c1990's Aria Custom Shop VB-01 (Japan, Sunburst)

From the listing

Seller's description

For sale is a rare 1990s Aria Custom Shop VB-01 Violin Bass, made in Japan and presented in excellent condition. Produced only for a short period during the mid-to-late 1990s, the VB-01 combines classic violin bass styling with upright-inspired design elements, including a carved scroll headstock and semi-hollow body construction. This short-scale bass features an arched maple top paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, resonant acoustic character with excellent articulation and clarity. The maple neck is topped with a bound rosewood fingerboard featuring dot inlays and a distinctive “Aria Custom Shop” block inlay at the 21st fret. The three-piece flame maple neck has a comfortable medium C profile, while the medium jumbo frets remain in outstanding condition. Electronics consist of the original CB-1C neck humbucker alongside an undersaddle piezo pickup, offering a uniquely versatile tonal range. The humbucker provides a deep, punchy response with strong mids and vintage-style growl, while the piezo system adds acoustic-style attack and upright bass character. A built-in active 2-band EQ with stacked bass and treble controls allows for extensive tone shaping, powered by an easily accessible 9V battery compartment on the rear of the body. Additional original hardware includes the TB-TP trapeze tailpiece with clean chrome plating, smooth and stable clover-style tuners, original control knobs, and a bone nut and saddle for enhanced sustain and clarity. All electronics and hardware function exactly as intended. Cosmetically, the Brown Sunburst gloss finish shows only light signs of use, including a few small chips and minor edge wear around the lower bout and back of the body, along with some faint surface scratches. The neck finish beautifully highlights the flame maple figuring, with only a few shallow marks that do not affect playability. A very uncommon Japanese-made custom shop bass with distinctive looks, impressive tonal flexibility, an