Aria SB-600

1) For some while now I have been confused about the difference between an SB-600 and an SB-700. This is down to my misunderstanding the word “fixed” in Aria's own description of the neck. I thought it meant “corrected”, “sorted”, “improved”. It doesn't here, it means “glued-in”!

The fixed neck of an SB-600 So my friends, behold a fixed neck!

It is surprising how something made like this can be strong enough to take the tension of four strings, but it clearly is.

Diego Napoli from Milan, Italy owns several SBs including this black beauty built in 1980 (serial #009030).

SB-600 body What a beautiful finish!

SB-600 headstock Bat-ears on this SB-600.

SB-600 headstock 2) Diego also owns an SB-600 with a bolt-on neck, built in 1979 (#F790037).

SB-600 headstock The finish is a classic sunburst, and again the headstock (not shown) is black with bat-ears.

3) Derek Bish of the UK sent in these photos of a smart SB-600.

Derek says, “Thought you might be interested in this. It’s an early (1979) SB-600 I think. I recently found and acquired it for £150. I think it looks great.”

I agree, Derek. Looks like you've found a bargain there!

He continues, “It is in very good condition and I doubt that it’s been played much (no fret wear and just some dulling of the finish where it’s been played with a plectrum). Despite the bolt-on neck it plays and sounds really nice.”

4) Another early sunburst SB-600 with bolt-on neck. But the headstock this time is also sunburst, which I prefer to the black. I think this owner (name lost - please contact me if it was you) has replaced the knobs.

5) Sent in by Simon Ford.

6) Evie Payne of England sends these photos of his SB-600.

He says,“I came across your website whilst trying to find a new case for my SB600. Mine has gone in for a major refurbishment on the electrics after the jack socket packed up during a gig last week. AAAAARGH! I have been neglecting it a bit of late - the tone control knob is missing, case falling apart, etc. So I thought I had better get it sorted out!”

Evie goes into detail about the history of his basses : “I bought my SB-600 in January 1984 for £279 from Modern Music in Truro, Cornwall. I traded in two Hofner basses for the case which cost £62. (£31 per Hofner bass!!! If only I knew then how much they would increase in value).”

“I have been using it regularly for gigging and recording ever since (and apart from last weeks mishap it has been completely reliable). I have played it in everything from MOR/Country duos, Heavy Metal bands, a New Orleans Jazz band through to a 12-piece Blues band. Always played through a Trace Eliott amp of some sort.”

“Along the way I have also owned a Musicman Stingray bass. Fantastic sound but I found it uncomfortable to play and never liked the feel of it. So I swapped it with a mate for a fretless Aria SB-1000, which I loved. The ebony fretboard was a work of art in itself. It was a joy to play. Unfortunately, at that time the music I was playing had little call for fretless bass and, needs must, I swapped it for an Electrovox 15" bass cab which I still have and use.”

“I've also owned a Fender Precision bass which, like the Musicman I didnt like the feel of. At present I have (cheap) copies of a Gibson EB-0 and a Gibson EB-3. These I acquired because I'm a big fan of Andy Fraser's (Free) bass playing. I love his "bubbly" style and lots of bottom end. I also have a lovely Fender Jazz bass on permanent loan, but my Aria SB-600 is still my number one choice!”

7) Young Sam Jenkins of the UK was selling his friend Dave's SB-600 on eBay recently.

Unfortunately I didn't keep the description and I can't remember what the bass sold for. Sam, if you read this perhaps you or Dave could add a few more details?



Please continue to send in your SB-600 photos and stories folks, but only if your SB-600 is in some way different to the ones already shown on this page.