Guitar Collector Forum

I thought it was about time I posted some pics of my recently-acquired 1981 Aria Pro II CS 350 cardinal series guitar.

Made in Japan (MIJ) at the famous Matsumoku factory.

It's got a fairly small contoured flat ash body, in "SR" - what Aria called "See-thru Red". This is a deep red high gloss type finish, where the color shines through but you still see the wood grain clearly. It's difficult to see the true colour in the photos.

Die-cast thru-body bridge with adjustable saddles.

2 "Zebra type" humbucker pickups with 2 extra miniature toggle switches for coil tapping and phase reversal .

This is my first Matsumoko-made guitar and the Aria reputation for quality in this era is obviously well-founded. It's a great guitar to play, especially for the blues.

I love the Aria Pro II's, I had one just like this in the mid 80s

There was a craze back then for mini toggle switches, the more the better. Coil taps and phase reversal were what everyone wanted, but then rareley changed after the original try-out.

They seem to go for bargain prices now, I might keep a lookout for one.

YOurs looks in nice clean condition

Thanks Joe, it's pictured pretty much as received, except for a polish and new strings. I got it from eBay, complete with a decent hardshell case. A great guitar for the Blues.

If you ever want to sell it, you have a buyer here.

Mario

I actually have that same exact guitar! They could be twin sisters! Alas ... one of my saddles just broke (low E) Do you by chance know where I can by a replacement?? I want to keep her original, therefor i really don't want to replace the bridge. I picked it up in a local pawn shop in Portland Maine, about 17 years ago, and it still remains the pride of my 11 guitar fleet! any help or tips would be much appreciated! Thanks!- Tracy

Does anyone know what brand bridge these have?? I really need a new saddle, like to keep it original ..... perhaps does anyone know if a different saddle will fit in this bridge without replacing the other 5?? Or maybe I can replace the 6 saddles without replacing the bridge itself? Thanks for any help!! -Tracy

@ Mario .... there is one on ebay right now! (april 2nd. 2012)

I am also ready to bargain to get it.Ready to pay more than "mgiamei"

Very good and informative exchange .. Thank you!