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Description

The Aria Pro II ZZ Custom is an electric guitar that brings classic rock vibes to the forefront with a touch of modern flair. Known for its striking design and reliable performance, this solid body electric guitar is a favorite among musicians who seek both style and substance. The ZZ Custom is built with a mahogany body that delivers a warm and rich tone, making it ideal for a variety of musical genres, from hard rock to blues.

Featuring a bolt-on maple neck, the guitar ensures durability and a comfortable playing experience. The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, while the 22 frets provide ample space for expressive solos. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, the ZZ Custom delivers a powerful sound with reduced noise, ensuring clarity and precision in every note. The classic tune-o-matic bridge ensures stable tuning and easy intonation adjustments.

Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in your living room, the Aria Pro II ZZ Custom is designed to be both visually stunning and sonically impressive, making it a versatile choice for both seasoned players and those just starting their musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for a warm, rich tone
  • Bolt-on maple neck for added durability
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
  • Dual humbucking pickups for powerful sound
  • Tune-o-matic bridge for stable tuning and easy adjustments
IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

Video thumbnail for 1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom by IplayMusic2

1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for 1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom by IplayMusic2

1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for 1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom by IplayMusic2

1984 Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for Forsale Iconic Rock Guitar 80's Aria Pro II ZZ Custom (Made in Japan) by MasHoed

Forsale Iconic Rock Guitar 80's Aria Pro II ZZ Custom (Made in Japan)

MasHoed

MasHoed

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro II ZZ demo 2 AVI by Blaine Ludeman (Bloody Blaine)

Aria Pro II ZZ demo 2 AVI

Blaine Ludeman (Bloody Blaine)

Blaine Ludeman (Bloody Blaine)

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aria Pro II ZZ Custom.

User experience

  • The original neck remains a favorite among owners, even when compared to models like the EBMM and Parker Fly Classic, highlighting its enduring appeal.

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  • One owner shared that after 25 years of neglect, the guitar became a favorite only after restoration, indicating its potential durability and quality once maintained.

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  • Owners express a long-term appreciation for the Aria Pro II ZZ Custom, despite its potentially outdated appearance.

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Other

  • The factory paint job is known for being quite striking and polarizing, often "in your face," yet it continues to attract attention decades later.

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Features and functionality

  • Some models originally included a locking nut and string trees, though these might be missing in second-hand purchases.

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  • A version exists with black and white finish, gold hardware, and a tremolo, which is highly praised by its owner.

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Value and pricing

  • A 1984 owner considers it a fantastic guitar for the price, indicating long-term satisfaction and value retention.

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  • The value of an Aria Pro II ZZ Custom from the '80s is often weighed against more recent budget models like PRS, with price differences around 150-300 euros.

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Build quality

  • Some original models may lack original hardware except for volume/tone knobs and pickups, affecting the authenticity of second-hand purchases.

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  • Japanese-made Aria Pro II guitars from 1985 are noted for their high-quality necks, comparable to early '80s strat copies.

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Comparisons

  • The Aria Pro II feline series from Matsumoku in the early '80s is comparable in quality to Ibanez Roadstar 2 and Washburn models of the same era.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
senor_reidy

Best $100 I've ever spent.

I really didn't know anything about Aria as a company when I came across this beauty on Facebook. She has an Act 3 tremolo system (licensed Floyd Rose). Programmatic v humbuckers and, a wicked paint job. The high frets (used to playing Ibanez) take some getting used to as far as shredding goes but, this baby is sweet. Vivian Campbell rocked one during his Dio days in the mid 1980s. Spec, info, and even a background on this guitar has been damn near impossible to find aside from it being made in Japan, in the Matsumoku factory, less than a year before it's closure (mine is a 1986). If you come across one, I strongly recommend picking it up.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Vivian Campbell uses Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

Vivian Campbell

Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

He is playing a ZZ Custom live in 1984

See how Brandon Ellis uses Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

He talks about his Aria ZZ Custom at 13:15 in this video

See how Johnny Hallyday uses Aria Pro II ZZ Custom

Johnny Hallyday

Singer, Guitarist

The Blackburds

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture (and more others), we can see Johnny with an Aria Pro II ZZ Custom (with a bloody custom color). Mostly used in his 80’s gigs.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Aria Pro II ZZ Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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