Aria ProII history

In the late 1970s, Japanese guitar manufacturers competed fiercely to create the most original instruments. While iconic models like Yamaha's "SG" and Greco's "GO" were being produced one after another, Aria Pro II poured all its technology and passion into creating a guitar that would later become an icon of the brand. Its name was "PE (Pro Electric)".

This article delves into the history and core appeal of the Aria Pro II PE, a masterpiece of Japanese-made original models that remains beloved by many guitarists to this day.

thisRecruitBehind this was the skillful negotiation tactics of Arai Trading. At the time, Arai Trading had learned that an unknown Asian brand was selling inexpensive guitars equipped with DiMarzio pickups. They promised DiMarzio that "the pickups would not be sold as individual parts, but would always be installed in finished guitars." This allowed them to ensure a stable supply of pickups and reduce costs.

Thanks to this strategy, Aria guitars, including the PE series, gained a significant advantage by being equipped with DiMarzio pickups, and it is said that this greatly contributed to increasing DiMarzio's brand recognition. However, there is an interesting anecdote that Larry DiMarzio himself was not so pleased that his company's pickups were being installed even on inexpensive models.

Following the success of the PE-1500, the lineup was expanded the following year, 1978, with the addition of the "PE-1000," "PE-800," and "PE-600." Particularly noteworthy is the "PE-1000U," which was produced in a limited run of only 78 units. This model, with its body finished in lacquer, was a truly uniquely Japanese masterpiece, fusing traditional Japanese craftsmanship with the electric guitar.

Between 1980 and 1981, the PE underwent a major redesign and was renamed "PE-R". While retaining the excellent body shape and heel-less design of the PE, the specifications were significantly changed.

• Head shape: The horns at the tip have been shortened, resulting in a more compact and sleek appearance.

• control: It features two volume/two tone controls and a dual sound switch to toggle the sound of each pickup.

•   bridge: The original integrated design has been changed to a separate type "Super Tunable Bridge" and "Quick Hook Tailpiece" that enhance tuning stability.

The reason the bridge and controls were changed to specifications similar to those of a Gibson Les Paul is likely due to the prevalence of domestically produced Les Paul copy models at the time, as well as the fact that Gibson itself was seriously focusing on vintage reissues.

Subsequently, in response to the HR/HM (hard rock/heavy metal) boom of the mid-1980s, more modern and advanced models such as the "PE-R80KV" and "PE-SUPRA," equipped with Kahler bridges, were successively released. The PE series has always remained at the forefront of the music scene, evolving with each era.

More than 40 years have passed since the birth of the original PE-1500, and even now, the PE remains an indispensable part of the Aria Pro II lineup, a cornerstone that supports the brand.

While evolving with the times, the underlying philosophy of "balancing beauty and functionality" remains timeless. PE represents a pinnacle of Japanese guitar making and will undoubtedly continue to forge new history alongside countless guitarists.

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