Aria ProII history
Aria ProII 
The Innovation of the First-Generation RS: Two Hearts in One
The Expanding RS Universe and Diversifying Specifications
Evolving into the new identity "RS-X"
In 1979, Aria Pro II, which had already shocked the market with its multi-functional "TS" model, immediately followed up with another ambitious creation: the "RS (Revolution Sound)" series.
True to its name, the RS model championed the concept of "revolutionizing sound." While the TS was influenced by B.C. Rich, the RS strongly referenced Allenby, then considered the pinnacle of guitar brands. This influence is clearly visible in the pickup selector's position and the knob design. Alongside the TS, the RS was a crystallization of ARIA's quest to transform the cutting-edge technology of the time into their own unique identity.
The Innovation of the First-Generation RS: Two Hearts in One
The initial lineup featured two models: the "RS-850" and the "RS-750." While similar at first glance, their circuitry—the heart of the guitar—was entirely different.
- RS-850 : Equipped with the active circuit "RS-CIRCUIT Type-I". Featuring a low-pass filter and a 3-position filter switch for each pickup, it enabled diverse and intricate sound shaping.
- RS-750 : Equipped with the passive circuit "RS-CIRCUIT Type-II". It featured a phase (reverse phase) switch for each pickup, creating a unique sound.
The most distinctive feature common to both models is the centrally positioned "Center Slave PU," which appears as a third single-coil pickup. This is a special pickup that does not directly output sound; it served entirely different roles: providing hum-canceling effects on the RS-850 and generating mix/phase sounds on the RS-750.
Design-wise, they featured an asymmetrical six-string headstock similar to the TS, paired with a double-cutaway body reminiscent of a Stratocaster. Furthermore, they pioneered the adoption of the "Super Tunable Bridge" and "Quick Hook Tailpiece" – features later incorporated into the PE-R – showcasing advanced design elements throughout.
The Expanding RS Universe and Diversifying Specifications
In 1980, the RS series rapidly expanded its lineup.
The high-end model "RS-1000Z," featuring zebrawood on the body top and the same passive circuit as the RS-750, the "RS-CIRCUIT Type-II," was introduced. Furthermore, the budget model "RS-600," equipped with the newly developed "RS-CIRCUIT Type-III" (which omitted the phase switch from Type-II), was added.
Furthermore, responding to the needs of the times, the "RS-HUMBUCKING" series featuring humbucker pickups was also launched. The lineup expanded with the addition of the "RS-750D" equipped with DiMarzio Dual Sound pickups and the "RS-650H" featuring the original Aria MH-1 pickups, further broadening the RS universe.
Evolving into the new identity "RS-X"
In 1981, the RS underwent a major model change.
The headstock was changed to a symmetrical 3:3 shape, similar to the PE-R. The humbucker models incorporated the new "Xtronic-I" circuit, featuring dual sound, phase, and clean/overboost functions.Furthermore, significant updates were made to playability, including changing the neck scale from 650mm to a medium scale of 630mm. The model name was also changed to "RS-X".
The evolution of the RS continued unabated. In 1983, it returned to a 6-string peghead shape, but this design was even sharper and more refined than the original, becoming the form inherited by the current RS and MA series. At the same time, the lineup expanded to include the "RS Deluxe-V" and "RS SPECIAL-V," models featuring specifications closer to the traditional Stratocaster.
The RS series has always been sensitive to the trends of the times, never shying away from bold model changes when necessary, continuously revolutionizing itself. This spirit of exploration and flexibility is perhaps the greatest reason the RS has become a long-selling model that continues to this day.
The shift in specifications for the bridge and controls to resemble Gibson's Les Paul was likely heavily influenced by the era's backdrop: the peak of domestic Les Paul copy models and Gibson's own full-scale launch of vintage reissues.