Whitstable Guitars
A selection of good quality, used guitars and specialising in imports from Japan since 2008
1981 Aria Pro II PE-R80D & New Hard Case
£729.00 + shipping
JAPAN IMPORT
The Aria Pro II PE-R80D is certainly one of the classic Japanese guitars to be made at the famous Matsumoku factories from the 1980’s. Featuring a Mahogany & Maple body, Maple set neck neck with a “heel-less” cutaway and, on this model a pair of lovely USA made Dimarzio pickups. In the title, I believe the "R" stands for "Rosewood" and the "D" stands for Dimarzio.
Overall the guitar is in good used condition for a 42 year old. It has clearly been played but well cared for by the previous owner(s). This model has good electronics with micro switches giving good in/out phase settings which greatly increases the range of sounds available.
There are some chips and scrapes around the sides of the guitar but the top and back are good as is the neck (straight) and fretboard. Everything is original apart from the 3 way switch which is a replacement. Annoyingly, the original truss rod cover was also missing (I have put on a temporary replacement while I try & find something better). The bridge, tailpiece, microswitches & screws have suffered with pitting & some rust but this is an old guitar and I would expect that. In fact I rather like it!
The Japan Brown is a nice looking finish & I love how the rear covers are colour coordinated. Looks very classy! The heel-less neck joint is a great feature & allows easy access to the upper frets & the Dimarzio pickups sound great! The pickups on their own are worth some serious money these days. All in all a very nice guitar which plays really nicely & sounds fab!
Description & History (supplied by Aria Guitars)
PE-R80
Proudly Made in Japan
The history of Aria Pro II was started in 1975.
The first PE model of PE-1500 was released in 1976 and since then various PE model guitars were continuously produced and been played by guitar players all over the world including Neal Schon of Journey, Gerry Cott of Boomtown Rats, Andy Summers of The Police. The PE-R80 was one of the most popular PE models since 1980s and still being produced by master class luthiers in Japan.
CURVED TOP AND BACK TRIPLE LAYERED BODY
Fine quality Mahogany is being sandwiched with Maple on top and back. Both sides are beautifully carved out by master class luthiers.
ORIGINAL HEEL-LESS CUTAWAY DESIGN
The tradition in the Aria Pro II “PE” history. This original Heel-Less cutaway design had been employed ever since the first PE model of PE-1500 was released in 1976.
DUAL SOUND SWITCHES
The two mini switches are correspond to each pickups and switching the mode into “parallel” or “series”.
SPT BRIDGE & QH TAILPIECE
CLASSIC POWER PICKUPS
Aria Pro II original SPT Bridge and QH Tailpiece had been widely used with numerous Aria Pro II guitars.
Specifications PE-R80D
Model: Aria Pro PE-R80D Japan Brown
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Made in Japan
Body: Maple Carved Top and Back, Mahogany Center
Neck: Maple, Set-Neck, Heel-Less Cutaway, 14' Pitched Head
Weight: 4.55kg (10lb)
Fretboard Radius 12" (304mm) (Estimated)
Number of Frets: 22
Scale Length: 628mm (24-3/4 inches)
Pickups: USA Dimarzio Humbucking x 2 Please refer to the gallery photos for pickup specs. The pickups are modified "Dual Sound Super Distortion" and very desirable.
Controls: Volume x 2, Tone x 2, Dual Sound SW x 2,
PU Selector SW x 1
Tailpiece: Aria Original SPT Bridge and QH Tailpiece
Hardware: Gold
Finish: JB (Japan Brown)
Comes with new Thomann/Gear4Music Black Hard Case
Hard Case Policy
As said many times, all my guitars come shipped in a new black hard case which is included in the price. I find this is the safest way to avoid damage in transit. Alternatively, if you are collecting the guitar and, like some buyers have cases coming out of their ears, that's no problem, I'll adjust the price (usually around a £50 discount) and I can usually find you an old gigbag to take the guitar away in. The only hard and fast rule I have is that I won't ship a guitar in a gigbag.
If you are further interested in this guitar, you can either email me with any queries & I'll do my best to get back to you within 24 hours.
Or, you can buy quickly and safely using the PayPal "buy now" button and I will ship to most UK addresses the next working day. Highlands and Islands can be slightly dearer but I'll keep the cost as low as I can.
I can accept credit card payments by phone and will also offer a small discount to purchasers using bank transfer payments.
Overseas customers are very welcome but please email me first for shipping quotes.
© 2023 Whitstable Guitars
