1977 Aria Pro II ST-400
 
To think this was an entry model to the Stagecaster range is to understand why so many guitarists stuck with the brand and gradually upgraded to the upper end. 
 
Another Harayama neck, so almost impossible to put down, and never failing to bring the best out of your capabilities wherever on the scale they may be. Still featuring its tremolo cover and original arm, this guitar looks and feels almost new. There are 2 parking dents along the underside - other than that, there are new instruments hanging in Music Stores with more signs of life. The SP-II single coils are characterful; some may say this guitar deserves an upgrade. 
 
We may agree, but being surrounded by high end swanky upgraded guitars, its sometimes nice to hear how they were back then. There is a set of Häussel Blues A2 in the drawer... The arrival of C801650 may see this ST-400 properly rivalling a US Strat very soon.