Aria ProII history
The Legend of the Aria Pro II "TS": An Innovative Instrument That Defined Its Era
Having established its position as a leading domestic original model with the success of the PE series, Aria Pro II launched its next major move in 1979: a revolutionary, multifunctional model that was ahead of its time. Its name: "TS (Tri Sound)".
True to its name meaning "three distinct sounds," this guitar was hailed in catalogs as capable of "creating over 30 colors of sound." It was a veritable "sound magician," harboring seemingly infinite sonic variations.
The TS's Diverse Controls: The Pinnacle of Cutting-Edge Technology
The TS series' defining feature was its complex and diverse control system. From launch, it offered a broad lineup—the TS-800, 600, 500, and 400—all featuring coil tap and phase switches as standard equipment.
Furthermore, models from the TS-500 upwards incorporated a 6-position rotary switch to alter the active circuit's frequency and even a powerful booster. No compromises were made structurally either; models from the TS-600 upwards adopted a through-neck construction for superior sustain and playability. The asymmetrical headstock shape, featuring six tuners on one side—distinct from the PE—also symbolized its advanced nature. Position markers on the fingerboard also reflected each model's individuality: the TS-600 and above used diamond-shaped mother-of-pearl markers, the TS-500 featured slotted diamonds, and the TS-400 employed dots.
Behind the Scenes: The "Mysterious Bird" of TS Development
Why was the TS born as such a multifunctional guitar? The answer lies hidden in the existence of a certain copy model Aria undertook in the late 70s. That model was the MK series, developed through thorough research of B.C. Rich's "Mockingbird."
At the time, B.C. Rich was a cutting-edge guitar brand, and its innovative approach shocked many Japanese builders. Impressed, Aria's development team reportedly borrowed a Mockingbird that had arrived at a music store and took it back to the Matsumoto factory. There, they measured every detail and dissected and analyzed the circuitry.
Thus, the MK series was born under the concept of "surpassing the original." The technologies cultivated there—the through-neck construction, the booster, the diverse switches—were transplanted almost entirely into the TS series. The TS proved Aria's ability to absorb cutting-edge technology and elevate it into their own original models.
Its innovation garnered enthusiastic user support, becoming so popular at one point that factory production couldn't keep up.
A short life, changing with the times and racing through its era
Like the PE, the immensely popular TS underwent a minor change around 1981. Updates included a headstock shape changed to the symmetrical 3:3 design seen on the PE-R, and a bridge now offering two string-mounting options: through-body or tailpiece. These updates made it more practical.
However, its brilliance was short-lived. The immensely popular TS series vanished abruptly after the 1983 catalog, bringing its brief production history to a close.
Though it didn't see as many model variations as the PE, distinctive Aria models like the Metallic Blue and Black 'n' Gold existed, etching their presence into the memories of many guitarists.
A tragic model whose life spanned only a few short years. Yet, its ambitious design philosophy and overwhelming presence remain an undeniable legend, forever woven into the history of Aria Pro II.