For sale Aria Pro II CSB-450 Matsumoku Medium Scale MIJ

For sale is my Aria Pro II CSB450 bass made in Japan in 1982 at the legendary Matsumoku factory. This is the top of the line Cardinal Model with set neck construction and a tobacco burst finish on both the body and the neck.


The Cardinal series was Aria’s better-known mid-scale series thanks to Kim Deal of the Pixies who played one as her main bass for many years. The medium scale length measures at 820mm or just over 32.25 inches.


Electronics are simple and feature one very hot hum cancelling Aria pickup, volume control and tone control. The knobs pictured are Gibson speed knobs. I do have a pair of the scalloped numeral knobs used on these basses which I can include as well.

The bass is a great player but does have some notable wear as pictured and is definitely a player’s bass. Mutliple dings, chips, scratches etc. The finish hides this well form a distance but I have taken many close ups to you can get a good sense of the cosmetic wear.

Like all Aria’s from the golden age of Matsumoku, these basses are absolutely a blast to play. They are light, easy to play, well balanced, and they absolutely get you that Duran Duran tone (think the first album) if you want it as the pickup shares its DNA with that used in the SB600 and SB700.

And if you want to hear this model in action listen to "Gigantic" by the Pixies!

I am asking $300 for this bass shipped OBO in a gig bag. Add an additional $30 for shipping if you live in MST or PST time zones.

Thanks for looking.



RBM