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Aria

Aria guitars have a long-standing reputation for delivering quality craftsmanship and great value, particularly during the golden era of Japanese guitar manufacturing in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for models like the Aria Pro II, these instruments blend vintage-inspired design with dependable performance, making them popular with collectors and players alike. Whether you're after a classic LP-style, offset, or double-cut design, second-hand Aria guitars offer retro style and versatile tones at accessible prices. Looking to sell? Simply fill in our Sell Your Gear Form for a fast & free, no-obligation quote and turn your Aria guitar into cash or part exchange today!

THE RICH TONE BUYING GUIDE

A guide to second-hand Aria electric guitars

Explore distinctive designs, vintage character and great value across the Aria family. Buying second hand opens up earlier ranges and individual instruments with their own story, while keeping existing materials and craftsmanship in use.

Aria and Aria Pro II

Aria Pro II belongs to the Aria brand family rather than being a separate maker. It is closely associated with the company's electric guitars and basses, particularly the original Japanese designs that developed from the mid-1970s onwards.

Original model families

The PE is Aria's enduring carved-body electric family, known for its heel-less cutaway design. Vintage ranges also include Rev-Sound (RS), Cardinal (CS), Thor Sound and Tri-Sound (TS), while FA and TA names appear on hollow and semi-hollow instruments.

Retro to modern designs

You may also encounter familiar S-style guitars, offset and retro designs, Fullerton, Nashville and Bowery models, plus later MAC instruments. Read the individual listing: a shared brand name does not mean a shared construction or specification.

The Aria story

Aria's electric-guitar story covers more than one style or period. The Japanese company began making solidbody electrics in 1963, launched the Aria Pro II name for electric instruments in 1975 and introduced the original PE-1500 in 1976. That long history means two guitars carrying the Aria name can differ substantially in design, specification, production country and age.

How to compare a used Aria

Start with the complete model name and the guitar itself. Check the listing photographs, condition notes, production country where confirmed, pickup and control layout, neck joint, bridge or vibrato, repairs, modifications and included accessories. For a vintage example, originality and replaced hardware may matter to you; for a working instrument, condition, setup and suitability can matter more.

Do not identify an Aria solely from its serial number. Aria states that it cannot determine a model name or product details from a serial number, so labels, logos, construction details and period catalogues may all be relevant. Likewise, do not apply a current model's specification to an older guitar with a similar name.

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Aria electric guitar FAQs

Are Aria and Aria Pro II the same brand?

Yes. Aria Pro II is part of the Aria family and was launched in 1975 for electric-guitar production. The name is strongly associated with Aria's electric guitars and basses.

Are all Aria Pro II guitars made in Japan?

No assumption should be made from the logo alone. Aria instruments have been produced across different eras and locations. Aria currently identifies its Platinum Collection as made in Japan, but that does not establish the origin of every other model. Use the evidence for the individual guitar.

Can the serial number identify the exact model and year?

Not reliably on its own. Aria's official support information says the company cannot identify model names or product details from a serial number. Compare the full instrument, any labels and documented model features, and ask us if an important detail is unclear.

What is the Aria Pro II PE series?

The PE family began with the PE-1500 in 1976 and remains one of Aria's most recognisable original designs. Aria highlights the heel-less cutaway as a continuing PE feature, but woods, electronics, hardware and construction vary by model and period.

Can replacement parts be found for a vintage Aria?

Availability depends on the component and model. Aria says it no longer holds replacement parts for older production instruments. Check any repair or replacement requirement before buying, especially where period-correct hardware matters.

Does an old or Japanese-made Aria automatically have a high value?

No. Model, rarity, originality, condition, demand and documented provenance all matter. An archived asking price is useful context, not a guaranteed valuation or confirmation of the final selling price.

Can I sell or part exchange my Aria guitar?

Yes. Use our Sell Your Gear form and include the complete model name, photographs, condition and details of any repairs or modifications. You can also explore vintage and rare Aria instruments previously handled by Rich Tone Music.

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