'80s Ibanez FG100 vs Aria Pro II EA650

[Samis]

Hi

There are two 80's laminate archtops for sale near me, Ibanez FG100 and Aria Pro II EA650.

Both are in great playing condition and feel really nice. Aria is straight 175 clone and FG100 is more original Ibanez design.

I would like to hear your opinions about these guitars and if you have tried them both even better!

Thanks!

[Little Jay]

I would imagine they are both probably very similar in both sound and feel.

That being said, the FG-100 has become somewhat of a classic that goes for well over 1K overhere in Europe.

[Samis]

I would imagine they are both probably very similar in both sound and feel.

That being said, the FG-100 has become somewhat of a classic that goes for well over 1K overhere in Europe.

Yeah, and I guess the Ibanez price would go higher in future compared to less known Aria. The problem to choose is because they both feel really good to play!
The feel and sound on Aria is pretty close to few old es-175 models I've tested. FG100 is maybe a little more modern with smaller body depth.
I was wondering if somebody had tested them both and would have strong opinion that one of them would be clear winner, they are both early 80's.
How would you say the extra body depth of 175 style body affects the sound compared to slimmer ibanez design. I'm no expert in reviewing that kind of tonal quality.

[golfus]

I have both. For me the winner or the one I play most is the Fg100. Probably due to ergonomics. The full size depth of the Aria makes it less confortable to me but that is a personal thing. Quality wise I think that both are on par. Both necks are very confortable, the Fg being meetier. One neck is mahogany and the other alder?The EA has very good MMK 61 pickups and the Fg can have Super 58 or Super 70. The 70s are very good but powerful. Behare that the Aria might have a sound post installed and that changes the sound depending if the back of the guitar is touching your body or not. The difference is not subtle.

[Samis]

I have both. For me the winner or the one I play most is the Fg100. Probably due to ergonomics. The full size depth of the Aria makes it less confortable to me but that is a personal thing. Quality wise I think that both are on par. Both necks are very confortable, the Fg being meetier. One neck is mahogany and the other alder?The EA has very good MMK 61 pickups and the Fg can have Super 58 or Super 70. The 70s are very good but powerful. Behare that the Aria might have a sound post installed and that changes the sound depending if the back of the guitar is touching your body or not. The difference is not subtle.

This particular ea650 has sound post installed. I noticed it's more silent acoustically but do you think it affects amplified tone also?

[golfus]

Yes the amp reflects how you have positioned your guitar but if you put it at an angle the sound opens up a lot. Its only holding it against your body that gets more muted.