Late-1960s Aria Diamond 1202T Hollow Body Electric Guitar (MIJ Matsumoku)

Late-1960s Aria Diamond 1202T Hollow Body Electric Guitar (MIJ Matsumoku)

A beautifully preserved example from Matsumoku's formative years, this late-1960s Aria Diamond 1202T showcases the creativity and craftsmanship that helped establish Japanese guitar manufacturing on the world stage. Finished in a classic 3-tone sunburst, the fully hollow laminated maple body is paired with elegant pearloid block inlays and distinctive period-correct appointments, resulting in a guitar that looks every bit as charming as it sounds. Weighing just 2.9kg, it offers the lightweight and resonant feel that vintage hollow body enthusiasts seek out.

The neck features a comfortable 24.75" scale length with a slim C profile, making it easy to navigate while retaining an authentic vintage feel. Finished in gloss polyurethane, it is paired with a rosewood fingerboard featuring a 9.5" radius and a 40.5mm bone nut (replaced). The combination of a relatively slim neck and narrow nut width gives the guitar a fast, approachable playing feel, while the 21 medium nickel silver frets provide smooth playability across the board. Fret life is solid here at about 60% and although low, the frets are smooth and free from excessive wear.

Electronics are handled by a pair of original Aria "Trapezoid" single coil pickups, one of the defining features of the Diamond series. Striking in a visual and sonic sense, the set delivers a surprisingly full and articulate voice with plenty of vintage character. Clean tones are airy and open with a distinctly hollowbody resonance, while pushed sounds retain clarity and chime with the slightly microphonic edge that many players love about vintage Japanese pickups.

Overall, the Diamond 1202T represents one of Matsumoku's more distinctive late-1960s designs, blending stylish aesthetics, lightweight construction and uniquely voiced electronics into a package that stands apart from the more common catalogue guitars of the era. Condition is good for its age, showing the expected cosmetic wear and patina associated with a guitar approaching sixty years old, while remaining structurally sound, highly playable and fully functional throughout. Professionally setup with 10-46s, it's playing smoothly with a comfortable action, accurate intonation and everything functioning well.

Specifications:

Make: Aria

Model: Diamond 1202T

Origin: Japan, Matsumoku Factory, Late-1960s

Body: Laminated Maple

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Pearloid Block Inlays

Pickups: 2 x Aria "Trapezoid" Single Coils, Neck: 9.4kOhms, Middle: 4.7kOhms, Bridge: 9.4kOhms

Neck Profile: 24.75" Scale, Slim C Profile, Gloss Polyurethane Finish, 9.5" Radius, 40.5mm Nut Width (Bone)

Frets: 21 Medium Nickel Silver Frets

Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst

Weight: 2.9kg

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.