I have an Aria ProII archtop resonator banjo that was part of an insurance settlement for a Gibson RB250 that was stolen. The inlay, hand carved neck, and general appearence are amazing. The tone ring could be better, but I'm too lazy to change it, same for the tuners, but it's a good as anything out there.
I have an Aria Leened J-Bass.
I played about four of them in different shops and the differences between them were like playing a Fender Jazz bass and an Encore (do you get them in America?).
Anyway, the one I got in the end is fantastic, but there could be a lot out there that aren't.
Just my 2 cents.