Where it doesn't measure up to better MIJ brands is in it's pickups and electronics, and it's finish. What fender gives you a 2 piece body? Certainly not mexican. Matsumoku was still a 'done by hand' factory back in those days. It has one of the nicest maple necks I've ever felt. This thing cost me about 170 bucks (before shipping from japan.less than 250 to my door). The best deals in my opinion.are those mid range (which was pretty much the top of THEIR line) fender and gibson copies that weren't available in the US.

Most of Aria's models were low to mid range overall. But for the most part they occupied a lower rung than companies like Greco, Tokai, and Burny. Yeah they had some mid/higher end PE models like Fretts' there, and a few other rare exceptions. Just make sure it's a made in Japan model. Good stuff, but bc of the age, best to play one in person when deciding to buy one - unless you can set up guitars. I've owned half a dozen AriaProII's over the years. I'm a fan - my 3rd guitar back in 1990 was an Urchin. Condition will be only as good as it was cared for over those 30 years. Now if you buy an 80's model, it could be 30 years old. Back in the 80s you could steal these 70s guitars for $100 bc there was no want for them and no Internet to spread the word of the quality. Some real good finds out there as while many people know about them, they're still mostly not highly collected so you can grab them for a bargain. Early ones from 70s-mid80s were made in Japan at Masumoku (I always spell that wrong) factory and are considered high quality. AriaProII was used on their electrics from the 70s-90s. The Arai company has used different logos on their instruments over the years.

Aria pro 11 avante series 4 string bass