You gift us every time you teach us something new, that guitar founds beautiful and it’s in very good hands (yours).. keep sharing you talents. Thank you
This is a really nice guitar too! Does Tim have something comparable? People tend to dog a lot of the vintage guitars because they’re laminate, but it’s hard to argue that the Japanese examples are really great. I’m so glad you will get to enjoy this guitar, as will the rest of us by extension!
What a lovely gift. Please update us when you get it all set up with a new compensated saddle and strings, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for posting this.
I did some work on my wife's friends 70s Alvarez copy of the same martin 3pc back and hated to give it back to him i liked it so much I love the one you have there and the Harmony as well Peace to you
Thanks for the comment. I wonder if 3 piece back instruments have unique qualities to the sound. This aria is a bit mid range. Do you find that true for the Alvarez? Just curious 😀. Thanks❤️
Awesome gift especially at Christmas ❤. I wish I could be your neighbor and sit and soak your wisdom (guitar and life in general!) but since I can’t, I’ll take the next best thing via UA-cam 😊. In other news, I did buy a used Martin HD 28! It’s rather large for me (4ft 11inches and 110 pounds) but it’s a canon! I wanted a Martin Dreadnaught for the iconic sound they produce! I’m NOT disappointed! But I do have to sit to play it so it’s manageable for me. Hoping you reach your goal of 10K subscribers by the end of the year Cindy. If not, please know you e made a difference for many of us!!!
Hi Ms Cindy, a very beautiful gift. Those 60's and 70's Japanese acoustics are hard to beat. Definitely a difference between the two, but both bring something to the table. Nice upload, ma'am 👍
As I’ve learned from a top Japanese guitar seller, Ryoji Matsuoka was one of the elite luthiers of Japan, classical and acoustic where he ran the Aria brand. This beauty is a top level instrument. The laminated woods are normally of the highest quality with matched grain. And, as you correctly noticed, the stains used on spruce at that time were of a darker color.
Interesting thing on the rosewood. I put the black light to it and it looks like (based on the areas that glow, the inside backside is Brazilian. The fingerboard is Brazilian too. (That is if the black light test is true). The top has such a tight grain, with the stain used it does not look like spruce. I love the color. I have seen one of the classical made by Matsuoka and I loved the sound hole rosette - it was like a wrapped purfling - so tight and perfectly done. I noticed this aria has small amts of the same style. Thanks and Merry Christmas ❤️
@ You might look at the grain patten on the interior and exterior of the back. If it matches, it is either solid or Matsuoka was using the “double plate” method used by Kazuo Yairi. That is to take a piece of wood and split it, then glue the two pieces back together in the same orientation. This resulted in a stronger pice of wood as Brazilian rosewood was prone to cracking, especially when shipping to a dryer environment like America. One thing I’ve noticed from my Reverb searches, almost all Martins of a certain age, like made before or in the 70s are riddled with repaired cracks. I’ve only seen a few Japanese guitars that have any cracks. The luthiers learned after bringing guitars here in the 60s which cracked shortly after arrival.
@ I have a gorgeous Japanese classical from 1978 by top luthier Sumio Kurosawa who apprenticed with the great luthiers of Madrid, Hernandez y Aguado. It is my favorite guitar. She has a rich complex voice from solid Brazilian Rosewood back and sides (and a darker orange spruce top) and its finish is of a shellac called cashew lacquer. When I wipe the guitar down after playing, I can hear the wood groaning or slightly cracking underneath the cloth. Someday she may need a repair. But she’s holding her own so far. Not surprising as she only weighs 3.3 lbs.
The Aria has a well aged spruce top so with new strings it should really sing. Bone pins will make a slight difference as they transfer the string energy to the top better. Since it’s a solid top, the big difference between that & the Martin is the solid back & sides on the Martin. The Aria has a very nice tone & it’s obvious the top is well opened up.
What a lovely guitar. Thanks for this video. Im acrually in the market now for my first pro. Or better guitar. My budget is 1700$ tops. Id like to stay under 1500 if possible. I really want a martin. But im unsure what martin in that range is the best. Interested in the sc13 e. But also i like yhe special d that guitar center is having a sale on. I just want a good martin. Unfortunately i cant afford a d18 or 28
I have 3 all lamented guitars from Japan 2 Red label Yamahas and a lawsuit Alvarez 12 string that play and sound amazing 40-50 years later they may lack a little against a Gibson Martin and Taylor but not by much thanks
I am looking forward to hearing this one with a bone saddle and a really nice acoustic pickup like an lr baggs hifi. I heard a lot about the red label Yamaha. I remember a day when buying a Yamaha was considered buying one of the best😀. Merry Christmas to you!❤️
Nice guitar I like ebony or rosewood pins( similar to the material used in the bridge) Plastic pins tend to bend or fray I don't think there is much effect on the sound , tho Martin is much fuller sounding-new strings on the Aria will help some, but it ain't a Martin 😉
I have played some really awesome imports. With great raw materials and the knowledge- a star guitar can be born anywhere ❤️ thanks for sharing your thoughts and Merry Christmas to you.
Sounds fine. But then, how about the Martin sounds like the Aria? Just kidding. But we are all, more or less, slaves to the big boys/girls, like it or not. Recently bought, for a small amount of money, locally (Amazon Marketplace), a Kay Elfolk (Dreadnought). I went just to view, but I couldn't resist, especially since the seller, who teaches guitar, had fret levelled, etc. Plus it was not much used, couple of tiny dings. It's a curiosity, looks like a copy of a Gibson Hummingbird (mine with a plain scratch plate), made in Korea around 1980. So what's curious? It has, on the back, a compartment for two 9v batteries. Which power an amplifier, via volume, reverb (!) and tone knobs, into a built-in speaker on the lower (front) bout. Try it and see! But very well made, and plays, unamplified, very nicely, regardless of the curious factor. In fact it's a beautiful guitar, you feel it when you pick it up, with an excellent neck, and so easy to play, which is always a good sign.
Definitely they don’t sound the same🤣 but bot have great qualities. Your Kay sounds like an awesome find. Love those old electronics too😀. Merry Christmas to you❤️
@guitarnotions The world of guitars is an infinite resource! But wonderful how you always find something new and interesting, inimitably demonstrated, to fascinate and educate. Thank you so much, and a happy Christmas to you.
Hi Cindy. It restores my faith in the human race to know there are still lots of kind and generous people out there.
Take care
Dermot
So true! ❤️
You gift us every time you teach us something new, that guitar founds beautiful and it’s in very good hands (yours).. keep sharing you talents. Thank you
@@paulcote9988 thank you so much for supporting my channel too❤️
Thats gorgeous and sounds great! What a gift❤
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the video ❤️
This is a really nice guitar too! Does Tim have something comparable? People tend to dog a lot of the vintage guitars because they’re laminate, but it’s hard to argue that the Japanese examples are really great. I’m so glad you will get to enjoy this guitar, as will the rest of us by extension!
Yes in fact I think his Martin is a d35. I will be checking with him😀
What a lovely gift. Please update us when you get it all set up with a new compensated saddle and strings, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for posting this.
I will do a short before and after. Thanks and merry Christmas ❤️
Sounds gorgeous.😊
Thank you! 😊 Merry Christmas to you!
Very nice gifts, thanks for sharing.
@@rogertinker1813 thank you too for listening in❤️
What a beauty. Thanks for sharing this.
Glad you enjoyed it❤️ merry Christmas ❤️
I did some work on my wife's friends 70s Alvarez copy of the same martin 3pc back and hated to give it back to him i liked it so much I love the one you have there and the Harmony as well Peace to you
Thanks for the comment. I wonder if 3 piece back instruments have unique qualities to the sound. This aria is a bit mid range. Do you find that true for the Alvarez? Just curious 😀. Thanks❤️
@@guitarnotions Yes i did It was bright too much for me
Awesome gift especially at Christmas ❤. I wish I could be your neighbor and sit and soak your wisdom (guitar and life in general!) but since I can’t, I’ll take the next best thing via UA-cam 😊. In other news, I did buy a used Martin HD 28! It’s rather large for me (4ft 11inches and 110 pounds) but it’s a canon! I wanted a Martin Dreadnaught for the iconic sound they produce! I’m NOT disappointed! But I do have to sit to play it so it’s manageable for me. Hoping you reach your goal of 10K subscribers by the end of the year Cindy. If not, please know you e made a difference for many of us!!!
The dreadnought is definitely awesome sounding. The guitar size is manageable but some what a challenge, still it can be done and will sound great😄
Hi Ms Cindy, a very beautiful gift. Those 60's and 70's Japanese acoustics are hard to beat. Definitely a difference between the two, but both bring something to the table. Nice upload, ma'am 👍
@@randysrhythm thank you Randy. Hope you have the best Christmas ever❤️
@guitarnotions Right backatcha, ma'am 👍
I agree the M21 has great grumble and warmth. I think strings and bone pins will bring it up a level.
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you❤️
As I’ve learned from a top Japanese guitar seller, Ryoji Matsuoka was one of the elite luthiers of Japan, classical and acoustic where he ran the Aria brand. This beauty is a top level instrument. The laminated woods are normally of the highest quality with matched grain. And, as you correctly noticed, the stains used on spruce at that time were of a darker color.
Interesting thing on the rosewood. I put the black light to it and it looks like (based on the areas that glow, the inside backside is Brazilian. The fingerboard is Brazilian too. (That is if the black light test is true). The top has such a tight grain, with the stain used it does not look like spruce. I love the color. I have seen one of the classical made by Matsuoka and I loved the sound hole rosette - it was like a wrapped purfling - so tight and perfectly done. I noticed this aria has small amts of the same style. Thanks and Merry Christmas ❤️
@ You might look at the grain patten on the interior and exterior of the back. If it matches, it is either solid or Matsuoka was using the “double plate” method used by Kazuo Yairi. That is to take a piece of wood and split it, then glue the two pieces back together in the same orientation. This resulted in a stronger pice of wood as Brazilian rosewood was prone to cracking, especially when shipping to a dryer environment like America. One thing I’ve noticed from my Reverb searches, almost all Martins of a certain age, like made before or in the 70s are riddled with repaired cracks. I’ve only seen a few Japanese guitars that have any cracks. The luthiers learned after bringing guitars here in the 60s which cracked shortly after arrival.
@ I have a gorgeous Japanese classical from 1978 by top luthier Sumio Kurosawa who apprenticed with the great luthiers of Madrid, Hernandez y Aguado. It is my favorite guitar. She has a rich complex voice from solid Brazilian Rosewood back and sides (and a darker orange spruce top) and its finish is of a shellac called cashew lacquer. When I wipe the guitar down after playing, I can hear the wood groaning or slightly cracking underneath the cloth. Someday she may need a repair. But she’s holding her own so far. Not surprising as she only weighs 3.3 lbs.
@ wow that is a super light weight. It must sound awesome
@ the grain does not match. I do think the inside layer is Brazilian- quite interesting 😀
Very very good 👍😊
Love it 😍❤️😊
Love you too my friend 💝😚💝😘
Thanks so much. So glad you enjoyed the video ❤️
@guitarnotions yes I do
And you are very very welcome 🤗🤗🤗 🤗
Great Video as usual. Please give us a finger picking Video!!!
Coming soon!❤️
The Aria has a well aged spruce top so with new strings it should really sing. Bone pins will make a slight difference as they transfer the string energy to the top better. Since it’s a solid top, the big difference between that & the Martin is the solid back & sides on the Martin. The Aria has a very nice tone & it’s obvious the top is well opened up.
The Aria is a very nice instruments after the holidays I will get some time to change evevy thing out. Thanks❤️
What a lovely guitar. Thanks for this video. Im acrually in the market now for my first pro. Or better guitar. My budget is 1700$ tops. Id like to stay under 1500 if possible. I really want a martin. But im unsure what martin in that range is the best. Interested in the sc13 e. But also i like yhe special d that guitar center is having a sale on. I just want a good martin. Unfortunately i cant afford a d18 or 28
You should be able to find a wonderful instrument in that price range. Go play many before you decide. Enjoy the shopping and Merry Christmas ❤️
I have 3 all lamented guitars from Japan 2 Red label Yamahas and a lawsuit Alvarez 12 string that play and sound amazing 40-50 years later they may lack a little against a Gibson Martin and Taylor but not by much thanks
I am looking forward to hearing this one with a bone saddle and a really nice acoustic pickup like an lr baggs hifi. I heard a lot about the red label Yamaha. I remember a day when buying a Yamaha was considered buying one of the best😀. Merry Christmas to you!❤️
Nice guitar
I like ebony or rosewood pins( similar to the material used in the bridge)
Plastic pins tend to bend or fray
I don't think there is much effect on the sound , tho
Martin is much fuller sounding-new strings on the Aria will help some, but it ain't a Martin 😉
Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and family!❤️
V neck and deeper body, laminated?
Fossilized T Rex jaw bone saddle, nut and pins. = Banjo Killer!
Cool! Sounds like that banjo didn’t see it coming🤣🤣. Merry Christmas to you❤️
First demo I liked the aria second was the Martin imho
Thanks for sharing 😀
Very cool, similar to mine...
Matsuoka with o, please...✍️🚔🙏😂
Very beautiful to look at. The workmanship is pristine ❤️
You have strong looking arms sign of the years of playing
Lol. For sure. I definitely don't lift weights or bail hay🤣🤣Merry Christmas!
Shhhhh imports bad especially 60-70 Japanese guitars all junk I got 4 nobody has stole yet
I have played some really awesome imports. With great raw materials and the knowledge- a star guitar can be born anywhere ❤️ thanks for sharing your thoughts and Merry Christmas to you.
Sounds fine. But then, how about the Martin sounds like the Aria? Just kidding. But we are all, more or less, slaves to the big boys/girls, like it or not.
Recently bought, for a small amount of money, locally (Amazon Marketplace), a Kay Elfolk (Dreadnought). I went just to view, but I couldn't resist, especially since the seller, who teaches guitar, had fret levelled, etc. Plus it was not much used, couple of tiny dings. It's a curiosity, looks like a copy of a Gibson Hummingbird (mine with a plain scratch plate), made in Korea around 1980.
So what's curious? It has, on the back, a compartment for two 9v batteries. Which power an amplifier, via volume, reverb (!) and tone knobs, into a built-in speaker on the lower (front) bout. Try it and see! But very well made, and plays, unamplified, very nicely, regardless of the curious factor. In fact it's a beautiful guitar, you feel it when you pick it up, with an excellent neck, and so easy to play, which is always a good sign.
Definitely they don’t sound the same🤣 but bot have great qualities. Your Kay sounds like an awesome find. Love those old electronics too😀. Merry Christmas to you❤️
@guitarnotions The world of guitars is an infinite resource! But wonderful how you always find something new and interesting, inimitably demonstrated, to fascinate and educate.
Thank you so much, and a happy Christmas to you.