Bass guitar found in warehouse

[Jamotron]

Hi TalkBass,

I found a bass guitar in a warehouse, and I'm trying to find out exactly what make/model it is and how much it's worth.

I'm a left handed guitar player and I'm considering modifying this to suit me - however if it's worth a few bob then I might sell it and buy a genuine left hand bass.

Anyone know a thing or two about an Aria bass?

Thanks

 

[Jamotron]

Here's the serial number on the back of the head

 

[FrenchBassQC]

I know nothing about this bass model but wow it looks amazing. I would restore it and play the hell out of it.

 

[Fondsdale]

Aria Pro II SB-700

Here's a FS sale with pics and some info: SOLD - FS ONLY: Aria Pro II SB-700, early '80s

 

[lz4005]

It's been pretty heavily modified.
That model wasn't made in a P/J configuration.

If you can make it into something you'll enjoy playing you should.

Edit: The value is probably half what an unmodded one would be.

 

[Axstar]

Aye, that's mine. I left it there last Thursday. My brother can vouch for me. Would forget my head if it wasn't screwed on! Just mail it back to me when you get a spare minute, aye? No? Can I just borrow it for five minutes? I'll bring it right back, aye! We're friends, right? You calling me a thief?

 

[Jamotron]

Thanks everyone - think I'll keep it for myself and try to lefty flip them strings and bridge! I agree it does look fantastic!

 

[Axstar]

You will need to flip the nut, which will be difficult if not impossible. You might be able to find a lefty-carved nut on Ebay to suit the dimensions of the bass, or purchase a brass blank and get a luthier (or do it yourself) to file the slots accordingly. Not sure the bridge needs flipped, but the saddles may need to be swapped around if they are grooved for specific string gauges.

 

[lug]

You will need to flip the nut, which will be difficult if not impossible. You might be able to find a lefty-carved nut on Ebay to suit the dimensions of the bass, or purchase a brass blank and get a luthier (or do it yourself) to file the slots accordingly. Not sure the bridge needs flipped, but the saddles may need to be swapped around if they are grooved for specific string gauges.

I flip nuts on any lefty I buy (play lefty, strung righty) all the time. You can usually just lightly tap it out. I'd try that before going out to find one (it's hard to tell if the nut is flat on the back or angled in the pic due to camera angle) . Bridge looks like it will work fine the way it is.

 

[Axstar]

I flip nuts on any lefty I buy (play lefty, strung righty) all the time. You can usually just lightly tap it out. I'd try that before going out to find one. Bridge looks like it will work fine the way it is.

That may work fine on Fender-style instruments where the nut is symmetrical and sits in a channel, but on OP's Aria bass it is asymmetrical and sits at the end of the fretboard. If he were to reverse it the nut would slope down towards the fretboard and the slots would be highest at the back of the nut. This would cause intonation issues and the open strings would probably have a sitar-like buzz from contacting with the slope of the slots. Take a look at the first photo OP posted.

 

[lug]

That may work fine on Fender-style instruments where the nut is symmetrical and sits in a channel, but on OP's Aria bass it is asymmetrical and sits at the end of the fretboard. If he were to reverse it the nut would slope down towards the fretboard and the slots would be highest at the back of the nut. This would cause intonation issues and the open strings would probably have a sitar-like buzz from contacting with the slope of the slots. Take a look at the first photo OP posted.

Thanks, couldn't tell if it was angled or it was the camera angle. In that case, I'd just make a new nut out of the thigh bone of my enemy....or maybe buy one.

 

[Axstar]

In that case, I'd just make a new nut out of the thigh bone of my enemy...

Instant best bass for metal!

 

[JRA]

pretty neat to have found it though...congratulations on your find!

 

[Jamotron]

thank you everyone - going to take it to my local guitar store to ask the resident repair person about switcihing the nuts!

Thanks again - much appreciated

 

[Immigrant]

thank you everyone - going to take it to my local guitar store to ask the resident repair person about switcihing the nuts!

Thanks again - much appreciated

Get a quote for a complete setup. Wouldn't hurt.

Congrats on the bass!

 

[rufus.K]

As a lefty whose flipped many righties, I would say that this isn't the best candidate. the jack will be constantly in your way. it won't balance on a strap (lower bout too short, massive neck dive).
It's not a bad bass, just problematic to flip.
Sell/trade it for a Mexican jazz/precision.

 

[heliotropic]

Aria Pro II SB-700

Here's a FS sale with pics and some info: SOLD - FS ONLY: Aria Pro II SB-700, early '80s

This looks more like it was an SB1000, it has (had) the active preamp control with the marks around it, like in Aria Pro II SB-1000 BB circuit install (picture content)

 

[Jamotron]

This looks more like it was an SB1000, it has (had) the active preamp control with the marks around it, like in Aria Pro II SB-1000 BB circuit install (picture content)

I think you might be right! The knobs definitely look the same! Is an sb-1000 good? If so I might just keep it as it is and learn to play it back to front

 

[louloomis]

This is a very cool bass and look at the build quality and design: excellent.

So sad that someone modified it the way they did. Imagine finding that bass UNMODIFIED.....probably would be a keeper for life. Still, a total find on your part. Congratulations and enjoy. However, lesson learned to all - why modify stuff like this? Someone if not you will regret it later on, in my view.

LL

 

[Jamotron]

This is a very cool bass and look at the build quality and design: excellent.

So sad that someone modified it the way they did. Imagine finding that bass UNMODIFIED.....probably would be a keeper for life. Still, a total find on your part. Congratulations and enjoy. However, lesson learned to all - why modify stuff like this? Someone if not you will regret it later on, in my view.

LL

Which parts do you think they modified? How can you tell?