well I`ve been to the sale twice, looked at the LS150s and didn`t buy one. I thought there was something wrong with me...and some would say there is... but I ventured over to the local Hard Off...don`t ask, the Japanese do odd things with English... and there was an Aria Pro II Leopard in the junk section. $96.oo US and shop policy is no trysies before purchasing from that section...you pays your money and you takes your chances. So, I looked at the guitar and figured the parts alone would be worth more than that on Yahoo Japan if the guitar didn`t work...took a chance.
Got it home, plugged it in and it works...p`ups, volume and tone pots too.
Removed the p`up rings and...they`re DiMarzios !!! double white open face ... those alone make the guitar worth the money. Serial number on the back of the headstock is 105070...I`m guessing 1981? It has the screw in the neck tenon and is stamped 15-079 in the cavity. Pot solder is original so I assume they must be too. Cavities are shielded, body is 2 piece back and 3 piece tobacco burst top but not pancake. neck is 3 laminated pieces...probably withstand a nuclear blast...and living so close to North Korea...thats a distinct possibility. Anyways...took it apart, cleaned all the crud off it slapped some 10s on her and she purrs.
NOW I know why the guitar gods wouldn`t let me buy the LS150s...they were saving my wallet from myself. lets see...an $860.oo Tokai or a $96.oo 1980s Aria Pro II.....hmmmmmmm. Guess I`ll wait and get a used LS150. I just love finding these old MIJs... gonna sleep like a babe tonight.