Aria STG-003

Features — 7
Bought used from a musician, don't know the manufacturing year but I would guess around 2009-2010. It's got a solid alder body and 22-fret maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard, bolted into the body. We have your typical Strat setup with 3 single-coil pickups, a tremolo hardtail bridge and 5-way switch. No other fancy features, it's pretty much designed to get you playing as quickly as possible. The neck is a little fatter than I expected and has a rough satin finish. It's a little raw and unrefined.

Sound — 7
Suited my blues and classic rock style fine, the sound was a little thin and treble-y. But it's loud and could be played clean or dirty without issue. Played it through a Marshall combo. I didn't use any effects with it and just cranked up the gain a little when playing AC/DC, Hendrix, etc. It's not a noisy guitar. You can get a wide variety of sounds, although I wouldn't play Metal or anything too heavy. The pickups really are basic but considering the price on this guitar they're good value for money.

Action, Fit & Finish — 7
The guitar was not set up by the previous owner. I needed to adjust the truss rod several times to get it right, as well as changing the strings. Wiring and finish were all fine, there are no complaints. The hardware is just ok and holds well. Overall the finish was fine for the price point, for a budget guitar I never expected much anyway. But it feels solid and put-together enough for you to start playing your first riffs. It's a no-nonsense finish and anyone looking for something different would be ill-advised.

Reliability & Durability — 8
I would use this as a second live guitar, or rehearsals and home practice. Reason being the sound quality could be better but it's unbeatable at this price point. Durability is fine. It's dependable and looks ok. I have fun using it and it has never let me down. I still own it, I actually prefer it over the Squier Bullet as it's got a little more personality. It's great feeling and sounding for the price, and will be a good introduction for someone starting out. It will do the job just fine for you.

Overall Impression — 7
The underrated Aria STG-003 isn’t as popular as the Squier Bullet or Affinity alternatives, but the reliably basic quality is on par with those models. It sports decent pickups, good construction and a nice neck, which is a little thicker than on most Strats. It’s a good guitar to start on, although you would not gig with it as is. Despite this it’s quite reliable, so if you can find one used at a good price then do go for it. The pickups are warmer than the Squiers, which is good thing. You could upgrade the pickups longer term.

2 micros double + 1 single microphone (not like the photo), 22 frets, 2 Tone + 1 volume and a switch to bring it into force. Finally it has a rglage 5 positions but rather means Ralite 3 positions ... but the sound remains.

UTILIZATION

The neck is super end we walk over too well, the ACCS is easy to acute galre it has to play from the box 18 but hey, it must be said that will not often on the box 18 !

SOUNDS

It is versatile I think the sound is clear plutt fit, when I plug my Big Muff on it so good: a bourrine, and in his or blues crunch is still not bad.
The sound is pretty slamming (but not as much as a Fender no longer important to RVer)
Frankly for the price it gives good it sounds.

OVERALL OPINION

I play with since ending for four years and has never possible to problem, it's a super good guitar to start, plus the price is really good for a: 180 short: good value qualitprix
What I like least is not having intrupteur rhythm / solo on a Epiphone as it was for that I will change it soon (I + This now and then especially of money take me to the top of the range). Well served when they have me even from my beginners and I advice all those who have no big budget.
If I had to buy a small electric scraper I repeat it sr.
But it is now time to pass the same stuff when balaise +.