Help to ID this 1966 Japanese Fender Jazzmaster copy

[novi]

Just got this guitar. Told by seller it was owned by an gentleman who bought this guitar in 1966 together with the other Gretsch Amp. So this might have made a few years before 1966.

There is no name on the headstock. A small plate seems to be taken off. On the back plate, it reads "Steel reinforced neck, Made in Japan"

It has Jazzmaster/Jaguar type of sound.

Any viewer who knows about this guitar please kindly offer any information you know. I appreciate any info or comments.

[Spud1950]

I'd say it's some Arai/ Aria/ Aria Diamond model,made at the Matsumoku factory.Yours is missing the headstock badge.I can see the holes.This one isn't exactly the same,but you can see the same distinctive pickups and tailpiece.



Here's another similar Aria Diamond.



And another one here.Say's it's a 1971. Decal on the headstock instead of a badge.


Can't find one exactly like yours.

Edit- Another similar one,with three pickups.

[novi]

Thanks, Spud1950. You are great!

I have done some research. Does this looks like one of the early Aria / Matsumoku electric body guitars? The body shape seems to be rare and interesting...

[cheepaxes]

It definitely looks like a Matsumoku Aria to me too. There were a few Univoxes that were kind of similar too (e.g., UC-2), though I don't think any of them used those pickups. I see these often enough that I'm disinclined to consider them rare, exactly. I've wanted one of the Univox models for a while, but not enough to pay what they're going for.

-Scott

[novi]

[Spud1950]

[VintAxe]

Hey novi,

This guitar has appeared on the Forum before and we haven't been able to pin down the exact model. Aria literature from the late 60's is pretty rare but 1966 sounds a bit early for this guitar.

Here's the earlier thread:

[novi]

[Spud1950]

[novi]

[cheepaxes]

[novi]

[VintAxe]

Hey Novi.

Found a little more evidence that your guitar was probably originally badged Tempo. Check the guitar on the right 7 rows down:

[novi]

[VintAxe]