Guitar Interactive – Issue 66 2019

(^68) Guitar Interactive Issue 66
Aria PE-480
Back in 1976, the first model of PE-1500 was officially introduced to the world. Since
then, the PE series had been produced continuously for over four decades and is a
flagship model for the Aria brand. Nick Jennison reviews the latest model in the
series, the Aria PE-480.
REVIEWS_GUITAR REVIEW THE REVIEWS^ ARIA PE-480
“single-cut” shape has been part
of guitar design orthodoxy for a
very long time. While the venerable Telecaster
was the first solid body, single cutaway
design, we tend to associate the shape with a
set neck, a two-piece fixed bridge and a pair
of humbuckers. In this somewhat litigious
climate, you’ll forgive me for not including a
particular brand name, but you can fill in the
blanks yourself.
Speaking of litigation, Aria’s PE series of
guitars was born during the “lawsuit” era in
the late 70s and early 80s. If you’re not up
on this period of guitar history, it’s a time
when quality control issues plagued the big
American manufacturers. In response to this
slump, a number of east Asian companies
flooded the market with their own affordable
(and in many ways, superior) takes on classic
guitar designs. Ibanez, Tokai, Fernandes
and even Takamine are among the “lawsuit”
brands.
The updated Aria PE-480 harks back to this
era with it’s sharp florentine cutaway and
scooped upper shoulder, but the figured maple
and updated headstock shape give the guitar
a distinctly modern look. There are a number
of nice aesthetic touches, such as the recessed
switch and pots, and the fit and finish is
generally good. I say generally, because there
are a few minor finish flaws on our demo
model. The playability is excellent, however.
The three-ply maple neck is comfortable and
feels very solid, and the “techwood” fretboard
looks and feels very much like the rosewood
you’ll find on Aria’s more expensive Japanese-
made models. The body feels substantial
without being cumbersome and the heel-less
neck join makes upper fret access unusually
good for a single-cut guitar.
The pair of Aria “Classic Power” humbuckers
are warm and full sounding, and although
they’re not the most characterful, they handle
classic rock and blues styles with aplomb. »
“There are a number of nice aesthetic
touches, such as the recessed switch
and pots...”
THE