Aria ProII history
The revolutionary sound: Exploring the Aria Pro II "RS"
In 1979, Aria Pro II shocked the market with its multi-functional "TS" model, and without delay, released another ambitious product: the "RS (Revolution Sound)" series.
As its name suggests, the RS series, with its concept of "revolutionizing sound," was strongly influenced by Alembic, which was considered the top guitar brand at the time, unlike the TS which was influenced by BC Rich. The position of the pickup selector and the shape of the knobs clearly show this influence. Along with the TS, it was a model that embodied Aria's spirit of exploration in how to elevate the cutting edge technology of the time into its own originality.
The original RS's innovation: two hearts
The initial lineup consisted of two models: the "RS-850" and the "RS-750." While they looked similar at first glance, their core components—the circuitry—were completely different.
- RS-850: It featured the "RS-CIRCUIT Type-I" active circuit. Equipped with a low-pass filter and a 3-position filter switch for each pickup, it allowed for a wide range of precise sound shaping.
- RS-750: It features the passive circuit "RS-CIRCUIT Type-II." Each pickup has a phase (reverse phase) switch, creating a unique sound.
The most distinctive feature common to both models is the "center slave pickup" positioned in the middle, which appears to be three single-coil pickups. This is a special pickup that does not directly output sound, and it played completely different roles: in the RS-850, it provided a hum-canceling effect, while in the RS-750, it produced a mixed/phase sound.
In terms of design, it features an asymmetrical six-in-line headstock similar to the TS, and a double-cutaway body reminiscent of a Stratocaster.RecruitFurthermore, it was one of the first to incorporate the "Super Tunable Bridge" and "Quick Hook Tailpiece," which would later be featured on the PE-R.RecruitIn short, its innovative approach shone through in many aspects.
The expanding RS universe and the diversification of specifications
In 1980, the RS series rapidly expanded its lineup.
The RS-1000Z, a higher-end model featuring the same passive circuit "RS-CIRCUIT Type-II" as the RS-750 and utilizing a zebrawood body top, was introduced. Furthermore, the RS-600, a more affordable model, was added, featuring the newly developed "RS-CIRCUIT Type-III," which omits the phase switch from the Type-II.
In addition, in response to the needs of the times, the "RS-HUMBUCKING" series equipped with humbucker pickups was also released. The "RS-750D" equipped with DiMarzio Dual Sound and the "RS-650H" equipped with Aria's original MH-1 pickup were added, further expanding the world of RS.
Evolution to a new identity: "RS-X"
In 1981, the RS underwent a major model change.
The headstock has been changed to the same symmetrical 3:3 shape as the PE-R. The humbucker model now incorporates the new "Xtronic-I" circuit, which includes dual sound, phase, and clean/overbooster functions. Furthermore, the neck scale has been changed from 650mm to a medium scale of 630mm, among other significant updates to playability, and the model name has been changed to "RS-X".
Towards becoming a long-selling product loved across generations.
The evolution of the RS series continued unabated. In 1983, it returned to the six-in-line headstock shape, but with an even sharper and more refined design than the initial model, a form that is still used in the current RS and MA series. At the same time, the "RS Deluxe-V" and "RS SPECIAL-V," which have specifications closer to a more traditional Stratocaster, were added to the lineup.
The RS series has always been keen to sense the trends of the times, and has continuously revolutionized itself by sometimes daring to change its models. This spirit of inquiry and flexibility may be the biggest reason why the RS has become a long-selling model that continues to this day.
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.
Author of this article:Nihei (TCGAKKI (Electric guitarist)
I learned about the guitar through the manga "BECK" when I was in junior high school, and was influenced by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, which awakened my passion for rock music.
I graduated from a vocational school specializing in guitar making.TCGAKKIAcoustic floor,TCGAKKIShe previously worked as a staff member at Premium Guitar Lounge. Currently, she is in charge of electric guitars, actively spreading her love for the instrument through column writing, YouTube appearances, and other means.
Qualifications and experience: 8 years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser
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