NGD... sort-of.

Notable for not being around a whole lot, and having too many guitars that don't get used, I have these exceptional examples of the Matsumoku luthiers art out on play/display currently...

... there's 2 set neck, 2 neck thru and one bolt neck on that stand...

IMG_0994 by John Stokes, on Flickr

IMG_0995 by John Stokes, on Flickr


... the 'new' one is the white Aria Pro II PE Supra that is ex-Wutz, ex-Crusty and ex-Eyebulger on this and the Matsumoku forums. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, an exceptional instrument, with MMK75 pickups, ivory nut and all sorts of other classy touches.
If you want to see more of it, let me know...

Do I want to see more of it?
Does a bear make muffins in the forest?

Hell yes!!!

Nice to see you, too, Barry!! OK... seeing as how you asked so nicely, here we go...



...originally in Snow White, now yellowed to an attractive cream; the hardware is gold plated. See the plating has flaked off the plastic pick-up surrounds...



... headstock with the Kahler string lock and ivory(?!) nut.



... gave the Kahler a bit of a hoozle up... Fret markers are M-o-P and paua...




MMK75s front and back. Think PAF, with a little added headroom - won't do out and out distortion very well at all, but takes overdrive like a good 'un!! Cleans are magnificent!



Kahler 2200 bridge; I've not had much to do with these at all and have a bar coming from 'Murica!



Gotta think those machines are APII branded Gotohs; still working like they should. No neck volute...



Bit of a surprise here with the cavity covers; carved wooden ones! That'd be shielding paint in the cavities and on the reverse of the covers.



That neck join... bite-the-back-of-your-hand glorious!


I've not played it as much as I'd've liked so far but what I have played around with sounds epic; it's a heavy bastard of a thing; about 5kg on my luggage scale - that's about 11lb for 'Murica...

... bonus shot of their backs!

IMG_1001 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/191232464@N08/]

Oh mate, that's so tasty!
 
The APII PE line is a class execution, so many beautiful design touches that make it stand head and shoulders over your average Les Paul, both functionally and aesthetically.

And who else would take the consideration and effort to make the cover plates out of the body wood instead of just routing the wood away? (on the stain finishes you can see that the grain matches!)

I dig the recessed control knobs too!

I never managed to find (or afford) a PE model. The only Matsumoku APII I have is the Urchin, a beauty to play but a bit of a novelty. At least she's light!

One thing's for sure, at 5Kg I don't think my 78 yr old back could handle a PE for more than 12 bars (music that is, not liquor establishments )

Congrats Johnny!

That's a really nice finish. Pearlescent finishes are under utilised in the guitar world.

I'm late to the party... but that Aria a beauty, John.     That style is so nice to play!  To my hands, those always felt more supple than a Gibson LP.  

But 11lbs??!?!?!  Wow... that's a migraine inducer if played for too long!

Enjoy those pieces of wood with bits of metal.  They are smile makers, to be sure.

love that PE
amazing design and craftsmanship
that cream color just gets better with age too!

years ago i picked up a 90's PE and it is a joy to play and quite a looker too!
set neck with the same lovely tapered neck joint (forgot to take a pic of the back)





not Matsumoku but fits right in with the rest of the gang

After seeing these 2 very impressive Aria Supra guitars, I've convinced myself that this is where Marty Friedman & Jackson got the inspiration for the "Monarkh" - Marty's Signature guitar...