Identify this bass?

[bunnykeeper]

I just came across this on Yahoo Japan auctions. No bids yet. From the rear view, it might be an Aria, but what model?

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Looks like that's paint on the fretboard... I assume it can be removed? If it's a decent enough bass, I may take a shot at it.

 

[lowphatbass]

The controls and neck-through construction look like they could be Aria Pro II, I'm not sure I've ever seen a 2+2 headstock from them that wasn't symmetrical.

 

[awilkie84]

Looks like a Washburn T series to me.

 

[Alembic83]

Looks like an Aria Pro II ASB-60...I had one like that (without the paint job of course) and I was surprised to find it had a plywood body. I don't know if they were all like that, though. But mine was white like the one in that auction...

 

[bunnykeeper]

Thanks for all the input. A neck-through-plywood? I don't think I've ever heard of something like that.

 

[Alembic83]

Here is the catalog pic from Aria USA where they have a similar model (ASB 65) listed...
Aria Pro II Catalog - 1989

Notice the body wood is just listed as "hardwood"? I wonder if that is another way to say "plywood". It was pretty surprising to find in the bass I had...It could have been just my bass, I guess...If the price is right, you could give that bass a try.

 

[bunnykeeper]

Could be. Nowadays, I see a lot of "solid wood," which I think is a cover-up for basswood or paulownia, but in '89, I think basswood was more highly-regarded than in is today.

The bass is going for <$50 shipped (within Japan), and the auction ends tomorrow. No bids yet, but I've already got seven (cheap) basses. Still on the fence.