Aria Pro II History

In the late 1970s, Japanese guitar manufacturers were fiercely competing to showcase their originality. Amid the successive emergence of legendary models such as Yamaha’s “SG” and Greco’s “GO,” Aria Pro II poured all its technical expertise and passion into creating a guitar that would become the brand’s iconic symbol: the “PE (Pro Electric).”

In this article, we delve into the history and core appeal of the Aria Pro II PE—a masterpiece of Japanese original design that remains beloved by many guitarists to this day.

Behind this decision lay the skillful negotiation tactics of Arai Trading. Upon learning that an unknown Asian brand was selling inexpensive guitars equipped with DiMarzio pickups, Arai Trading promised DiMarzio that they would “never sell the pickups as individual parts, but would always install them in finished guitars.” This strategy succeeded in securing a stable supply of pickups and reducing costs.

Thanks to this strategy, Aria guitars—including the PE series—gained a significant advantage by featuring DiMarzio pickups, and it is said that this also contributed greatly to raising DiMarzio’s brand awareness. However, there is an interesting anecdote that Larry DiMarzio himself was not particularly pleased that his company’s pickups were being installed even in low-cost models.

Following the success of the PE-1500, the lineup was expanded the following year, 1978, to include the "PE-1000," "PE-800," and "PE-600." Particularly noteworthy among these is the "PE-1000U," produced in a limited run of 78 units.Featuring a lacquer finish on the body, this model was a true masterpiece that fused traditional Japanese craftsmanship with the electric guitar—a quintessentially Japanese approach.

From 1980 to 1981, the PE underwent a major redesign and was renamed the "PE-R." While retaining the PE’s excellent body shape and heel-less construction, the specifications were significantly revised.

• Headstock shape: The horns at the tips were shortened, giving it a more compact and rugged look.

• Controls: Equipped with 2 volume and 2 tone controls, plus a dual sound switch to toggle between the sounds of each pickup.

•   Bridge: The original one-piece design was replaced with a separate-type "Super Tunable Bridge" and "Quick Hook Tailpiece" to improve tuning stability.

The decision to modify the bridge and controls to specifications closer to Gibson’s Les Paul is thought to have been heavily influenced by the historical context of the time—specifically, the heyday of domestic Les Paul copy models and the era when Gibson itself began rolling out its vintage reissues in earnest.

Subsequently, in response to the HR/HM (hard rock/heavy metal) boom that began in the mid-1980s, more modern and advanced models such as the "PE-R80KV" and "PE-SUPRA," equipped with a Kahler bridge, were released one after another. While changing its form with each era, PE remained at the forefront of the scene.

Even now, more than 40 years after the birth of the original PE-1500, PE remains an indispensable pillar of the Aria Pro II lineup, supporting the brand.

While evolving with the times, the underlying philosophy of “balancing beauty and functionality” remains as vibrant as ever. The PE represents a pinnacle of Japanese guitar craftsmanship and will continue to carve out new history alongside countless guitarists.

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