Cliff Burton

A Legend Returns: Aria Reissues Cliff Burton’s Signature Bass to Mark 40 Years of His Legacy

Japanese manufacturer Aria Guitars has officially announced the reissue of the signature bass guitar of Cliff Burton, the iconic musician and one of the key architects of Metallica’s classic sound. The updated Aria Pro II Cliff Burton Signature Bass (SB-CLB) will be unveiled for the first time at the NAMM Show 2026 in Anaheim, with sales scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

The release is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Cliff Burton’s passing, who tragically died in 1986. Despite his short career, the musician permanently changed the perception of the bass guitar’s role in heavy music, and his style and tone remain benchmarks for the genre.

The reissue continues the limited 2013 model, which was produced with the direct involvement of the Burton family and the official approval of the members of Metallica. That instrument was widely praised as one of the most accurate and respectful recreations of the legendary Black ’n Gold I bass that Cliff played in the mid-1980s.

Like the original, the new Aria Pro II SB-CLB bass guitar retains the classic SB body shape and neck-through construction, delivering a powerful, rich, and stable tone. The instrument features a 34-inch scale length, 24 frets, a multi-laminate maple and walnut neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with signature inlays. Sound is provided by a passive Aria MB-V pickup with a minimalist control layout — exactly the configuration preferred by Burton himself.

Special attention has been paid to visual and collectible details. The bass is finished in the recognizable black-and-gold color scheme, equipped with a brass string plate and signature hardware. An authorized Cliff Burton signature is placed on the back of the headstock, and each instrument comes with a premium hard case and a certificate of authenticity signed by his father, Ray Burton.

Cliff Burton’s historical connection with the Aria brand is of particular importance. These basses became his primary instruments after 1984, when he abandoned earlier models due to their lack of reliability under intense touring conditions. From that point on, Aria became firmly associated with the classic sound of early Metallica albums, from Ride The Lightning to Master of Puppets.

Cliff Burton’s musical legacy continues to have a profound impact on the modern scene. His iconic solo “(Anesthesia) — Pulling Teeth” is widely regarded as one of the most influential bass compositions in the history of heavy metal and remains a point of study for musicians worldwide.

The debut of the Aria Pro II Cliff Burton Signature Bass 2026 will take place at the NAMM Show 2026, running from January 22 to 24. Details regarding pricing and regional availability will be announced closer to the release date, but it is already clear that the reissue will be one of the most anticipated instrument releases of the year and a major event for collectors and fans of Metallica and Cliff Burton’s legacy.