Description

Pre-stickered! Late 70s MIJ Aria W-200 with a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, $399!

The Aria W-200 is an acoustic guitar that represents the quality craftsmanship associated with Japanese-made guitars, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when Aria was producing some of its most respected instruments. The W-200 model is a part of Aria’s lineup known for its solid build, excellent tonewoods, and attention to detail. This particular model, with a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, is designed to offer a rich, full-bodied sound suitable for a variety of playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming.

Features:

  • Top: The Aria W-200 features a solid spruce top, known for its bright and resonant tonal qualities. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops due to its excellent sound projection and ability to handle a wide dynamic range.
  • Back and Sides: The back and sides are crafted from rosewood, a tonewood prized for its rich, warm sound and strong bass response. Rosewood is also visually striking, with its dark, reddish-brown color and characteristic grain patterns, adding to the guitar’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Neck: The neck is typically made from mahogany, providing a strong and stable foundation for the guitar while contributing to the instrument’s overall warmth.
  • Fingerboard: The fingerboard is made from rosewood, offering a smooth playing surface with a warm tonal response. It’s also durable, making it ideal for long-term playability.
  • Bracing: The W-200 likely features traditional X-bracing, a common bracing pattern that supports the top while allowing it to vibrate freely, enhancing the guitar’s volume and sustain.
  • Finish: The guitar is usually finished with a gloss lacquer, which not only protects the wood but also enhances the natural beauty of the tonewoods used.

Sound Characteristics:

  • Tone: The combination of a spruce top and rosewood back and sides gives the Aria W-200 a balanced tone with crisp highs, a full midrange, and deep, resonant lows. This makes it versatile enough to handle various genres, from folk and country to blues and pop.
  • Projection: Thanks to the solid spruce top and rosewood body, the guitar offers excellent sound projection, making it suitable for both solo performances and ensemble settings.
  • Sustain: The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard contribute to the guitar’s sustain, allowing notes to ring out clearly and with lasting resonance.

As Used By:

Folk/Acoustic Players:

  • Kazuhito Yamashita:
    • Usage: While primarily known as a classical guitarist, Kazuhito Yamashita has been known to use high-quality Japanese acoustic guitars for his various performances and recordings. The Aria W-200, with its excellent tonewood combination and craftsmanship, is an instrument that would appeal to players like Yamashita who value tonal richness and playability.
    • Notable Performances: Yamashita’s performances, particularly his arrangements of complex, multi-voiced compositions, demonstrate the kind of tonal clarity and balance that a guitar like the W-200 can deliver.

Vintage Guitar Enthusiasts:

  • Japanese Vintage Guitar Collectors:
    • Usage: The Aria W-200 is appreciated by collectors who seek out high-quality Japanese guitars from the 1970s and 1980s. These guitars are valued for their craftsmanship, tonal quality, and the reputation of Japanese luthiery from this era.
    • Notable Collections: Collectors often seek out the W-200 for its solid construction and the use of premium tonewoods, which have contributed to its lasting appeal in the vintage guitar market.

Country of Manufacture:

  • Japan: The Aria W-200 was manufactured in Japan, a country known for producing high-quality instruments during the 1970s and 1980s. Japanese guitars from this era are particularly noted for their precision craftsmanship and excellent value.

The Aria W-200 acoustic guitar is a fine example of Japanese luthiery, offering a blend of high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and a rich, versatile sound. With its solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, the W-200 delivers a balanced tone that is well-suited for a variety of musical styles. Whether you’re a fingerstyle player, a strummer, or a collector of vintage guitars, the Aria W-200 stands out as a reliable and sonically pleasing instrument that can hold its own against more expensive counterparts. Its enduring appeal among players and collectors alike is a testament to its quality and the lasting legacy of Aria guitars from this era.

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