Aria Guitars: History, Famous Models & Legendary Players

When it comes to quality guitars that blend Japanese design and craftsmanship with genuine playability, few names carry as much heritage as Aria. Whether you're a beginner picking up your first electric guitar or an experienced player searching for a premium acoustic guitar, Aria has a rich legacy worth knowing about.

A Brief History of Aria Guitars

Aria was founded in 1956 in Nagoya, Japan, by Shiro Arai. Originally importing and distributing American guitars in Japan, the company soon began manufacturing its own instruments under the Aria and Aria Pro II brand names. By the late 1960s and through the 1970s, Aria had established itself as one of Japan's premier guitar manufacturers, producing instruments of exceptional quality that rivalled — and in many cases matched — their American counterparts.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Aria became particularly well known for producing high-quality copies of classic American designs, as well as developing their own original body shapes. Their instruments were built in some of Japan's finest factories, including the legendary Matsumoku plant, which was responsible for producing guitars of remarkable consistency and craftsmanship. This era is often referred to as the golden age of Japanese guitar manufacturing, and Aria was at the very heart of it.

What Makes Aria Guitars Special?

Aria guitars have always stood out for several key reasons:

• Japanese craftsmanship — meticulous attention to detail in construction, finishing, and hardware selection.
• Playability — Aria instruments are consistently praised for their comfortable neck profiles, low action, and excellent fretwork straight from the factory.
• Value for money — even at mid-range price points, Aria guitars deliver tonewoods, hardware, and build quality that punch well above their weight.
• Versatility — from jazz-friendly semi-hollows to hard-rocking solid bodies, Aria covers a wide tonal spectrum.
• Heritage and collectability — vintage Aria Pro II models are increasingly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Famous Aria Guitar Models

Aria Pro II PE Series (Professional Edition)

Perhaps the most iconic Aria model of all time, the PE Series — introduced in the late 1970s — features a distinctive carved-top single-cutaway body inspired by classic American designs but with its own unmistakable character. With a mahogany body, set neck, and twin humbuckers, the PE delivers warm, sustain-rich tones ideal for rock, blues, and jazz. Vintage PE models are now highly collectible.

Aria Pro II SB Series (Bass)

The SB Series bass became one of the most celebrated bass guitars of the early 1980s. With its sleek, ergonomic body, active electronics, and superb build quality, the SB was a genuine alternative to the Fender Jazz Bass and Music Man StingRay. It remains a favourite among discerning bass players to this day.

Aria Pro II RS Series (Urchin)

The RS Urchin was Aria's answer to the pointy, aggressive body shapes that dominated the hard rock and heavy metal scene in the early 1980s. Lightweight, fast-playing, and visually striking, the Urchin became a cult classic.

Aria 212 / Dreadnought Acoustics

On the acoustic guitar side, Aria's dreadnought and folk-body models have long been a staple recommendation for students and intermediate players. Solid tops, quality tonewoods, and reliable tuners make them a dependable choice for fingerpickers and strummers alike.

Aria Classical Guitars

Aria also has a strong tradition in classical guitar making. Their nylon-string instruments are widely used in music education and are respected for their warm projection and comfortable playability — ideal for students working through grades or adults returning to the instrument.

Famous Players Who Have Used Aria Guitars

Over the decades, Aria guitars have been played by some genuinely notable musicians:

• Cliff Burton (Metallica) — the legendary bassist was famously associated with the Aria Pro II SB bass in the early days of Metallica, helping to cement the SB's reputation as a serious rock instrument.
• John Taylor (Duran Duran) — another high-profile SB Series user, Taylor's use of the Aria bass during Duran Duran's peak years brought the brand to a massive mainstream audience.
• Andy Summers (The Police) — Summers used Aria guitars during his career, further underlining the brand's credibility among professional musicians.
• Steve Hackett (Genesis) — the prog rock guitarist has been associated with Aria instruments, particularly their classical and acoustic models.
• Herb Ellis — the jazz guitar legend endorsed Aria's jazz-oriented models, lending the brand serious credibility in the jazz world.

Aria Guitars Today

Aria continues to manufacture guitars and basses across a wide range of styles and price points. Their modern lineup includes electric guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars, and even ukuleles — all carrying the same commitment to quality and playability that has defined the brand for nearly seven decades.

Importantly, Aria operates across two distinct tiers. At the top end, they continue to produce high-end, Made in Japan instruments — premium guitars and basses built to the exacting standards the brand was founded on, using quality tonewoods, superior hardware, and the kind of meticulous finishing that only comes from experienced Japanese luthiers. These are serious instruments for serious players. Alongside these, Aria offers a broad range of more affordable guitars and basses manufactured overseas, designed to bring the Aria name and ethos within reach of players on a tighter budget. These entry-level and mid-range models represent excellent value, delivering reliable playability and solid construction that make them a smart choice for beginners, students, and anyone looking for a dependable instrument without breaking the bank.

Whether you're drawn to the vintage appeal of a classic Aria Pro II or looking for a reliable, well-made instrument for everyday playing, Aria remains one of the most trustworthy names in the guitar world.

Browse our full range of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars, and bass guitars at Music Bits — and if you'd like advice on finding the right Aria for you, give us a call or pop into the shop.