Aria Aria Pro II Banjo Reviews
Aria Aria Pro II
submitted 12/19/2010
|
Submitter |
Weezbeckin (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Ebay |
Year Purchased |
2010 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
Great sound. I would put it up against Gibsons and others anytime. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I have a friened(RPJGuitarWorks.com) who adjusted the action for me (it was higher than I like). Changes appeared to be easy (if you know what you are doing). I was pleased to note that someone had installed 'spikes' at the 7th and 10th frets (I detest the appearance of 5th string capos}. |
Setup Rating |
7 |
Appearance
|
H&F inlay is done in pearl and the headstock features some abalone... or it may all be MOTS, I'm not an expert. Whatever it is, it looks great and is much easier on the eyes than the RE-2250's rather pedestrian inlay. The rest of the banjo is also superb - again nicer than the plain mahogany of the RE-250 it so closely resembles. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
It is my only banjo and I would take it anywhere with me. The original hardshell case seems to provide plenty of protection. Pretty sure I would not entrust it to an airline, but, then, they could break an anvil. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
No experience here. Other than setup,, It needs no service. I can change my own strings. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
All components appear to be original and Work amazingly well. I might install "Keith" tuners later (or not). The tuners hold tuning well and everything else seems to perform its designed function. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I had one like this one 20 years ago (Vine inlay) which I traded for a Gibson conversion. It was a mistake and I am delighted to finally have found another Pro II. This one will not leave. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Aria Aria Pro II
submitted 7/15/2007
|
Submitter |
treecounting (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
McINTYRES MUSIC Charlotte, NC |
Year Purchased |
1974 ? |
Price Paid |
$250 ($US) |
Sound
|
It was OK when I got it brom McIntyre but it lay many years before a local 'luthier' Roger Hart did some magic on fitting the tone ring and rim. It will do anything my Deering Sierra will and, actually, better. Plenty loud and no dead spots anywhere on the neck. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
For the archives. Some people have heard of 'McIntyre Acoustic Pickups', some haven't. This is the same fellow. Met him when he and a couple others had opened an instrument repair shop in Charlotte, NC. Carl McIntyre also gave music lessons. He had a very creative way of putting down in writing his "tablature". Likely he didn't invent it but I've never seen it anywhere else; it was very effective. ANYWAY: Carl had somehow gotten a hold of a badly damaged shipement of banjos. From the salvageable parts he constructed complete instruments; that explains how I bought the banjo new for the price I got it for. |
Setup Rating |
not rated |
Appearance
|
Always felt it was a very good looking instrument with the exception of the headstock. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
Many a long beer soaked night playing till three and four in the morning. The Aria always hung in there and is ready to go today. Excellent finish. The decorative inlay in the resonator has begun to swell up a bit but the finish remains unchecked and uncracked. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
No expereience here. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Clamshell tailpiece just big, ugly and in the way. I see nothing in my Deering that appears to be of better quality than the Aria. Actually, the 3 ply rim in the Aria is heavier and better finished. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
All original except the tailpiece and the normally changed stuff i.e. strings, bridge, head etc. Yea, and the frets. Carl McIntyre did one his 'famous' fret jobs on this instrument. People in this and the surrounding area really loved the McIntyre 'rounded' fret ends, very smooth. If you haven't heard of his Pickups then google McIntyre Acoustic Pickups and see what you find. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Aria Aria Pro II
submitted 2/25/2005
|
Submitter |
Unknown |
Where Purchased |
from a individual |
Year Purchased |
2005 |
Price Paid |
550.00 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
I have 21 banjos from Deering, Gibsons, Stellings and old and new Gold stars and this Aria is as good if not better than any of them, no fooling. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
as good if not better than most |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
As fun to look at as it is to play |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
Say whay you want about Japanese made components this banjo is excellent |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
N/A |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
I could get a 3 ply rim, but why |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
You can't buy a better banjo, at any price |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Feeds