Vintage 1976 Aria Pro II 2 Tone Sunburst Hollow Body Electric Guitar

A 1976 Aria Pro II guitar is a vintage Japanese-built instrument from the renowned Matsumoku factory. Part of the famous "lawsuit era," these models—such as the LS/LC Les Paul standards, Stage Caster Strat copies, and early PE prototypes—featured exceptional craftsmanship, accurate classic styling, and distinct script headstock logos. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Common 1976 Models and Styles LC/LS Series (Les Paul Copies): Features mahogany or "pancake" construction bodies with maple caps, set necks, and vintage humbuckers. Early 1976 models often lack serial numbers and display accurate "open book" headstocks. [1, 2, 3, 4] Stage Caster Series: Stratocaster-inspired models built with sen (Japanese ash) or maple bodies, bolt-on maple necks, and single-coil configurations. [1, 2, 3, 4] PE Series Origins: 1976 marked the introduction of the innovative Pro-Eye (PE) line, known for carved top/back body designs and ergonomic joints. [1, 2] Key Build Characteristics Materials: High-grade Japanese hardwoods like mahogany, sen ash, and maple. Headstock & Logo: Transitioned to the signature cursive "Aria Pro II" script logo around this timeframe. Hardware: Reliable Gotoh or vintage-style hardware, often chrome or gold-plated depending on the tier.[1, 2, 3, 4]