Early 1970s Aria 5522 Les Paul Custom Style Electric Guitar (MIJ Matsumoku)

Early 1970s Aria 5522 Les Paul Custom Style Electric Guitar (MIJ Matsumoku)

A classic example of Japan's burgeoning guitar industry during the pre-lawsuit era, the Aria 5522 Les Paul Custom offered players an affordable alternative to its American inspiration while delivering impressive build quality and styling in its own right. Produced in the early 1970s and built by Matsumoku, the 5522 captures the look and feel of a Les Paul Custom with its bound body, block inlays, diamond headstock appointments, and twin humbucker configuration. Finished in timeless black with cream binding throughout, this example represents an increasingly sought-after piece of Japanese vintage guitar history.

The bolt-on maple neck features a comfortable medium C profile that strikes a balance between vintage fullness and easy playability, while the rosewood fingerboard is adorned with large pearloid block inlays for an unmistakably Custom-inspired aesthetic. With its traditional 24.75" scale length and medium frets, the 5522 offers a familiar playing experience that suits everything from blues and classic rock through to jazz and early hard rock styles. Fret life is solid here at approximately 80% with no dents or pitting visible.

Electronics consist of a pair of original Maxon-manufactured humbuckers, widely regarded for their articulate response, open mid-range, and vintage-voiced character. Compared to later high-output designs, these pickups deliver exceptional note clarity and dynamic sensitivity, making them equally at home with clean tones, edge-of-breakup sounds, and classic overdriven amplifier settings. Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, along with a three-way selector switch, provide a versatile range of tonal options.

Presented in used vintage condition with cosmetic wear, patina, and hardware ageing consistent with over fifty years of use, this guitar remains a wonderful example of early Japanese craftsmanship. Professionally setup with 10-46s, it offers comfortable action, stable tuning, and excellent playability throughout the neck. An increasingly collectible Matsumoku-built instrument that combines vintage character, historical significance, and genuine player appeal in equal measure.

Specifications:

Make: Aria

Model: 5522 (Les Paul Custom)

Origin: Japan, Matsumoku, Early 1970s

Body: Mahogany

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood w/ Pearloid Block Inlays

Pickups: 2 x Maxon Humbuckers, Neck: 5.3kOhms, Middle: 2.6kOhms, Bridge: 5.1kOhms

Neck Profile: 24.75" Scale, Medium C Profile, Gloss Polyurethane Finish, 9.5" Radius, 42.5mm Nut Width (Plastic)

Frets: 22 Medium Nickel Silver Frets

Finish: Black

Weight: 4.2kg

Shipping & Returns:

Domestic AU Shipping (Insured) - $Free

International Shipping (Insured) - $199.99

Local Pickup/Click & Collect - 135 New Canterbury Road, Lewisham 2049

The item is sold as is - if it is broken or damaged on arrival, we will offer you a return/refund. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or offer any warranty on used/vintage items.