Aria 100 Series Dreadnought Body Acoustic Guitar in Matte Tobacco Sunburst

 "It all started with the classical guitar", says Shiro Arai, Chairman and the founder of Aria Guitars. One day, a friend came to visit Shiro’s apartment with a guitar. Shiro was expecting to hear Koga-type Japanese po pular music, but instead his friend started to play a piece by Bach. From this moment, he had been inspired by the sound of this instrument forever.

The very next day, Shiro bought his first guitar, costing over two months salary and began to teach himself to play. Now playing day and night, his passion for the guitar brought him to a famous classical guitar master in Nagoya, and soon became one of his students.

Shiro started work for a trading company in 1947, aged 17. In 1953, Shiro and two of his colleagues resigned their positions and founded their own trading firm. After the fledgling company failed after just one year Shiro found himself homeless with nothing but his guitar. In order to live and settle the outstanding debts from this first business he started to teach the guitar.

In 1954 unable to buy guitars, music and strings in Japan’s music stores, Shiro started to import classical guitars, Augustine guitar strings, and musical scores for himself and his students. These were the first classical guitars imported into post-war Japan and included instruments from renowned makers Jose Ramirez and Hermann Hauser. Recognising an incre asing demand for guitars from friends and players throughout Japan, Shiro grasped the opportunity to start his own business. On August 2nd, 1956, ARAI & CO., INC was founded.

At this time, although demand for classical guitars and accessories were increasing, it was still comparatively low and business was supplemented with other products including woollen material. The name, “ARIA”, which means expressive melody, was first used in 1958 when Arai exported Japanese built classical guitars fitted with steel strings to South East Asia in 1963. Also the letters of his name “ARAI” were just switched around to “ARIA as he recalled.

Shiro embarked on a tour of the US with two of the best Japanese KOHNO guitars. At that time Japanese guitars had a poor reputation for developing body cracks and warped necks after being exposed to drier conditions abroad. It was Shiro’s intention to prove how good Japanese guitars were by performing and showing to fellow guitarists, teachers and music shops. After two months these guitars also started to crack.

Even the best available Kohno guitars faced the same problem. Shiro took these cracked guitars back to Japan to show their makers just how vital it is to use properly seasoned tone woods. This trip gave Shiro the experience and knowledge to improve the quality of guitars and export Japanese guitars worldwide.

It was as early as the late 50’s when Arai started to import Fender guitars and amplifiers from the US, although at that time the Japanese market was not quite ready for the electric guitar! With the advent of rock n’ roll demand for electric guitars took-off. Arai released its first ARIA brand electric guitars in early 60s and soon after started to export to the US followed with models including the 1532T and 1802T.

To counter the decline of the solid body electric guitar boom, Arai released the Aria Diamond series hollow body semi-acoustic guitars. Aria Diamond was named after the imitation diamond inlayed into the headstock. This series lead to the release of the 1202 models in 1966 and caused nothing short of a sensation in Japan. From 1967 Aria added a variety of models including the solid body 1702T, R-320, and violin shaped 12-string and bass guitars, and a full acoustic guitar.

In 1975, Aria Pro II was developed from Aria’s custom shop making high-end models for professional users. In 1976, Aria Pro II released its first original model, the PE-1500.

PE (Prototype Line) is a classic Aria design, also known as the legendary masterpiece, it featured an arched top, and all maple carved body with Aria’s original “heel-less neck and DiMarzio Super Distortion Humbucking Pickups. Primarily designed for tone and playability, the PE series has been modified to match today’s trends while keeping its original features and timeless design.

In 1978, Aria Pro II released another long-selling model, the SB-1000. The SB-1000 was highly regarded throughout the world and came to represent everything that was good about Aria and Japanese guitar building. Featuring a Canadian Ash body with neck through body and, to enhance playability, a heel-less neck. For its original tone, SB featured the Aria original BB circuit. Its exotic see-through finish and the eye position marks make the SB amongst the most distinctive basses ever made.

Aria Pro II led the way with the 80’s shift to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Releasing many models such as XX, ZZ and U-1. Whilst not abandoning their routes also re-established the semi-acoustic guitar models, FA and TA. The 80s, also saw the introduction of the famous IGB (SB INTEGRA) bass series.

In the early 1990s, after the heavy metal rush, Aria Pro II released one of its favourite original models, the MA series to reinforce the PE and SB line-ups. MA series bodies are constructed with innovative crystal shaped carved top and back.

Continuing its remarkable progress, Aria released the very unique concept of the SWB (electric upright bass) series to the world in 1992. The SWB range offers compact modern design and features the Fishman custom bridge Piezo pickup and active tone circuit.

Aria has been at the forefront of guitar and Japanese guitar building excellence for 60 years, which means a wealth of experience and acquired expertise. The core value remains the same today, to constantly strive to achieve a higher level of excellence, quality and value for musicians.

⭐ Type: Acoustic Guitars
⭐ Series: Aria 100 Series
⭐ Body Shape: Dreadnought
⭐ Finish: Matte Tobacco Sunburst
⭐ Body Top: Spruce
⭐ Body Back: Sapele
⭐ Body Sides: Sapele
⭐ Neck: Mahogany
⭐ Fretboard: Pau Ferro
⭐ Frets: 20
⭐ Scale Length: 650mm
⭐ Nut: 43mm
⭐ Machine Heads: Vintage Open Gear Type
⭐ Bridge: Rosewood
⭐ Electronics: None

Welcome to GIG Guitars – we're a proud, family-owned store based in the heart of Glen Innes, NSW. As a small independent business, we genuinely care about helping you find the perfect gear, whether you’re picking up your first instrument or adding to your collection.

Our handpicked range is all about quality and value, backed by friendly, honest advice you can count on. With fast shipping across Australia, easy returns, and flexible payment options like Afterpay and Zip, shopping with us is simple and stress-free.

Got a question or just want to chat guitars? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at sales@gigguitars.com.au or give us a call on 0488 200 801.
Thanks so much for choosing GIG Guitars – we truly appreciate your support!

Shipping & Returns

Shipping

Direct to Consumer Delivery Policy

What GIG Guitars Does:

• GIG Guitars will process an item for a direct to consumer order. This can be shipped to a business or residential address using either Australia Post E-Parcel or StarTrack Express or collected by a courier selected by GIG Guitars on behalf of the Purchaser.
• GIG Guitars will provide the Consignment details to the nominated email address.

What we don’t do

GIG Guitars takes no responsibility for lost or stolen goods.

Australia Post and Star Track Express have their own policy regarding this procedure. We recommend you visit their websites at http://auspost.com.au/index.html www.startrackexpress.com.au for a better understanding of their proof of delivery policy.

• As GIG Guitars are delivering on behalf of the purchaser, insurance of the goods is the responsibility of the purchaser. If any goods are damaged in transit, the store takes no responsible for the item and all logistics of return and it’s cost of re-supply.

If you require GIG Guitars to insure the goods on your behalf, please request this on the Purchase order for each Direct Ship order.

An additional insurance charge will be applied to the invoice.

• All goods lost or stolen, after being left at the consumer’s premises, is not the responsibility of GIG Guitars.
• GIG Guitars will not be responsible for following up delivery details, or any delivery discrepancies, this is the responsibility of you, the purchaser. We will only provide a consignment tracking info.

Details of your parcel can then be viewed on the Courier Website, using the Consignment number provided by GIG Guitars. If the matter cannot be resolved easily by tracking the Consignment Number from the relevant tracking Websites, GIG Guitars will endeavor to resolve it.

Returns

We are not required to provide a refund or replacement if you change your mind. But you can choose a refund or exchange if an item has a major problem.

This is when the item:

• has a problem that would have stopped someone from buying the item if they had known about it
• is unsafe
• is significantly different from the sample or description
• doesn’t do what we said it would, or what you asked for and can’t be easily fixed.

Alternatively, you can choose to keep the item and we will compensate you for any drop in value. If the problem is not major, we will repair the item within a reasonable time. If it is not repaired in a reasonable time you can choose a refund or replacement.

• Lost Gift Vouchers will not be refunded but should be able to be redeemed should you loose your physical voucher

Please keep your proof of purchase – e.g. your receipt.

Conditions of Returns

Returnable items are subject to the following…

• The product is faulty
 
• The product is not the same product that was ordered
 
• The product does not perform to the Manufacturers specifications
 
• The product has been damaged in transit (please take note of all parcels immediately upon receiving from postage or courier and where possible take a photo of damage)
 
• Items must be returned within 7 days
 
• Items must be returned with original packaging and supplied accessories (ie; power supply, manuals)
 
• Items must be returned as new, and free of scratches or marks
 
• A copy of original receipt must accompany your return
 
• You must contact the store before sending back any items
 
• Returns may not be granted for products such as Print Music (due to Copyright Laws), Kazoos, Tin Whistles, Recorders (due to hygiene reasons)
 
• Returns will not be granted due to a customer’s change of mind, or ordering the wrong product.
 
• All faulty items will be directed back to suppliers for warranty assessment. This is no guarantee that a product will be replaced, repaired or refunded.

We’re sorry, but NT, WA, and TAS are not included in our Free Shipping offer. Additionally, Clearance Items and Pratley Guitars are also excluded. No worries, though—shipping will be calculated at checkout. Just enter your address, and we’ll handle the rest! We're here to support you every step of the way.

We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at sales@gigguitars.com.au. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: 117 Ferguson Street Glen Innes NSW 2370

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at sales@gigguitars.com.au.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items

We are not required to provide a refund or replacement if you change your mind or ordered incorrectly.
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like custom products .

Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at sales@gigguitars.com.au.

Order Cancellation Policy

We understand that sometimes plans change, and you may need to cancel your order. Please review our cancellation policy below:

1. Order Cancellation Timeframe

• Orders may be canceled within [24 hours] of purchase for a full refund.

• Cancellation fees may apply, depending on the nature and status of the order at the time of the request. (Refer Item 4)

• After this window, orders may already be in processing or shipment, and cancellation may not be possible.

2. How to Cancel

• To cancel an order, please contact our customer service team at sales@gigguitars.com.au or through our website's contact form.

• Provide your order number and reason for cancellation to help us process your request promptly.

3. Custom or Made-to-Order Items

• Custom or personalized items are non-cancelable once production has begun. Please double-check your order details before submitting.

4. Cancellation Fees

Cancellation fees may apply depending on the stage of order processing and any costs already incurred by GIG Guitars.

Applicable fees may include, but are not limited to:

• Payment Gateway Fees

• Handling Fees

• Delivery Fees

• Costs of Items Purchased by GIG Guitars to Facilitate Prompt Delivery

• Any Other Expenses Incurred by GIG Guitars in Connection with Your Order

You will be notified of any applicable fees at the time your cancellation request is reviewed.

5. Refunds for Canceled Orders

• If your order is eligible for cancellation and a refund is due, it will be processed back to your original payment method within [5–10 business days], minus any applicable cancellation fees.

6. Late Cancellations

• If cancellation is requested after the allowable window or if the order has already shipped, you may need to go through our return process instead.

7. Reserved Rights

• We reserve the right to cancel any order due to product availability, payment issues, or other reasons. In such cases, you will receive a full refund.