The Electra Forums

Hello

Got a ARIA TA-50 that I picked up in a pawn shop several years ago that I like a lot. Always liked 335's but wouldn't never spring for a Gibson price so when I found this hanging on the wall, took it down, tried it out and ended up making a deal for it. Got a couple of questions:

1-I can't find any serial number anywhere. My best guess is it is a 2003 to 2005. It was like new when I bought it in 2010. Does anyone know maybe what factory it might have been built at? Pretty sure it was made in China.

2-Recently decided I would upgrade the pickups. I got a new set of Seymour Duncan SH-1 59's to go in it. I was planning to go ahead a change the electronics out with CTS pots, switchcraft switch and jack while I was at it. I've been studying the process required to make the change out tieing string or attaching tubing to pots to remove and using the same to fish the new back through the holes. I have considered a pre wired harness but decided to fish my old electronics out first before ordering new replacements. Anybody with experiance regarding this, I would appreciate any tips!

Thanks Platefire

I know that production was moved to from Japan to Korea in the late 80's. Samik is the name I have heard. There may be a label somewhere inside the body. I have never plyed one but have heard good things about them.

Well I did some research before I bought it and at the time they were going for about $500 to $600 and I was able to make my deal for $190. I was amazed at the apparent quality for the cost I was seeing and after several years shows no sign of coming apart and is holding steady. I also got a nice hard case for it. So I'm looking forward to installing the new SD 59's in there. Have had some issues with the neck vol pot scratchy even after using cleaner so I will be going with new wiring harness/parts.

I've looked up into the f-holes at every possible angle trying to find writing but nothing. If there was a serial number ever on it, it must have been a decal/sticker and it came off. Thanks, Platefire

I hope I am not too late repying to this it's a pretty old post. I have a guitar I bought second hand and I have been trying to determine the model. I had narrowed it down to a TA-50 or a TA-Classic. The serial number is on a paper label stuck on the back of the head but it's no help as I can't find any site that has serial number information.
Platefire, can you tell me how you are sure that yours is a TA-50 and not a Classic?
There seem to be variations on where the f holes are located on various Aria guitars and the logo varies as does the shape of the head and the shape of the inserts on the fretboard. As far as I can tell yours is identical to mine apart from the scratch plate (mine came without one and I'v fitted an ill fitting replacement).