Aria SB models

[Greenman72]

I posted this in the "Aria Pro II Club", but I thought it might get more attention here.

I'm looking at the Aria SB1000 and the SB700. I wanted to get some opinions of those who have seen them and played with them.

SB SERIES Archives - Aria Guitars - Electric, Acoustic, Classical Guitars and Bass

This is what I'm assuming. Tell me if I'm wrong.
1. The SB700 is basically the "passive only" version of the SB1000. In other words, it's a 1000 with the six-way attack switch removed.
2. Since it's passive only, the 700 doesn't need a battery.
3. If you bypass the EQ on the 1000, then you can play it without a battery too.
4. The 1000 costs ~$500 more than the 700. In other words, the six-way switch costs ~$500. Whether it's worth paying for is up to you.

Tell me if I'm wrong about any of this. And tell me what else I need to know before pulling the trigger.

FWIW - All things equal, I prefer thinner necks and smaller bodies. And I like to play hard rock and heavy metal (a la Cliff Burton). And I almost always play with a pick. (If that means anything.)

 

[tindrum]

I posted this in the "Aria Pro II Club", but I thought it might get more attention here.

I'm looking at the Aria SB1000 and the SB700. I wanted to get some opinions of those who have seen them and played with them.

SB SERIES Archives - Aria Guitars - Electric, Acoustic, Classical Guitars and Bass

This is what I'm assuming. Tell me if I'm wrong.
1. The SB700 is basically the "passive only" version of the SB1000. In other words, it's a 1000 with the six-way attack switch removed.
2. Since it's passive only, the 700 doesn't need a battery.
3. If you bypass the EQ on the 1000, then you can play it without a battery too.
4. The 1000 costs ~$500 more than the 700. In other words, the six-way switch costs ~$500. Whether it's worth paying for is up to you.

Tell me if I'm wrong about any of this. And tell me what else I need to know before pulling the trigger.

FWIW - All things equal, I prefer thinner necks and smaller bodies. And I like to play hard rock and heavy metal (a la Cliff Burton). And I almost always play with a pick. (If that means anything.)

I’ve owned many Aria SBs and currently have 5 of them. What you listed pretty much nails it. The active preamp on the SB1000 really only impacts the 6 way rotary, which honestly is of dubious value. It’s kinda like a varitone circuit in that it cuts/adds frequencies but it really just gives you 5 different not very musical tones. Ranges from a weird honk to “bass underwater”. Kinda ridiculous actually. The first position on the switch is great buts it really just the passive tone only a little louder and a smidge brighter. The SB tone, that big midrange punch, really is best served by the 700 as you’re saving $500 at the start for sounds you very likely won’t like or use.

 

[john_g]

I’ve owned many Aria SBs and currently have 5 of them. What you listed pretty much nails it. The active preamp on the SB1000 really only impacts the 6 way rotary, which honestly is of dubious value. It’s kinda like a varitone circuit in that it cuts/adds frequencies but it really just gives you 5 different not very musical tones. Ranges from a weird honk to “bass underwater”. Kinda ridiculous actually. The first position on the switch is great buts it really just the passive tone only a little louder and a smidge brighter. The SB tone, that big midrange punch, really is best served by the 700 as you’re saving $500 at the start for sounds you very likely won’t like or use.

This. I have an SB1000 and I generally use the first position of the 6 way rotary. Sometimes 3 too, but the rest are generally not super useful. I would go for the 700 and save some money.