Aria Pro II JPJ-3

Back in 1983, ESP were making signature models for contemporary rock stars - Masayoshi Yamashita was one such chap - the ESP PPJ-160 was a special order from ESP for a few years. Matsumoku produced their own version of this configuration - the JPJ-3. The first appearance in any brochure was in 1986 by which time the pair of Precision-style pick-ups were angled. This is an early model

These basses were the spiritual successor to the Westones that had ceased production, but were still in demand. The JPJ-3 was the proper wild one - using the same pick-ups as the older Concord II and Thunder basses - amusingly but accurately titled Hard Puncher, this one punched and kept kicking.

3 pick-up basses are rare - a few boutique builders offer them with Strat control philosophy and a few folk have customised their favourite basses to try and just need one bass for a gig, and ended up with a scratchplate full of switches and a good memory to remember how to get sounds on the fly.

This is the original evolution of the JPJ-3 and benefits from a significantly more intuitive and useful control philosophy - 3 Volumes and 1 Tone; therefore all the possible combinations and everything in between.

Tipping the scales at 4.37kg (9lbs 10oz) this is a medium weight but well balanced bass; in fantasttic condition and ready for work.

We use early iterations of the JPJ-3 as the basis for a dramatic rebuild with modern upgraded components and switching options, but this one is perfectly fine to to live on as Matsumoku designed it first time round. We can upgrade it if the next owner prefers.