Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-350 Transparent Red Electric Guitar, (Used)

The Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-350 in Transparent Red is a distinctive electric guitar with classic Japanese design character, comfortable playability and a versatile dual-pickup layout. The Cardinal Series has long appealed to players who want something different from the usual Strat, Tele, Les Paul or SG shapes, offering a sleek body design with a strong vintage-inspired personality.

This pre-owned Aria Pro II CS-350 is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use but remains fully functional and ready to play. It is a great choice for players looking for a characterful Aria Pro II guitar with plenty of visual appeal and practical everyday usability.

With its Transparent Red finish, compact body shape and straightforward electric guitar layout, the CS-350 works well for rock, indie, alternative, blues, punk, garage, classic pop and players who enjoy guitars with a slightly left-field feel.

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-350 is in Good condition. This means it shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Good condition is ideal for players who want a reliable pre-owned electric guitar with visible signs of use and strong playing value.

What’s Included?

✔ Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-350 Transparent Red Electric Guitar

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Gigbag Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows visible signs of use such as marks, small dents, light scratches, surface wear or general handling wear.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned Aria Pro II CS-350 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Pickups checked
• Pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Tailpiece checked
• Neck relief assessed
• General playability assessed

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Aria Pro II Cardinal Series guitar has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Aria Pro II Cardinal Series CS-350?

Distinctive Cardinal Series Design

The Cardinal Series has its own look and feel, making it a great choice for players who want something outside the standard electric guitar shapes. The body design is comfortable, stylish and instantly recognisable to fans of vintage Aria Pro II instruments.

Great Alternative To Familiar Classics

If you want something different from a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul or SG, the CS-350 offers a refreshing alternative. It still feels practical and familiar as an electric guitar, but has a more unusual visual identity and playing character.

Dual-Pickup Versatility

The dual-pickup layout gives players a useful range of tones for rhythm and lead work. It can handle clean chord parts, driven rock sounds, punchy riffs and warmer lead lines, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.

Transparent Red Finish

The Transparent Red finish gives the guitar a bold and attractive look. It adds visual depth while keeping the guitar classy and stage-friendly, making it a strong choice for players who like instruments with personality.

Strong Choice For Indie, Rock And Alternative Players

The CS-350 suits guitarists who want character, clarity and a slightly different feel from more common electric guitars. It works well with overdrive, fuzz, modulation and delay, making it especially appealing for indie, alternative and garage-influenced sounds.

Excellent Pre-Owned Value

As a pre-owned guitar in Good condition, this CS-350 offers strong value for players who care more about tone, feel and character than perfect cosmetic appearance. It is a practical option for regular playing, rehearsals, recording and home use.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Aria Pro II CS-350 vs Gibson SG

The Gibson SG has a thinner, sharper rock feel with a classic Gibson identity. The Aria Pro II CS-350 offers a more unusual Japanese design flavour while still delivering a comfortable double-cut-style playing experience.

Aria Pro II CS-350 vs Les Paul-Style Guitars

A Les Paul-style guitar usually has a heavier single-cut body and thicker humbucker tone. The CS-350 feels more compact and individual, making it a good option for players who want something lighter in character and less conventional in appearance.

Aria Pro II CS-350 vs Fender Stratocaster

A Stratocaster gives bright single-coil tones and a familiar contoured body. The CS-350 offers a different voice and feel, with a more distinctive vintage Japanese design identity.

Aria Pro II CS-350 vs Yamaha SG / SBG Models

Yamaha SG and SBG models are known for solid construction, sustain and powerful tones. The Aria Pro II CS-350 sits in a more compact and quirky design space, appealing to players who want a vintage-style Japanese guitar with a slightly more unusual personality.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

The CS-350 can suit a beginner who wants something more interesting than a standard starter guitar. Its straightforward controls and comfortable body make it practical, while its distinctive look gives it extra personality.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players will appreciate the CS-350 as a characterful upgrade or second guitar. It offers a different playing experience from more common electric guitars and works well for writing, rehearsals and recording.

Professional Players

Professional players can use this guitar as a studio texture instrument, alternative live guitar or distinctive backup. Its unique look and tonal personality make it useful when you want something that stands apart from standard guitar sounds.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Aria Pro II CS-350 is well suited to:

• Rock
• Indie
• Alternative
• Blues
• Punk
• Garage rock
• Classic pop
• New wave
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Home practice
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Players wanting a distinctive vintage-style electric guitar

Why Choose A Vintage-Style Aria Pro II Guitar?

Aria Pro II guitars have a strong following among players who appreciate Japanese guitar design, practical build quality and distinctive model lines. The Cardinal Series is especially appealing because it does not simply copy the most common electric guitar shapes. It has its own identity.

For players, that means you get a guitar that feels familiar enough to use every day but different enough to inspire new ideas. The CS-350 is a strong option for guitarists who want character, playability and value in one instrument.

It is also a great choice for players building a varied guitar collection. Rather than adding another standard design, the CS-350 brings a different visual and tonal flavour to the rack.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Aria Pro II guitar, vintage-style electric or pre-owned instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Aria Pro II Cardinal Series

The Aria Pro II Cardinal Series is remembered for its distinctive body shape, practical layout and strong association with Japanese electric guitar design. These guitars were created for players who wanted a stylish, comfortable and versatile instrument that stood apart from more familiar American designs.

The CS-350 captures that appeal well. It has a compact feel, bold finish and enough tonal flexibility to suit a wide range of playing situations. It is the kind of guitar that appeals to musicians who enjoy instruments with personality and history.

For players looking for a pre-owned electric with a different look and a strong sense of character, the Aria Pro II Cardinal Series remains a highly appealing choice.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

Is the Aria Pro II CS-350 suitable for rock?

Yes. The dual-pickup layout and comfortable body shape make it well suited to rock, indie, alternative, punk and garage-style playing.

What makes the Cardinal Series different?

The Cardinal Series has a distinctive body shape and a strong vintage Japanese design identity, making it stand apart from more common electric guitar models.

Is this a good choice for recording?

Yes. Its characterful voice and unusual design make it useful for recording guitar parts that need a different texture from standard Strat, Tele or Les Paul-style sounds.

Can it handle overdrive and fuzz?

Yes. The CS-350 works well with overdrive, fuzz, boost and distortion pedals, especially for rock, indie and alternative tones.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. It can suit beginners who want a straightforward electric guitar with more personality than a typical starter model.

Is this a good second guitar?

Yes. It makes a strong second guitar for players who already own a more traditional electric and want something with a different look and feel.

How does it compare with a Stratocaster?

A Stratocaster has a more familiar single-coil sound and body shape. The CS-350 offers a more unusual design and a different tonal character.

Does it work well with pedals?

Yes. It works well with overdrive, fuzz, delay, reverb, chorus, phaser, tremolo and amp-modelling setups.

Is this suitable for live performance?

Yes. The CS-350 is suitable for live use, especially for players who want a guitar that looks and sounds different from the usual stage choices.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Aria Pro II guitars, vintage-style electrics and pre-owned instruments.