Aria Diamond 1302T

This beautiful Aria Diamond 1302T came from the great Matsumoku factory at the same time as the other hollwbody Arias like the 1202T and 1850T along with a plethora of other models with both Aria and other names on the headstock.

The 1302T is different from most Aria hollowbodies in that it has the sharp, "Florentine" cutaways unlike the much more common rounded double cuts like the ones mentioned above and the even more common, slightly later 5102T. This double cut hollowbody was influenced by the Gibson Barney Kessel model from 1965.

The majority of 1302s were the earlier "pearl" versions which had lots of pearl or tort scratchplates as well as a pearl/tort inlay over the headstock and featured the earlier Aria trapezoid plastic covered pickups, which I love. Construction was very similar for the entire production run with most being 3 tone sunburst and later the great Japanese red burst. 

This one is rarer again by being a wonderful factory nitro Pelham blue that has aged and yellowed beautifully. The finish is in really good condition with some slight player wear and a few small chips and scratches, but it has a wonderful vintage Gibson look to it.

The pickups are in house made with great output and really nice frequency response. I've only ever owned a handful of Arias with these pickups, and they always surprise me. The electronics are all original and everything inside is metal braid wiring. The set up is of course standard Gibson 3-way switch with master volume and tone for each pickup.

The vibrato is obviously Bigsby related with the classic look of the timber inlay and the guitar has a full floating bridge with typical of the time nylon roller saddles. 

The body is full hollow body with no centre section or blocks which makes the guitar very "alive" and full sounding. The scale length is 24.75" and the neck is thin. I mean it's thin, and remember I come from the Mosrite world. It's a great feeling and playing neck with binding and inlays.

The headstock is typical of the time with the Aria Diamon decal instead of the badge. 

These guitars used to be looked at as "cheap Japanese guitars" but in recent years some people have come to appreciate the great quality of timber and electronics. As I've said before, this guitar is over 55 years old and is all original, and everything works as it should, which is the sign of quality any way you look at it.

This is a little special in that along with being a rarer colour combination it also has its original hardcase with keys.