Aria Pro II PB-1500

The Prototype Range was launched by Matsumoku in 1977, and the majority of these models are 6 string guitars. The brains behind the idea was a bass player - he still makes basses today with his Atlansia company. The SB and TSB ranges are more well known, and very highly regarded; used by many professionals in the 1980s. Prior to the launch of these SB basses, a small number of PB-1500 basses were produced to accompany the PE-1500 and PE-1000 models that showcased Matsumoku's capability of designing and producing new basses, not just making high quality copies of the Precisions and Jazz basses. The bass version was only available in ultimate 1500 spec and featured the DiMarzio pick-up on the amazing neck-thru' (Transmit neck was the original term), and the finest choice of woods and luthiers to craft them. Well before Fender had its Custom Shop facility, Matsumoku had a special section of the production line to experiment, create and generally set the scene for the coming decade. Fender had tried to court Matsumoku for a partnership but Matsumoku were not interested in such a co-operation as they wanted to forge their own way and shape the future, not just prop up the past, although they would do that quite well also. Matsumoku seconded several of their master luthiers to Fujigen to enable that partnership to flourish, and as the Fender cost accountants infiltrated the production lines, Matsumoku continued to create and produce high quality guitars with the volumes to enable very competitive pricing.

This PB-1500 is a very rare example of the early Masterpiece Prototype Series - produced alongside the 6 string guitars that featured in the brochures. Very rarely coming to the market, this one has had a busy life - earning its living admirably and continues to do so in a condition that will enable that for many more years. While less well known than the SB-1000 and Elites, this bass is a worthy contender and has a timeless design - one of Matsumoku's real skills was to create designs that would stand the test of time. Nobuaki Hayashi was a true artist AND a very good engineer.

With its single DiMarzio pick-up and simple Master Volume and Master Tone, this is a very purposeful instrument - like the poshest Precision possible. It tips the scales at 4.69kg (10lbs 5oz) and has a lovely balance to play sitting or standing. Early versions of Gotoh GB707 are original Aria stamped units and are in perfect working order. They are future proof as current GB707 would fit straight in - no need to ever redrill this headstock. The Gibson style 3 point bridge and is in perfect working order - and again, futureproof as Hosco units fit straight on the posts. The Rosewood neck, brass nut and the fat frets are all in magnificent condition - the only indication of its age is the wear to the familiar places such as thumb rest and from the previous players' wrist just above the bridge. All natural wear and proof that this was a busy instrument - busy instruments are the good ones.

Currently strung with tape-wound strings with plenty of life left, this is serviced and ready to keep plying its trade and is a discerning choice for a bassist who appreciates quality and simplicity, but something a little different from the normal Precision Bass.