Aria make acoustic and electric guitars and basses, as well as ukeleles, mandolins and banjos, ranging from entry level to pro instruments. It introduced the concept of the electric upright bass with its SWB series and recent launches include the Aria Pro II “Lux-Series”. The company was formed in Japan in 1956 by Shiro Arai, and now includes Pignose travel guitars with built-in amps, Jose Antonio guitars and Mojo gig bags. Artists using Aria include John Taylor of Duran Duran, and Ritsuk and Naoko of Shonen Knife.