Awesome demo, awesome bass! Even though it has some similarities to a P (series mode) and a StingRay (parallel mode), it's definitely its own thing. The pickup position is right between the two as well, but probably the neck-through construction makes it sound very different still. Amazing how versatile a single-pickup passive bass can be! I'm happy to own a cousin of this one: an old Aria Pro II RSB Standard from '83 out of the legendary Matsumoku factory. I got it really cheap, but it's amazing! It has a P-style pickup in the same position as the SB, but a bolt-on neck and a simple bent-steel bridge. Sounds very much like a P, with hints of a StingRay, depending on how/where you pluck the strings. But plays much easier because of the slim J-style neck and downsized body. I changed the pickup to a less hot AlNiCo5 one which brings it much closer to a vintage P. I also have flats on it, and now it _begs_ to be played Joe Dart style. But it also loves Motown and Soul. After listening to your demo, I'm thinking about adding a series/parallel switch... On the other hand, I love its pureness and simplicity.
Good day, and God bless you. This appears to be a new reissue of the Aria Pro SB 700, which I didn't know existed! The active SB 1000 has been reissued numerous times and has been re-released yet again in the last 5 years or so, but the passive 700 is new. The SB 1000 was the very first bass on MTV, appearing on "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. These were very famous basses in the 80's, and are well worth checking out. They were known as the "poor man's Alembic", released in various configurations, and played by a number of famous bassists at one time or another. Including John Taylor of Duran Duran, Cliff Burton, Rudy Sarzo, Jack Bruce , Marcus Miller, Juan Formell of Los Van Van, Les Nemes and many others. The Lord has blessed me with 4 different models, all of which cost a song at the time. The originals are hard to find and stupid expensive now. It looks like they have done a good job of it. Thank you so much for this review.
Those basses were awesome from day one. I remember getting the Aria Pro II catalog in 1982. Those bridges are the best, solid and sunk into the body. The bridge in this video looks like the old one, but as I take a closer look, it looks like a surface mount bridge.
Jayme "I'm not much of a slapper" proceeds to triple slap with ease.
Awesome demo, awesome bass! Even though it has some similarities to a P (series mode) and a StingRay (parallel mode), it's definitely its own thing. The pickup position is right between the two as well, but probably the neck-through construction makes it sound very different still. Amazing how versatile a single-pickup passive bass can be!
I'm happy to own a cousin of this one: an old Aria Pro II RSB Standard from '83 out of the legendary Matsumoku factory. I got it really cheap, but it's amazing! It has a P-style pickup in the same position as the SB, but a bolt-on neck and a simple bent-steel bridge. Sounds very much like a P, with hints of a StingRay, depending on how/where you pluck the strings. But plays much easier because of the slim J-style neck and downsized body.
I changed the pickup to a less hot AlNiCo5 one which brings it much closer to a vintage P. I also have flats on it, and now it _begs_ to be played Joe Dart style. But it also loves Motown and Soul. After listening to your demo, I'm thinking about adding a series/parallel switch... On the other hand, I love its pureness and simplicity.
It sounds great but, a bass is only ever as good as the person that plays it, and. You're a great player
JohnTaylor of Duran Duran used one back in the day, an SB1000. One of the nicest basses I've ever played, well the original ones were anyway.
he even started with SB-700 (first album and part of Rio), same colour
This reminded me a Stingray (which I usually think sounds too bright) with a darker tone. Really loved it!
I used to have a SB1000... It was a fabulous sounding bass. I found the neck to narrow for my thumping days but, a brilliant bass none the less
Good day, and God bless you. This appears to be a new reissue of the Aria Pro SB 700, which I didn't know existed!
The active SB 1000 has been reissued numerous times and has been re-released yet again in the last 5 years or so, but the passive 700 is new.
The SB 1000 was the very first bass on MTV, appearing on "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.
These were very famous basses in the 80's, and are well worth checking out. They were known as the "poor man's Alembic", released in various configurations, and played by a number of famous bassists at one time or another. Including John Taylor of Duran Duran, Cliff Burton, Rudy Sarzo, Jack Bruce , Marcus Miller, Juan Formell of Los Van Van, Les Nemes and many others.
The Lord has blessed me with 4 different models, all of which cost a song at the time. The originals are hard to find and stupid expensive now. It looks like they have done a good job of it.
Thank you so much for this review.
Those basses were awesome from day one. I remember getting the Aria Pro II catalog in 1982. Those bridges are the best, solid and sunk into the body. The bridge in this video looks like the old one, but as I take a closer look, it looks like a surface mount bridge.
"I need to practice my slap"
*proceeds to play lines that most bass players aren't able to*
i have an 80s RSB Deluxe that i love, amazing action.
great demo, thanks! Beside not having a brass nut, looks and sounds like original SB-700.
Beautiful bass, just wish they made a budget model! I think J&D make a good copy but not available in the west
“Perfectly balanced…as all things should be” - The purple guy
Didn’t know you could still get them
Wow Jayme that's really nice
Love this format. Owned 2 Aria Pro 2s in the 1990s
always enjoy your videos bro. what headphones are you using?
Great video! I hate this bass, but I love your demos!
I want one
Made in Indonesia? Eh
I want one so bad
Price?