Aria mandolin

[lakins]

Looking at an Aria Pro II mandolin model Pm780. How do you determine when it was made since it has no serial #. Seller says 1970?

[Timbofood]

Picture?

[allenhopkins]

Pic needed.

Not to be snarky, really, but why is the date of manufacture an issue? Are there "good" and "bad" periods for Aria -- Japan vs. Korea vs. China, or whatever? Being a non-Aria-owner, I'd only want to know if it's solid wood or laminated; is that a function of vintage?

[lakins]

Photo attached (I hope)

[Willie Poole]

I owned an Aria with a laminated top that blew away the Aria Pro II that I believe was made in Japan and had a carved top but the top was thicker than most mandolins from that era, if the tops were thinner they may make a nice mandolin, fit an finish were nice also......:

[John Uhrig]

Looks just like the one I had. Solid spruce top, laminated back and sides. It was a pretty heavy mandolin.
Mine said Made in Japan on the label, and all I could ever find out was that it was made in the 70's.
It was a fine sounding and good looking instrument. I had it about 10 years.
Sold it to help finance a better one.

[fatt-dad]

Mine had a wood-burning stamp in it that claimed, "Hand Made." It was also a PM-780, Aria Pro II. It was a bit heavy, but I played it for many years and liked it (narrow nut for my big hands though). I bought another Aria Pro II (an a-model) and it was nothing like the PM-780. A real piece of junk (neck fell off). So, I'd see if it has a, "Hand Made" wood burn in it. Then maybe?

f-d

[mee]

That case looks 70's

[Timbofood]

It’s one from a May 22nd 1977 batch...
Around three PM

[Nevin]

I know Aria Pro II from their electric guitars and basses. The mid 70's through the late 80's made in Japan are considered the best of these.