After a lot of internal debate, I have decided to list my very rare, early run Aria TSB-650.
This bass was made in 1980 in the legendary Matsumoku factory. Around 1979, Aria released the TSB line to have a shorter scale version of the SB (Superbass) series. The scale size of this bass is 32.25" or 820mm.
Some interesting facts to elaborate on the special vintage of this bass:
The TSBs were originally referred to as the Tri-Sound series to match the TS series of guitars which namedTri-Sound because of its elaborate use of three circuit switches to affect tone. Very early on however, Aria switched the bass line to Thor-Sound which was a little more appropriate because 1) the basses did not have the 3 switch configuration and 2) these mid-scale beasts pack more punch than the hammer of Odin.
The bass I am selling here is from the very early run and is labeled a Thor Sound. However, it has the original hard shell case which is labeled Tri-Sound so this is clearly one of the very early Thor Sounds.
Also unique to this early run bass is the 4-in-line head stock which was only in production for about a year and was quickly changed to the 2+2 configuration we are used to seeing in the 80's vintage Aria basses.
The TSB-650 was the top of the line TSB featuring a neck through body construction and the same elaborate dual pickup configuration as its sister Superbass the SB-900. Both the TS and SB series were Aria's version of a less expensive alternative to Alembic which was the standard in high-end build basses. The SBs were Aria's full scale version and the TSs were intended to offer an alternative to the Alembic medium scale basses which were favored by many players at the time.
The bass features two stacked V/T knobs, a phase switch and a coil tap switch. The tone is outstanding and this abss produces a lot of tonal varieties.
The pickups are very loud and boomy and essentially the same as those on the superbasses but not sealed in epoxy-- a very good thing as I have owned enough old superbasses to have had one or two develop faulty pickups that could not be rewound.
This bass feels great to play. Like the SB basses, it is a racehorse but even more so due to the slightly shorter scale and limited taper from the nut to the bride. Nut width is 1 3/4 inches, and fret width at the 12th and 22nd frets is 2" and 2 1/4" respectively. Very comfortable to play!
The construction is rock solid and the bass is in excellent condition. It just screams of high build quality from a bygone era down to the recessed input jack and bridge. Lots of refined detail in the build.
I am asking $SOLD!!! shipped conus in the original hard case which is less than the last one I saw sell on ebay and without the case. I would also consider international sales but please PM me first as I will have to determine if shipping to you is feasible, and if so, how much extra it will add to the cost.
I have taken lots of pictures for your enjoyment below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
I am not looking to trade but may consider serious trade offers of equivalent value and cool-factor.
Thanks for looking.
RBM
