
AriaPro II ST500DR 1980
1980 Aria Pro II ST-500DR.
The pickguard features an 8-point, 1-ply design typical of the 1957 model, while the neck has a rosewood fingerboard typical of the 1962 model—well, I suppose it doesn’t really matter. The ST-500D was supposed to have Kluson-style tuners according to the catalog, but this one has Rotomatic-style tuners instead. Interestingly, while the gear case is Rotomatic, the knobs are Kluson, making for a unique hybrid specification.
During this era, it was an incredible deal to have three DiMarzio FS-1 pickups (Fat Strat) priced at 10,000 yen each, totaling 50,000 yen.
However, as a result, the popularity of DiMarzio plummeted. It’s similar to how a middle school student carrying a Louis Vuitton bag would instantly diminish the purchasing desire of adults. The weight is quite heavy at 3.82 kg (including strings). (Updated on June 15, 2016)
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