Aria LW12HB, Natural, Gig Bag - Used
Aria built the LW series in Japan in the early 1980s as one of their entry-level lines, but the Japanese-era Aria guitars from this period have developed a real following among players who know what to look for — a reputation for consistently outperforming their original price point. This one is a clear example of why. Plenty of play wear tells you it has been somebody's working guitar, and a total sleeper made in Japan dream is exactly the right way to describe it. It punches well above its weight, with a full-bodied tone that a lot of acoustic guitars at this level never achieve.
The action is slightly high by modern standards, but it sounds great as it sits, and a player who likes a bit more resistance under the fingers may not feel any need to change it. We want to be upfront about one cosmetic issue: the finish is bubbling up slightly in one spot on the back of the neck, which makes that area feel a little rough to the touch. It is cosmetic and localized, not a crack or structural concern, but it is there and worth knowing before you buy. Check the photos for the full picture, along with the general play wear throughout. Comes with a gig bag.
A note on documentation: information on the Aria LW series is genuinely scarce, even within collector circles, and we could not confirm exact top, back, and sides materials with certainty from available research. The specs below reflect what is confirmed from the instrument itself.
- Make: Aria
- Model: LW12HB
- Era: Early to mid-1980s
- Country of origin: Japan
- Body style: Dreadnought
- Finish: Natural — bubbling/lifting in one spot on back of neck, see description
- Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz
- Modifications: None confirmed
- Includes: Gig bag
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
