The Complete Aria Guitar Price Guide 2026: Japan's Underrated Guitar Giant

Last updated: February 2026

In 1956, a Nagoya businessman named Shiro Arai founded a guitar company. The brand name was clever—a simple anagram of his surname, also carrying the musical meaning of a solo vocal piece. Arai didn't just want to sell guitars; he wanted to build them. That ambition led to a partnership with Matsumoku, the legendary Japanese factory that would produce guitars so good they challenged American dominance in the 1970s and 80s. The Aria Pro II PE series became Japan's answer to Gibson—craftsmanship, innovation, and soul at half the price.

Today, Aria guitars remain one of Japan's most undervalued guitar brands. The PE series carved-top design rivals Yamaha SG and Greco GO. The SB-1000 bass achieved cult status when Cliff Burton of Metallica made it his weapon of choice. And vintage Matsumoku-era classics command 2-3x premiums over later imports. This guide breaks down Aria pricing across electrics, acoustics, and basses—from entry PE-350s to Japan-only Platinum Collection masterpieces.

Aria Guitar Market Overview 2026

Aria occupies a unique position: strong current production with exceptional vintage collectibility. The brand appeals to both players seeking value and collectors discovering Japanese guitar heritage.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Aria Price: $450 (up 5% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 1,500 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 280 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $80 (vintage project guitars) to $3,000+ (collector-grade PE-1500, SB-1000)

Aria's Matsumoku heritage (1963-1987) drives strong appreciation for vintage models. Japan-made (MIJ) instruments command significant premiums—buyers know they're getting the same quality tier that built Aria's reputation.

Understanding Aria's History and Philosophy

The Shiro Arai Vision

Aria was founded in 1956 by Shiro Arai in Nagoya, Japan. Arai started as a guitar importer and sheet music distributor before pivoting to manufacturing. The partnership with Matsumoku in 1963 marked the beginning of Aria's golden age.

Core Principles:

1. Professional-Grade Accessibility: Aria Pro II (1975) signaled ambition to challenge American and European makers
2. Matsumoku Heritage: 1963-1987 production represents exceptional build quality
3. Original Design: PE series carved-top was distinct from Gibson—smoother heel, easier upper-fret access
4. Value Proposition: Set-neck construction and quality pickups at accessible prices

The PE Series Revolution

Launched in 1977, the PE (Pro Electric) series became Aria's flagship:

• Curved Top: Arched top design for resonance and aesthetics
• Heel-less Neck: Seamless upper-fret access—a design advantage over period Les Pauls
• DiMarzio Pickups: Original PE-1500 featured premium DiMarzio units
• Direct Competition: Yamaha SG and Greco GO were the primary rivals

The PE-1500 original (1977) remains the benchmark—$800-$2,000+ for excellent examples.

PE Series Pricing: $419-$1,200+

The iconic Aria Pro II carved-top design, from accessible entry to Japan-made premium.

PE-R100 Platinum Collection (Japan) ~$1,200+

Specifications:

• Origin: Made in Japan (MIJ)
• Body: Mahogany with carved maple top
• Neck: Set mahogany, three-piece
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Pickups: DiMarzio or equivalent
• Bridge: Fixed or TOM-style
• Electronics: Volume, tone, 3-way selector
• Finish: Traditional sunburst, natural

Why It Matters: The PE-R100 represents Aria's return to Japanese production for the flagship. Same quality tier as vintage 1970s-80s models. MIJ Aria guitars hold value exceptionally well.

PE-R80 ~$599-$799

Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany with maple top
• Neck: Set-neck construction
• Pickups: Humbucking
• Scale: 24.75"
• Premium PE appointments
• Multiple finish options

Used PE-R80 Values: $500-$650 (excellent condition)

PE-F80 ~$499-$599

Specifications:

• Set-neck flagship tier
• Mahogany body
• Carved top design
• Classic PE aesthetic
• Accessible price point

Used PE-F80 Values: $400-$500 (excellent condition)

PE-350 Series ~$419-$489

Specifications:

• Top: Maple (laminate or solid cap)
• Back/Sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Pickups: Humbuckers
• Bridge: Fixed or TOM
• Scale: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.69"

Why It's a Value Leader: The PE-350 delivers set-neck construction and quality pickups at a price that competes with bolt-on imports. Used examples at $300-$400 are among the best values in the market.

Used PE-350 Values: $300-$400 (excellent condition)

Electric Guitar Series Pricing: $299-$449

Various electric styles beyond the PE flagship.

615-GH Frontier ~$299

Specifications:

• Single-cut design
• Quality construction
• Entry-level Aria electric

718-MK2 Series ~$349

Specifications:

• Double-cut body
• Contemporary design
• Mid-range electric

MAC Series ~$449

Specifications:

• Semi-hollow construction
• Versatile tone
• Premium electric tier

JET Series ~$399

Specifications:

• Modern design language
• Quality hardware
• Stage-ready

Used Electric Series Values: $200-$350 (excellent condition)

Acoustic & Classical Series Pricing: $149-$599

Traditional acoustic instruments from Aria.

Aria Dreadnought Series ~$199-$599

Specifications:

• Steel-string acoustics
• Various tonewood combinations
• Solid tops on higher models

AK Series Classical ~$149-$499

Specifications:

• Nylon-string classical
• Traditional construction
• Student to advanced

A Series Concert

Specifications:

• Premium acoustic construction
• Concert body shapes
• Higher-end appointments

Used Acoustic Values: $100-$400 (excellent condition)

Bass Guitars: SB Series and Beyond

SB-1000 (Vintage) ~$800-$2,000

Cult Status: The SB-1000 achieved legendary status through Cliff Burton's use with Metallica. Original Matsumoku-era SB basses are appreciating as thrash metal nostalgia grows.

Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Multi-piece construction
• Pickups: Active electronics
• Bridge: High-mass design
• Scale: 34"

SB Series / RSB Series / 313 MK2

Current Production:

• SB: Classic Aria Pro II bass design
• RSB: Modern active bass
• 313 MK2: Jazz-style bass

Used SB Values: $400-$1,200 (depending on model and era)

Vintage Collectibles: Matsumoku-Era Classics

Guitars built by Matsumoku (1963-1987) represent Aria's golden age.

PE-1500 (1977 Original) ~$800-$2,000+

The Original Flagship:

• Arched top, heel-less neck
• DiMarzio pickups
• First-year PE production
• Genuine collectible status

PE-R80 Vintage (1980s) ~$600-$1,500

Specifications:

• Set-neck construction
• Matsumoku build quality
• Period-correct hardware

RS Wildcat ~$400-$1,000

1980s Metal Machine:

• Introduced 1983
• Targeting heavy metal market
• Aggressive design

Authentication Tips: Check serial numbers for Matsumoku-era production. Japanese-made models have different serial formats from later Korean/Chinese production. Original pickups and hardware increase value significantly.

Where to Buy Aria Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $520)

• Best selection of Aria models
• 6.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: PE series, vintage Matsumoku-era, SB basses

eBay (Average Price: $380)

• Good selection of entry to mid-range models
• Auction opportunities
• 4.0% price trend
• Best for: Budget finds, PE-350, common electrics

Yahoo Japan (Average Price: $400)

• Primary channel for Japan-only models
• Largest selection of domestic Aria variants
• 5.5% price trend
• Requires proxy service for international buyers
• Best for: Rare models, Japan-market exclusives

Local Shops (Average Price: $350)

• Often undervalue Aria vs. Fender/Gibson
• Negotiation possible
• 3.5% growth
• Best for: Deals on current production

Tips for Buying Used Aria

1. Origin Matters: Japan-made (MIJ) Aria guitars command 2-3x premiums over Korean or Chinese-made equivalents. Check serial number and construction details.
2. Matsumoku Heritage: 1963-1987 production is the golden age—superior build quality.
3. Import From Japan: Many excellent Aria models were Japan-market only. Yahoo Japan Auctions offer models unavailable domestically—shipping adds cost but selection is unmatched.
4. Verify Originality: Original pickups and hardware significantly increase value on vintage models.
5. Test Electronics: Multi-pickup models—verify all positions and tone controls.

Aria vs. Competitors

How Aria compares to similar Japanese and American brands:

Aria Advantage: Set-neck construction at lower price points, smoother heel design, Matsumoku-era collectibility, SB bass cult status.

When Others Make Sense: Yamaha for modern features, Greco for vintage replica focus, Epiphone for Gibson branding.

Famous Aria Players

Artists who have chosen Aria guitars:

• Cliff Burton (Metallica): SB-1000 bass—defined his tone, cult following
• Tom Scholz (Boston): Used Aria in early recordings
• Various Japanese Artists: Aria has strong domestic artist roster
• Thrash Metal Pioneers: SB series adopted by metal bassists globally

Investment Potential: Which Arias Hold Value?

Strong Appreciation (5-8% annually)

Vintage Matsumoku-Era:

• PE-1500 originals
• PE-R80 vintage (1980s)
• SB-1000 basses
• RS Wildcat/Knight Warrior

Japan-Made Current Production:

• PE-R100 Platinum Collection
• Any MIJ Aria commands premium

Factors Driving Value

• Limited Supply: No more Matsumoku-era guitars being made
• Growing Recognition: Japanese vintage market maturing globally
• Thrash Nostalgia: Cliff Burton connection boosts SB series
• Quality Story: Buyers discovering Matsumoku heritage

Guitars for Playing (Typical Depreciation)

• PE-350 (non-MIJ): Excellent players, typical used market
• Current production electrics: Good value, modest resale
• Acoustic series: Entry to mid-range depreciation

Note: Vintage MIJ Arias show 2-3x premium over equivalent import models. That gap has widened as collector awareness grows.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Aria

For Beginners ($250-$450)

Recommended Models:

• Used PE-350: Best value at $300-$400—set-neck, quality pickups
• 615-GH Frontier: New entry at ~$299
• Used Aria acoustics: Solid value at $100-$250

What to Prioritize:

• Set-neck if possible (PE-350)
• Playable condition
• Original electronics

For Intermediate Players ($450-$800)

Recommended Models:

• PE-R80: Premium PE at ~$599-$799
• PE-F80: Set-neck flagship at ~$499-$599
• Used vintage PE: Matsumoku-era at $500-$800

What to Prioritize:

• Matsumoku-era if buying vintage
• Japan origin verification
• Condition and originality

For Serious Players & Collectors ($800+)

Recommended Models:

• PE-R100 (MIJ): Japan-made at ~$1,200+
• PE-1500 Original: Vintage flagship at $800-$2,000+
• SB-1000: Cliff Burton legacy at $800-$2,000

What to Prioritize:

• Japan-made verification
• All-original condition
• Documentation for vintage

For Bass Players

Recommended Models:

• SB-1000 (vintage): Cult status, appreciating
• SB Series (current): Classic design
• RSB Series: Modern active options

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are Aria guitars made? A: Aria production has shifted over time. Golden age (1963-1987): Matsumoku, Japan. Current: Mix of Japan (PE-R100 Platinum Collection), Korea, and China. Japan-made commands significant premium.

Q: Why is Aria called "Aria"? A: The brand name is an anagram of founder Shiro Arai's surname. It also carries the musical meaning of a solo vocal piece.

Q: Are Aria guitars good quality? A: Yes. Matsumoku-era Arias rival American brands of the period. Current PE series offers set-neck construction and quality pickups at accessible prices. MIJ models are exceptional.

Q: What makes the PE series special? A: The PE (Pro Electric) series debuted in 1977 with curved top, heel-less neck for easy upper-fret access, and DiMarzio pickups. It competed directly with Yamaha SG and Greco GO. The design was distinct from Gibson—smoother, more refined ergonomics.

Q: Why is the SB-1000 bass famous? A: Cliff Burton of Metallica used the SB-1000, establishing cult status. Original Matsumoku-era SB basses are appreciating as thrash metal nostalgia grows.

Q: Where can I find Japan-only Aria models? A: Yahoo Japan Auctions is the primary channel. Many excellent Aria models were Japan-market only. Proxy services enable international purchase—selection is unmatched but shipping adds cost.

Q: Do Aria guitars hold their value? A: Vintage Matsumoku-era and Japan-made models hold value well—5-8% annual appreciation. Current import models have typical depreciation. MIJ instruments command 2-3x premiums.

Conclusion

Aria represents one of Japan's most underrated guitar stories. From Shiro Arai's 1956 anagram to the Matsumoku golden age (1963-1987), Aria built instruments that challenged American dominance. The PE series carved-top design—with its smoother heel and refined ergonomics—offered an alternative to Gibson that wasn't a copy but an evolution.

Today, used Aria guitars are among the best values in the market. A PE-350 at $300-$400 delivers set-neck construction that competes with guitars costing twice as much. Vintage PE-1500 originals and SB-1000 basses have achieved genuine collectible status. And the PE-R100 Platinum Collection proves Aria still makes Japan-grade instruments for those who want the real thing.

For the player seeking Japanese craftsmanship without the premium price, or the collector discovering Matsumoku heritage, Aria delivers. The brand that gave us Cliff Burton's bass is ready for its next chapter.

For the most current pricing and availability, check Reverb, eBay, Yahoo Japan, and authorized Aria dealers. Prices fluctuate based on origin, condition, and collectibility.

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