PE-145 Tree of Life

This is an extremely tasteful and rare guitar. I've only seen another one like this.

To my knowledge, Aria Matsumoku production made only 2 electric guitar models with the Tree-of-Life:

the PE-145 and the LS custom, both from the second half of the '70.

Lots of details and quality construction put this beauty at the top of the high level models.

Fret edge binding, unique tortoise body binding, engraved carved top, mother of pearl inlays (both for Logo and and Tree of Life).

The sound is powerful and rich, clear and defined: a perfect blend of tones.

These early models did not have a serial number but for this instrument I'm guessing it was made between '77 and '78.

Playability is great: the neck is thick and comfortable, easy and fast to move around.

The pickups are original and of two different kinds: looks to be a Protomatic I in the bridge and a '57 type in the neck.

Here it is (in a different color version) on a '77 catalog.