Aria ProII

Aria ProII history


In the late 1970s, Japanese guitar makers fiercely competed for originality. Amidst the emergence of legendary models like Yamaha's "SG" and Greco's "GO," Aria Pro II poured all its technical expertise and passion into creating a single guitar that would become the brand's enduring symbol. Its name: "PE (Pro Electric)".

This article delves into the history and core appeal of the Aria Pro II PE, a masterpiece of domestic original models still beloved by many guitarists today.

The first flagship model, the
"PE-1500," boasting the beauty of a work of art.

In 1977, the PE-1500 flagship model emerged as the origin of the PE series, embodying the dedication of Arai Trading and Matsumoku Industries.

Respecting the traditional electric guitar style while achieving its own unique evolution, its design was truly the crystallization of functional beauty. The body top and back featured an elegant "Curved Top" specification. Particularly noteworthy was the meticulous attention to detail: even the control panel on the body back was carved from the same wood as the body, ensuring the wood grain seamlessly connected.

The neck joint features a smooth "heel-less design" that dramatically improves playability at the high frets. Combined with the comfortable arched body, it ensures the player feels absolutely no stress. The "Antique Brown" finish, reminiscent of antique furniture, lends elegance and distinction to its beautiful form.


The PE-1500 made no compromises whatsoever in its parts. It employed reliable Grover tuners and featured the original "Supermatic Bridge."

 

And for its heart—the pickups—it was equipped with DiMarzio's "Super Distortion," which was gaining worldwide acclaim as a replacement pickup manufacturer at the time.

 


Behind this adoption lay Arai Trading's skillful negotiation tactics. Upon learning that an unknown Asian brand was selling inexpensive guitars equipped with DiMarzio pickups, Arai Trading secured a promise from DiMarzio: "Pickups would not be sold as individual parts, but only installed in finished guitars." This ensured stable pickup supply and successful cost reduction.

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

The Expanding World of PE and a Distinctively Japanese Approach

Furthermore, in 1980, the PE-1000GC signature model by Jerry Cott (Boomtown Rats guitarist), featuring a striking metallic blue finish, was introduced, proving that the PE was a guitar recognized in professional settings.

The arrival of the PE-R, an evolved model responding to the demands of the times

From 1980 to 1981, the PE underwent a major minor change and was renamed the "PE-R". While inheriting the PE's excellent body shape and heel-less construction, the specifications were significantly altered.

  • Head Shape: The tip horns were shortened, resulting in a more compact and aggressive look.
  • Controls: Features a dual sound switch to toggle the sound of each pickup, with 2 volume/2 tone controls.
  •   Bridge: Changed from the original integrated type to the separate-type "Super Tunable Bridge" and "Quick Hook Tailpiece" for enhanced tuning stability.

The background behind the changes to the bridge and controls to specifications closer to Gibson's Les Paul models is thought to be heavily influenced by the era's context: the peak of domestic Les Paul copy models and the time when the original Gibson began seriously pursuing vintage reissues.

Subsequently, responding to the HR/HM (Hard Rock/Heavy Metal) boom that began in the mid-80s, more modern and advanced models like the "PE-R80KV" and "PE-SUPRA," equipped with the Kaller Bridge, were introduced one after another. PE constantly evolved with the times, always remaining at the forefront of the scene.

 

Unwavering Spirit, Inherited Legend

More than 40 years have passed since the birth of the original PE-1500, and today the PE remains an indispensable pillar of the Aria Pro II lineup, supporting the brand.

While evolving with the times, its underlying philosophy of "harmonizing beauty and functionality" remains as vibrant as ever. The PE represents a pinnacle in Japanese guitar craftsmanship and will continue to forge new history alongside countless guitarists.