Please help ID this Guitar (Poss Jap Pre-lawsuit Gibson L5)

[Stormer]

I don't know much about this guitar, other than it was my father's and I believe he got it in the late 60's. I can't find any distinguishing marks or brands on it. Any help would be appreciated. I would like to know as much as I can for sentimental purposes. Thanks

It is also a little odd as far as size. 12.5" UB, 10" waist, 17" LB, 41.25" over all.

[VintAxe]

Hey Stormer.

It looks to me like you have a 1968 Aria Diamond model 1262. Here's a picture from a reproduced Aria catalog that is in Bizarre Guitars of the 60's. The picture is pretty small, but I think it is your guitar.

[Michael Ambrose]

WHOOPS!

[Spud1950]

I think the model number may actually be 1282.Although the catalog picture is blurry,the number seemed to be an 8 to me rather the a 6. I sharpened up the image a bit and it does appear to be an 8,not a 6.



Also, I found a reference to a model 1282 R-325,1968-1970, on the Guitar Gallery Matsumoku site. No mention of a model 1262. Hollow body chart,second from the bottom model.Unfortunately,no picture.



What do you think?

[VintAxe]

Great Work Spud1950, thanks for the correction.

[Stormer]

Thank you very much. With this guitar having such sentimental value, knowing this info really means a lot to me. In reference to this catalog, is it available in digital form on the web? if so I would much appreciate a link. Thanks again for all your help

[VintAxe]

Hey Stormer.

To my knowledge, there is no information from Bizarre Guitars of the 60's available on the net. It is an out of print Japanese publication that is rare and expensive to purchase these days. I've sold many copies over the years for $200 each. My source for these copies has dried up but I do still have a couple of copies left on the "Books For Sale" page. Definitely a resource for the true Japanese Guitar fan and not for the faint of heart.