Aria – Instruments for Every Player
Acoustic, classical and versatile electric instruments built around playability, honest tone and reliable value — the foundation of the Aria name since 1956.
Explore Aria
Since 1956
Japanese Electric Guitars, Basses, Acoustic & Classical Guitars by Aria
Founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1956, Aria Guitars has spent seven decades designing instruments for working musicians — from the Made-in-Japan Platinum Collection to the Aria Pro II electric guitars and basses played on stages around the world. Every model is specified, tested and supported by a team that has been building guitars longer than most brands have existed, giving distributors and retailers a catalog with genuine heritage and dependable consistency.
1956Founded in Nagoya, Japan
70Years of Guitar Making
2Brands: Aria & Aria Pro II
9Product Categories
Aria Pro II – Built for the Stage
The performance line behind the PE series guitars and the legendary SB basses, including the SB-CLB inspired by Cliff Burton. Designed for players who push their gear hard.
Explore Aria Pro II Product Range
Explore the Aria Catalog
A complete, coherent range lets distributors serve beginners, gigging musicians and collectors under one trusted Japanese brand. Browse each category for full specifications and finishes.
01
The Platinum Collection – Made in Japan
Flagship instruments crafted in Japan with select tonewoods, meticulous fretwork and premium hardware for discerning players and specialist retailers.
View Collection 02Electric Guitars
From the classic Aria Pro II PE series to modern rock and thinline designs, offering stable necks, versatile pickups and road-ready construction.
View Range 03Electric Basses
Four- and five-string basses including the iconic SB series, the SB-CLB Cliff Burton Signature and the RSB-700WP for players who need punch and definition.
View Range 04Acoustic Guitars
Dreadnought, concert and travel-friendly acoustics with balanced projection — popular with music schools, songwriters and everyday players.
View Range 05Classical Guitars
Nylon-string guitars rooted in Aria's earliest heritage, offered in multiple scale lengths for students, teachers and performing classical guitarists.
View Range 06Left-Handed Models
A dedicated left-hand range so retailers can serve an often-overlooked customer group with genuine, factory-built instruments rather than conversions.
View Range 07Other Instruments
Ukuleles, mandolins and specialty fretted instruments that broaden a store's offering under the same Aria quality standards.
View Range 08Accessories
Cases, bags, straps and essential add-ons designed to complement Aria instruments and support add-on sales at retail.
View Range 09Other Brands
Partner brands handled by Aria, including Pignose portable amplifiers, GOTOH guitar parts and Augustine strings.
View Range Featured Models
Best-Selling Aria Guitars
Core models with proven demand across international markets — a reliable starting point for new distributors building their first Aria assortment.
Aria Pro II · Electric
PE-R100
A modern take on the classic PE single-cut shape with a comfortable carved profile and a versatile pickup set.
Aria Pro II · Electric
PE-R80
An accessible PE-series model delivering the signature look and warm humbucker tone at an approachable level.
Aria Pro II · Electric
PE-F1500
An upgraded PE-F instrument with refined appointments, aimed at players seeking a premium feel and finish.
Aria Pro II · Electric
PE-F80
A flat-top PE variant combining classic styling with straightforward controls and dependable playability.
Aria · Thinline
TA-TONIC
A thinline hollow-body design with an airy, resonant voice suited to jazz, blues, indie and rockabilly.
Heritage & Expertise
Seven Decades of Japanese Guitar Making
Aria began in 1956 when founder Shiro Arai, a classical guitarist himself, set out to bring high-quality guitars to Japanese musicians. That player-first mindset still shapes how every Aria instrument is specified: neck profiles that feel right in the hand, consistent setups and tone that serves the music.
Through the 1970s and 1980s Aria Pro II became a respected name worldwide, and its SB basses earned a place in metal history in the hands of Cliff Burton. Today the same team in Japan oversees design, quality control and global after-sales support, while the Support Archive preserves documentation for decades of models — a resource that collectors, technicians and dealers rely on.
Aria is also the official export agent for GOTOH guitar parts and Augustine strings, and the home of Pignose portable amplifiers — partnerships that reflect long-standing trust within the musical instrument industry.
Read Our Story1956
Aria Is Founded
Shiro Arai establishes the company in Nagoya, Japan, beginning with classical guitars.
1970s
Aria Pro II Launches
A performance-focused electric line debuts, giving rise to the PE series guitars.
1980s
SB Basses Go Global
The SB series becomes a reference bass, famously played by Metallica's Cliff Burton.
2026
SB-CLB Ships Worldwide
The Cliff Burton–inspired SB-CLB reaches distributors around the globe, alongside new partnerships in Europe.
For Distributors & Retailers
Why Trade Partners Choose Aria
Aria works with authorized distributors country by country. Here is what partners gain when they add a heritage Japanese brand to their portfolio.
Japanese Quality Control
Specifications and inspection standards are set in Japan, keeping playability and finish consistent from shipment to shipment.
Established Global Network
An expanding network of authorized distributors across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, with clear territory support.
Full-Range Catalog
Electric, bass, acoustic, classical, left-handed models and accessories — one supplier relationship covers every price tier.
Artist-Driven Demand
A roster of touring artists, signature models and trade-show presence at NAMM and Guitar Summit keeps the brand visible to players.
Latest Updates
Recent News
New artists, trade shows, product availability and distribution partnerships from Aria Guitars.
Welcome Manel Gomes to the Aria Family
Manel Gomes, bassist of Nowhere To Be Found, joins Aria and will be playing the Aria Pro II RSB-700WP/5, bringing its powerful tone and five-string versatility to the stage.
Guitar Summit 2026
Aria Pro II and Pignose will exhibit at Guitar Summit 2026, September 25–27 in Mannheim, Germany, where visitors can try the latest guitars, basses and portable amps.
SB-CLB Reviewed by Riffs, Beards & Gear
The YouTube channel Riffs, Beards & Gear Two takes a detailed look at the Aria Pro II SB-CLB Cliff Burton Signature Bass, its build, feel and tone.
Aria Guitars Announce New Distributionship in Finland
A new partnership with Musamaailma makes Aria Pro II guitars and basses officially available to musicians across Finland through its retail network.
SB-CLB – Arriving Worldwide Soon
The SB-CLB, inspired by the legendary Cliff Burton, is now shipping to Aria distributors worldwide, with availability at local dealers following shortly.
Welcome Corentin Thiburs to the Aria Family
Corentin Thiburs of Blind Delon, a central figure in the modern post-punk and coldwave scene known for hypnotic, atmospheric playing, joins the Aria family.
Welcome Rhea Thompson to the Aria Family
Rhea Thompson of rising UK metal band Tailgunner joins Aria Pro II — fierce riffs, soaring leads and a stage presence that represents the new generation.
The NAMM Show 2026
Thank you to everyone who visited the Aria booth at The NAMM Show, January 22–24. It was fantastic to meet so many players, dealers and music fans.
Artist Program
Played by Artists Around the World
From post-punk to metal, Aria and Aria Pro II instruments are chosen by touring musicians who need gear that performs night after night. Meet the roster or tell us about your music.
Buyer Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Aria guitars designed and made?
Aria was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1956, and product planning, specification and quality standards are directed from Japan. The Platinum Collection is made in Japan, while other series are built by long-term partner workshops to Aria's specifications and inspection standards.
What is the difference between Aria and Aria Pro II?
Aria covers acoustic, classical and versatile everyday instruments for players at every level. Aria Pro II is the performance-focused electric guitar and bass line introduced in the 1970s — home of the PE and SB series and the SB-CLB Cliff Burton Signature Bass.
How can a retailer or distributor carry Aria products?
First check Where to Buy to see whether an authorized distributor already serves your country. Then reach the Aria team via Contact Us with your company profile, sales channels and target market.
Does Aria offer left-handed guitars and basses?
Yes. Aria maintains a dedicated left-hand category covering selected electric guitars, basses and acoustic models built specifically for left-handed players.
Where can I find specifications for older or vintage Aria models?
The Support Archive hosts historical catalogs and information for discontinued Aria and Aria Pro II instruments, and the FAQ answers common setup, care and service questions.