Vintage 1981 Aria Pro II Cardinal CS-350, Rare Color
Aria was formed in Japan in 1953 by Shiro Aria as Aria and Company. They began retailing acoustic guitars in 1960, although the company didn't actually start manufacturing their own until 1964. Aria arranged for Matuemoku to build guitars under contract. Aria and Matuemoku started building acoustic guitars in 1964 and electric guitars in 1966 using Arai, Aria, Aria Diamond, Diamond. The Aria brandname was changed to aria Pro II in late 1975. Aria Pro II did some copies of famous American guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul though it also did it's own style of guitars. In the 70's and early 80's the company came into its own the U.S with a series of high end professional guitars. The company had professional endorsements from the late Cliff Burton, Herb Ellis, Yngwie Malmsteen, Neal Schon, John Tayler, and many more. All guitars were made in Japan until 1988, when production of less expensive models (Magnga MAB/MAC and Integra IGB series) was moved to Korea. In the mid 90's a few models (including Fender Stratcaster inspired Fullerton series guitars and the Steve Bailey 6 string fretless signature bass) were made in the U.S. They have also built and distributed guitars under the Univox and Cameo labels as well.
