A Comprehensive Guide to the Aria Pro II PE-1500

This is Nihei!!

Everyone, are you familiar with the Aria Pro II “PE” model?

"PE" is an original model introduced with the Aria Pro II, and stands for "Pro Electric."

Aria was established in 1975 as an electric instrument manufacturer and brand owned by Arai Trading; the name “Aria” was created by swapping the “i” and “a” in “Arai.”

As for “Pro II,” it’s said that the U.S. distributor at the time requested “a slight change,” so they added “II” to the name.

“Pro I” was also a candidate, but it was reportedly scrapped because it didn’t roll off the tongue very well (laughs).

Getting back to the topic, the PE-1500 model was released in 1977, two years after Aria was founded.

In the late 1970s, domestic manufacturers like Greco and Yamaha began releasing their own original flagship models, such as the Greco GO and Yamaha SG-2000, and the PE stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them as one of the most cutting-edge models of the time.

Although the PE-1500 was created using a different approach than other companies’ original models, it established its own unique identity, particularly in terms of design.

Just like other original Japanese models, the PE-1500 is packed with Aria’s charm—let’s take a closer look at it!!

Headstock

The tip of the headstock protrudes like the horns of a stag beetle, and its center features a Gibson-like design with two peaks and a valley.

The text inscribed in the center reads “DESIGNED AND APPROVED BY H.NOBLE,” indicating that Nobuaki Hayashi—who currently heads Atlansia—was involved in the PE’s development.

Neck/Fingerboard

The PE-1500 features a fingerboard made of rosewood or ebony.

Body

Maple was used for the body when the model was first released; by the 1980s, the construction changed to maple/mahogany/maple.

One of the PE-1500’s defining features is that both the top and back are arched.

Combined with the antique brown finish, this gives the instrument a luxurious feel reminiscent of a violin or vintage furniture.

The neck joint features a smooth, heel-less cut, making it very easy to access the higher frets despite being a single-cutaway design.

It may be hard to tell, but the one on the left has a maple/mahogany/maple body, while the one on the right has a maple body.

The control panel is neatly recessed into the body.

I believe the PE’s unique appeal—which sets it apart from other instruments—lies in its focus on functionality while maintaining a premium image, as evidenced by the arched body top and back.

Pickups/Parts 

The pickups are DiMarzio Super Distortions, which were gaining prominence as replacement pickups at the time.

At the time, DiMarzio wouldn’t sell pickups individually but offered them at a lower price when installed in Aria Pro II guitars, which is why they were also featured in PE models and other copy models from that era.

The tops of the control knobs are veneered with rosewood, giving them a high-end feel.

The bridge is the original Supermatic bridge.

It is a two-point mounting system, and the bridge is radiused to match the fingerboard.

Early models used standard Phillips-head screws for the angle adjustment at the end of the bridge, but these were changed to standard set screws to prevent sleeves from catching on them during play.

The left image shows the early model; the right shows the set screw version.

Domestic original models like the Yamaha SG and Greco GO have many unique charms, but

I believe the PE’s greatest appeal lies in the fact that “superb playability and beauty coexist.”

The first thing I noticed when I picked up a PE for the first time was how well the body shape fit my body.

I still remember being shocked by how well the arched back—which I’d always viewed as a symbol of luxury—actually fit my body.

I believe the PE-1500 is a model that has provided an answer to a challenge that is difficult to achieve even when actively pursued: prioritizing a sense of luxury while still being highly playable and user-friendly for the player!!

 Nihei