Historical Summary

Before 1976 there appears to be no explicit use of pickup name identification in Aria catalogs or other literature. Base plates for some pre-1976 models, but not all, may have been engraved with the 'Maxon' brand name, 'Pat. Pend.' mark, and ink stamped date codes, or some were simply stamped with date codes only. Manufacturers other than Nisshin Onpa (i.e. Maxon brand) may have also made unmarked pickups for Aria prior to 1976 (example names noted further below). With a new marketing direction taken in 1976 and the badge name change to Aria Pro II, catalogs began to use identification names. In 1977 multiple newly named pickup models and DiMarzio brand pickups were introduced, with most of these models still identified in catalogs until 1981. The 1977 Japanese catalog also notes proposed use of DeArmond and Hi-A brand pickups, but this does not appear to have been actually done. No subsequent year to 1977 introduced as many new pickup names. The year 1979 had the highest total number of existing and new model names, at 28, including one Gibson model used for two years. In 1979 DiMarzio began the use of model numbers in association with model names, but Aria continued in subsequent years to use the DiMarzio names only. From 1980 to '83 relatively few new model names were introduced. Gibson PAF models appeared in 1981 and 1986, but only a couple examples have surfaced. The  years of 1984 to 1986 saw increased new name introductions, despite the demise of the Matsumoku factory by early 1987.

The range of new model names over the years was not always a reflection of fully new physical examples. Several appear to just be marketing-based name changes, with either minor or no component differences between models. Each of the base plate MMK marked humbucker variants had more than one model name. MMK 45 pickups were named Protomatic IV, Protomatic V, and Smooth Crash. MMK 53 were Protomatic III and Classic Power IIIS. Two different pole and slug configurations are seen in MMK 45 and 53 while the base plate is physically the same between the three different marked versions of each. The base plate is also generically the same as DiMarzio Super II and earlier Super Distortion and Dual Sound, except for attachment bolt type. One pole/slug configuration is seen in MMK 61 with a matching configuration in MMK 75, which also has a second base variation matching MMK 45 and 53. MMK 75 marked models were Classic Power, Classic Power II and IIS. Additionally, the early EXTRA-I and II models were possibly interchangeable models with early Protomatic I and II. EXTRA-III appears to be the same as newer EXTRA-I but with added coil split wiring. EXTRA-II may also be the same as AL-V, and later AL-V versions may have had base plates changed to, and marked, MMK 61. The base plate of early Protomatic II is the same as unmarked AL-V, and EXTRA-II and 7, and marked AL-VII and AL-5S. HOT STRATO and SP-1, PRO HUMBUCKER and U.S.A. Ceramic, Powerplus-I and MH-I, also appear to be relative pairs of matched pickups. Several of the above examples have threaded pole through base plates that mimic Gibson design. The Gibson T-Top style top face appearance was also copied on several models.  Some models have pole and bobbin design and color appearance matching DiMarzio brand examples, i.e., hex pole all black versions of MMK 45 and 53 appear the same as Super Distortion and Super II, RSP-IV matches SDS, and Hot Blades mimic X2-N.

Aria Pro II Japanese made pickups from 1976 to 1986 are associated to five manufacturers. Nisshin Onpa (i.e. Maxon brand) and in-house at the Matsumoku factory are confirmed, with three other suggestions being Keiyo, Tokiwa, and Gotoh Pickups. Magnets used in the 'U.S.A. Ceramic' model ('76-'78) are stated in 1976 & '77 Japanese catalogs [32, 33] to be American made. A German magazine article in 1977 also states the magnets and coils used in the LS-700 Les Paul copy, also ‘U.S.A. Ceramic’, came from the same supplier as Gibson [78]. This is notwithstanding the fact Gibson was using alnico, not ceramic, in humbuckers. This alleged US/Gibson sourcing is not confirmed however by better references, and it might just be hyperbole. Nisshin Onpa is confirmed as a pickup maker by the use of ink stamped date codes and engraved PAT. PEND., similar to known Maxon brand pickups also used by other guitar manufacturers. Maxon style date codes appear in 1976-77 on three models and until 1978 for one model, but not thereafter. A singular example including the Maxon style engraved name occurred in Dec. 1975 (presumed thus to be for 1976 sale), for the only mini humbucker in the range. Keiyo is a known maker in recent times, but is a difficult name to research with only sparse information that they were in business in the 1970s (or possibly as early as the 50s). Tokiwa is also a known maker, and is confirmed to have been in business at the time but was a small company, and what specifically they may have produced for Matsumoku is unconfirmed. Both Keiyo and Tokiwa have nonetheless been identified in interviews with former staff, as suppliers. Keiyo seems to be mentioned more often, and interpreting reference translations might suggest that they supplied component pieces, such as magnets, if not entire assembled pickups. Gotoh Pickups is a logical assumption because of their status as a Matsumoto based maker since 1966, located approximately 1km from the Matsumoku factory (Goto Manufacturing Co. Ltd. as of 1974, Goto Co. Ltd. as of 1978). Pickups were presumably made, or assembled, in-house by Matsumoku as of potentially 1978 based on the first MMK style with a 45 stamp. This coincides with the establishment of Matsumoku's own brand of Westone in 1975, and first Westone electrics in 1979. Most of the Westone brand pickups have matching Aria Pro II examples, specifically the MMK range. MMK are also common in Vantage badged guitars. Trade magazines have confirmed in-house production as of 1983 [15, 56, 70]. The introduction of MMK stamps, as of ca. 1981, is felt to reinforce the idea of in-house development from three years prior, based on continuity of the 45 mark. MMK likely represents highlighted consonants in MatsuMoKu, and/or crossover with consonants from Kōgyō-yō (translated as industrial, or Matsumoku Kogyo when translated as a proper noun), or MoKKō (translated as woodworking).  

Poster Summary

The inventory poster contains charted and illustrated examples of all pickup models that had a confirmed name and confirmed base mark, or either a confirmed name but no mark, or mark but no confirmed name. A few examples of unknown names with no marks are also included for relative completeness. Guitar model descriptions in catalogs that do not have pickups identified are assumed to be likely covered by a match in this inventory. The charted total number of pickups is not fully represented in the accompanying photo examples of top faces and base plate marks. Photos selected do nonetheless represent all the currently known base plate marks specifically for humbuckers, at the time of publishing, and most of the key top face (without covers) design changes and differences. Base marks and the same top face of multiple model names are not repeated redundantly in pictures, but notes are provided to indicate where multiple names apply. Catalog spelling often has slight differences for the same pickup model in different years, and in English or Japanese versions. Upper or lowercase lettering, hyphens and periods, and Roman numerals versus regular digits, are often seen to differ. All variant pickup names are included in charting, in relative or approximate chronological order. Pictures are also shown in general timing order in columns from top left, using relative earliest and approximate by year model names. Confirmed years in charting is based on catalog dates and base marks matched to serial number dating, where known. Probable year highlighting is gap filling inference.  

Supporting Notes

T-Top Humbuckers

Seen on the U.S.A Ceramic, ALNICO-VII, Protomatic II (ver. 2), EXTRA-II (ver, 2). Alnico-V, EXTRA-7, and AL-FS models; embossed numbers and HPI upper case letters (with slight mold related distortions typical). The #s and HPI are copies of Gibson. HPI is Hughes Plastics Inc., Gibson's bobbin and pickup rings maker. The #s are thought to be injection mold ID, 1&2 used for screws and 3&4 used for slugs. The small holes are drilled/molded through extensions of the base matched bolt attachment holes. T-Top models, and others, are seen with either steel or brass poles, depending on the overall hardware mix. Brass poles are specifically seen with gold pickup covers. Seen on the U.S.A. Ceramic humbucker (maybe others ?), some but not all, with the 2 lowest string slugs partially sunk in.

Mogami Wire

Pickup lead wire found on some models, specifically T-Top variations, can be stamped MOGAMI or MOGAMI WIRE & CABLE CORP with PATENT PENDING LOW NOISE WIRE. Mogami was a manufacturer in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, a few kilometres south of the Matsumoku factory.

Maxon Date Codes

Confirmed years for use of Maxon brand pickups in this inventory are 1975 to 1978. The applicable date codes can be read as follows.

5 digit (1975 to Oct. 1977)

1st: unconfirmed, 2 is most common

2nd: year, 5 = 1975 / 6 = 1976 / 7 = 1977

3rd: month, 1-9 = Jan.-Sept., 0 = Oct., X = Nov., .(dot) = Dec.

4th & 5th: day of the month 01-31

6 digit (Nov. 1977 into 1978)

1st: unconfirmed, 2 is most common

2nd: year, 7 = 1977 / 8 = 1978

3rd & 4th: month, 01-12 = Jan. to Dec.

5th & 6th: day of the month 01-31