Aria Pro II PE-200

1977 Pro II PE200. Beautifully made Bass. had this one for 18 years now. second owner. As stated before , this is almost and exact replica of the Gibson Ripper (circa late 60's). Tons of features especially with 4 knobs and a 4-way switch.

Electrics and controls personally sound better than the Gibson. My stepson has the ripper and actually prefers to grab my Aria for Studio work. I play Christian Praise and Worship he play Punk, two totally different styles, but one beautiful bass. Only down side, the thing weighs so much. If I'm sitting and playing, it's fine, but after and hour or so of standing and playing, it gets real heavy. I did run a ground wire from the bridge plate to the ground of the electrics due to when playing with an ungrounded amp, it would get a buzz. edge of palm on the bridge takes that away. Of course always prefer to make sure everything is grounded, but sometimes you go places and they are not grounded well.

Factory setup was great, I can hang this one on the wall and 2 weeks later come back and it's still in tune.

Had this Aria through 3 marriages, 9 different residences, carried around in the original case behind the seat of the truck for years, and never failed me yet. I did put straplocks on, but anyone who does live playing should. Finish is still great with a few chips from being dropped a few times, but all in all still looks almost new for being 32 years old

only problem I ever had was trying to find the exact year on this particular model. of course 1977-78 there is not a big wealth on info online or otherwise. never had the need to contact support.

I have been playing for close to 20 years and own this Aria Pro II PE200 and a Peavey FuryV five string, in the bass line. If it were lost or stolen it would be like losing a member of my family. It has been with me longer than most of my family has. I love the feel, it has a very fast action, it is comfortable and fits my big hands well. The only downside I have is the weight. At 40 yrs old, my back is getting weaker and after lugging this thing for 20 years the peavey feels light as a feather. Overall: wonderful piece of work.

This 1977 Aria Pro II PE-200 is an almost(99%)EXACT replica of a "first year production model" Gibson Ripper base. I use the term "first year production model" because the Aria, like Gibson's 1st Rippers, has a bolt-on neck. The ONLY (1%) differences are: (1) The machine heads/tuners are slightly larger than a Ripper's and (2) The Aria has a different bridge design. I"ll say one thing for Japanese copies...some of them may be cheaply manufactured (unlike the Pro II series), but their finishes can be absolutely breath-taking, as with mine. It has a Beautiful tobacco brown burst finish, even on the "back" of the neck !! A nice added touch.

I realize that the Base Database is for providing information TO musicians BY musicians, and I don't want to waste your time repeating alot of the same info. already provided by other musicians, so I will try to be brief, yet thorough, by saying that since my bass is almost EXACTLY like the Gibson Ripper in both looks and functions, I'd suggest you investigate the reviews here, of the Ripper, then apply them to the Aria Pro II PE-200.

Like a LOT of imported guitars and bases I've owned, the fret job is rather lacking in quality, the frets being poorly dressed and filed. But as I described earlier, the finish is Flawless and Stunning. Nice low action with no buzzing or dead spots. The "7" rating is for the poor fret job....the finish rates an "11" !!

This bass is built like a tank !! It is Very sturdy and well-built.

I've never needed to contact the Aria company (or whoever manufactures Aria products).

I've been playing bass for over 20 years and like a LOT of other musicians, I've played (and even owned, at one time or another) MANY different brands of basses, and the Aria Pro II PE-200 is a really great value for the bucks. The quality isn't to die for, but what do you expect for such a low price? If you like the Gibson Grabber, G-3, and/or Ripper styles of basses (but can't afford one), then I urge you to buy a PE-200 if you ever come across one. I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed with your purchase.