One of Aria’s best banjos in its day, built in Japan in the 1970’s which makes this banjo over 40 year old. This 19 fret Aria Pro 2 tenor banjo was very much modelled on the Gibson Mastertone, so the neck profile is exactly the same. The headstock has the hearts & flowers pearl inlay and geared tuners. The fretboard is made from rosewood and the position markers are identical the Gibson hearts and flowers. Many of the Far Eastern banjos available today which may look similar to the Aria do in fact have cheaper components, even the inlays would be cut from plastic rather than mother of pearl. Everything from the tone ring to the selected woods are good quality and this reflects in the sound of this banjo. Whether it’s your first banjo buy or you are looking for a gigging banjo (a Fishman banjo pick up can be fitted to this model) this banjo ticks all of the boxes. Comes with a hardshell case.