Aria Pro II Meister Acoustic MSG-02BS — A Classic Acoustic for Every Player

A Guitar Built on Legacy

The Aria Meister Series MSG-02BS is one of those instruments that earns its place on the wall and in your hands. Crafted with a solid Engelmann spruce top and a distinctive rosewood back, it delivers a warm, resonant tone with clear projection — qualities that have defined quality acoustic guitars for generations. But to truly appreciate what the Meister Series represents, it helps to understand the story behind the Aria name.

A Brief History of Aria Guitars

Aria was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1956 by Shiro Arai. What began as a small import business quickly evolved into one of Japan's most respected instrument manufacturers. Through the 1960s and 70s, Aria built its reputation producing high-quality copies of American classics, but it was their original designs of the 1970s and 80s that truly set them apart.

The brand became synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship at accessible price points, earning a loyal following among professional and amateur players alike. Aria guitars were manufactured in some of Japan's finest factories — including the legendary Matsumoku plant — and the quality of their instruments from this era is still celebrated by collectors today.

By the 1980s, Aria had expanded into a full range of electric guitars, basses, and acoustics, and their instruments were being played on stages worldwide.

Famous Players Who've Chosen Aria

Aria's reputation wasn't built on marketing alone — it was built on the players who trusted the brand:

• Cliff Burton — The iconic Metallica bassist was closely associated with Aria basses early in his career, helping cement the brand's credibility in the rock world.
• John Taylor — Duran Duran's bassist was another high-profile Aria endorsee during the band's 1980s peak.
• Andy Summers — The Police guitarist was known to use Aria guitars during the band's formative years.
• Steve Howe — The Yes guitarist has been associated with Aria, further underlining the brand's appeal to serious musicians.

The Meister Series MSG-02BS — What Makes It Special

The MSG-02BS sits firmly in that Aria tradition. Here's what sets it apart:

Solid Engelmann Spruce Top — Unlike laminate tops found on many guitars at this price point, the MSG-02BS features a solid spruce top. Engelmann spruce is prized for its light weight and wide dynamic range, producing a bright, articulate tone that opens up beautifully with age and playing.

Rosewood Round Back — The distinctive back of selected rosewood gives this guitar a unique acoustic character — focused midrange projection with a warm, full-bodied resonance. It also makes the guitar exceptionally comfortable to hold.

Mahogany Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard — Mahogany brings warmth and sustain to the neck, while the rosewood fingerboard adds smoothness under the fingers and a touch of tonal richness to every note.

Bone Nut and Saddle — A detail often reserved for higher-end instruments, bone hardware improves sustain, resonance, and tuning stability compared to plastic alternatives.

Vintage Open-Gear Machine Heads — The traditional chrome open-gear tuners give the MSG-02BS a classic aesthetic while providing reliable, precise tuning.

Bolt-On Neck Joint — Aria's choice of a bolt-on neck joint on this model is a deliberate engineering decision, generating clear projection and strong body resonance — and making any future neck adjustments straightforward.

Specifications at a Glance:

• Top: Solid Engelmann Spruce
• Back & Sides: Rosewood, Round Back
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut & Saddle: Bone
• Nut Width: 43mm
• Scale Length: 650mm
• Frets: 20
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Sunburst

Who Is This Guitar For?

The MSG-02BS is a genuinely versatile instrument. The 43mm nut width gives fingerstyle players plenty of room to work, while the 650mm scale length and solid spruce top deliver the volume and clarity that strummers and singer-songwriters need. Whether you're a developing player looking for your first serious acoustic or an experienced guitarist wanting a reliable, characterful second instrument, the Meister Series delivers.

Supplied by an authorised Aria Pro dealer, every MSG-02BS comes with the assurance of genuine manufacturer backing and warranty support.