yellow guitar in their lives
Headstock
Rebuilt Aria Pro II (by Gotoh) black tuners on a black refinished headstock, but refinished over the scars.
Neck
Original dressed frets on settled original neck
Pick-ups
2 x Monty's Guitars Full Monty P-90
Bridge
Gotoh GE101T in Black
Controls
3 way selector, master volume and tone
Gallery
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