1980 Aria Pro II TSB-550 Tri Sound Bass - Matsumoku Neck-Thru, Made in Japan
A standout vintage bass from the golden era of the legendary Matsumoku
factory, this 1980 Aria Pro II TSB-550 represents the first generation
of through-neck construction in the Tri Sound Bass line — a sister
series to the iconic SB range made famous by Cliff Burton of Metallica.
The TSB-550 has been favored by bass legends including Cliff Burton,
Jack Bruce of Cream, and John Taylor of Duran Duran. This particular
example wears the early four-on-a-side inline headstock, used only
briefly before Aria switched to the 2+2 configuration in 1981, making
this short-lived first-spec variant uncommon among surviving examples.
Built with seven-ply maple and walnut neck-through construction mated
to ash body wings, the TSB-550 delivers exceptional natural sustain
and resonance. The brass nut and robustly built brass bridge add
articulation and growl to the sound, while the two-way Dual Sound
switch offers series/parallel operation of the MB-II humbucker.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Model: TSB-550 Tri Sound Bass
- Year: 1980 (Serial 079034)
- Country of Origin: Japan (Matsumoku factory)
- Body: Ash
- Neck: Maple / Walnut, 7-ply, neck-through
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with diamond inlays, 22 frets
- Scale: 32.5" (820mm, medium scale)
- Pickup: MB-II humbucker x 1
- Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
- Switch: Dual Sound (series/parallel)
- Nut: Brass
- Bridge: Brass
- Tuners: Aria Pro II branded
- Weight: 3.95 kg
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Very Good
- Body: Some scratches and playwear consistent with age
- Neck: Straight
- Frets: Approximately 60-70% remaining
- Hardware: Tarnish and surface rust consistent with age (vintage patina)
The bass plays well and shows honest playwear appropriate for a 45-year
old instrument. All electronics function correctly. Please review all
photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.
== INCLUDED ==
- Soft case
== WHY THIS BASS ==
Genuine Matsumoku-era Aria Pro II basses are increasingly difficult to
find, and the early inline-headstock TSB-550 represents one of the most
desirable transitional specs in the entire TS line. With its premium
neck-through construction, brass hardware, and the unmistakable growl
of the MB-II humbucker, this is a serious player's instrument that
also holds genuine collector appeal as the affordable cousin to the
legendary SB-1000.
Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.
