Here we have an interesting guitar for collectors and players of vintage Japanese 'lawsuit era' guitars.

It is an Arai model 1502, a model made between 1974 and 1976, and predates the Aria Pro series which began in 1976. Other than the changed tuners (there is evidence of the tuners having been changed in the past, although the present tuners look right for the period), and one replaced (and mismatched!) knob, the guitar is totally original and unmolested - just as it came out of the Shiro Arai Co. (Matsumoku) factory all those years ago. And that includes the original hard shell case, a very rare item in itself! The guitar is an early Made in Japan (MIJ) lawsuit copy of the Gibson® Flying V®.

The Mahogany body and neck are nicely resonant, meaning the guitar has great tone, as well as weighing in at a very reasonable 3.6kg (7.9 pounds).

Serial numbers were quite random on these early Arias (when they were stamped at all), and are not useful for dating as they became after 1976. Serial number on this guitar is 1045754.

Remember, this vintage Japanese Aria comes with its original V-shaped hard case!

Sold to Mark in Melbourne