![]() ![]() All guitars were made in Japan until February 1987, when production of less expensive models (Magna MAB/MAC and Integra IGB series) was switched to Korea ( Samick-factory production actually started as early as May 1986). The Aria brandname was changed to Aria Pro II in late 1975, though this has been used mostly (but not exclusively) for electric guitars and basses. Arai and Matsumoku started building acoustic guitars in 1964, and then electric guitars in 1966, using Arai, Aria, Aria Diamond, Diamond, and much less frequently, Arita brand names. Aria arranged for Matsumoku, the musical instrument maker, to build the guitars for them under contract. They began retailing acoustic guitars in 1960, although the company did not start manufacturing their own until 1964. ![]() I do kick myself for missing out on the Elites that I've seen gathering dust in various shops over the years, but missed out on them I did.Aria was formed in Japan in 1956 by Shiro Arai as "Arai & Co., Inc". I've had an SB Speciall II (passive/bolt neck - sold and then bought another years later), SB 900 and an SB 1000, all were great guitars at the time, but all were turned around for something else when the GAS set in, though the Special II is the only one that I regretted selling (both times) and the only one I'd consider getting again. The reason that the 80's basses seem pricey these days is because of the acceptance that MIJ instruments during the 70's & 80's were of pretty high quality and most have stood the test of time (blowing the "Jap crap" argument levelled by some out of the water), and also that they have Artist association, the SB's with bands like Duran Duran & Spandau Ballet, the Elites/Black'n'Gold's with Cliff Burton and other rock/metal bands of the period. The basses that Cliff Burton used were called the SB Black'n'Gold I & II, and were surprisingly black with gold hardware. Both the SB's and the Elites had gold plated hardware and active electronics. ![]() The SB 900/1000 and the Elites were through neck designs, with a vaguely J bass feel to them. The Elite I & II were basically single & twin pickup SB 900/1000's, with different fret markers (ovals instead of dots), and finished in red, white & blue as opposed to the clear finishes that the SB series usually had. I've had a few Aria's during the late 80's/early 90's, and they were all MIJ. AFAIK: All Aria guitars & basses up to the mid-late 80's were built in Japan, even the budget lines. ![]()
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