The Arai company has used different logos on their instruments over the years. AriaProII was used on their electrics from the 70s-90s. Early ones from 70s-mid80s were made in Japan at Masumoku (I always spell that wrong) factory and are considered high quality. Higher than current Epiphones for sure.
Some real good finds out there as while many people know about them, they're still mostly not highly collected so you can grab them for a bargain. Back in the 80s you could steal these 70s guitars for $100 bc there was no want for them and no Internet to spread the word of the quality.Now if you buy an 80's model, it could be 30 years old. Condition will be only as good as it was cared for over those 30 years.I'm a fan - my 3rd guitar back in 1990 was an Urchin. (still have it). Was my #1 for over a decade. I've owned half a dozen AriaProII's over the years.
Hello all, I have a, aria pro ii LP copy im trying to get info on. From what research ive done, it seems to be a mid/late 70s but there is no serial number and the headstock/color combo I have not seen at all. Sandwich mahogany body, maple cap, long tenon neck joint, PCB controls.
Good stuff, but bc of the age, best to play one in person when deciding to buy one - unless you can set up guitars. They set up well in my experience. Just make sure it's a made in Japan model. I have a few of the older ones.
A bass, a strat and a TS model.That one you were looking at is newer.You can read and learn about the history of the company here.That site covers the made in Japan era at the matsumoku factory up until the mid 80's I think.The one you were looking at is a 'modern' Aria. It's a little hard to find much information about the modern company.
But that one is Korean made. They still make some of the very high end models in Japan but those run into the 2000 dollar range.The old PE model came in price ranges all up and down the spectrum and the new ones seem to be similar.So it's best to do your homework and learn how to spot the differences between old and new and also low and high end. My first guitar was an Aria Pro II Strat copy, made in the mid 90s. The electronics crapped out after about two years, and the frets were showing serious wear after just over a year. The guitar had nice features (a coil splitter switch for the bridge HB), the finish looked good, and the neck carve was nice, but it was a very cheap guitar. I've returned to it a few times to try to mod it to make it a playable instrument again, but I'll need to switch out a whole lot of parts, and give it a refret besides (which is well beyond my ability). Aria Pro IIs get enough good feedback here and around the net, but while I loved my first guitar more than anything else in the world at the time, it was a very cheap guitar.
The Japanese ones have become legendary, but I'm afraid it IS a bit of a legend. They're quite nicely made, but nothing really special, pickups are pretty characterless, and pots are garbage. Well that's the thing with Aria's. They weren't the best Japan was making. Yeah they had some mid/higher end PE models like Fretts' there, and a few other rare exceptions. But for the most part they occupied a lower rung than companies like Greco, Tokai, and Burny. Most of Aria's models were low to mid range overall.The best deals in my opinion.are those mid range (which was pretty much the top of THEIR line) fender and gibson copies that weren't available in the US.
For example my strat.This thing cost me about 170 bucks (before shipping from japan.less than 250 to my door). It has one of the nicest maple necks I've ever felt. Matsumoku was still a 'done by hand' factory back in those days. The body is 2 piece alder. What fender gives you a 2 piece body?
Certainly not mexican. Maybe.if you're lucky.Where it doesn't measure up to better MIJ brands is in it's pickups and electronics, and it's finish. Their poly finish sucks and it's too thick. And ALL my Aria's are like that. But when people talk about 'modding platforms'.I can't think of anything even remotely close to the kind of basic quality the neck and body are on these old Aria's.Thing is though.the 'fender copies' that made it to N. America were different than these ones. The Aria Les Paul copies in Japan are also a nice 'bang for the buck' level guitar.
The Ari Pro II Guitars - The Matsumoku FactoryThe Ari Pro II Guitars from ‘75 to mid ‘80’s were built in the Matsumoku Factory in Japan. The Matsumoku Company were the General Motors of Guitars. Just like GM they made a guitar in every price range and quality level from a Chevy to a Cadillac.
They made guitars for Ibanez, Aria Pro II, Yamaha, Epiphone, Washburn, Kramer Westone, Vantage, Greco, Frontier, Skylark and others. Their low end guitars were a good bang for the buck and played better than most cheap guitars of that era. On the other hand, their high-end guitars were some of best guitars ever made. Many of these guitars are 5 piece maple-walnut neck-thru with Ash bodies. They play like butter. Most all were 24 fret with coil taps and out of phase switches.
Many had 6 way tone switches and features such as 1 or 2 active power boosts or active EQ pre amps. With this combination you had a guitar that could get an acoustical tone as well as the heavy metal blaster sounds with distortion. Their hardware, pots, switches, bridges and pick-ups were not the greatest in older models but by the time the RS Series came out they were much improved and some used Dimarzio pickups. Because the price of many of these high-end models was only slightly lower than the cost of some top US brands they were often overlooked and did not sell well in America.
AnonymoX is an initiative for anonymization in the internet. The aim is to restore the users right of anonymity in the web. Firefox anonymous. Most websites monitor the behaviour of their users, giving the websites hosts the ability to analyze the general users behaviour and create detailed user profiles, which often times are sold to third parties.
In the ’70’s and ‘80’s people in the US had never heard of the Matsumoku Company or knew anything about their build quality. Why get a Japanese off-brand when for a few hundred dollars more you could get a Gibson or Fender?Aria Pros II high-end modelsThe high-end Aria Pros II models are awesome guitars and arguably better guitars than many top US brands including Gibson and Fender. It has only been in the last few years that the high-end Matsumoku Factory built guitars have become highly sought after by collectors due to their special features, 5 piece neck-thru body design, ebony fretboards and top build quality.High-End Collectables worthy of checking out:The TS-600 “Thor” and the RS-X70 and RS-X80 models (X80 had fancy inlay and nicer neck) are 2 exceptional neck-thru rock guitars that can also grab acoustical tones with no problem. Finger picking or sheading is no problem with these babies. These are in your face guitars that can still be bought for a fair price (TS is cheaper).The TS-600 “Thor” has 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, 6 way tone switches and 1 active power boosts pre amp.The RS Series X70 and X80 are the later model that slowly phased out the TS series, slightly different body shape. These guitars have much better hardware.
They had 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, Dimarzio pickups and 2 active power boosts pre amps.The RS-800-12 model is a 12 string electric with 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps and out of phase switches and the highly sensitive hum-free design MH-I Humbucker pickups that were used on the SH Models.The SH-800 and SH-1000 (1000 had 2 active EQ pre amps) is the most unusual model they made. Much can be said about this guitar. It was designed at the Matsumoku Factory by top Luther Nobuaki Hayashi (H.Noble). This guitar seemed to sell well in the US.
The SH model (also called FS model) is a 22 fret, ebony fretboard, 5 piece neck-thru “Hollow Body” guitar. It may be the only neck-thru hollow body guitar ever made.
It is a very complex design. Each side of the body, top and back, is a solid piece of wood that is split down the middle into a 2 piece chamber-structure. The insides of the 2 pieces (on each side of the neck) are carved out and sandwiched back together making the top and back of the guitar solid pieces of hollowed out wood blocks.
Unlike most hollow bodies, it is not light. This is a very heavy guitar.With the 2 active EQ pre amps it can deliver many sounds and tones. It has warm tones like a Gibson 335 or ‘60’s Gretsch hollow bodies, but has sustain that only a neck-thru body guitar can deliver. With the EQ switch in the 1 st position and pickup switch in the middle position you can get an acoustical guitar sound that is great for finger picking. The EQ adjusts each string to the same volume level.Also note that this is one of the most beautiful guitars ever built. It is gorgeous.
It is a work of art. The bodies were available in 4 different wood stains over the years, natural stain (N), light oak stain (O), walnut stain (WA) or a very dark stain (AR). These guitars are almost too pretty to play. The flame in the Ash wood body, MOP tuners, the highly sensitive hum-free design “MH-I Humbucker” pickups, custom made Noble Bridge, and build quality are all amazing. The back covers are matching wood.
They even have pearloid inlay inside the S-Holes. Everything about this guitar is top of the line.
These guitars play great, sound great and are very collectable.The first year models in 1978 were sold as “FS” models. It was a one year only model and somewhat different from the later models. These models, the FS-750 and FS-1000 had 24 fret necks, Humbuckers, but not the highly sensitive MH-I Humbucker pickups and the 1000 model only had one S-Hole cutout in the top half. They also had a different volume/switch control layout and some had painted bodies. Also note that in Europe these guitars were often sold as a “FS” models rather than “SH” models.
There is no information as to why this occurred. I have seen both FS-1000 and SH-1000 that appear to be the same guitars and same year.
To really confuse things in the late ‘80’s they made a Strat-Style model FS-1000’s. In the US most of these guitars seemed to be sold as SH models. The production run was from 1978 to 1981. Although the SH models are quite often for sale there is very little information available about these unique guitars.The PE-R80 though it is not a neck-thru, it is a great Les Paul Copy with humbuckers, coil taps, maple top and back, built in heel-less cutaway maple neck, Gold Hardware, matching wood covers on back.Aria Pro II DownsideAlthough the high-end Aria Pro II models such as the TS, RS, SH and others were great guitars they had their downside. Their hardware was never great. Some of their Bridges and Pots were terrible.
Some bridges were made of pot metal. The TS model came with at least 4 different types of bridges that are different sizes with different holes placements. Trying to find a replacement bridge for a TS model is next impossible. They are no reproduction or replacement parts anywhere.Aria Pro II also made many cheap guitars and out right copies (clones) of other guitar brands. This was their downfall. They copied the Gibson 335, Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, the Rickenbacker’s, the BC Rich’s and many other heavy hitters of the day.
Each model came in many different price ranges from bolt on necks, jointed necks, to neck-thru. They made many low-end, bolt on neck guitars with cheap pots, switches, bridges, pick-ups etc.
When it came to coping other brands, they would rip off the Rabbi and piss on the Pope to make a quick buck. They had no shame.
Although some of the high-end clones such as the PE-R80 Les Paul copy were very good guitars the cheaper models sold far better. They flooded the market with low-end models. This gave them a “knock-off” reputation that they have never lived down to this day. Even though they made some great models, with outstanding features, they are often remembered as a Company of “Cheap Copies.” They sold many cheap guitars but far less high-end, more expensive, models. History tends to remember the quality of a guitar not the price. Because so few high-end guitars were sold in the US you don’t see them or hear as much about them.
In the ‘80s they continued clone and copy anything, even pickups. The Aria Pro II MK 1300 and 1600 were copies of a BC Rich “Mockingbird.” Although not a bad guitar, it could not come close to the workmanship and quality of a handmade guitar by Bernie Rico. BC Rich Guitars in the mid ’70’s to mid ‘80’s were custom handmade guitars. They used the best woods in the world like Koa and Curly Maple, coupled with the most expensive hardware and pickups available on the market. Aria Pro II should have never went down that road. The Urchin U100 was another attempt to compete with the BC Rich “Bich.” Although the guitars shape was radically different, the switch layout was the same.
It was still somewhat a copy of a “Bich” and clearly aimed at the BC Rich market. The Urchin U100 was to be their “flagship” model, with the most elaborate electronic features, as well as becoming their highest priced guitar. It quickly gained the reputation of just another BC Rich knock-off and they did not sell well. They also flooded the market with low-end, bolt on neck, cheap priced Urchin models (U60, U70, and Deluxe). Many people have never heard of the U100 and very few people have seen or played one. Over the years the Urchin U100 has proven to be pretty good guitar. They are quite rare and highly collectable today’s market.
Edited August 25, 2015 by FrankE2Yoo.
Contents.History Aria was formed in Japan in 1956 by Shiro Arai as 'Arai & Co., Inc'.They began retailing acoustic guitars in 1960, although the company did not start manufacturing their own until 1964. Aria arranged for, the musical instrument maker, to build the guitars for them under contract. Arai and Matsumoku started building acoustic guitars in 1964, and then electric guitars in 1966, using Arai, Aria, Aria Diamond, Diamond, and much less frequently, Arita brand names. The Aria brandname was changed to Aria Pro II in late 1975, though this has been used mostly (but not exclusively) for electric guitars and basses.
All guitars were made in Japan until 1988, when production of less expensive models (Magna MAB/MAC and Integra IGB series) was switched to. In the mid-1990s a few models (including the -inspired Fullerton series guitars and the 6-string fretless signature bass) were made in the. Guitar designer and audio engineer, started his career with Aria in 1985 when they were located in the.Guitars.
This section contains content that is written like. Please help by removing and inappropriate, and by adding encyclopedic content written from a. ( June 2009) Aria Pro II did some copies of famous American guitars such as the and the though it also did its own style of guitars. In the 70s and early 80s the company came into its own in the United States with a series of high end professional instruments. The company had professional endorsements from, Loose Wayne and SS of Dark Frost and many more. Of Metallica used an Aria SB Black N Gold I as well as an SB-1000 bass but was never an official endorser.
He has a posthumous 'Signature Model' called the SB-CB produced in Korea. Aria makes guitars ranging from beginner to professional models. Another user of the Aria Pro II SB-1000 was bass guitarist, lead vocalist and frontman Cronos of the band Venom. He can be seen using the bass in the 1985 performance at the Hammersmith Odeon, commencing with the third song of the set.
Some of their professional models were known as Firebrands because of the FirebrandedAria logo on the reverse of the headstock. The Firebrand guitars were produced in very small runs.
They were then given to either named artists who promoted Aria Guitars or to the very top dealers as gifts. Firebranded Guitars were produced to a much greater standard than production runs.Aria has also built amps, such as the 10W Birdy.Gallery Aria Pro II. ^ harvnb error: no target: CITEREFHistoryofARIAProII , ' The company Aria Co., Inc was established in 1956 by Mr.Shiro Arai.
^ harvnb error: no target: CITEREFTheHistoryofAria , ' On August 2nd, 1956, ARAI & CO., INC was founded.' .
^ on Aria website, 9 Oct 2019. Fjestad, Zachary. Blue Book of Guitar Values. Blue Book Publications, Inc.
Archived from on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-07-28.
Luthier/designer Ronnie Parker was the CEO of RJP Technologies. RJP Technologies has designed instruments for several large manufacturers including Washburn and Daisy Rock.Bibliography. Music-Trade.co.jp.: Dai-Showa Corporation. Aria Guitars Arai & Co., Inc.
(in Japanese).: Arai & Co., Inc.: Aria UK Limited.Further reading Wikimedia Commons has media related to. アリアの響 Aria's sounds. 2004. アリアプロIIの壱 Aria Pro II part 1.
2006.External links. NAMM Oral History Library (2006).