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Description
The Aria Pro II CS-250 is a classic choice for musicians seeking a reliable and versatile solid body electric guitar. Known for its distinctive sound and craftsmanship, this guitar is perfect for both beginners and seasoned players who appreciate quality and affordability. The CS-250 features a dual humbucker setup that provides a rich, full-bodied tone, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from rock to blues.
This model is equipped with a set neck construction that enhances sustain and stability, allowing for expressive playability and dynamic sound control. The rosewood fretboard adds a smooth feel under your fingers, while the contoured body ensures comfortable play during long sessions. Its intuitive layout and responsive controls make it easy to dial in the perfect sound, whether you're on stage or in the studio.
The Aria Pro II CS-250 also comes with a vintage-inspired bridge and high-quality tuners, ensuring precise tuning and intonation. The guitar's design reflects Aria's long-standing tradition of blending timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. Its versatility and attention to detail make it a standout choice for those looking to expand their musical toolkit without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with dual humbucker pickups
- Set neck construction for enhanced sustain and stability
- Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
- Vintage-inspired bridge and high-quality tuners for precise intonation
- Versatile sound suitable for multiple genres
- Intuitive control layout for easy sound customization
- Aria's signature craftsmanship and design
Videos
Jack Mason
1982 Aria Pro II CS-250
1982 Aria Pro II CS-250
Jack Mason
ARIA PRO II (2) CS 250 SG Standard FLUXSON Music Marseille
Fluxson Music
Aria Pro Vintage Electric Guitar - Cardinal Series CS-250 - Matsumi Japan - Lohn New And Used
Lohn New And Used
Aria Pro 2 cardinal series cs-250
MADMALKO
Aria Cardinal CS-250 guitar
The Old Europe
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aria Pro II CS-250.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners highlight the challenge of finding replacement saddles due to the unique bridge design, suggesting measuring with digital calipers for precise fitting.
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Users suggest considering custom metalwork or a partial bridge replacement due to the rare saddle type.
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Proper setup and quality strings are recommended to enhance performance, as poor initial setup can lead to issues like fret buzz and poor resonance during songs.
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User experience
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Lightweight design is appreciated, but the guitar has a tendency to go out of tune, particularly noted by long-term owners.
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Owners note the build quality of the Matsumoku factory-made guitars is higher than their price suggests, with a need for maintenance to realize their full potential.
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Other
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It's noted that Japanese manufacturers like Aria often keep spare parts for extended periods, encouraging direct inquiries for replacements.
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Features and functionality
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The guitar is associated with Kurt Cobain, adding historical interest despite its tuning stability issues.
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Comparisons
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The Ibanez Artist series from the 1980s is suggested as a better-built alternative with a similar aesthetic to the Aria Pro II CS-250.
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Build quality
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Late 80s production moved to South Korea, causing a decline in quality compared to earlier Japanese-made models.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
My first guitar
Bought it second hand when I was 12 years old. Used to learn my first chords and experimented some pedals with it.
123
Great Guitar
I love this guitar to death. I have My Father's Aria and it sounds great. It isn't a metal guitar, but I have plugged it into some amps toned for metal (not the shitty line 6) and it will produce a decent metal sound. The neck is comfortable to hold and the body isn't to big.
My last e-guitar purchase ever.
Nothing more. Perfect, even in stock.
A lot of drawbacks... But they don't annoy me.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, Kurt Cobain can be seen playing a Aria Pro II CS-250 electric guitar. Details of the guitar can be seen here.
John said in an interview: "We used to have flea markets - it was a Les Paul copy, a Suzuki guitar. [Chuckles] But it was the most decked-out thing I've ever seen. It had a bind going down the neck, gold hardware, it was black, unbelievable... I think I traded it for an Aria Pro II." This guitar can also be seen in early Majesty photos. Interview source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FazMQa6JLI
In a 1984 live photo, Yuri Kasparyan is visibly using an Aria Pro II CS-250 guitar. The pickup configuration and body shape confirm it as the standard CS-250 model. This instrument was employed by Kasparyan during Kino's performances to craft his distinctive melodic and atmospheric sound. The image serves as proof of this usage.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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