ARIA

Aria, based in Nagoya, Japan, was founded in 1956 by Shiro Arai. The company's first instruments were classical guitars, but in the early 19605 it introduced a range of electric guitars. Back then these Guyatone-made models were pretty primitive, but build quality improved when Aria manufacture switched to the Matsumoku company, a major maker subsequently responsible for innumerable instruments under a worldwide variety of brand names.

ln keeping with most Japanese companies, Aria design shifted from originality to impersonation during the late 19605, and the 19705 catalog concentrated on copies carrying Aria, Aria Diamond, or eventually Aria Pro ll logos. ln contrast, the latter part of the decade saw a return to more individuality and further improvements in quality that would do much to change the playing public's perception of Japanese-made instruments as merely cheap imitations. The desire to be different continued through the 19805, although the company was never slow to absorb influences or follow fashion.

Economics prompted a change to Korean production and Aria continued to keep abreast of changing market trends during the next decade, with rock-orientated guitars followed by instruments that were more retro-flavored. Cost-effective Chinese manufacture was added in the new millennium, along with Japanese-made reissues of certain original milestone Aria models. These upmarket instruments contrast with the range

of ultra-affordable electrics offered under the recently revived Aria Diamond brand.