by VintAxe » Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:35 pm
Hey helpneeded.
I don't have a positive ID for your guitar but I do have a couple of ideas that may move you forward.
At first glance, it looks like a mid 1960's MIJ. Interestingly, it has the same trem unit as early 1970's Arias. It also has the "Steel Reinforced Neck" neck plate associated with the Matsumoku factory. As further support for a Matsumoku connection, it has the wide truss rod cover although the typical Matsumoku cover is pointed rather than bullet shaped.
If it were mine, my working hypothesis would be a Matsumoku origin although it was probably never marketed as an Aria.
Very interesting guitar and you got a deal.