Aria Pro II question

[pdlstl]

I currently play a '99 Flatiron Festival which I intend to keep.

I'm being offered a one-owner 1977 Aria Pro II (Model PM-780) which has had extensive upgrades. #These include, removal of the back and top to tap tune and the tone bars have been replaced with custom carved bars. The guady fretboard has been replaced as well.

I can get it on 48-hour approval.

He's asking $1750. #Worth it?

Earl

[mandoJeremy]

NO!!!!!!!!! #I played one years ago when it was all that was available for me to play and it was a good mando but the MK's sound better. #I also played one that had the top and back regraduated and it sounded better than a factory one but not $1750 worth! #I would pass on it if I were you. #If you could get it for $800 to $900 I would buy it but no more than that. Stick with the Flatiron because I am sure that it probably sounds better!

[pdlstl]

Cool! I believe I'm gonna' pass on it.

Thanks for the info!

[PCypert]

Yes,
Definately pass. He could very well have put that much into the mando after new costs and all the upgrades(but seriously doubt it). But come on. It won't give you anything different from your Festival. You could buy another festival if you have to have a f style back up. I'd shop around and get a mando that will expand your pallet some. Maybe an oval hole. If you need a backup for performance situations get another Flatiron. Don't buy the Aria though.
Paul

[neal]

I love Japanese mandolins, truly well made, nice playing. But not that much. Lop off about 895 and I might take it.

[wineguy]

I take lessons from a guy who plays a PM-780 that he bought used for $500 in the 80's. His sounds great, but in my opinion Aria's quality is inconsistent. I bought an Aria Pro II model PM-750 last summer and traded it six months later, as it sounded no where near the quality of my instructor's.

By the way, I traded the Aria Pro for a Weber Bitterroot and I'm very happy with it. You might be able to get a Weber for near same cost as the Aria.