1979 Aria Pro II Primary Bass - PJ Configuration, Natural Ash, MIJ Matsumoku
This is a clean example of the Aria Pro II Primary Bass from 1979, crafted at the legendary Matsumoku factory in Matsumoto, Japan during the golden age of Japanese guitar manufacturing. Built to the same template that inspired Steve Harris-style PJ configurations, this bass delivers the unmistakable thump of a vintage Precision paired with the bite of a bridge-position Jazz-style pickup.
The "Primary Bass" designation was used by Aria Pro II only from 1978 to 1981, replacing the earlier "Professional Bass" (1976) and "Precise Bass" (1977) badges before the lineup was renamed in 1982. Matsumoku-built basses from this era are renowned for their premium ash bodies, three-piece maple necks, and meticulous hand-finishing - qualities that put them on par with, and often ahead of, the Fender CBS-era originals they were inspired by. The neck plate is stamped "MATSUMOKU / A790325 / MADE IN JAPAN," confirming both the factory of origin and the 1979 production year.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Brand: Aria Pro II
- Model: Primary Bass (PJ configuration)
- Year: 1979
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Factory: Matsumoku
- Color: Natural
- Body: Ash
- Neck: Maple, bolt-on
- Fingerboard: Maple, 20 frets
- Scale: 34" (Long scale)
- Pickups: Split-coil P pickup
- Controls: 1 x Volume, 1 x Tone
- Bridge: Vintage 4-saddle
- Tuners: Aria Pro II open-gear
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Serial Number: A790325
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Good
- Body: Age-related dings and playwear consistent with a 46-year-old instrument
- Neck: Straight, with a noticeable mark at the heel area near the joint
- Frets: Approximately 50-60% remaining
- Hardware: Heavy tarnish on metal parts (vintage patina)
The body retains its original natural finish showing honest wear. The neck is straight and the truss rod functions correctly. All electronics function correctly. There is a visible scuff at the back of the neck heel near the joint area (please see photos). The neck pocket bears the factory ink stamps "SB21A012" and an inspector's mark, and the pickup cavity carries the original "33" inspector stamp - both consistent with original Matsumoku production.
== INCLUDED ==
- Soft case
== WHY THIS GUITAR ==
Genuine 1979 Matsumoku-built Aria Pro II basses in PJ configuration are increasingly hard to come by, especially in their original natural ash finish. This is a player-grade vintage instrument with all the mojo of late-1970s Japanese craftsmanship at a fraction of what a comparable American P/J would cost. Whether you're chasing the Steve Harris growl or simply want a versatile vintage P/J at a sensible price, this bass delivers.
Please review all photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition. Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.
