Aria
1956 Arai Pineapple
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2010 ACU-250 Concert
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Ariana Soprano
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Aria was formed in Japan in 1953 by Shiro Arai as Arai & Co. and have been producing a range of instruments including Ukuleles since 1956. They still have Soprano, Concert, Tenor Ukuleles and Guitaleles in the catalogue; plus a Uke Bass and a Banjolele. In the past the range has included Baritones too; and were made in Japan, however the modern ones are made in China.
The very first ones sold were branded Arai sometimes with Land'o'Lei as well.
They have introduced a range with a new logo and a rounded headstock branded Aria Ukulele Co. These are made of 3 ply laminate mahogany or koa that has been specially treated in a process they call T.L.S.B.™. There are Soprano, Concert and Tenor models
They have also in the past branded a budget range of Chinese made colourful Sopranos called Ariana, though in 2013 they changed the name to Kapua. and have now changed again to Maika'i
Aria have worldwide distribution for a range branded Laule'a . They look like standard Chinese made fair, Soprano, Concert and Tenor in laminate (and apparently solid?), mahogany, koa and zebrano. They have a distinctive rosette, resembling a wreath, made from small holes cut around the central soundhole. I can find nothing on them apart from the Aria website so I suspect they are a subsidiary brand.
Aria have also taken over worldwide distribution for, (so probably now own too), Keli'i and Pignose
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