Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
- Thread starter Gearjoneser
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WORSHIPTEAM
Guest
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I used to play an Aria Pro II in the mid 80's. It was a good playing guitar, but I was a label whore back then so.....
I used to play an Aria Pro II in the mid 80's. It was a good playing guitar, but I was a label whore back then so.....
aleclee
Major General GAS
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I think you hit on it. While Ibanez managed to shed its copycat entry level reputation with big time endorsement deals, Aria lost folks like Schon and never managed to make a name for itself as a reputable manufacturer.
The Golden Boy
Fleecy Sweaterologist
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
Whenever I think of Aria, Billy Gould comes up.
Whenever I think of Aria, Billy Gould comes up.
saladin
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I'll let you in on a little secret.
The original Aria's were made in the Matsumoto factory in Japan. They made THE BEST fender copies! I owned 2 AriaStrat's when I lived in Japan 1982-1984. The Matsumoto factory was then contracted to build the original CIJ/MIJ Fenders! I don't know if they are still made there. I believe the production of Aria's moved to another location. I also believe Fender attempted to keep Aria's down as not to compete with Fender Japan.
This is why I Fender is ahead of the game. Instead of stupid lawsuits like Gibson uses, Fender just went to the source and had them make guitars for them.
I'll let you in on a little secret.
The original Aria's were made in the Matsumoto factory in Japan. They made THE BEST fender copies! I owned 2 AriaStrat's when I lived in Japan 1982-1984. The Matsumoto factory was then contracted to build the original CIJ/MIJ Fenders! I don't know if they are still made there. I believe the production of Aria's moved to another location. I also believe Fender attempted to keep Aria's down as not to compete with Fender Japan.
This is why I Fender is ahead of the game. Instead of stupid lawsuits like Gibson uses, Fender just went to the source and had them make guitars for them.
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kherman
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
Here you go Jeff.
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping_10.php?cate=1&state=1
Just use something like Yahoo currancy converter to convert to
USA.
I'm sure there's some stuff that's only offered in Japan.
Here you go Jeff.
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/shopping_10.php?cate=1&state=1
Just use something like Yahoo currancy converter to convert to
USA.
I'm sure there's some stuff that's only offered in Japan.
cvansickle
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
The bassist in Duran Duran played an Aria bass. It's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame now.
I remember seeing a frat party band in college (back in the 80s) called the Chapperrales (sp?). Very heavy screaming funk-rock-pop-dance music. The guitar player played an Aria LP copy and beat the Hell out of it during the performance, but he sounded great.
The bassist in Duran Duran played an Aria bass. It's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame now.
I remember seeing a frat party band in college (back in the 80s) called the Chapperrales (sp?). Very heavy screaming funk-rock-pop-dance music. The guitar player played an Aria LP copy and beat the Hell out of it during the performance, but he sounded great.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I always liked the look of Aria basses, and the LP type guitars don't look too bad. Some of their other guitars are downright ugly.
I remember seeing all the endorsees in the 80's like John Taylor and Neal Schon.
Here's Neal's signature Aria. Is there ANY company he won't endorse??? LOL
I always liked the look of Aria basses, and the LP type guitars don't look too bad. Some of their other guitars are downright ugly.
I remember seeing all the endorsees in the 80's like John Taylor and Neal Schon.
Here's Neal's signature Aria. Is there ANY company he won't endorse??? LOL
grendeltone
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I don't think that they did well with the marketing.. but they did have different people that were pretty popular use their guitars. Michael Schenker had a deal with them for a bit.. and used to have a black & white flying V. Yngwie also had a couple Arias... so did George Lynch and Mark Knopfler.
I had an odd love/hate thing.. with the Aria Pro II... my first electric was a Straycat strat copy... standard double cutaway.. with a tremolo.. two humbuckers..
That guitar.. I had changed and fixed it up so many times... eventually, the tuners, pickups, tremolo.. got changed...
Loved that thing.. I didn't have it together for such a long time and one of my best friends used to be amazed at the neck and the feel of the guitar when it was in pieces..
Body in a gig bag.. the neck in the same bag.. no tremolo bar or strings..
He had a bunch of guitars.. including a Aria Les Paul copy in addition to his other amazing guitars (Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Korina Explorer, Ibanez lawsuit double neck, a couple other odd pieces).. but he was convinced that this guitar was it..
Eventually... when I sold it.. it had a Gibson Alnico neck humbucker, Bill Lawrence bridge - 500XL, Ibanez Tremolo, Schaller Tuning pegs... and a new paint job.. it sounded great. Felt great. It had an odd shape and it felt comparable to an Ibanez Joe Satriani...
But... not every guitar is going to be like that.. that wasn't stock, and it was just a lucky thing because that guitar is now 20+ years old...
I don't think that they did well with the marketing.. but they did have different people that were pretty popular use their guitars. Michael Schenker had a deal with them for a bit.. and used to have a black & white flying V. Yngwie also had a couple Arias... so did George Lynch and Mark Knopfler.
I had an odd love/hate thing.. with the Aria Pro II... my first electric was a Straycat strat copy... standard double cutaway.. with a tremolo.. two humbuckers..
That guitar.. I had changed and fixed it up so many times... eventually, the tuners, pickups, tremolo.. got changed...
Loved that thing.. I didn't have it together for such a long time and one of my best friends used to be amazed at the neck and the feel of the guitar when it was in pieces..
Body in a gig bag.. the neck in the same bag.. no tremolo bar or strings..
He had a bunch of guitars.. including a Aria Les Paul copy in addition to his other amazing guitars (Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Korina Explorer, Ibanez lawsuit double neck, a couple other odd pieces).. but he was convinced that this guitar was it..
Eventually... when I sold it.. it had a Gibson Alnico neck humbucker, Bill Lawrence bridge - 500XL, Ibanez Tremolo, Schaller Tuning pegs... and a new paint job.. it sounded great. Felt great. It had an odd shape and it felt comparable to an Ibanez Joe Satriani...
But... not every guitar is going to be like that.. that wasn't stock, and it was just a lucky thing because that guitar is now 20+ years old...
Martin Hartwell
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
Greetings to all on the Forum!
I work for Aria UK. Interesting thread.. indulge me whilst I pick up on a couple of points...We distribute Aria in the United Kingdom and are proud to declare that Aria is alive and kicking here and elsewhere in Europe! Aria UK independantly distributes other guitar related products including Seymour Duncan and DTAR and it was as SD's UK distributor that we co-hosted the UK user group day. I've enjoyed reading comments (good and bad) we regularly have these 'I wish I never sold my Aria' type of conversations. One little known fact is that Aria was started by a guitarist, Shiro Arai more than 50 years ago. Click this link for more Aria history. http://www.ariaguitars.com/int/00int_main/archives_main.html
Greetings to all on the Forum!
I work for Aria UK. Interesting thread.. indulge me whilst I pick up on a couple of points...We distribute Aria in the United Kingdom and are proud to declare that Aria is alive and kicking here and elsewhere in Europe! Aria UK independantly distributes other guitar related products including Seymour Duncan and DTAR and it was as SD's UK distributor that we co-hosted the UK user group day. I've enjoyed reading comments (good and bad) we regularly have these 'I wish I never sold my Aria' type of conversations. One little known fact is that Aria was started by a guitarist, Shiro Arai more than 50 years ago. Click this link for more Aria history. http://www.ariaguitars.com/int/00int_main/archives_main.html
MikeS
Bengalsologist
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I've got three of Aria's offerings:
97/98 Aria STG-004 (I've got the year somewhere, but never remember it off the top of my head). Outdated pic, this now has a green pearl guard with a PG set. Woods are to be expected for the price range ($250 US new was listed but not what I paid in 98 when I bought it). Sadly this guitar may be retired, as I've squeezed everything out of it I can to this point and it's still tonally not quite there. However, I'll be taking some super detailed dimensions of the neck because I've never gotten along better with a thickness and profile as I have with that neck.
1998 Aria AW-75 - dreadnought with mahogany back and sides with spruce top
1999 Aria AW-830T - 12 string dreadnought with rosewood back and sides with spruce top
Both acoustics bare the script Aria logo which I was told by my former dealer signified that they were made before Aria changed Korean plants in 1999. He seemed to prefer the pre-move models, though it's been so long since I've played a new Aria that I'm not sure I could make a fair comparison. I will say, though, that both of my Aria acoustics feel like bargains. The AW-75 is nice for a cheaper import acoustic and has survived a couple gigs. The AW-830T I've got plays like a guitar three times its list price... no joke.
My best friend and band mate has more Arias than I do, too, and a couple of them, including the 40th anniversary model (LP copy) are very nice guitars. I think Aria suffers from lack of marketing in the US. You only see them at small, independent dealers (unless they are used) so they don't get a lot of exposure. Additionally, because they have several inexpensive entry level models I beleive they are often overlooked by today's name brand snobs.
I've got three of Aria's offerings:
97/98 Aria STG-004 (I've got the year somewhere, but never remember it off the top of my head). Outdated pic, this now has a green pearl guard with a PG set. Woods are to be expected for the price range ($250 US new was listed but not what I paid in 98 when I bought it). Sadly this guitar may be retired, as I've squeezed everything out of it I can to this point and it's still tonally not quite there. However, I'll be taking some super detailed dimensions of the neck because I've never gotten along better with a thickness and profile as I have with that neck.
1998 Aria AW-75 - dreadnought with mahogany back and sides with spruce top
1999 Aria AW-830T - 12 string dreadnought with rosewood back and sides with spruce top
Both acoustics bare the script Aria logo which I was told by my former dealer signified that they were made before Aria changed Korean plants in 1999. He seemed to prefer the pre-move models, though it's been so long since I've played a new Aria that I'm not sure I could make a fair comparison. I will say, though, that both of my Aria acoustics feel like bargains. The AW-75 is nice for a cheaper import acoustic and has survived a couple gigs. The AW-830T I've got plays like a guitar three times its list price... no joke.
My best friend and band mate has more Arias than I do, too, and a couple of them, including the 40th anniversary model (LP copy) are very nice guitars. I think Aria suffers from lack of marketing in the US. You only see them at small, independent dealers (unless they are used) so they don't get a lot of exposure. Additionally, because they have several inexpensive entry level models I beleive they are often overlooked by today's name brand snobs.
hellatone
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
i have an early 80s aria pro II (TS-400) -- it's got very nice build quality -- i honestly think that if it said gibson instead of apII, you couldn't touch it for less than a thousand bucks -- i paid $150 in a pawn shop -- i put gfs dream 90s in it, and it really has a lovely sound -- the neck is a bit thick for me, but so are the necks on a lot of les pauls -- here's a website that has a lot of info on arias and other matsumoko guitars -- http://www.matsumoku.org/guitars.html
i have an early 80s aria pro II (TS-400) -- it's got very nice build quality -- i honestly think that if it said gibson instead of apII, you couldn't touch it for less than a thousand bucks -- i paid $150 in a pawn shop -- i put gfs dream 90s in it, and it really has a lovely sound -- the neck is a bit thick for me, but so are the necks on a lot of les pauls -- here's a website that has a lot of info on arias and other matsumoko guitars -- http://www.matsumoku.org/guitars.html
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Gamera
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
I have an '85 Aria Pro II (the red one) that I bought for $250 in 1987. It used to be SSS but I got caught up in the late 80's metal craze and dropped an Invader in the bridge. It ain't pretty under that pickguard but it works. That Aria was my only guitar for almost 15 years. I finally decided it was time for a "real guitar" and I bought the Strat next to it a few years back. There are some things about that Aria that still blow away the Strat though IMHO.
I have an '85 Aria Pro II (the red one) that I bought for $250 in 1987. It used to be SSS but I got caught up in the late 80's metal craze and dropped an Invader in the bridge. It ain't pretty under that pickguard but it works. That Aria was my only guitar for almost 15 years. I finally decided it was time for a "real guitar" and I bought the Strat next to it a few years back. There are some things about that Aria that still blow away the Strat though IMHO.
bert123
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
Maybe they focus on the home market first. But I have a 1974 Aria 69 Tele Thinline copy that I bought with a hard shell case in 74 for $125. At the time I could have gotten a well used 68 Fender Tele for less.:smack: Anyway here is her picture. The body was made in 2 halves (top and bottom) and the scale length is 24 3/4 inches. BTW the link posted by hellatone has alot of info on this Japanese invasion guitars. He beat me to it while I was trying to reduce the image size.
Maybe they focus on the home market first. But I have a 1974 Aria 69 Tele Thinline copy that I bought with a hard shell case in 74 for $125. At the time I could have gotten a well used 68 Fender Tele for less.:smack: Anyway here is her picture. The body was made in 2 halves (top and bottom) and the scale length is 24 3/4 inches. BTW the link posted by hellatone has alot of info on this Japanese invasion guitars. He beat me to it while I was trying to reduce the image size.
Frankie Casper
New member
Re: Why is Aria so unpopular in the US?
The Ari Pro II Guitars - The Matsumoku Factory
The Ari Pro II Guitars from ‘75 to mid ‘80’s were built in the Matsumoku Factory in Japan. The Matsumoku Company were the General Motors of Guitars. Just like GM they made a guitar in every price range and quality level from a Chevy to a Cadillac. They made guitars for Ibanez, Aria Pro II, Yamaha, Epiphone, Washburn, Kramer Westone, Vantage, Greco, Frontier, Skylark and others. Their low end guitars were a good bang for the buck and played better than most cheap guitars of that era. On the other hand, their high-end guitars were some of best guitars ever made. Many of these guitars are 5 piece maple-walnut neck-thru with Ash bodies. They play like butter. Most all were 24 fret with coil taps and out of phase switches. Many had 6 way tone switches and features such as 1 or 2 active power boosts or active EQ pre amps. With this combination you had a guitar that could get an acoustical tone as well as the heavy metal blaster sounds with distortion. Their hardware, pots, switches, bridges and pick-ups were not the greatest in older models but by the time the RS Series came out they were much improved and some used Dimarzio pickups. Because the price of many of these high-end models was only slightly lower than the cost of some top US brands they were often overlooked and did not sell well in America. In the ’70’s and ‘80’s people in the US had never heard of the Matsumoku Company or knew anything about their build quality. Why get a Japanese off-brand when for a few hundred dollars more you could get a Gibson or Fender?
Aria Pros II high-end models
The high-end Aria Pros II models are awesome guitars and arguably better guitars than many top US brands including Gibson and Fender. It has only been in the last few years that the high-end Matsumoku Factory built guitars have become highly sought after by collectors due to their special features, 5 piece neck-thru body design, ebony fretboards and top build quality.
High-End Collectables worthy of checking out:
The TS-600 “Thor” and the RS-X70 and RS-X80 models (X80 had fancy inlay and nicer neck) are 2 exceptional neck-thru rock guitars that can also grab acoustical tones with no problem. Finger picking or sheading is no problem with these babies. These are in your face guitars that can still be bought for a fair price (TS is cheaper).
The TS-600 “Thor” has 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, 6 way tone switches and 1 active power boosts pre amp.
The RS Series X70 and X80 are the later model that slowly phased out the TS series, slightly different body shape. These guitars have much better hardware. They had 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, Dimarzio pickups and 2 active power boosts pre amps.
The RS-800-12 model is a 12 string electric with 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps and out of phase switches and the highly sensitive hum-free design MH-I Humbucker pickups that were used on the SH Models.
The SH-800 and SH-1000 (1000 had 2 active EQ pre amps) is the most unusual model they made. Much can be said about this guitar. It was designed at the Matsumoku Factory by top Luther Nobuaki Hayashi (H.Noble). This guitar seemed to sell well in the US. The SH model (also called FS model) is a 22 fret, ebony fretboard, 5 piece neck-thru “Hollow Body” guitar. It may be the only neck-thru hollow body guitar ever made. It is a very complex design. Each side of the body, top and back, is a solid piece of wood that is split down the middle into a 2 piece chamber-structure. The insides of the 2 pieces (on each side of the neck) are carved out and sandwiched back together making the top and back of the guitar solid pieces of hollowed out wood blocks. Unlike most hollow bodies, it is not light. This is a very heavy guitar.
With the 2 active EQ pre amps it can deliver many sounds and tones. It has warm tones like a Gibson 335 or ‘60’s Gretsch hollow bodies, but has sustain that only a neck-thru body guitar can deliver. With the EQ switch in the 1st position and pickup switch in the middle position you can get an acoustical guitar sound that is great for finger picking. The EQ adjusts each string to the same volume level.
Also note that this is one of the most beautiful guitars ever built. It is gorgeous. It is a work of art. The bodies were available in 4 different wood stains over the years, natural stain (N), light oak stain (O), walnut stain (WA) or a very dark stain (AR). These guitars are almost too pretty to play. The flame in the Ash wood body, MOP tuners, the highly sensitive hum-free design “MH-I Humbucker” pickups, custom made Noble Bridge, and build quality are all amazing. The back covers are matching wood. They even have pearloid inlay inside the S-Holes. Everything about this guitar is top of the line. These guitars play great, sound great and are very collectable.
The first year models in 1978 were sold as “FS” models. It was a one year only model and somewhat different from the later models. These models, the FS-750 and FS-1000 had 24 fret necks, Humbuckers, but not the highly sensitive MH-I Humbucker pickups and the 1000 model only had one S-Hole cutout in the top half. They also had a different volume/switch control layout and some had painted bodies. Also note that in Europe these guitars were often sold as a “FS” models rather than “SH” models. There is no information as to why this occurred. I have seen both FS-1000 and SH-1000 that appear to be the same guitars and same year. To really confuse things in the late ‘80’s they made a Strat-Style model FS-1000’s. In the US most of these guitars seemed to be sold as SH models. The production run was from 1978 to 1981. Although the SH models are quite often for sale there is very little information available about these unique guitars.
The PE-R80 though it is not a neck-thru, it is a great Les Paul Copy with humbuckers, coil taps, maple top and back, built in heel-less cutaway maple neck, Gold Hardware, matching wood covers on back.
Aria Pro II Downside
Although the high-end Aria Pro II models such as the TS, RS, SH and others were great guitars they had their downside. Their hardware was never great. Some of their Bridges and Pots were terrible. Some bridges were made of pot metal. The TS model came with at least 4 different types of bridges that are different sizes with different holes placements. Trying to find a replacement bridge for a TS model is next impossible. They are no reproduction or replacement parts anywhere.
Aria Pro II also made many cheap guitars and out right copies (clones) of other guitar brands. This was their downfall. They copied the Gibson 335, Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, the Rickenbacker’s, the BC Rich’s and many other heavy hitters of the day. Each model came in many different price ranges from bolt on necks, jointed necks, to neck-thru. They made many low-end, bolt on neck guitars with cheap pots, switches, bridges, pick-ups etc. When it came to coping other brands, they would rip off the Rabbi and piss on the Pope to make a quick buck. They had no shame. Although some of the high-end clones such as the PE-R80 Les Paul copy were very good guitars the cheaper models sold far better. They flooded the market with low-end models. This gave them a “knock-off” reputation that they have never lived down to this day. Even though they made some great models, with outstanding features, they are often remembered as a Company of “Cheap Copies.” They sold many cheap guitars but far less high-end, more expensive, models. History tends to remember the quality of a guitar not the price. Because so few high-end guitars were sold in the US you don’t see them or hear as much about them. In the ‘80s they continued clone and copy anything, even pickups. The Aria Pro II MK 1300 and 1600 were copies of a BC Rich “Mockingbird.” Although not a bad guitar, it could not come close to the workmanship and quality of a handmade guitar by Bernie Rico. BC Rich Guitars in the mid ’70’s to mid ‘80’s were custom handmade guitars. They used the best woods in the world like Koa and Curly Maple, coupled with the most expensive hardware and pickups available on the market. Aria Pro II should have never went down that road. The Urchin U100 was another attempt to compete with the BC Rich “Bich.” Although the guitars shape was radically different, the switch layout was the same. It was still somewhat a copy of a “Bich” and clearly aimed at the BC Rich market. The Urchin U100 was to be their “flagship” model, with the most elaborate electronic features, as well as becoming their highest priced guitar. It quickly gained the reputation of just another BC Rich knock-off and they did not sell well. They also flooded the market with low-end, bolt on neck, cheap priced Urchin models (U60, U70, and Deluxe). Many people have never heard of the U100 and very few people have seen or played one. Over the years the Urchin U100 has proven to be pretty good guitar. They are quite rare and highly collectable today’s market.
The Ari Pro II Guitars - The Matsumoku Factory
The Ari Pro II Guitars from ‘75 to mid ‘80’s were built in the Matsumoku Factory in Japan. The Matsumoku Company were the General Motors of Guitars. Just like GM they made a guitar in every price range and quality level from a Chevy to a Cadillac. They made guitars for Ibanez, Aria Pro II, Yamaha, Epiphone, Washburn, Kramer Westone, Vantage, Greco, Frontier, Skylark and others. Their low end guitars were a good bang for the buck and played better than most cheap guitars of that era. On the other hand, their high-end guitars were some of best guitars ever made. Many of these guitars are 5 piece maple-walnut neck-thru with Ash bodies. They play like butter. Most all were 24 fret with coil taps and out of phase switches. Many had 6 way tone switches and features such as 1 or 2 active power boosts or active EQ pre amps. With this combination you had a guitar that could get an acoustical tone as well as the heavy metal blaster sounds with distortion. Their hardware, pots, switches, bridges and pick-ups were not the greatest in older models but by the time the RS Series came out they were much improved and some used Dimarzio pickups. Because the price of many of these high-end models was only slightly lower than the cost of some top US brands they were often overlooked and did not sell well in America. In the ’70’s and ‘80’s people in the US had never heard of the Matsumoku Company or knew anything about their build quality. Why get a Japanese off-brand when for a few hundred dollars more you could get a Gibson or Fender?
Aria Pros II high-end models
The high-end Aria Pros II models are awesome guitars and arguably better guitars than many top US brands including Gibson and Fender. It has only been in the last few years that the high-end Matsumoku Factory built guitars have become highly sought after by collectors due to their special features, 5 piece neck-thru body design, ebony fretboards and top build quality.
High-End Collectables worthy of checking out:
The TS-600 “Thor” and the RS-X70 and RS-X80 models (X80 had fancy inlay and nicer neck) are 2 exceptional neck-thru rock guitars that can also grab acoustical tones with no problem. Finger picking or sheading is no problem with these babies. These are in your face guitars that can still be bought for a fair price (TS is cheaper).
The TS-600 “Thor” has 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, 6 way tone switches and 1 active power boosts pre amp.
The RS Series X70 and X80 are the later model that slowly phased out the TS series, slightly different body shape. These guitars have much better hardware. They had 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps, out of phase switches, Dimarzio pickups and 2 active power boosts pre amps.
The RS-800-12 model is a 12 string electric with 24 frets, ebony fretboard, a 5 piece neck-thru bodies, coil taps and out of phase switches and the highly sensitive hum-free design MH-I Humbucker pickups that were used on the SH Models.
The SH-800 and SH-1000 (1000 had 2 active EQ pre amps) is the most unusual model they made. Much can be said about this guitar. It was designed at the Matsumoku Factory by top Luther Nobuaki Hayashi (H.Noble). This guitar seemed to sell well in the US. The SH model (also called FS model) is a 22 fret, ebony fretboard, 5 piece neck-thru “Hollow Body” guitar. It may be the only neck-thru hollow body guitar ever made. It is a very complex design. Each side of the body, top and back, is a solid piece of wood that is split down the middle into a 2 piece chamber-structure. The insides of the 2 pieces (on each side of the neck) are carved out and sandwiched back together making the top and back of the guitar solid pieces of hollowed out wood blocks. Unlike most hollow bodies, it is not light. This is a very heavy guitar.
With the 2 active EQ pre amps it can deliver many sounds and tones. It has warm tones like a Gibson 335 or ‘60’s Gretsch hollow bodies, but has sustain that only a neck-thru body guitar can deliver. With the EQ switch in the 1st position and pickup switch in the middle position you can get an acoustical guitar sound that is great for finger picking. The EQ adjusts each string to the same volume level.
Also note that this is one of the most beautiful guitars ever built. It is gorgeous. It is a work of art. The bodies were available in 4 different wood stains over the years, natural stain (N), light oak stain (O), walnut stain (WA) or a very dark stain (AR). These guitars are almost too pretty to play. The flame in the Ash wood body, MOP tuners, the highly sensitive hum-free design “MH-I Humbucker” pickups, custom made Noble Bridge, and build quality are all amazing. The back covers are matching wood. They even have pearloid inlay inside the S-Holes. Everything about this guitar is top of the line. These guitars play great, sound great and are very collectable.
The first year models in 1978 were sold as “FS” models. It was a one year only model and somewhat different from the later models. These models, the FS-750 and FS-1000 had 24 fret necks, Humbuckers, but not the highly sensitive MH-I Humbucker pickups and the 1000 model only had one S-Hole cutout in the top half. They also had a different volume/switch control layout and some had painted bodies. Also note that in Europe these guitars were often sold as a “FS” models rather than “SH” models. There is no information as to why this occurred. I have seen both FS-1000 and SH-1000 that appear to be the same guitars and same year. To really confuse things in the late ‘80’s they made a Strat-Style model FS-1000’s. In the US most of these guitars seemed to be sold as SH models. The production run was from 1978 to 1981. Although the SH models are quite often for sale there is very little information available about these unique guitars.
The PE-R80 though it is not a neck-thru, it is a great Les Paul Copy with humbuckers, coil taps, maple top and back, built in heel-less cutaway maple neck, Gold Hardware, matching wood covers on back.
Aria Pro II Downside
Although the high-end Aria Pro II models such as the TS, RS, SH and others were great guitars they had their downside. Their hardware was never great. Some of their Bridges and Pots were terrible. Some bridges were made of pot metal. The TS model came with at least 4 different types of bridges that are different sizes with different holes placements. Trying to find a replacement bridge for a TS model is next impossible. They are no reproduction or replacement parts anywhere.
Aria Pro II also made many cheap guitars and out right copies (clones) of other guitar brands. This was their downfall. They copied the Gibson 335, Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, the Rickenbacker’s, the BC Rich’s and many other heavy hitters of the day. Each model came in many different price ranges from bolt on necks, jointed necks, to neck-thru. They made many low-end, bolt on neck guitars with cheap pots, switches, bridges, pick-ups etc. When it came to coping other brands, they would rip off the Rabbi and piss on the Pope to make a quick buck. They had no shame. Although some of the high-end clones such as the PE-R80 Les Paul copy were very good guitars the cheaper models sold far better. They flooded the market with low-end models. This gave them a “knock-off” reputation that they have never lived down to this day. Even though they made some great models, with outstanding features, they are often remembered as a Company of “Cheap Copies.” They sold many cheap guitars but far less high-end, more expensive, models. History tends to remember the quality of a guitar not the price. Because so few high-end guitars were sold in the US you don’t see them or hear as much about them. In the ‘80s they continued clone and copy anything, even pickups. The Aria Pro II MK 1300 and 1600 were copies of a BC Rich “Mockingbird.” Although not a bad guitar, it could not come close to the workmanship and quality of a handmade guitar by Bernie Rico. BC Rich Guitars in the mid ’70’s to mid ‘80’s were custom handmade guitars. They used the best woods in the world like Koa and Curly Maple, coupled with the most expensive hardware and pickups available on the market. Aria Pro II should have never went down that road. The Urchin U100 was another attempt to compete with the BC Rich “Bich.” Although the guitars shape was radically different, the switch layout was the same. It was still somewhat a copy of a “Bich” and clearly aimed at the BC Rich market. The Urchin U100 was to be their “flagship” model, with the most elaborate electronic features, as well as becoming their highest priced guitar. It quickly gained the reputation of just another BC Rich knock-off and they did not sell well. They also flooded the market with low-end, bolt on neck, cheap priced Urchin models (U60, U70, and Deluxe). Many people have never heard of the U100 and very few people have seen or played one. Over the years the Urchin U100 has proven to be pretty good guitar. They are quite rare and highly collectable today’s market.
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