plucked out blog

Aria Pro II Cardinal

In the first of what may or may not become a regular series on particularly underrated guitars, I’d like to draw your attention to this Aria Cardinal. During the late 70s and mid to late 80s, there were some fantastic guitars coming out of the Matsumoko factory in Japan, and Aria designed many of them. They don’t have the same cachet as some other Japanese makes like Ibanez but they were coming out of the same factory with similar levels of quality and some original designs.

This particular example (the CS400) is one of the top of the line models and if you like Les Pauls, PRSs or Yamaha SGs then it’s well worth checking out. As always though, it’s worth budgeting to replace the pickups as that’s one area where Far Eastern guitars sometimes miss the mark. Not too many of these about either and I predict that Matsumoko guitars will continue becoming collectable.

1978 Strat

Late 70s Strats are notoriously heavy and poorly made. However, due to the name on the headstock and the ever increasing cost of pre-1970 examples, they are a reasonable investment if you can get one at a reasonable price. Don’t expect to be able to gig with it though, at least not with a smile on your face.

Now, back to that “reasonable price”. This particular example is up for £1000 as a starting price, with £3000 as a buy it now option. For a (badly) refinished, non-original example that needs a refret.

That is not a reasonable price.Expect this one to stay unsold…

[Full disclosure: I have no 1970s Fenders but do have a couple from the 80s]

Gibson Grabber bass

Here’s an interesting Gibson – the Grabber bass had a “innovative” sliding pickup, although it only it only slid about an inch and a half. Dan Armstrong/Ampeg would dispute quite how innovative it was too…

They are quite rare though and are closely related to the Ripper – as used by Chris Novoselic (Nirvana) and Dan from Ned’s Atomic Dustbin if my memory serves me right. Bolt on Gibo basses are an inexpensive way of getting into vintage Gibsons, and there’s not many inexpensive routes into that particular manufacturer. I’d put some money aside for the fret dress that the seller mentions if you do intend to play it though – they’re certainly lighter than Fenders of the same period. Don’t expect it to outplay a Ricky from the 70s though. Or a Yamaha.

[Full disclosure: I don't own any Gibsons but do have a vintage Yamaha bass]

Yamaha YSG

Here is a rarity – a Yamaha YSG. Regular readers will know I have a bit of a thing for Yamahas and this is one of the rarer examples – legend has it they were designed by Paul Reed Smith, and were never officially imported into the UK.

I’ve never played one but they are supposed to be very nice indeed – at £400 this one is a bargain and you’re unlikely to bump into someone else with one.

[Full disclosure: I do not own a Yamaha YSG]

1996 Fender Strat

First rule of advertising on eBay – do your research first. This basic,bog standard used USA strat, in a boring, bog standard colour is up for £850 (plus best offer option).

Regardless of the fact that a brand new US standard strat can easily be bought for £799 online (and a Highway 1 strat obtained for less than £500), there is another 1996 US strat on eBay at the moment for £625.

If you want to sell, and sell first time, then spend some time doing some research first.