Aria Pro Experts: Can you ID this bass for me?

bassgod76 · #1 12-13-2012, 06:35 AM

See below. Is it an SB-1000?

**DeanT** · #2 12-13-2012, 07:07 AM

Sure looks like an SB-1000. I'd put it anywhere between 1977-1983.

Immigrant · #3 12-13-2012, 07:23 AM

I take it you were unable to find anything on the link to the rather comprehensive website that I posted for you in the Aria Pro II thread?

bassgod76 · #4 12-13-2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

I take it you were unable to find anything on the link to the rather comprehensive website that I posted for you in the Aria Pro II thread?

I never saw that link. Can you send me that link? I apologize for my ignorance.

RWP · #5 12-13-2012, 10:04 AM

Looks like a SB-1000 to me too. I have owned one over 30 years, great bass. They do have issues with the pickup though.

Here is some info I collected.

http://www.matsumoku.org/models/aria...ass/sb/sb.html

Note: SB = "Super Bass" for those who are interested.

Make: Aria
Manufactured by: Matsumoku, Japan
Year of Munfacture: c1980/1
Model: SB-1000

Body: Super-balanced Canadian Ash
Finish: Oak
Neck: 5 ply Maple/Walnut Transmit (Thru-) type with Heeless Cutaway. Aria's catalogue states: "Contoured as a Heel-less on the back of the transmit neck of the SB series. This Heel-less cutaway allows easy fingering up to the 24th fret."
Scale: 860mm
Fingerboard: Jacaranda Ebony
Fret Inlays: Mother of Pearl (Flush)
Fret Qty.: 24
Bridge-tailpiece: Brass. Aria's catalogue states: "Sturdy manufactured die-cast bridge. Our Quick-Hook system provides quick string replacement."
Nut: Brass
Machine-heads: Die-cast (Schaller Type)
Pickup: MB-1E Double-Coil with Active Noise Killer Circuitry
Controls:
Volume
Tone
Coil-tap (BB circuit bypass) Switch
6-position Rotary Attack Mode Selector (Mellow -> Bright) with dot position marker
LED Battery Indicator
Recessed Output Jack

bassgod76 · #6 12-13-2012, 07:19 PM

I assume the coil tap switch makes it single coil? It is now in my house. I paid 200, yes 200! I have wanted a SB forever! How do you find it's manf date?

bassgod76 · #7 12-14-2012, 05:36 AM

Did they ever make the SB1000 in fretless? Mine is lined fretless. Not sure if it was done at the factory. By the looks of the fretboard, I'd say it was done after the fact. The height of the brass nut and tiny chips next to the fret markers is a dead giveaway.

Got her last night.

Immigrant · #8 12-14-2012, 06:46 AM

That's nice! And a good price!

Re-string that thing! I hope that's how it showed up and the pictures aren't post-restringing.

The link posted by RWP is part of the website I was pointing you to.

It was de-fretted. I'm pretty sure there were no fretless SBs standard.

bassgod76 · #9 12-14-2012, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

That's nice! And a good price!

Re-string that thing! I hope that's how it showed up and the pictures aren't post-restringing.

The link posted by RWP is part of the website I was pointing you to.

I haven't done anything to it, yet.

I'm looking into getting it refretted.

She has a 7 digit serial number and it starts with 5, so I assume it's a 1985 model.

I can't believe I own one of my 4 1980's dream basses! 1 down, 3 to go!

Rip Topaz · #10 12-14-2012, 07:47 AM

What's up with the E string saddle?

She's a real looker. I had an Aria way back in the 80's and loved it.

bassgod76 · #11 12-14-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

What's up with the E string saddle?

I don't know. I literally messed with it for a few minutes, last night.

I think the refret will cost me a few bucks, but it's still cheaper than what I've seen them for.

The case that came with it... The factory Aria cases are crappy cardboard ones? I'm not sure if this is the original case. It sure looks like it is.