Classical Guitar in Japan

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1,188 thoughts on “Classical Guitar in Japan”

  1. kiso Suzuki guitars
    Roberto Torriero

    i am a satisfied owner of a Kiso Suzuki W300 acoustic guitar and i twould like to know it’s value. The guitar is in perfect conditions.Thank you.

  2. Suzuki NO 301
    Allan

    I have just cleaned out my grandfathers old shed and found a Suzuki 301 he bought in Japan during WWII and i am wondering if ANYONE, has ANY information on it?

    1. Re: Suzuki NO 301
      DanLindsey

      : I have just cleaned out my grandfathers old shed and found a Suzuki 301 he bought in Japan during WWII and i am wondering if ANYONE, has ANY information on it?

      Suzuki made a model 301 from 1934-1941. It was a fairly inexpensive guitar which means it was not very fancy but does not mean it didn’t sound good. That was before the laminated days so it is probably all solid wood. Could be very good sound. They also made a model 301 from 1962-1963 that most likely was not nearly as good.

    2. Re: Suzuki NO 301
      tom

      i’M STARTING A DATABASE ON SUZUKI GUITARS – both Kiso and Nagoya – and if you have a picture of the front and back, I would love to post it on the site,

      Thanks

      1. suzuki guitars database
        jarrod

        hi tom would love to pick your brain regarding your knowledge of these wonderful instruments , would be good to cross reference what we both know I have 2 kiso Suzuki’s

  3. Any info on the Kiso Suzuki Model No WE - 150???
    Paul Slane

    I am trying to find out any information and the price of the Kiso Suzuki guitar model number WE-150.

    I have been scratching my brains out trying to find information on this!!

    1. kiso suzuki we-150
      greig hally

      hi you have the same guitar as me it’s worth between £300 to £600 these guitars are extremely sought after
      nowadays so it would be worth holding onto it for another few years as they are rare most models you will find
      are over in the states and there isn’t many in the u.k or europe hope this helps

    1. Re: Aria A555 Mystery....
      Robert

      Hi,
      I have an Aria 556 handmade and I bougt it in 1978. I remember that the cost was a bit expensive in that time, maybe I paid over 500$.

      1. Re: Aria A555 Mystery....
        ralph

        : Hi, got a Aria A 555 s/n:52572 what is your serial number? cheers
        : I have an Aria 556 handmade and I bougt it in 1978. I remember that the cost was a bit expensive in that time, maybe I paid over 500$.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Kyle
      Kyle

      I have just acquired an old Aria A555, Serial no. 49312. I can’t find any info on how to date it, what it’s made of, who made it, or what it’s worth. I you know anything, please email me at [email protected]. I’ll be checking this post often as well. Any help will be much appreciated.

    1. Re: masaru matano guitar
      Rich

      : I have a class 400 masaru matano classical guitar (1977 manufacture date) and have found very little information on this guitar or luthier. I bought it for a fabulous price from a friend and it appears to have had little, if any, use. I am very fond of thi quitar and would like to know more about it. I’d appreciate any information or sources I could go to for information.

      M. Matano went on to found Asturias & Kodaira Guitars in Kyoshi / Kobe Japan. Matano san has either retired or passed on. The workshop is now run by Watari Tsuji. Check out Casa Bennelly for prices of current Asturias guitars.
      I can give you a better idea of the guitars value if you can describe the guitar or send me a pic.
      Best regards
      Richard

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... barb
      barb

      I have a class 400 masaru matano classical guitar (1977 manufacture date) and have found very little information on this guitar or luthier. I bought it for a fabulous price from a friend and it appears to have had little, if any, use. I am very fond of thi quitar and would like to know more about it. I’d appreciate any information or sources I could go to for information.

  4. old suzuki guitar classical
    Daryl

    Found an old Suzuki Classical at an antique shop for $95 in Santa Barbara has no numbers on it other than 431218 inside stamped on the neck…can anyone help me..I know it must be at least 30-35 yrs old…it plays incredibly well and who ever had it before me played it a lot due to the wear on the fret board etc…oh yea the case is wood wrapped in fraying black material with a treble clef embossed on the front

    1. Re: old suzuki guitar classical
      Brandi

      : Found an old Suzuki Classical at an antique shop for $95 in Santa Barbara has no numbers on it other than 431218 inside stamped on the neck…can anyone help me..I know it must be at least 30-35 yrs old…it plays incredibly well and who ever had it before me played it a lot due to the wear on the fret board etc…oh yea the case is wood wrapped in fraying black material with a treble clef embossed on the front

      Hey, I have two older suzuki’s model no. 32 and model no. 9 They are both in really good shape and have a strong rich sound to them. I need to find out the year they were produced and their market value. E-mail me if you have information

        1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Alicia
          Alicia

          : : Found an old Suzuki Classical at an antique shop for $95 in Santa Barbara has no numbers on it other than 431218 inside stamped on the neck…can anyone help me..I know it must be at least 30-35 yrs old…it plays incredibly well and who ever had it before me played it a lot due to the wear on the fret board etc…oh yea the case is wood wrapped in fraying black material with a treble clef embossed on the front

          : Hey, I have two older suzuki’s model no. 32 and model no. 9 They are both in really good shape and have a strong rich sound to them. I need to find out the year they were produced and their market value. E-mail me if you have information

          Hi. I just got a Suzuki no. 9 too. Did you find out what year it was made?

    1. Re: hayakawa classical guitars
      cazbo

      : i have a hayakawa model 5507–can you tell me more about its history please

      I also have a hayakawa, its model no is 5505, I’m also interested in the history.

  5. ARIEL GUITAR
    RUSSELL

    I PURCHASED AN ARIEL GUITAR MODEL #698 IN 1970.. CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION OR HISTORY ON THIS INSTRUMENT……PLEASE HELP….ANY IDEA HOW MUCH ITS WORTH….

    1. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
      Steven

      I purchased an Ariel model no. 692 also no. 745 on interior wood brace support by tone hole. 21 fret rose wood neck Dreadknot style small body like martin. I’m insaulling a P-90 pickup and this will make a great blues guitar when I’m done for next to nothing, Steel reinforsed neck. Must be in the 70s,I’d like to know more about the year. Steve

      1. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
        Steven

        : I purchased an Ariel model no. 692 also no. 745 on interior wood brace support by tone hole. 21 fret rose wood neck Dreadknot style small body like martin. I’m instaulling a P-90 pickup and this will make a great blues guitar when I’m done for next to nothing, Steel reinforsed neck. Must be in the 70s,I’d like to know more about the year. Steve

      1. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
        robert sanchez

        : : I PURCHASED AN ARIEL GUITAR MODEL #698 IN 1970.. CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION OR HISTORY ON THIS INSTRUMENT……PLEASE HELP….ANY IDEA HOW MUCH ITS WORTH….
        I got one,a les paul style electric.Just like a gibson les paul custom.I am 45,and I got the guitar when I was 15,it went on tour with me twice
        and it still rocks.Ariel had good quality

      2. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
        Michael

        I bought an Ariel guitar in the 60s at the Blue Guitar in San Diego. It cost me about $50 back then. Mine was a nylon classical model C234. The Ariel was one of three lines made by the same manufacturer in Japan: Aria, Arias and Ariel. I think Ariel was the bottom line. I was a poor college student and it was what I could afford. The Blue Guitar is still in business, though they’ve changed location. They might know about the value. Probably not much, but I still have mine forty years later!

        1. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
          paul

          : I bought an Ariel guitar in the 60s at the Blue Guitar in San Diego. It cost me about $50 back then. Mine was a nylon classical model C234. The Ariel was one of three lines made by the same manufacturer in Japan: Aria, Arias and Ariel. I think Ariel was the bottom line. I was a poor college student and it was what I could afford. The Blue Guitar is still in business, though they’ve changed location. They might know about the value. Probably not much, but I still have mine forty years later!

          hello michael. this may come as a surprise, but i also have the same classical ariel guitar purchased around the same time and it’s serial number is ….ready for this…..c234 also. how could that be? maybe it’s a stock #. mine’s in great mint shape. nor sure of the value either, but it still plays great.

        1. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
          kendrick

          : i got an Ariel Guitar from my grandpa, model number 003, he said it was from the 60’s, yeah, no info, any one got anything?
          i got one from my grandpa too.

            1. Ariel 080.
              Anonymous

              Hi I have an ariel k-70 where did you get the value on yours and do you have any more ifor mation on the ariel guitars mine is a nylon string Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a cedar top mahogany neck the sound is great action is also good im in Nashville tn if you could help with any info it would be greatly appreciated thank you ces

      3. Re: ARIEL GUITAR
        casey

        If anyone knows anything about these guitars please respond.. I had one passed down from my grandfather and can’t find any information about them. Thx

      4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Steven
        Steven

        : I PURCHASED AN ARIEL GUITAR MODEL #698 IN 1970.. CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION OR HISTORY ON THIS INSTRUMENT……PLEASE HELP….ANY IDEA HOW MUCH ITS WORTH….

        1. Aria Model 70
          Aj

          My grandfather rescued a guitar from a creek after his friend threw it in there after
          he dropped it on the ground a busted it. I plan to repair it, it’s a beautiful guitar that sounds pretty good despite the rough history. Any way it looks like it says “Ariel model 70″but if the Aria logo looked like Ariel before the change in 1963, would that be a fair way to judge just how old this guitar is? I also read on another forum that the model 70 is “a hard to come by guitar”, does anyone know if that is true? I’ve been trying to fact check it but I’ve had no luck.
          Thanks guys appreciate the help if you have the time!

          1. Ariel Model 70 Made in Japan
            Albert

            Found a nice condition Ariel acoustic “electric” Model 70 Made in Japan (per the paper sticker inside). I am pretty new at this but looks like an acoustic with the added electrics as it has a pickup inside and a small line snaking to the output jack. It is in pretty good condition. Looking to buy but have no idea as to its actual value. Any help on this would be appreciated.

        2. Ariel Guitar
          Judy

          I have an Ariel k-80 which I bought in santa Barbar in the early ’70s. Rosewood sides, pretty. It cost around !20. but I don’t remember the exact price. Says made in Japan.

        3. Ariel by Takamine
          William

          I have an Ariel classical guitar. On the sticker, it says Ariel Model TG006R by Takamine: Classical 1970’s nylon-stringed classical guitar. The “R” stands for rosewood. This a rosewood version, made in Japan by the great guitar makers Matsumoto, Hattori Hanzo’s brother in law. The neck was in bad shape so I sanded it down, restained in natural in order to bring out the natural red mahogany neck and I’ll finish in nitrocellulose in a couple of weeks. It came with a missing bridge saddle so I’m replacing it with a compensated Graph Tech PQ-9208-00 Tusq acoustic classical low saddle, 5/16″ tall. I’m some point, I’ll replace the tuners with some better 18:1 gear ratio tuners.

        4. Ariel Aria guitars
          Noiret

          I agree with the poster who says Aria logo before 1963 (when Matsuoka made their instruments) looked like. Ariel. Ive seen older similar descriptions of this issue elsewhere. The Japanese person who created the original Aria Logo thought he was creating an elegant final a and did not realize it looked exactly like el to western readers. After 1963 Aria corrected the problem and we have the familiar logo we see today.

          I just bought and strung up an elegant Ariel ARIA model 53. No seriel number as is true of pre 1963 Aria guitars .

          It is a finely crafted laminated top with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. !! I presume those are laminated too but boy to they look gorgeous. It sounds delicious.

          strangely there is a Gibson copy around 1980 with an Ariel logo on it (electric) strange.

          Noiret

          1. Ariel Model 53 Classical Guitar
            KlunkerBill

            I have a Ariel Model 53 that I suspect is from the early 1960s and I saw your post on a similar/same guitar. It has a very simple label with no serial number, just “Ariel guitars”, “Model 53” and the word “Japan”. Mine seems to have a Cedar top, Brazilian Rosewood sides and back, interesting rosette and tie block with matching inlay in the middle of the Rosewood headstock overlay. Can you tell me anything about your guitar? Is it the same. Were these the earliest Aria guitars? It’s probably not worth much $$$, but I’m going to restore it. It seems like a very nice old instrument. Any information on this guitar would be greatly appreciated. Warm regards.

            1. Ariel Model 53 Guitar
              Anonymous

              Hi –

              Just ran across this post. I have the exact same guitar and was curious if you ever found out any information about it.

              It’s always just been my beater to play for fun but my son has me wondering.

              Please let me know. I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask.

              Best,

              Cary Silver

        5. Ariel EB-3 Bass (Copy)
          Anonymous

          Back in the mid 1970s I had a wine red lawsuit copy of a Gibson EB-3 bass. It didn’t have the Varitone like some EB-3s but then it wasn’t a Gibby either. It was incredibly easy to play with the short scale, and with the two pickups (1 hum and 1 large single) it had good sounds. There have been many times I’ve wished I’d kept it. Has anyone else ever seen one of these?
          Thx

        6. Ariel Guitar
          gfunk

          The Aria signature did change over the years but the first signature did look like it said Ariel but it is still just Aria. They changed the last letter to be more recognizable which didnt matter because the guy who started the companies name is Arai so its different anyways. I also have a C234 classical I cant find anything in any model database about that model but all i do know is if your Aria does not have a serial number just a model number then it predates 1974 when they started adding serial numbers. Also the company was founded in 1956 but contracted their guitars through a few other companies until 1963 when they started producing their own. Im not positive but I believe the early signature predates 1963.

  6. monica open body electric guitar i need info on this guitar it was made by maruha musical mfg corp
    wayne d.

    i need info on this guitar and i need to know if this company even still exists and what the value might be

    1. Re: Artist LTD Model 50
      Brett Johnson

      I realize your post was a while back, but if you’re still interested:
      Yeah, I’ve got one of these also, and have encountered a lot of difficulty in figuring out anything about it. I thought maybe Yamaha might’ve had something to with it (they sell a line of "Nippon-Gakkai" classical guitars), but according to their web-help guy, that ain’t the case. I’ve had this one for years, and I’m guessing that it was made in the 70s or earlier. What I CAN tell you is that this is a suprisingly high-quality instrument; The cheap-looking, plain-jane plastic tuners (on mine anyway) are kinda misleading, and even so, they’re perfectly serviceable. I dug out the dental mirror, double and triple-checked, and was astounded to find that this guitar has a solid cedar top, rather than plywood. Traditional Torres-Hauser (not Flamenco) bracing inside. The rosewood back and sides are quite attractive, and the rosette and purfling are pretty tasteful…artfully done, if subdued. I wish the fretboard were ebony instead of rosewood, but still, the action is very nice. Hey, it’s no Ramirez, but neither is it a Walmart starter guitar from Korea. Very playable, warm voice…tonal differences in these guitars can be very subtle over a ridiculously wide price-range, but this instrument, in my opinion, is certainly comparable to, say, a $700.00 Alvarez. In other words, a really decent starter instrument, or a great knockaround for the serious guitarist (I toted mine to the Dominican republic a few years ago, instead of the $1,400.00 Takamine). ope you enjoy yours. -bj

      : Today I picked up an acoustic guitar…Can anyone tell me anything about it…plays nice, nylon strings. the inside tage says : Artist LTD..Handcrafted in Japan…By R.B.Nippon, Inc…Model # 50…Serial # 70110046…any information would be very much appreciated
      : thanks DrJ

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... drj
      drj

      Today I picked up an acoustic guitar…Can anyone tell me anything about it…plays nice, nylon strings. the inside tage says : Artist LTD..Handcrafted in Japan…By R.B.Nippon, Inc…Model # 50…Serial # 70110046…any information would be very much appreciated
      thanks DrJ

      1. R.B. Nippon guitar
        jo

        picked up the same guitar for 50.00 but the inside does not give a serial number…. just a model number….nice sound… I’ve search the internet to. no avail. Come close but all the others say Yamaha

      2. Thanks for all your comments and info…It’s been a long time since I revisited this post.
        Still have the guitar –it is the fretted model with nylon strings,
        Rock on
        Rick
        DrJ

      3. Artist Nippon model 50
        Nathan

        Is the Artist LTD R.B Nippon Model No. 50 serial 70110223 accoustic guitar a nylon string guitar. I saw one for sale but it looks like a nylon string guitar with steel strings on it. Not sure if I should take a chance. Its a good looking instrument though.

      4. Artist LTD Model 96F
        RNDOBBS

        I have a 96F Model acoustic/flattop that I received as a Christmas gift from my parents in the early 70’s (71 – 72). I was told that it cost around $100 new at the time. I can not find any info about these instruments anywhere. I would think that if they are so rare they would have some value to them!

        1. Artist Ltd Tokai 96F
          Anonymous

          I have the same guitar. Does yours have frets or is it fretless. Mine does not have any frets installed and the appearance looks authentic. It only has a zero fret in front of the nut. I have also tried searching the internet for information about this guitar without any success. The label inside the soundhole reads
          Artist Ltd
          Tokai
          96F

        1. Does anyone have a picture of guitar?
          Anonymous

          I want to know if I am now in possession of same guitar.mines in rough shape but I look forward to restoring it as best I can.

  7. Asturias Guitar Model 3349
    Graham Neat

    Above has rosewood back and sides, spruce top- big sound-has mellowed well over years. Purchased about 1987-am at end of playing career owing to rheumaticky hands etc.-wishing to know approximate resale value. Any comments gratefully received.

    1. Re: Asturias Guitar Model 3349
      Michael Rush

      : Above has rosewood back and sides, spruce top- big sound-has mellowed well over years. Purchased about 1987-am at end of playing career owing to rheumaticky hands etc.-wishing to know approximate resale value. Any comments gratefully received.

      Graham I have the same guitar, purchased in 1984, and agree with your comments, except I think the top is cedar – darker colour with the mellow sound.

      This exact model from the same period was sold on eBay in the UK a couple of weeks ago for £322 plus postage. Hope this helps

      Mick

  8. Aria 9280 Jumbo Vintage Cherry Sunburst Acoustic Guitar
    Jamie G

    I have checked the Aria website and a bunch of other resources and cannot find a value for my guitar. I bought it in 1974 used. It’s an amazing guitar and I want to find out more. Help !!! I know I am not the only person baffled by Aria’s lack of record keeping.

  9. i have a Hiroshi tamura model P60 dated 1980.
    i would like to know what type of wood a p60 is made from and approx
    value in good condition. Can anyone help ?

  10. ARIA A555
    Lauren

    my mom passed her old aria a555 down to me (which she bought in 1971, still in fantasic shape) and we are both curious as to how much it might be worth. any ideas?

    1. Re: ARIA A555
      Kyle

      I was just looking at a post about an Aria A555 bought new in 1967… The guy said that his guitar was appraised a $900-$1000. Good luck.

    1. Re: Takamine C-140S
      sean williams

      : Is this a rare Guitar becuase I cant seem to find it’s information anywhere

      I also have this guitar and can’t find info! I love the guitar!

      1. Re: Takamine C-140S
        MP

        : : Is this a rare Guitar becuase I cant seem to find it’s information anywhere

        :
        : I also have this guitar and can’t find info! I love the guitar!

        3/11/07: Same here… love the guitar but can’t find any info abuot it on the internet. Anybody know what year this model was released? It’s got great sound.

        1. Re: Takamine C-140S
          David Lucas

          : : : Is this a rare Guitar becuase I cant seem to find it’s information anywhere

          : :
          : : I also have this guitar and can’t find info! I love the guitar!

          : 3/11/07: Same here… love the guitar but can’t find any info abuot it on the internet. Anybody know what year this model was released? It’s got great sound.

          I purchased my C140S used in 1974. It is an exact replica of a 1965 Ramirez A1. I know because I have compared them side by side and was amazed. Same scale as the Ramirez (664) and very close to that big Madrid voice also. Beautiful instrument!

  11. Dauphin Model 30 Classical Guitar
    Chris Moran

    I have a Dauphin Model 30 classical guitar that I am considering selling on Ebay. My parents purchased it for me when I was a kid. I believe during the late 80s. It was made in Japan. Any Dauphin collectors or anyone interested in buying it? If so, please contact me at my email address. I am thinking that I will put it on Ebay within a week or two.

    Thanks,
    Chris

        1. Re: Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar
          Richard Zerndt

          : Hi:

          Were you intersted in selling the Dauphin? I’m looking for a Dauphin model 30 or higher.

          Thanks,

          Rick
          \
          :Hi, Chris,

          : I have a Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar that I purchased in the late ’80s. I’m not finding any guidance as to what to ask for it and I’ve had absolutely no luck in my internet search to learn anything more about the company (other than the Matsuoka Company in Japan took over at some point). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

        2. Re: Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar
          terry

          A little dated for the followup, but in case you check back here. I’m having much the same problem. I, too, own a Dauphin Model 60 which I purchased used in 1990. At the time it cost around $750 – $800. Recently I noticed a web site carrying another used Dauphin Model 60, in good condition, listing a price of $425. It’s still there: http://www.trinityguitars.com/steelstr/used/frame.htm

          I personally think $425 is a bit low. They’re nice guitars. I haven’t really seen anything better for less than a grand, though there are several makes I’m not familiar with these days.

          : :Hi, Chris,

          : I have a Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar that I purchased in the late ’80s. I’m not finding any guidance as to what to ask for it and I’ve had absolutely no luck in my internet search to learn anything more about the company (other than the Matsuoka Company in Japan took over at some point). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

          Related Gear:
          The Best Classical Guitars

          1. Re: Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar
            Chris D.

            I have a Dauphin 30 which I purchased in 1984. I can’t remember how much I paid for it – most likely somewhere in the vicinity of 450 – 600 dollars. I honestly do not remember. The sound of the instrument today rivals guitars priced well over 1,000 dollars. Mine could use some new frets right now but the instrument is a nice balanced tone, very nice bass end and nice action.

            My feeling is that I would never sell this instrument. You’ll not get what it’s worth. Upgrade, but keep the Dauphin. That’s what I would do. It is a really nice instrument and worth having around.

            Related Gear:
            Read this if you are considering buying a Classical Guitar

            1. Re: Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar
              Gary

              I have a Dauphin DF60 purchased in the early 80’s. I too can not remember how much I paid for it but, I would never sell it. The tone of may particular guitar is wonderful and it rivals guitars that are valued at $20K +. The action and ease of playing this gutar is great too.

              Gary

              : I have a Dauphin 30 which I purchased in 1984. I can’t remember how much I paid for it – most likely somewhere in the vicinity of 450 – 600 dollars. I honestly do not remember. The sound of the instrument today rivals guitars priced well over 1,000 dollars. Mine could use some new frets right now but the instrument is a nice balanced tone, very nice bass end and nice action.

              : My feeling is that I would never sell this instrument. You’ll not get what it’s worth. Upgrade, but keep the Dauphin. That’s what I would do. It is a really nice instrument and worth having around.

        3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Judy
          Judy

          :Hi, Chris,

          I have a Dauphin Model 60 Classical Guitar that I purchased in the late ’80s. I’m not finding any guidance as to what to ask for it and I’ve had absolutely no luck in my internet search to learn anything more about the company (other than the Matsuoka Company in Japan took over at some point). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

          Related Gear:
          Are you considering buying a Classical Guitar?

          1. Model 60 Classical Guitar For Sale
            Tony

            I have a Douphin model 60 classical guitar for sale…
            Very good condition! w/ original case
            Purchased 1989 from my classical teacher Marvin Falcon
            If interested I will send photos.
            asking $800.00
            Awesome action and sound!
            contact:
            [email protected]

            Tony

          2. Dauphin 60
            Rick Beauregard

            I got my Dauphin 60 at the Laguna Guitar shop for about $450 as I recall in about 1980. I prefer it for sound, action, and beauty to my $1000+ Ramirez Estudio 1972. I won’t sell it. Anyone want a Ramirez?

    1. Re: Tamura P30 Guitar 1970
      Flo

      The P30 is Indian Rosewood & laminated. I have a 1969 H. Tamura signed & another luthier looked at it and confirmed the wood and laminate..If you look inside the guitar you may be able to see the grain is different than the back, also the back is 2 pieces and the inside laminate looks like it is 4 pieces. http://www.pbase.com/cits_4_pets/image/106807780 has a pix of the Tamura. (Which is for sale to serious buyers…I do not have the reach in my hands and am muting the high e string trying to play a g chord…so needed a super narrow necked guitar. It has been sitting in it’s case for several years, in very good condition) I can be contacted at the Pbase site.

      : I purchased not too long ago a Tamura P30 from a professor of mine and don’t know much about it. I’m just curious if anyone can give me information about that specific model or line or maker. It’s a little hard to read, but I believe it’s a 1970 and was told it’s Brazilian rosewood. Thanks in advance for your help!

    2. Re: Tamura P30 Guitar 1970
      Howard

      I have the same model P30 1970. It was sold by Jose Oribe’s workshop in CA. I’ve owned it for abou 35 yrs. It has solid Rosewood sides and back. Beautiful instrument and sounds even better.

    3. Re: Tamura P30 Guitar 1970
      jory schulman

      : I purchased not too long ago a Tamura P30 from a professor of mine and don’t know much about it. I’m just curious if anyone can give me information about that specific model or line or maker. It’s a little hard to read, but I believe it’s a 1970 and was told it’s Brazilian rosewood. Thanks in advance for your help!

      The p30 may not be braz rosewood. It’s most likely a laminate guitar. What did you pay?

          1. Re: Tamura P30 Guitar 1970
            Sunny

            I have the same guitar, given to me as a gift in 1971. Going to sell it but having trouble finding much info on pricing. Any help? It’s in very good condition and is signed by H Tamura.

    4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Teo
      Teo

      I purchased not too long ago a Tamura P30 from a professor of mine and don’t know much about it. I’m just curious if anyone can give me information about that specific model or line or maker. It’s a little hard to read, but I believe it’s a 1970 and was told it’s Brazilian rosewood. Thanks in advance for your help!

      1. guitarra tamura for sale
        phatdudejoe

        I have a1970. P-30, signed tamura classical in MINT condition (as close as it gets to NEW). The original owner passed away and this guitar was given to me. Asking $$??

      1. Aria A556
        Anonymous

        I can’t tell you much about this guitar. I bought one in the early 70’s, I think. It didn’t get played for several years while I raised a houseful of children. I took it out a couple of years ago and started taking classical guitar lessons again. I am continually amazed by how good it sounds. It was not expensive then. I put Savarez strings on it, and it’s got great resonance. I like it.

    1. Re: Aria A558
      hans-jürgen

      : I would just like to know where I might find some information on an Aria A558 classical model.

      I just found this thread googling for my Aria classical guitar, too. 😉 But I also have found a catalog on the Guitar Gallery site which is a great source of information for all things related to the former Japanese manufacturer Matsumoku who also built Aria guitars. Here’s the link to the catalog page:

      Aria Pro II CS Cardinal Series General Specs

      I bought it around 1983 for DM 500,- which was ~$350 back then. I still like it, and it sounds fine as well.

      Related Instruments:
      See this report if you are thinking about buying a Classical Guitar

      1. Hello- I also own an Aria 558. The info I’ve found is via the Aria guitar website. Information is limited, but indicates the guitars are circa 1971. I paid $230 USD for mine at a swap meet. The headstock looks like the old Torres style type (one main hump w/ one a smaller one on each side). There is also a gold strip going down the front of the headstock. Other old Aria’s have the name "ARIA" instead. The rosette is patterned after the Ramirez style, similar to a Ramirez 1A guitar I own. I’m guessing the Aria 558 back and sides are laminated rosewood, along with a spruce top. Guitar has a nice sustain to it, but as with most Japanese classicals, the bass strings overshadow the trebles. It’s a fun guitar.

        Related Instruments:
        See this report if you are thinking about buying a Classical Guitar

      2. Re: Aria A558
        hans-jürgen

        I just noticed that there are many questions regarding Aria acoustical guitars in this forum, so I’ll try to add a clickable link to the catalog overview on the Guitar Gallery site this time:

        Aria Pro II CS Cardinal Series General Specs

        There you’ll find several catalogs, e.g. the one about classical guitars with detailed specs ranging from top model A560 down to flamenco model A545F etc.

        By the way, the Guitar Gallery has a forum about all Matsumoku-made guitars, too:

        http://www.matsumoku.org/ggboard/

        If the links still don’t work, simply ignore the URL tags around them when copying & pasting the address to your browser.

        Related Instruments:
        See this report if you are thinking about buying a Classical Guitar

    2. Re: Aria A558
      Albie

      : I also have a beautiful Aria A558 and would like info on it.
      : I would just like to know where I might find some information on an Aria A558 classical model.

      1. What a waste
        Anonymous

        Never ever have I caome across such a useless site as this one.
        Stupid people making stupid comments, or all asking the same questions that no one answers.
        What a waste of cyberspace

      2. RE: Aria A558
        John SRP

        Old post, hoping for the best. Just purchased a A558 without it’s bridge. Can you send me a picture of your guitar and a clse up of the bridge, headstock and the label. Want to restore to it’s original condition.

  12. pan guitar
    heidi e

    i had a guitar acoustic called a pan it was made in japan i had it for 15 years it played like no other guitar ive seen, it was stolen recently, and i cant find anything on the net or anywhere about a guitar called a pan i think they were made in japan in the 1950’s but not sure does anyone have any information please contact me if so thanks heidi

    1. Re: pan guitar
      Dennyb

      Pan Guitars were made by Aria for the Canadian market, Simpson’s (Simpson/Sears) sold them. The problem is to have value someone has to want it. I’ve been playing guitar for 50 years. Been buying selling and collecting for 35 years. Aria’s are hard to date and value. Pans IMO were a budget guitar. Pretty well made. The wood was low to mid grade laminate. I sa an pan Grestch copy with A phase shifter,chorus,sustain, fuzz, …just about any effect from the mid 70’s was built in…even reverb and tremelo go for $1200. But that’s a very rare unique guitar. I never owned a Pan but have a few pretty decent guitars of equal noteriety than haven’t gotten much interest when I try to sell them. It’s worth pretty much whatever you think it’s worth.

    2. Re: pan guitar
      tony

      : i had a guitar acoustic called a pan it was made in japan i had it for 15 years it played like no other guitar ive seen, it was stolen recently, and i cant find anything on the net or anywhere about a guitar called a pan i think they were made in japan in the 1950’s but not sure does anyone have any information please contact me if so thanks heidi

        1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... tony
          tony

          : : i had a guitar acoustic called a pan it was made in japan i had it for 15 years it played like no other guitar ive seen, it was stolen recently, and i cant find anything on the net or anywhere about a guitar called a pan i think they were made in japan in the 1950’s but not sure does anyone have any information please contact me if so thanks heidi
          Hiedi, I have a Pan semi acoustic from the early 70’s I believe it’s a Gibson copy, very nice guitar. I think they were made by or for Aria and I read somewhere on line that they may have been a private label for a Canadian distributor in Ontario.

    3. Re: pan guitar
      john vernon

      hi i am also looking for info on pan, i have a hollowbody electric im guessing from the sixties and cant find anything yet, if you find some thing please send it to me,and a funny thing i was at a friends place last night and they have a drum set, pearl i beleave, it has the same picture, a boy playing a flute on the drums the same picture on the neck of my guitar, cheers

  13. Dauphin Model 80
    Gus Uytuico

    I have acquired this Dauphin Model 80 a few years ago and would appreciate if anybody could tell me as to who the original maker of this guitar and its possible value.

  14. Asturias A5 or A1
    COLIN MCQUADE

    Does anyone know anything about these guitars, their history, standing, quality and value. they have a bear claw front, very beautiful sound

    1. Re: Asturias A5 or A1
      Sveinung Dybvig

      : Does anyone know anything about these guitars, their history, standing, quality and value. they have a bear claw front, very beautiful sound

      I have an Asturias A5, serialnr. 781025. A very good guitar for its price. It is signed by M Matamo. I guess 78 is pruduction year, as i bought it maybe one og two years later. You will find more info at http://www.casabenelli.nl.

  15. older suzuki guitar
    Cindy

    Can anyone tell me how old and approx. value for and this is what the label inside reads:
    Established 1887
    suzuki
    guitar
    no. F-67
    Suzuki Violin Co.Ltd.
    Nagoya Japan

    1. Re: older suzuki guitar
      jon

      : Can anyone tell me how old and approx. value for and this is what the label inside reads:
      : Established 1887
      : suzuki
      : guitar
      : no. 700
      : Suzuki Violin Co.Ltd.
      : Nagoya Japan

  16. need to know value
    Gary

    I have a Hiroshi Tamura guitar model "P60" dated 1980 and
    has HT initialed in the lower right corner of the label.
    The instrument is in fine condition. Can someone tell me
    what this guitar is worth today ?

    1. Re: need to know value
      Gregory Anderson

      :
      : I have a K.KATOH guitar model "K1397"
      : made in japan about 40 years old. The instrument is in fine condition. Can someone tell me
      : what this guitar is worth today ?

      1. K.Katoh guitars
        richard

        I have just bought a K.Katoh 12-string, also a decade or few old, and in mint condition. The seller was a dealer who didn’t know much about it. Katoh guitars in Oz have not replied to my enquiry, and I can’t find anything on the web except your request… If you find any leads into the mystery, I would be deeply grateful if you could let me know, as I’d really love to find out more about where this beautiful instrument came from, and, of course, how it’s rated, what it’s worth, &c…
        regards, richard.

  17. I bought a PAN electric guitar from a pawn shop about 5 years ago. The model number is H790. It looks like a Gibson ES style guitar. Does any one know anything about it and how muck it might be worth.
    Thanks for any info.

    1. Re: pan guitar
      heidi

      i think they were made in japan they quit making them in the 1950s i think had acoustic pan stolen played like a champ cant find anything on them have you

  18. model 50 suzuki
    mick

    Just picked up a suzuki nylon string guitar today, fitted with a bridge pickup. I like it, plays well,nice tone. Was wondering how old it is, the label inside says " Kiso Suzuki Violin Co. Model 50" Looks about 30 years old, in good condition. Thanks

  19. Jose Asturias Model 100 Classical Guitar
    Carol

    I recently acquired this guitar. It was made in 1994. Does anyone know what the value of this guitar is? I was told that it has Brazilian rosewood back and sides. I need to follow up on this to make sure that it does. Please email me at [email protected] if you have any information. Thanks!

    1. Re: Jose Asturias Model 100 Classical Guitar
      john v

      It is a very valuable instrument. $US1000+
      Yes it has rosewood back and sides, with solid top and back. Quality neck and fittings. Awesome sound.

      1. Re: Jose Asturias Model 100 Classical Guitar
        Pablo L.

        Back and sides are made from Solid Brazilian Rosewood (Jacarandá) there are NOT LAMINATED.
        Awesome and filling sound.
        Value, in very good conditions is $1,500.-+

    1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Jonny
      Jonny

      Hi,

      I recently bought a bass guitar and have no idea about it’s age or any other details. The make is PAN and it was made in Japan. It has a sun-burst paint scheme, it’s semi-hollow bodied with the classic "f" holes, has two tone and two volume knobs, a sound switch, adjustable spring loaded bridge mute and a pear inlay spanning the entire instrument. I was wondering if you knew of the manufactures website, a serial number database or just a good place to find out info if you’re not too sure. Any info on the guitar would be helpfull. The serial number is:

      0176703

      thanks so much,

      Jon

  20. Alhambra 11C For sale
    ACR

    Hello from Spain:

    I sell an Alhambra 11C built in 1995. Cedar Top. This is one of the best classical guitars for advanced students and your first concerts. Price: 1000 euro.
    If you are interested you can send me an e-mail. Bye

  21. Rene Baarslag 1990 for sale
    ACR

    Hello from Spain:

    I sell a guitar built by Rene Baarslag in 1990 in Granada. Spruce top and Indian Rosewood back and sides. Price: 3000 Euro.
    If you are interested send me an e-mail. Bye

    1. Re: Traditional Series 6710 Western Jumbo (bolt, Martin head, mah)
      Jonesy

      : anyone know the value?

      Mine’s priceless. Had it nearly 20 years. It’s battered, bruised and worn. Been around the world, under extremely harsh conditions- still tunes nicely and sounds great. A good pal. Probably no value other than sentimental.

    1. Model #A-694
      brock Widener

      An old 12 string model A-694 was given to me recently and I was wondering what it is worth. The serial number is 213.

      Also curious to know what it would cost to send it in and get it refurbished.

      Thanks,

      1. Re: Model #A-694
        JJ

        : An old 12 string model A-694 was given to me recently and I was wondering what it is worth. The serial number is 213.

        : Also curious to know what it would cost to send it in and get it refurbished.

        : Thanks,

        About $75?

    2. Re: Aria acoustic guitar Model 940
      Nash

      : I purchased this guitar recently, but was a model of the years 70/75. Unfortunately I’ve not ound any information of this model in internet.

      Nobody knows something abt it ???

      Hope to hear somebody soon !

      Ciao
      Nash

    3. Re: Ariana classical guitar Model #A586
      Jerald

      : I purchased this guitar new in 1968 and was wondering the value of it now. It has a serial model 570#00444.

      I read this on and wondered if you found anything on your 570? I have a model A586 ariana I have had since early 60’s and would like to know value?
      Jerald

      1. Re: Ariana classical guitar Model #A570
        Steve

        I’m still looking for information on the approximate age & value of my Ariana A570. I sent a request to Aria a while back, but they never responded.

        1. Re: Ariana classical guitar Model #A570
          Jeroen

          : I’m still looking for information on the approximate age & value of my Ariana A570. I sent a request to Aria a while back, but they never responded.

          I would like to know this as well as I have exactly the same guitar.
          Thanks

          1. Re: Ariana classical guitar Model #A570
            kris

            : : I’m still looking for information on the approximate age & value of my Ariana A570. I sent a request to Aria a while back, but they never responded.

            : I would like to know this as well as I have exactly the same guitar.
            : Thanks

            hey same problem here on my A570, no info at all…

    4. Re: Aria (Ariana) Classical guitar Model A570
      Steve Barnes

      I bought this guitar +/- 40 years ago. It is in mint condition, has inlaid wood around sound hole, has no serial number, and sounds better than my Yahama C70. Would you have any informtion on the A570 (when & where made, approximate value)??

    5. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
      Tony

      i just purchased an Aria # A552 from an old lady here in montreal who has purchased it herself new in the early 70’s. she sold it to me for 190 $ (thats Canadian dollars). The serial number is 32572.
      i love the sound of it and will sure keep it for as long as it will hold

    6. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
      henry

      I have one also, serial number 00602 which I purchased new in 1967 in New York City. No one seems to know its value, but it sure sounds sweet and has been a best friend. Mine also has a number in the body where the neck joins inside. Probably not significant.

      1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552 model#A-554
        DENNIS

        : I have one also, serial number 00602 which I purchased new in 1967 in New York City. No one seems to know its value, but it sure sounds sweet and has been a best friend. Mine also has a number in the body where the neck joins inside. Probably not significant.
        AS I STATED I HAVE JUST PURCHASED AN ARIA A-554 CLASSICAL GUITAR,THE SERIAL # IS BELOW 50,AND THERE IS ALSO A # ON THE BODY WHERE THE NECK JOINS.I AM HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY FINDING INFO ON THIS FINE PLAYING,AND RICH SOUNDING GUITAR,I LOVE IT ALREADY.ANYONE WITH INFO ON THIS PLEASE CONTACT ME.
        THANK YOU
        D.

          1. Re: Aria A548 !
            Gurkan Hasircioglu

            Merhaba Selman,

            Ben Gurkan ODTU hazirliktan.
            Eger sen Bizim Selman isen bana
            [email protected] ya bir email cekermisin.
            Seneler once boyle bir gitar almisti annen sana hatirladigim kadariyla.
            Karar vermistik 20 sene sonra birbirimizi arayalim diye ben seni buldummu acaba?
            Bir resmini de gonder bu arada!
            Sevgiler

      2. Aria 552 classical
        rio

        I own old Aria A-554 and 557 models, circa 1971. Check the Aria guitars website, but there may not be much info available there.
        These guitars were part of Shiro Arai’s period of Japanese classical guitar copies of well-known Spanish classical guitars. Aria certainly gave the Spaniard guitar market a run for it’s money in the 70’s. Quality of the Arias is usually good. Sound-wise is a different story. I also own ramirez, fleta, sanchis, and baarslag concert guitars- the Japanese copies are not in the same category. By comparison, they can be bass-heavy, w/ tinny trebles. I’ve heard smoother trebles in some Hirade (Takamine) classicals, but these were more recent-made instruments. Generally you can get used Japanese classical guitars in Japan for between $200-300 USD. Like me, keep your Aria classical as a nice period piece.

        1. Re: Aria 552 classical A554 ARIA
          DENNIS

          : I own old Aria A-554 and 557 models, circa 1971. Check the Aria guitars website, but there may not be much info available there.
          : These guitars were part of Shiro Arai’s period of Japanese classical guitar copies of well-known Spanish classical guitars. Aria certainly gave the Spaniard guitar market a run for it’s money in the 70’s. Quality of the Arias is usually good. Sound-wise is a different story. I also own ramirez, fleta, sanchis, and baarslag concert guitars- the Japanese copies are not in the same category. By comparison, they can be bass-heavy, w/ tinny trebles. I’ve heard smoother trebles in some Hirade (Takamine) classicals, but these were more recent-made instruments. Generally you can get used Japanese classical guitars in Japan for between $200-300 USD. Like me, keep your Aria classical as a nice period piece.
          I have just purchased an Aria A-554,COULD YOU E-MAIL ME AS IT SEEMS YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON ARIA’S AND I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS?
          THANK YOU
          DENNIS

          Related Instruments:
          See this report if you are thinking about buying a Classical Guitar

        2. Re: Aria 552 classical A554 ARIA
          DENNIS

          : I own old Aria A-554 and 557 models, circa 1971. Check the Aria guitars website, but there may not be much info available there.
          : These guitars were part of Shiro Arai’s period of Japanese classical guitar copies of well-known Spanish classical guitars. Aria certainly gave the Spaniard guitar market a run for it’s money in the 70’s. Quality of the Arias is usually good. Sound-wise is a different story. I also own ramirez, fleta, sanchis, and baarslag concert guitars- the Japanese copies are not in the same category. By comparison, they can be bass-heavy, w/ tinny trebles. I’ve heard smoother trebles in some Hirade (Takamine) classicals, but these were more recent-made instruments. Generally you can get used Japanese classical guitars in Japan for between $200-300 USD. Like me, keep your Aria classical as a nice period piece.

    7. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
      ponee

      : I purchased this guitar new in 1968 and was wondering the value of it now. It has a serial #00444.

      i have one too i dont know much about it.

      1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A551
        Susie

        : :I have an Aria Model #A551 was wondering the value of it now. It has a serial #01821.
        I dont know much about it, but my uncle gave it to me in the early 70s.

      2. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552: photo and information
        robert

        Here is information link to Aria 552: http://www.matsumoku.org/models/a-ap2_acou/class/aria_classical_b_pg4.jpg.html
        cedar top: obancle-mahogany back, rosewood finger board on nata mahogany neck. No indication re. when last manufactured.
        As to it’s value: in the ear of the beholder. The construction is solid, like Takamine; upper frets are not haute gamme but (re earlier comment) not ‘tinny’. A bright, Bach-friendly sound.

      3. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
        Hans

        Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
        Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
        Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!

        1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
          Scotty

          I bought in a small guitar shop in Boston mentioned guitar ’cause a lot a rumors where going onto this Aria and specialy the 552 model. Paid U$ 845 for it. Lot of money! So I compare the Aria with very expensive classical guitars from famous Spanisch builders. What I can say: If you can catch one of these classical guitar wonders for approx U$ 1000 do it!

        2. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
          Bill Cronk

          : Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
          : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
          : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!

          1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
            Bill Cronk

            I have an Aria serial #01600. I have had this guitar since 1968 and was born who knows how long before me. It is indeed the one made in Japan. Does anyone have an idea of the value of this model and serial #?

        3. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
          Jim

          : Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
          : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
          : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!

          1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
            Jim

            : : Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
            : : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
            : : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!
            : : My experience with Aria is very similar, but with a student guitar. I have a C-90, vintage 1969 or 1970, serial number 0116, made in Japan. I have had it for these 40 years and it plays beautifully. It is the only guitar I would never sell, out of the 2 dozen or so guitars of all types that I have owned through the years.

        4. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
          ho

          : Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
          : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
          : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!
          Hi,
          I have also one, she is soundig wonderful, I have never seen a classic guitar sounds so good !!!!!!

        5. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
          Charlie lindner

          I have an Aria Model HF A588. It’s a six string classical acoustic. If I could find the serial number would anyone know how much it’s worth?

          Thanks,

          Charlie

          Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
          : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
          : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!

          1. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
            Gabriel Pigeon

            : I have an Aria Model A552. It’s a six string classical acoustic. tThe serial number is 00422 if anyone know how much it’s worth please send me an Email

            : Thanks,

            : Gabriel

            : Very few of these excellent sounding Aria A552 Classical
            : : Guitars ever come around these days. If you get your hands on one for under $600 U.S., you’ll have a real bargain on your hands. The ones made in the late 1960’s are highly sought out by Japanese guitar collectors, because they were produced for export only. Imagine working in the Aria on these excellent guitars and not being able to purchase one!
            : : Everytime I see one of these A552 Classical guitars for sale on online auctions, the price seems to go through the roof. I have had mine since Christmas 1969, and my serial number is 2247. I will never sell mine, it’s been my favorite guitar for nearly 40 years. They really stand the test of time. I’ve only met one other person in my life with one of these A552’s and he was keeping his too!

      1. Aria AA552
        Anonymous

        I have an Aria AA552 serial # 21 and was just wanting to find out more about the guitar. I love the sound and it was a gift from my stepfather as it was his sisters and she passed away but he wanted someone to play it as it as music was a special bond between them. I didnt know her well or wether she would know to buy a quality guitar though she was a highly trained musician. Any info or help as to information about this model would be much appreciated. Thanks and blessings

      2. Aria A552
        Viorica

        I do also have an Aria A552 that was given to me as a present but it’s serial number is from 5 numbers wich are 67756 and it was bought from Verona long ago. I wonder if this is a real one ?

      3. Aria A-552 classical guitar.
        John M

        My wife found this at a consignment store, with an excellent case, missing three strings. There were still someone’s beginners guitar lessons in the case.
        The inside label gave me the idea that this is not a normal guitar.

        I have not been able to find pictures of this to verify what I have.

        It plays beautifully and sounds nicely rounded and full. If it is as old as I believe, it should.

        BTW, it is pristine.

        There are a few numbers stencilled on the strut in front of the sound hole.

      4. Aria AA552
        Anonymous

        I have an Aria model AA552 serial #67447 and was wondering if anyone has any information about this instrument for me.
        What might be it’s value
        When was it made
        What name was it sold under eg. Flamingo or?

      5. Ariana classical guitar
        Anonymous

        I have a model 586 with a ser# 441 and it’s still a nice guitar but I don’t have any idea what’s it’s value.

      6. Aria A549
        RALPH HUGHES

        I own an Aria A549 & A554. Can’t find any info on these. The A549 looks like it could be Cherry back & sides by its beautiful wood grain. Any help would be truly appreciated.

      7. info on Aria guitar
        William

        Good day

        I have a Aria guitar model 9580 serial blank I purchased this guitar in 1978 it was never used vey much and is perfect condition so I am trying to find out info on this model and approximate value, if anyone could contribute any info it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you W B Kaiser

      8. Re: Aria classical guitar Model #A552
        Bruce M

        Hi:
        I just came across this thread and was wondering if anyone has info on my peculiar situation. Most people’s guitars seem to have multiple numbered serial numbers. Mine just says 7. The date stamp seems to say 54.8.11. But that can’t be right, if they were made starting 1957. Must be 64.8.11.
        It needs some work (action is too low). Any information on where to get a new saddle?

        Bruce

        1. Mine (A552) has number 13
          Pascal

          Mine (A552) has number 13 and It is form 54/10/23 so 23 october 1954… Yours has Been made in august. It seems right (aria started in 1954 ?)

      9. I have the following classical guitar,
        Aria CLASSICAL MADE IN JAPAN MODEL 558 SERIAL NUMBER 00659
        Have any way to get information about this old darling.
        Someone has a name plate on it 1974
        It looks like a CEDAR TOP
        INDIAN ROSEWOOD BACK AND SIDES.
        Thanks for some specs,
        Harlan

      10. Aria classical guitar model #A552
        Ardie

        I have an Aria classical guitar model #A552 as well which I purchased in March 1968–I have the sales slip–and have kept it in a hard core case which I purchased with it. It’s serial number is 00444.

  22. Old Vasee by Cordell/Henry classical guitar w/stamp "Japan"
    Jo Ann

    Does anyone know the history behind: Vasee by Cordell/Henry classical guitar w/stamp "Japan" inside?

    1. Re: Asturias KODAIRIA Classical AST40
      Rich

      Kodairi is a secondary brand manufactured by Asturias in Kobe, Japan.

      Same Asturias quality without the frills and adornments of Asturias guitars. Your guitar sold for about 43,000 yen in the late 1980s.

      The current Kodairi line up starts with the AST 60 and ends with the AST 100. During the 1980s Kodaira models included the AST 40, 50, 60, 70, & 80.

      Asturias and Kodaira are great student workhorse guitars. These guitars were sold in a variety of scales: 650, 640, 630, 590, 550 and 530. There was also a 700mm bass model.

      : Would anyone have any info on a Asturias Classical Guitar? The label reads, "HandCrafted, ASTURIAS, by E.Kodaira, Model #AST40". The guitar was bought in the mid to late 80’s. It has Rosewood Laminate sides and back, Cedar top & Mahagony neck with a Rosewood (I think) stiffening insert. Any comments would be appreciated, especially the guitars approx. value. Thank You!

      1. Re: Asturias KODAIRIA Classical AST40
        Fred

        : Kodairi is a secondary brand manufactured by Asturias in Kobe, Japan.

        : Same Asturias quality without the frills and adornments of Asturias guitars. Your guitar sold for about 43,000 yen in the late 1980s.

        : The current Kodairi line up starts with the AST 60 and ends with the AST 100. During the 1980s Kodaira models included the AST 40, 50, 60, 70, & 80.

        : Asturias and Kodaira are great student workhorse guitars. These guitars were sold in a variety of scales: 650, 640, 630, 590, 550 and 530. There was also a 700mm bass model.

        :
        : : Would anyone have any info on a Asturias Classical Guitar? The label reads, "HandCrafted, ASTURIAS, by E.Kodaira, Model #AST40". The guitar was bought in the mid to late 80’s. It has Rosewood Laminate sides and back, Cedar top & Mahagony neck with a Rosewood (I think) stiffening insert. Any comments would be appreciated, especially the guitars approx. value. Thank You!

        i have an Asturias AST 40, purchased in the early 80’s inVictoria,BC,Canada. it has Indain rosewood sides and back, mahagony neck, and i think a cedar top, tho i’m not sure about the top. actually, that is what i would like to find out. the top came damaged in transit, but the shop had it repaired and sold it to me for less than 50% cost. i believe it listsed at approx $550 canadian at that time. the guitar is lovely to play as ive repeatedly lowered the saddle and it has a very warm and deep bass (one guitar player described it as a ‘ridiculously deep bass’. i very much like this guitar, but only wish i could find out more about it……….cheers………fred

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Gary
      Gary

      Would anyone have any info on a Asturias Classical Guitar? The label reads, "HandCrafted, ASTURIAS, by E.Kodaira, Model #AST40". The guitar was bought in the mid to late 80’s. It has Rosewood Laminate sides and back, Cedar top & Mahagony neck with a Rosewood (I think) stiffening insert. Any comments would be appreciated, especially the guitars approx. value. Thank You!

      1. Kodaira AST 70 review
        Rio

        Owned a ‘74 Ryoji Matsuoka #40 for 26 years. Currently own an 80’s Matsuoka #20, an 80’s Toshiaki Matsuoka #35, a late 60’s Yamaha Nippon Gaki, ‘73 Aria Fleta style model, ‘70’s Aria Torres style model, 70’s Garcia Ramirez style model, an Aranuez ‘04 Damman inspired model, and a Taiwan-built ‘08 Yamaha CG 182S. Just tried a new MIJ Kodaira AST 70 in Kyoto at Jeugia in the Teramachi mall in December 2018.
        The Kodaira is well-made, with a stamped/signed label, solid spruce top, rosewood or Jacaranda sides/back, back is two-piece without purfling down the middle, fretboard looks like rosewood, and neck is plain mahogany without rosewood reinforcement inlays. Finish is gloss/thickly lacquered, rosette is combination of black/red inlays, with Gotoh gold plated tuners. Workmanship is very clean, frets smooth, soundboard wood grains are straight. Neck is a bit thick for my taste. Sound-wise basses/trebles speak easily, volume good.
        For an experienced player, the tone balance is average, trebles are not exceptional, do not sustain over the bass strings, and overall overtones are unremarkable. However it’s an excellent, quality instrunent for beginners/intermediates. Transition to an Asturias guitar would be the logical progression for the serious player. The ATS 70 is highly recommended to inspire a new player learning classical repertoire- you will enjoy many hours with it as you develop!

      2. AST 30
        Anonymous

        hmm..

        Well, i got a Handcrafted Asturias
        Model no. AST30
        by E. Kodaira

        i found it in the garret of my parents house and i could’nt find anything about this model.
        you know something about it?

  23. Aria pan bass guitar
    Gerald-Jan

    I jsut bought a aria PAN bass guitar from the either the 1950’s to early 1960’s. I cant find any information about it at all on the internet. If you have any information whatsoever. Please email me.

      1. Re: Aria pan bass guitar
        gerald-jan

        no it doesnt say aria on it, but a gentleman i know said that it was and that he knew someone in england who collected them, i never heard back from him

  24. suzuki classical guitar identification help?
    chris james

    i recently managed to get hold of an old suzuki classical guitar and its fabulous, i wonder if anyone can help find out some info about it?

    its full size and looks to have a spruce top with mahogony back and sides. inside the sticker has 2 numbers – the one in the middle of the sticker says "no. 1665". the other number which is at the very edge of the sticker says "3205" with what looks to be the letters HH but they are difficult to read.

    i would love to know when it was made and its model no. if possible. The guitar has become my everyday player despite the action being ridiculously high. the heel of the neck is beginning to come away from the body and i’d like to get it fixed soon. any advice would be greatly appreciated

      1. Re: kurosawa guitar
        Al

        Yes, I have a Kurosawa also, bought in northern CA around 1971. Model #4, signed. Rosewood back and sides, cedar top, mahog. neck. Have been trying to find more info for years. any help out there?

        1. Re: kurosawa guitar
          Mike Andrews

          : Yes, I have a Kurosawa also, bought in northern CA
          : around 1971. Model #4, signed. Rosewood back and
          : sides, cedar top, mahog. neck. Have been trying
          : to find more info for years. any help out there?

          Not a lot from me, I fear. My Kurosawa is shown on
          my website:
          <http://mikea.ath.cx/guitars/index.html&gt;
          with some of my other instruments. You can see the
          maker’s label in some of the images. I got it in a
          shop near Ikebukuro Station, on the outskirts of
          Tokyo, in mid-1968. There’s no serial umber; the
          left column of characters is the maker’s name,
          "Kurosawa Sumio", and the right column is the
          year: 1968.

          It is a superb instrument, and even now is very
          satisfying to play.

          1. Re: kurosawa guitar
            Mike Andrews

            : : Yes, I have a Kurosawa also, bought in northern CA
            : : around 1971. Model #4, signed. Rosewood back and
            : : sides, cedar top, mahog. neck. Have been trying
            : : to find more info for years. any help out there?

            : Not a lot from me, I fear. My Kurosawa is shown on
            : my website:
            : <http://mikea.ath.cx/guitars/index.html&gt;
            : with some of my other instruments. You can see the
            : maker’s label in some of the images. I got it in a
            : shop near Ikebukuro Station, on the outskirts of
            : Tokyo, in mid-1968. There’s no serial umber; the
            : left column of characters is the maker’s name,
            : "Kurosawa Sumio", and the right column is the
            : year: 1968.

            : It is a superb instrument, and even now is very
            : satisfying to play.

            The website got left out of the earlier submission. It is
            http://mikea.ath.cx/guitars/index.html

            that’s mikea dot ath dot cx slash guitars slash index dot html

        2. kurosawa guitars
          lee robinsong

          I have a very sweet, beautiful toned kurosawa Fuji model classical guitar, made at the Matsumoto factory in Japan. This Guitar was given to me some years ago by Anne Mortiffee, a Canadian Artist.I don’t know how old it is, but is model #369
          Have’nt been able to find any refferences on the web

            1. Re: kurosawa guitars
              Bruce

              : I have a Jullian guitar made by Kurosawa. Is this a collectable guitar? It sure sounds great! It’s a model 100, please let me know………..

      1. Looking to purchase 1974 kurosawa jullian guitar
        Charmaine

        Hello!
        I understand these posts were a number of years ago, but I am looking to purchase a 1974 Jullian Guitar manufactured by Kurosawa.
        If anyone is looking to sell this guitar, please send me a reply.
        Thank you!

        1. Jullian Guitar
          Elders

          Hello,

          I have a Jullian Guitar manufactured by Kurosawa that I was thinking of selling. It appears to have a cedar top with rosewood back and sides. If you are interested send me an e-mail and I can send photos. The instrument is in near perfect condition.

          Thanks
          Michael

      2. Kurosawa/Jullian guitar
        Gee Tahr

        I have a Kurosawa/Jullian Western accoustic guitar that I bought at a yard sale for $10.Its in pretty good condition with only some typical minor wear on it.It’s made in Japan.The label on the inside says model B1 and I can’t make out the rest of it.I can’t find out any information on it.Does anybody know anything about this guitar?What’s it worth?PLMK.Thank you.

      3. guitar information
        Anonymous

        I have an accoustic guitar Jullian 1973 model 150 by Kurosawa and i would like to know
        if it’s a good one and if you can find the spec!!Thank you !

      4. Help Please Jullian & Co" made by Kurosawa, Mode 200
        Anonymous

        I was hoping someone would be able to shed some light on this guitar i have looked on the web searched my resource and unable to come up with a value of this guitar please help thank you

      5. I have a "Jullian & Co" made
        Anonymous

        I have a “Jullian & Co” made by Kurosawa, Model N°180. But I can not find any information, or its history or the value it can have.

    1. Re: Ariel Model 7D
      Kaye

      : Does anyone know the value of the Ariel Model 7D purchased about 1960?
      : Thank You.

      I have one that I think says Model 70, not 7D. Purchased approximately the same year.

      1. Re: Ariel Model 7D
        greta duhamel

        : : Does anyone know the value of the Ariel Model 7D purchased about 1960?
        : : Thank You.
        I have an Ariel classical guitar, model #K-80. I
        got it in a trade about 28 years ago. At the time
        I was trading in a guitar worth about $200 dollars, and today it would be worth probably
        about $350. I think that the value of some older
        guitars is underrated, just because they are
        made in Japan or some other Asian country. As a
        player, the seasoning of the wood over time
        improves the sound of a guitar, no matter where
        it’s made. So to me my old guitar is valuable.
        But in the collector’s market it may not be worth much. My guess is that when the guitar
        reaches 100 years old, it will be fairly
        valuable then. So hang on to it, save for the
        grandkids when they’re grown, or keep it
        properly maintained and look for a guitar player
        who would appreciate it. I have been told by two
        good guitar players that my guitar has a very good sound. Hope this helps!

        1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Stan
          Stan

          I’ve got an Ariel 0303, purchased in 1971. I’ve also had a difficult time tracking down the company that made it, let alone any additional information regarding the guitar itself. Internet searches only pull up forums such as this one (with more people looking for answers). So far I haven’t seen anyone with posts mentioning Ariels made after ’72. This might be because bigger name guitar companies (i.e., Martin, etc.) began opening asian factories, lowering their quality and prices. This might have driven Ariel out of business. Many people prefering a cheap name brand over a no-name brand. Any info anyone else has would be greatly appreciated. Please email me at the above address.

  25. Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
    matuka

    What is this mistery guitar aria a-585 ser#487 i’ve looked everywhere and went to all the links that others have suggested on other messages for other unknown arias…I just want to know what is made of ..how old..how much its worth..I got it for 20 bucks and its sound awesome and is great shape.

      1. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
        Paul Benett

        Im not sure where the data is but seemingly info is out there somewhere. My friend just sold his one up in london for 2860GBP with a few scuffs here and there, neither of us know its value (still looking on net) but the guy who bought it seemed to know what it was, seemed like an experienced guitar dealer so id imagine he might move it on above the 3k mark, hopefully it’ll end up in a good home ^^,friken beautiful sound tho, kinda wish i had it to play now :s

        1. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          Tom

          : hello just bought an Aria-a585 and cannot find any info on it either, sound is really beautiful. Any tips as to where to find information would be appreciated.

      2. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
        sue

        : Interesting to see your post. I have an Aria A587, SN 481 and I’ve been trying to get info on. Paid $40 in 1964, used. Still sounds great!

        1. Aria A587, SN 481
          Sandra Erreca

          Hi,
          I saw your post for the ARIA A-587 SN 481
          I have that guitar now. I’m curious where you purchased it, when you sold it.
          Your post says you bought it in 1964. I assumed it was from the 1970’s.
          Did you purchase it new.
          Thanks for your response.

        2. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          Isabelle

          Well mine isn’t an A585 but an Aria A583 and can’t seem to find any info neither… Just send a email to Aria… We’ll see…

        3. Aria A-585
          Jesse Willaert

          I am Jesse, 16 Years old, I live in Belgium (North of France), and I have an Aria A-585 too, it was my mother’s guitar, she bought it when she was about 12 so that was in 1972. She doesn’t know anymore how she got it, but it’s a really nice guitar, and now I’m playing on it =) I have a fender stratocaster too! I’m really enjoying playing the guitar. Srry about the SN of the Aria, it has vanished somehow, probably because of the sun.

          Greetings from Belgium,
          Jesse

        4. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          William Thrasher

          I have a Aria A587 Serial No.286,got it for 50.00 from a heroin addic in 1960,needs refinishing but still sounds very good.Any info would be nice. Willie

          1. My Aria A-587 dd 1975
            Anonymous

            I have an Aria A587 too, but without a SN, from 1975. It is still in brilliant condition and I use to play it on a daily base ever since.

        5. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          wormfirm

          : : Interesting to see your post. I have an Aria A585; SN 420 ; sounds wonderful ,and is great to play; built to last forever. I paid £5 used from a friend ,and would pay £400 for a mint one if i lost it.

          1. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
            Bill

            I just replaced the tuning heads on my A-585, SN 354.
            One’s sleeve was cracked. and turning the know did no good.

            It is restrung now and awaiting a finer tuning..

            Bought for me in 1967, I think $60-80.

        6. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          Jason

          I have a aria a557 #237 and I can not find any info on it either…. Can someone help.. There seems to be a theam with nobody being able to find information on early aria..

          1. KYairi Guitar
            Roy Francoeur

            Hi my name is roy I purchase a KYairi guitar back in 1975 The serial #is 7969 model#yw1000. I tried to find information on it but had no luck. I appriciate any information that I can get on it That you for your time Roy

            1. I just won the E Bay auction and got my Aria A585 for $40. I do not play yet but will start lessons soon.]. Would love to learn its history, what it’s made of-solid wood top or plywood laminant? Any info greatly appreciated.

        7. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
          Marvigno

          I have also a Aria a-587 and it is wonderful, but I do not have any info; the serial number of mine is: 373. I would like to know what it is made of and approximately how much it is worth. I paid $150 7 years ago. Thanks

          1. Re: Aria a-585 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
            Mike

            : I have also a Aria a-587 and it is wonderful, but I do not have any info; the serial number of mine is: 373. I would like to know what it is made of and approximately how much it is worth. I paid $150 7 years ago. Thanks

            I just got an Aria A-587. no serial number. have you found and new info on this guitar? Aria’s own website doesnt have it listed. strange.

            1. Re: Aria a-587 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
              Marvigno

              Well I am still waiting on info (2 years later). I still have the Aria 587, and just bought me a A 585 for $100. i believe they are all laminate wood; but I don’t care because they sound great.

              1. Re: Aria a-587 why is this so darn hard to find info on?
                Beckie

                : Well I am still waiting on info (2 years later). I still have the Aria 587, and just bought me a A 585 for $100. i believe they are all laminate wood; but I don’t care because they sound great.
                I’m searching, too. No luck here either. How much did you pay for the A587?

                1. Aria info
                  tomaria

                  I am also a very happily impressed owner of an old Aria that there is no info on, it is an OW-35 6 steel string acoustic, the shape is not a dreadnought, more like the Gibson J-45, and has a sound that blows just about anything away, as for dating it, the serial number #702012 yet I bought the guitar new in 1985. It is a japnese made guitar
                  I repeat clearly the model is an OW-35, not the AW- range as they are dreadnoughts

      3. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Andiamo
        Andiamo

        Interesting to see your post. I have an Aria A587, SN 481 and I’ve been trying to get info on. Paid $40 in 1964, used. Still sounds great!

        1. ARIA MODEL NO. A-585 SERIAL NO. 421
          Mr1989

          I have a Aria A585 that I got from my grandfather 16 years ago and it is in mint condition I have a case for it thats probably just as old as the guitar iv been searching everywhere to find out more about this beautiful instrument and what it could be worth I have seen some crazy prices and what they have sold for on auction I’m trying to get more info about my own guitar and how much it actually worth

        2. Aria A 585 serial#689
          mario

          l purchased this guitar about 10 years ago from craigs list for $70 and its been out in the shed for a bit in the winter, no humidifier, no case and it still sounds like the day i purchased it, wow! The neck was repaired at one point from the previous owner i put a set of d’addario strings and it sounds great.l use it to play classical and flamenco music. l wasn’t aware that this was a 1970’s vintage guitar and i was thinking of selling it ,not any more! Now the aria model a 586 has a solid spruce top, rosewood bridge , finger board, binding, sides and back all rosewood , a cedar neck , and traditional style tuners, both models look identical so l’m assuming the a 585 has the same specs s that is all , there you go and Happy New Year to all!!!!!!

        3. Aria 585 For Sale
          Jerry

          I have a vintage Aria 585 in good condition. I found it in a storage unit a month ago and it could use a good home. With a little TLC this could be awesome guitar. It is missing a tuning peg.

        4. Aria a585
          Don Plummer

          I have an Aria a585 also. Serial no. 804. I paid $80 (US), probably in 1967 or ’68, while I was taking classical guitar lessons. I paid for it (and the lessons) with money earned from delivering newspapers. I had to quit the lessons when I gave up the paper route because my parents weren’t going to pay for guitar lessons. 🙂 Now at age 60, I’m starting to play again. I don’t know much about the instrument either, which is why I visited this site. I do believe, however, that it has a solid top, not laminated. Unfortunately, my neck is now warped and it’s impossible to tune the instrument properly. I don’t know whether it would be better to try and get it repaired or to buy a new guitar.

    1. Re: suzuki no 9
      Nicole

      : I have a classical suzuki model no 9… Any info out there

      i found a suzuki no. 9 by a dumpster today, it is really scratched and beat up, and the neck is a bit loose but i am wondering if it is worth restoring.

      1. Re: suzuki no 9
        Brandi Stowers

        : I have a suzuki no 9 too, its about 30-35 years old and is really nice.

        Hey I have a no. 9 too! can you send a photo of what your suzuki looks like? I want to compare it to mine. Do you know the retail thanks.

  26. The JoAnn Falletta Guitar Concerto Competitiion
    Joanne Castellani

    The JoAnn Falletta Guitar Concerto Competition will be held in June 2004. This competition carries with it some very exciting prizes. You can obtain more information at:www.buffaloniagaraguitarfestival.com

  27. Aria A790 - any info
    Sharon

    I have an Aria acoustic guitar model A790 made in Japan that’s been in the house since the ’80’s. I’m just going to start beginner guitar lessons, anyone know anything at all about this guitar? Thanks.

    1. Re: Aria A790 - any info
      Douglas M. Pieklik

      : I have an Aria acoustic guitar model A790 made in Japan that’s been in the house since the ’80’s. I’m just going to start beginner guitar lessons, anyone know anything at all about this guitar? Thanks. Hi,I have a 780 and if it has the stringer down the back it will be worth more.If you want more info email. Doug

  28. I have an Aria A-102 that’s seen better days. It’s a complete mystery how I came to have it but I love it! It’s 3/4 scale classical and I tried to find info on it without success. The Aria site was no help at all and as far as I know there’s no way to contact them. Can anyone shed some light on this?

  29. Gilbert-Sanzano-Arcangel Guitars
    Felix

    Hello,
    I have these concert classical guitars for selling if you are interesting please advise me.

    Arturo Sanzano 1989 Spruce-India Rosewood
    John Gilbert 1993 Cedar-India Rosewood
    Arcangel Fernandez 1983 – Cedar-India Rosewood

    I have photos of them if you want to look at photos I send you in other email. And if you need to listen to them
    I can record mp3 with them.

    Regards
    Felix (from Spain)

      1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... mcgill
        mcgill

        : I am interested in the arcangel. Can you tell me the condition (cracks repaired? etc)? Are there photos? What is the price?

        James McGill

        Hello,
        : I have these concert classical guitars for selling if you are interesting please advise me.
        :
        : Arturo Sanzano 1989 Spruce-India Rosewood
        : John Gilbert 1993 Cedar-India Rosewood
        : Arcangel Fernandez 1983 – Cedar-India Rosewood
        :
        : I have photos of them if you want to look at photos I send you in other email. And if you need to listen to them
        : I can record mp3 with them.
        :
        : Regards
        : Felix (from Spain)

    1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
      Bart

      I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

      1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
        Bruno krohn

        : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1964/65 for about $130. Mine has a serial number of 0359. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also. What would the price be to-day

        1. history aria a551b
          JOBU

          In 1968, my dad was sent to Rudy’s NYC to buy me an Aria guitar as the perfect student model. They had them for $55 low ball price. He opted to spend $5 less, and bought me a Moduro for $45 and a $3 canvas case. I found some Aria’s over the last few years, and just found my A551B. Such a long journey to see what I had missed. The Moduro was good, too.

      2. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
        furio ammirabile

        : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

        I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

        1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
          Bruno Krohn

          : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1963/64 for about $125. Mine has a serial number of 0359. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also. And what is the actual price to day for my Guitar.

        2. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
          Brian

          : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

          : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

          : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

          1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
            Lloyd

            : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B S/N 12945 I bought about 1975
            it’s done alot of traveling, Altamont Speedway Stone’s Concert for one. I worked for Buck Owens Productions for 7yr’s and the guitar was signed by Buck and his son Buddy Allen Owens. Whats it worth now?

            : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

            : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

            : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

            1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
              Matthew

              :
              : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B S/N 12945 I bought about 1975
              : it’s done alot of traveling, Altamont Speedway Stone’s Concert for one. I worked for Buck Owens Productions for 7yr’s and the guitar was signed by Buck and his son Buddy Allen Owens. Whats it worth now?

              : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

              : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

              : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

              I Bought A Aria A551 no letter serial 05462
              for 40 bucks i have had offers for 1500$

              1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
                Aaron Glass

                : : I have A Aria A551B and the serial number is 00292. They started making these in 63, and stopped making them in the early 70’s. They retailed for about $150 Back then. They also came out with a A551M in the early 80’s. Made in china at that time, unlike the early ones made in Japan.
                : : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B S/N 12945 I bought about 1975
                : : it’s done alot of traveling, Altamont Speedway Stone’s Concert for one. I worked for Buck Owens Productions for 7yr’s and the guitar was signed by Buck and his son Buddy Allen Owens. Whats it worth now?

                :
                : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

                : : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

                : : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

                :
                : I Bought A Aria A551 no letter serial 05462
                : for 40 bucks i have had offers for 1500$

            2. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
              Kristi

              :
              : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B S/N 12945 I bought about 1975
              : it’s done alot of traveling, Altamont Speedway Stone’s Concert for one. I worked for Buck Owens Productions for 7yr’s and the guitar was signed by Buck and his son Buddy Allen Owens. Whats it worth now?

              : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

              : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

              : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

              I just started playing my mom’s old A551B (It has to be about 30 years old) SN is 00586…it sounds great, and I’m loving playing it…and mom is ecstatic that it’s not just collecting dust anymore. I’d also like more info.

          2. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
            Teresa

            I have an Aria classical guitar I bought new in San Francisco in early 1969. I paid $65.00 and it came with a hardshell (wooden) case. It is model A551 and SN is 08128. Not in very good shape after all these years, but still has great tone. Doesn’t seem to be much info about these old guitars. Would be interested in any history or current value.

            : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

            : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

            : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

            1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
              Mike Wallace

              : I have an Aria classical guitar I bought new in San Francisco in early 1969. I paid $65.00 and it came with a hardshell (wooden) case. It is model A551 and SN is 08128. Not in very good shape after all these years, but still has great tone. Doesn’t seem to be much info about these old guitars. Would be interested in any history or current value.

              : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

              : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

              : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

              I purchased My Aria A551 s/n 00710 from a pawn shop for $100.00 back in 1994. It must be considerably older than I thought by the serial number. I figured late 60’s early 70’s. Made in Japan. Anyone found more information on this model?

              1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
                Peter Fath

                : : I have an Aria classical guitar I bought new in San Francisco in early 1969. I paid $65.00 and it came with a hardshell (wooden) case. It is model A551 and SN is 08128. Not in very good shape after all these years, but still has great tone. Doesn’t seem to be much info about these old guitars. Would be interested in any history or current value.

                : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

                : : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

                : : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

                : I purchased My Aria A551 s/n 00710 from a pawn shop for $100.00 back in 1994. It must be considerably older than I thought by the serial number. I figured late 60’s early 70’s. Made in Japan. Anyone found more information on this model?

                Hi, I have a Aria Model 551 Serial No. 344 and i bought it new in a shop in Germany at 1974 and i payed around 125 € at this time, that’s all i can tell, and it’s still in a very good condition, because barely played after the 70s Peter

              2. Re: Aria Model A544 SN 00041
                Eric Olsen

                : : current value.

                : : : : : I have a Aria Model A551B that I bought about 1970/71 for about $100. I was told that it was about 10 years old at the time. Mine has a serial number of 06046. The sound on it is fantastic. The Aria archive page doesn’t provide information on models this old. I would like more information on it also.

                : : : : I have too a guitar aria model a551b. i call from italy. my s.n. is 15197 and i don’t know what is its actual price.

                : : : : I have one i bought about 3 years ago at a yard sale for $35

                : I purchased My Aria A551 s/n 00710 from a pawn shop for $100.00 back in 1994. It must be considerably older than I thought by the serial number. I figured late 60’s early 70’s. Made in Japan. Anyone found more information on this model?

                I purchased my Aria in January 1970 at Bernardos Guitar Shop on Brooklyn Avenue, East Los Angeles. I Paid $375 for it, new. It is among the oldest from Aria; Model A 544, SN 00041 Does anyone know current value of my beauty? [email protected]

              3. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
                Dave

                My girlfriend has one of these guitars. She just brought it over here today, It says "2052" written on it and "a551" printed on a piece of paper inside it. It says "Japan" on the back of the headstock. I dont know anything else. Tell me what you think? Her grandmother bought it a long time ago, she says it was later sixties or early seventies… other then that she has no idea. I think it is pretty cool. Her brother put steel strings on it but I switched them for some nylons and it sounds very pretty to my ears. Its pretty sweet, I have never really played classical, mostly blues (gibson les pauls)

              4. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
                codeo

                They say early 70 models don’t have serial numbers, i have an Aria guitar, model No A-6 26 with no serial number. If anyone has info on this model that would be great.

      3. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
        Jean (via moderator)

        I have a Aria Model A551B that I swapped for my old classical guitar. The serial number is 01221. The sound on it is fantastic too. I couldn’t find any info on these guitars either.

        1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
          Brian

          I picked up this guitar off the street the people where going to give it away. It says 1960 on it. I don’t know anything much. Have you found out anything?

          1. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
            Michael Blackwood

            My Aria Concert series model A551B serial no. 01122 was purchased in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1969 for about $80.00 Canadian which at the time was about $95.00 American. It still looks great except for a couple of scratches and nicks. The sound is amazing. For the person who put steel strings on theirs, never do this as the steel puts too much stress on the neck. You couldn’t pay me enough to part with it now.

        2. Re: Aria model A 551 B classical guitar
          Joanie (via moderator)

          : I have a Aria Model A551B that I swapped for my old classical guitar. The serial number is 01221. The sound on it is fantastic too. I couldn’t find any info on these guitars either.

          We purchased a Aria Classical Guitar in June, 1969 with a much earlier serial number. WE, also cannot find any information as to the value. Thought the date of purchase may be of some help to you. Have you come up with any other information since your posting?

      1. Aria Guitar Made in Japan
        Anonymous

        I have an Aria Acoustic Guitar I purchased new in the 70’s.
        Model #A551….serial # 130. It remains in excellent condition as it has rarely been played and kept in it’s case, always with care.
        Any information on age or value much appreciated.

      2. I have a Shiro labeled A550 by Aria
        Anonymous

        I inherited the guitar from my late father, who purchased this guitar from Meyer-Musik Germany 1970, its exactly the same shape as the A551 by Aria, with some difference’s.Has Brazilian Rio Rosewood back and sides, instead of Mahogany as the A551 of Aria, also according to my mother, item was purchased brand new, so how does a A551 b out date a previous model that was bought New in 1970? Is this guitar older than originally stated? Labeled Shiro after Shiro Arai founder of Aria Guitars.

      3. I have a Shiro labeled A550 by Aria
        Anonymous

        I inherited the guitar from my late father, who purchased this guitar from Meyer-Music Germany 1970, its exactly the same shape as the A551 by Aria, with some difference’s.Has Brazilian Rio Rosewood back and sides, instead of Mahogany as the A551 of Aria, also according to my mother, items was purchased brand new, so how does a A551 b out date a previous model that was bought New in 1970? Is this guitar older than originally stated?

      4. Aria Model # show H FA 583 452717
        Jack

        I have and Aria FA 583, it was purchased as a gift for me about 1970 on the sticker inside it has the model number but no serial number, 452717 is stamped in the wood above the sticker. I think it was about $100.00 but I am unsure since it was a gift!!!!!!! I don’t use it much but is in excellent condition and sounds great.

      5. Aria model no.a 551b
        Anonymous

        I picked up one of these at a pawn store as well.I paid $300.00 dollars for it and a soundhole pickup.I`m just now putting new strings on as the old ones were dead.it was labelled as being produced in the early 60`s.I thought it may be a bit pricey but the playability was just too exciting for me to pass up.I`ll keep you posted.I think it`s a beautiful classical guitar.

      6. i have such a modell, bought in the 80 ies, still today i am happy with my oldie…in the meanwhile i tested so manny guitars,

        and found better ones only for much much more money….i recommend therfore these serials

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