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Description

The Aria Pro II SB-1000 is a classic in the world of electric bass guitars, renowned for its distinctive tone and craftsmanship. Originally introduced in the late 1970s, this bass has been a favorite among professional musicians for its unique sound and reliable performance. Known for its neck-through construction, the SB-1000 offers exceptional sustain and resonance, making it a staple for both studio sessions and live performances.

The SB-1000 features a single MB-1E double coil pickup, which delivers a powerful and articulate sound that bassists crave. The active electronics with a 6-position rotary control allow for precise tonal shaping, giving players the flexibility to cover a wide range of musical styles. The bass is equipped with a versatile 18V EQ system, providing a dynamic range of expressive options.

Crafted with attention to detail, the bass's solid maple body and rosewood fingerboard ensure durability and a smooth playing experience. The 24-fret design allows for extensive playing range, making it suitable for both traditional and modern bass techniques. Whether you're laying down a groove or taking the lead, the SB-1000 is built to impress with its playability and sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through body construction
  • Single MB-1E double coil pickup
  • Active electronics with 6-position rotary control
  • 18V EQ system for dynamic tonal control
  • Solid maple body
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 24-fret design
zumazmusic

zumazmusic

Aria Pro II SB-1000 - bass review

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro II SB-1000 - bass review by zumazmusic

Aria Pro II SB-1000 - bass review

zumazmusic

zumazmusic

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro II SB-1000B Reviewed by Guitar Interactive Magazine by Aria Guitars World

Aria Pro II SB-1000B Reviewed by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Aria Guitars World

Aria Guitars World

Video thumbnail for The Most Iconic Bass Of The 80s? | Aria Pro II SB1000 Superbass Review by Brooksy's Bass Corner

The Most Iconic Bass Of The 80s? | Aria Pro II SB1000 Superbass Review

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro II SB-1000 black/oak - first soundcheck by davormaricic

Aria Pro II SB-1000 black/oak - first soundcheck

davormaricic

davormaricic

Video thumbnail for VINTAGE JAPANESE BASSES: Aria Pro II SB 1000 1985 Black Pre-shipment test. BASS GUITAR SOUND TEST by Bass Japan Direct

VINTAGE JAPANESE BASSES: Aria Pro II SB 1000 1985 Black Pre-shipment test. BASS GUITAR SOUND TEST

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro II SB-1000 (1983) sound demo by davormaricic

Aria Pro II SB-1000 (1983) sound demo

davormaricic

davormaricic

Video thumbnail for 1982 Aria Pro II SB1000 Active Bass Matsumoku Japan by johnnyangel69

1982 Aria Pro II SB1000 Active Bass Matsumoku Japan

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Video thumbnail for Aria Pro ii SB1000 bass sound demo by Pete M

Aria Pro ii SB1000 bass sound demo

Pete M

Pete M

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aria Pro II SB-1000.

Comparisons

  • Owners note the Aria Pro II SB-1000 feels similar in weight to a J-bass, countering its reputation for being excessively heavy.

    Source
  • The SB1000 has a very narrow bridge spacing with wide nut spacing, unlike the Jazz bass-like wide bridge and narrow nut spacing of the SB-R60 and Black n Gold models.

    Source
  • The SB1000's ebony fretboard differs from the rosewood fretboards found on SB-R60 and Black n Gold models, impacting playability and tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Newer models are praised for maintaining vintage aesthetics, particularly the inlays which are highlighted as especially appealing.

    Source
  • Owners report the pickup position and amp setup heavily influence tone, more so than differences between the SB1000 and Black n Gold models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its powerful sound, this bass is frequently used for covers of songs by Metallica and Duran Duran, indicating its versatility in rock genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Despite its reputation, the recent model is reported to be comfortable for extended play, suggesting improvements in ergonomics.

    Source
  • The SB1000 uses an MB1E dual coil humbucker with an active varitone rotary preamp, contributing to its unique tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • The SB1000's active EQ is controlled by a recessed knob positioned lower than the others, with a LED indicator that blinks when connected.

    Source

Build quality

  • The SB1000 features an anodized aluminum lid in two pieces for the electronics bay, distinguishing it from other models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To determine the manufacturing year of a Matsumoku-built SB1000, check the serial number in gold on the back of the headstock; the first digit indicates the year.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dem_bassness

Amazing

I've played many basses but this one stuck out the most to me. the 6 switch rotary knob the and the gnarly tones you can get are pretty great for any genre of music

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Cliff Burton uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Cliff Burton

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Cliff used during year 1985 the Aria pro II SB-1000 before playing on an SB-Black'n'Gold.

See how Jack Bruce uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Jack Bruce

Singer, Bassist

Cream

...
Verified via Sothebys

Sothebys sold by auction Jack Bruce's SB1000 in 2015 for 3,750 GBP.

Jack Bruce ARIA PRO II SB BASS GUITAR IN NATURAL FINISH, 1980 serial number 088047, five piece through-neck headstock with walnut facia, four chrome tuners, "The Aria Pro II" transfer and patent details, rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, twenty-two frets, double cutaway body, single pick up, three rotary control knobs, one mini selector switch, brass bridge tailpiece, one gilt metal back plate, in black rectangular Aria Pro II hardshell case with green plush lining

CATALOGUE NOTE Jack used this bass amongst others for the 1980 Jack Bruce and Friends Tour with Clem Clempson. Footage from a concert for the German TV show Rockpalast during the tour shows Jack using this Aria. Sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by Jack Bruce.

See how Mike Oldfield uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Photo

In 1982, Mike Oldfield played an Aria Pro II SB-1000 bass guitar, as shown in a live performance photo on Tubular.

See how Nigel John Taylor uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Nigel John Taylor

Bassist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Photo

Nigel John Taylor frequently used the Aria Pro II SB-1000 as his main bass from 1981 to 1985, as evidenced in the photograph.

See how Billy Gould uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Billy Gould

Bassist

Faith No More

...
Verified via YouTube

Besides from Billy's Aria Integra used in the late 80s, Billy Gould actually had an Aria Pro II in the early 80's, as seen in this clip of the band performing back in 1983, two years before the band's debut album. The Bass can clearly be seen between the 0:20 to the 0:40 second mark into the video.

See how Rudy Sarzo uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Rudy Sarzo

Bassist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Sarzo can be seen playing an Aria Pro II SB-1000 Bass.

See how Bruce Foxton uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Bruce Foxton

Bassist

The Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video for 'Beat Surrender', we can immediately see Bruce dancing around playing an Aria Pro II SB bass.

See how Quorthon uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Quorthon

Singer, Guitarist

Bathory

...
Verified via Photo

https://gearspotting.com/gear/aria-pro-ii/

"I still think that the Aria Pro II bass is the best bass ever made."

  • Quorthon
See how Cronos uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Cronos

Singer, Bassist

Venom

...
Verified via Karsmakers

Let me tell you something. I recently got an offer from Kramer guitars. They wanted to offer me a deal, but I already have a deal with Aria and whereas I had to pay for those Kramer guitars, Aria gives me the guitars for free. So I bought this Kramer guitar and erased the "K" and "er", so it was called "ram", bought it for something like £ 140, and smashed it. Just to make a point. I use the Aria SB 1000 series

See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via Muzines

"We tend to start with bass sounds - analogue synths, or the really good dub bass you can get with this Aria Pro II..." He reaches for a living, breathing guitar.

See how Tye Trujillo uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Tye Trujillo

Bassist

Korn

...
Verified via Photo

In a video on Gibson's YouTube channel, Tye Trujillo is seen playing an Aria Pro II SB-1000 bass guitar.

See how Tony Butler uses Aria Pro II SB-1000

Tony Butler

Bassist

Big Country

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen at 3.46

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Aria Pro II SB-1000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
E-mu Emax
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1
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo Effects Processors
1
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1

Community setups

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leonlundqvist

leonlundqvist

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