1980 Aria Pro II PE-R60.

​

I actually don’t know much about Aria guitars. However, since the PE series is the most famous model from Aria, I suppose I need to arm myself with some knowledge.

​

Around 1980, a storm swept through the Japanese electric guitar scene. It all began when Gibson filed a lawsuit against Japanese guitar companies for illegal copying in 1977. Although compensation was avoided for several reasons, domestic guitar manufacturers had no choice but to shift their focus from copy models to the development of original models.

​

As a result, countless original products were born, but almost all of them disappeared into the waves. Many companies also vanished. Among the few that survived, the PE series stands out. What would have happened to Arai Trading if this series hadn’t sold well?

​

Recently, the PE series, especially the higher-end models, has gained significant popularity. It seems that prices are soaring. However, this model is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. The orthodox mahogany back and maple top produce a warm and impactful sound. I actually prefer this guitar over the flashier higher-end models.

​

The pickups are New Extra III, and I have not yet evaluated the sound. The weight is 3.88 kg (including strings). (Updated on May 18, 2016)