What is the primary construction method of the Aria SB-700?

The Aria SB-700 uses a neck-through-body design. This means the neck wood runs the entire length of the instrument, with the body 'wings' attached to the sides for superior sustain and stability.

What woods are used in the neck of the SB-700?

The neck is a 7-ply laminate construction consisting of maple and walnut. This multi-ply approach prevents warping and adds to the instrument's rigid, high-sustain character.

What does the 'Dual Sound Switch' do?

The Dual Sound Switch allows the player to flip the MB-1E pickup between series and parallel wiring. Series mode provides a louder, bassier tone, while parallel mode offers a brighter, more articulate sound.

How many frets does the Aria SB-700 have?

The instrument features 24 frets on a rosewood fingerboard. The heel-less cutaway design ensures that all 24 frets are easily accessible to the player.

What type of pickup is installed in this model?

The SB-700 is loaded with a single MB-1E pickup. This is a powerful unit designed specifically to work with the SB series' electronics and wood configuration.

What is the body material of the SB-700?

The body wings of the Aria SB-700 are made of ash. Ash is known for being a resonant tonewood that provides a balanced frequency response.

What tailpiece is used on the Aria SB-700?

The bass is equipped with a QHB-1 tailpiece. This chrome hardware is designed for reliable string anchoring and intonation stability.

Is the Aria SB-700 suitable for beginners?

While a beginner can certainly play it, the SB-700 is a professional-grade instrument priced around £1029. Beginners might typically look at more affordable options like the Gear4Music Chicago or Squier series before investing in a neck-through Aria.

How does the SB-700 compare to a Fender Jazz Bass?

The SB-700 offers a neck-through design and 24 frets, whereas a Fender Jazz Bass typically uses a bolt-on neck and 20 or 22 frets. The Aria also features a single humbucking-style pickup with series/parallel switching, unlike the dual single-coil setup of a Jazz Bass.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model is finished in a Natural Walnut. The finish is designed to provide a vintage look while showcasing the natural wood grain.

Does the SB-700 feature a heel at the neck joint?

No, it features a heel-less cutaway. Because of the neck-through construction, there is no traditional neck plate or bulky joint, allowing for effortless movement across the entire fretboard.

What hardware finish is used on the SB-700?

The instrument features chrome hardware, including the tuners and the QHB-1 tailpiece, which complements the dark walnut finish.

Gear article

Aria SB-700 Electric Bass Guitar (Walnut)

The Aria SB-700 is a premium 4-string electric bass guitar featuring a distinctive neck-through-body construction and a walnut finish. Built with a 7-ply maple and walnut neck combined with an ash body, it is designed for maximum sustain and effortless access to its 24-fret fingerboard.

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Overview and Design

The Aria SB-700 represents a high-performance iteration of the SB series, a line known for its boutique-style construction at a professional price point. The instrument is defined by its neck-through design, which integrates the neck into the body core to enhance vibration transfer. The body is crafted from ash, providing a resonant foundation, while the 7-ply maple and walnut neck ensures structural stability.

One of the instrument's most notable physical features is the heel-less cutaway. This design choice removes the bulky joint typically found on bolt-on or set-neck guitars, allowing the player's hand to transition smoothly to the highest registers of the 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.

Electronics and Sound Character

The SB-700 is equipped with a single MB-1E pickup, positioned to capture a balance of warmth and definition. The instrument's sonic versatility is managed through a Dual Sound Switch. This toggle allows the user to switch the pickup wiring between series and parallel modes:

Series Output: Provides a rich, high-output tone with a focus on low-end punch, suitable for rock and heavy genres.
Parallel Clarity: Offers a more articulate, thinner, and brighter sound, often preferred for technical playing, slapping, or styles requiring greater note definition.

Combined with the natural sustain provided by the neck-through build, the SB-700 delivers a 'hi-fi' bass character that remains clear even through high-gain amplification.

Hardware and Aesthetics

Finished in a natural Walnut stain, the SB-700 maintains a classic, organic aesthetic that highlights the wood grain of the ash wings. The hardware is finished in chrome, featuring a robust QHB-1 tailpiece designed to hold tuning stability under aggressive playing conditions. The combination of vintage styling and modern engineering makes it a 'bold blend' suitable for both studio work and live performance.

Market Position and Comparisons

Retailing at approximately £1029, the Aria SB-700 sits in the professional mid-to-high tier market. It competes directly with established American and Japanese-made instruments.

Fender Player II and American Professional II Series: While Fender models like the Jazz Bass or Precision Bass offer traditional bolt-on construction and passive/active configurations, the Aria provides a different feel through its neck-through sustain and 24-fret range.
Squier and Entry-Level Packs: Unlike the Squier Classic Vibe or Gear4Music Chicago packs, which are aimed at students and intermediate players, the SB-700 is built for touring professionals seeking a higher level of craftsmanship and specific tonal switching capabilities.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary construction method of the Aria SB-700?: The Aria SB-700 uses a neck-through-body design. This means the neck wood runs the entire length of the instrument, with the body 'wings' attached to the sides for superior sustain and stability.
What woods are used in the neck of the SB-700?: The neck is a 7-ply laminate construction consisting of maple and walnut. This multi-ply approach prevents warping and adds to the instrument's rigid, high-sustain character.
What does the 'Dual Sound Switch' do?: The Dual Sound Switch allows the player to flip the MB-1E pickup between series and parallel wiring. Series mode provides a louder, bassier tone, while parallel mode offers a brighter, more articulate sound.
How many frets does the Aria SB-700 have?: The instrument features 24 frets on a rosewood fingerboard. The heel-less cutaway design ensures that all 24 frets are easily accessible to the player.
What type of pickup is installed in this model?: The SB-700 is loaded with a single MB-1E pickup. This is a powerful unit designed specifically to work with the SB series' electronics and wood configuration.
What is the body material of the SB-700?: The body wings of the Aria SB-700 are made of ash. Ash is known for being a resonant tonewood that provides a balanced frequency response.
What tailpiece is used on the Aria SB-700?: The bass is equipped with a QHB-1 tailpiece. This chrome hardware is designed for reliable string anchoring and intonation stability.
Is the Aria SB-700 suitable for beginners?: While a beginner can certainly play it, the SB-700 is a professional-grade instrument priced around £1029. Beginners might typically look at more affordable options like the Gear4Music Chicago or Squier series before investing in a neck-through Aria.
How does the SB-700 compare to a Fender Jazz Bass?: The SB-700 offers a neck-through design and 24 frets, whereas a Fender Jazz Bass typically uses a bolt-on neck and 20 or 22 frets. The Aria also features a single humbucking-style pickup with series/parallel switching, unlike the dual single-coil setup of a Jazz Bass.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model is finished in a Natural Walnut. The finish is designed to provide a vintage look while showcasing the natural wood grain.
Does the SB-700 feature a heel at the neck joint?: No, it features a heel-less cutaway. Because of the neck-through construction, there is no traditional neck plate or bulky joint, allowing for effortless movement across the entire fretboard.
What hardware finish is used on the SB-700?: The instrument features chrome hardware, including the tuners and the QHB-1 tailpiece, which complements the dark walnut finish.