Aria SG

The Aria SG-380 was introduced in 1975 as their second attempt at an SG copy, following the 1900 Series. All of the SG models were made in Japan by Matsumoku. The PSG-600 appears to be a limited run, not featured in any catalogs. In 1977, the SG-420 is introduced as their first set-neck SG copy. In 1978, the SG-420 is re-named SL-420, and the separate model previously known as the SL-420 is discontinued. In 1979, Aria stops selling copies outside the Japanese market in response to the Gibson-Ibanez lawsuit.

Related:

• Aria Pro II SL-420

SG-380 / AE-400 (Mach 1)

Early 1975

This model was sold under both the Aria Mach 1 and Aria Pro II brands as the AE-400 and SG-380, respectively. At some point in 1975, the neck was moved deeper into the body, either to more closely match contemporary Gibsons, or simply to strengthen the joint. Although the 1975 catalog shows the old style, many examples dating to 1975 exhibit the newer design.

• 1975-1976
• 38,000 Yen MSRP

Body:

• Beveled, solid Nato body
• Polyurethane finish

Neck:

• 3-pc laminated Nato
• Bolt-on construction
  • Joins body at 18th fret (Mid 1975-1976)

• Rosewood fretboard
  • Acrylic pearloid trapezoid inlays
  • 12" radius
• Open Book headstock
  • Mother of Pearl Aria Pro II logo inlay
  • Mother of Pearl crown inlay
  • Volute
• 22 frets
• 24 ³/₄" scale
• 1 ⁹/₁₆" nut width???

1976

Binding:

• Neck, single-ply

Electronics:

• Two Matsumoku MMK-61 Humbuckers
  • AlNiCo V magnets
  • 7.7 - 8.4 K Ohms DCR
• 3-way switch
• 2 Vol, 2 Tone

Hardware:

• Chrome Hardware
• Individually enclosed tuning machines
  • Metal Keystone buttons
• 5-ply Angel Wing style pickguard
• Bell shaped truss rod cover
  • 2-ply b/w
  • 3 screws
• Black Speed knobs w/ pointers
• Tune-O-Matic style bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece

Finishes:

• Cherry Wine (CW)
• Walnut (WA)

SG-420 / SL-420

1977 SG-420 WA

• 1977-1981
• 42,000 Yen MSRP

Body:

• Beveled, solid Nato body
• Polyurethane finish

Neck:

• 3-pc laminated Nato
• Set-in construction
  • Joins body at 20th fret

• Rosewood fretboard
  • Acrylic pearloid small block inlays
  • 12" radius
• Open Book headstock
  • Mother of Pearl Aria Pro II logo inlay
  • Mother of Pearl crown inlay
  • Volute (1977-1980)
• 22 frets
• 24 ³/₄" scale
• 1 ⁹/₁₆" nut width???

Binding:

• Neck, single-ply

1979 SL-420s

Electronics:

• Two Matsumoku MMK-61 Humbuckers
  • AlNiCo V magnets
  • 7.7 - 8.4 K Ohms DCR
• 3-way switch
• 2 Vol, 2 Tone

Hardware:

• Chrome Hardware
• Individually enclosed tuning machines (1977-1980)
  • Metal Keystone buttons
• Kluson-style tuning machines (1980-1981)
  • "Aria Pro II" engraved
  • Yellow Keystone buttons
    • Double ring
• 5-ply Angel Wing style pickguard
• Bell shaped truss rod cover
  • 2-ply b/w
  • 3 screws
• Black Speed knobs
• Tune-O-Matic style bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece

Finishes:

• Cherry Wine (CW)
• Walnut (WA)

PSG-600

• Circa 1975
• 60,000 Yen MSRP

Body:

• Beveled, solid Nato body
• Polyurethane finish

Aftermarket tuners

Neck:

• 3-pc laminated Nato
• Set-in construction
  • Joins body at 22nd fret

• Rosewood fretboard
  • Acrylic pearloid dot inlays
  • 12" radius
• Open Book headstock
  • Mother of Pearl Aria Pro II logo inlay
    • Unusual font
  • Volute
• 22 frets
• 24 ³/₄" scale
• 1 ⁹/₁₆" nut width???

Binding:

• Neck, single-ply
• Thick style
• Fret edge binding

Electronics:

• Two P-90 style single coil pickups
  • Dog-ear style
• 3-way switch
• 2 Vol, 2 Tone

Hardware:

• Chrome Hardware
• Individually enclosed tuning machines
  • Metal Keystone buttons
• 5-ply Angel Wing style pickguard
• Bell shaped truss rod cover
  • 2-ply b/w
  • 2 screws
• Black Speed knobs w/ pointers
• Tune-O-Matic style bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece

Finishes:

• Walnut (WA)