1980 Aria Pro II ST-600D

This immaculate ST-600D looks like it has leapt off the page of the '81 Collection catalogue - looking fantastic with its natural finish and black pick-up covers. By the late 1970s, 600 models from Greco and Aria (Fujigen and Matsumoku respectively) would start to part ways specification-wise. While the Greco SE-600 would continue with the evolving PU-119 pick-ups, the guys at Matsumoku decided to equip their 600s with FS-1 pick-ups - the high output DiMarzio clones. The DCR reading from these pick-ups is 12.78, 11.56 and 12.78. They really pack quite a punch, and need the volume control backing off a notch to get a chimey Strat sound. With a decent amount of overdrive, Gilmour solos can be done with more confidence than a standard 5-6k pick-up. Despite the high DCR reading, these pick-ups are not at all muddy and trying to be humbuckers; they are still Stratty, just more of it.

Being part of the pre-CBS tribute range, (post CBS models were Greco SE-450 and 700) this retains a 3 way switch - the in between settings can be found with some dexterity. Unlike earlier models and all Fujigen pre-CBS models, this scratchplate is cut for a standard size selector switch so a 5-way from OG or CRL is a direct replacement. We'll leave this decision to the next owner - some folk value originality veru highly, especially on immaculate examples such as this.

It is a 3-piece Ash (Sen) body with a good thick poly clear finish - no crazing, just a few little knocks to tell you it is over 40 years old. The neck is a C profile - not the super-slim necks adorning Fujigen builds that MIJ JV guitars have. This feels decidedly more American - luckily doesn't cost as much an American!

Like all more premium models, there is a distinct ring and sustain when playing unplugged that indicates how well this will play amplified.

For a small headstock, natural pre-CBS Strat style guitar, this is just about as good as it gets.