Ariapro II TSB650 bass

[WellsMachine]

Hi. New to the forum.
I have acquired an Ariapro II TSB650, The serial no on the headstock is 104. Any ideas on year of manufacture? It's an absolute beauty, such a rich and punchy sound!

 

[Gluvhand]

Hi. New to the forum.
I have acquired an Ariapro II TSB650, The serial no on the headstock is 104. Any ideas on year of manufacture? It's an absolute beauty, such a rich and punchy sound!

The first three numbers are 104 or the only numbers are 104 (which would be a first I think)? If it’s the first three it should be a 1981.

 

[WellsMachine]

 

[WellsMachine]

Duh! I got the number wrong. Actually 0102! See photograph!

 

[Gluvhand]

From what I can tell by the number and the 2x2 headstock I’d say it’s an ‘81.

 

[WellsMachine]

From what I can tell by the number and the 2x2 headstock I’d say it’s an ‘81.

Thanks for that. I've looked before but understood that the identifier should be at least 6 figures.

 

[Gluvhand]

Thanks for that. I've looked before but understood that the identifier should be at least 6 figures.

I agree but I think the first and last numbers might be obscured by the neck stripes. Either way, that model, with the 2x2 was only available 81-83 I believe.

 

[Liam Wald]

I am thinking it is the 102nd one made in 1980.
I have owned three Aria Pro-II's made in the 80's by Matsumoku.
These are very very good quality instruments. As good as Alembic IMHO.

 

[Liam Wald]

PS; The TSB-650 that I owned was made in 1982. The first digit of the SN# was 2.
It also had the 2+2 "mustache" headstock and was neck-thru.

 

[Liam Wald]

I agree but I think the first and last numbers might be obscured by the neck stripes. Either way, that model, with the 2x2 was only available 81-83 I believe.

It could be that Matsumoku started with the 2+2 mustache headstock in late '80.
If this was the 102nd TSB-650 built in 1980 that would likely put it close to the end of the year.