These are the questions players and music shops ask us most often. If yours is not here, ask us directly.
Jump to: The instruments · Choosing a model · Buying and delivery · Care and ownership · For music shops
The instruments
Are Arrius guitars made of solid wood?
Yes, always. Every Arrius is made of solid wood only; we never use laminates for tops, backs or sides. You can check it at the edge of the soundhole, where the grain runs through the whole thickness of the top. How to recognise a genuine Arrius.
Where are Arrius guitars made?
Our way of building is Spanish at heart. In 2014 we brought that experience to the United States, where we have good access to the finest tonewoods. The instruments are made by hand by a small group of luthiers working under the supervision of experienced Spanish specialists. How we build.
How long is the wood seasoned?
At least eight years before it becomes part of a guitar. That is why we can speak with confidence about the structural stability of our instruments throughout their life. Why we wait so long.
What does “master grade” mean?
It is our name for the highest level of materials and workmanship in a series. The MPR-5000 is the master-grade guitar of the MPR series, and the UK-1500 is our master-grade ukulele.
Choosing a model
Which Arrius should I choose?
It depends on where and what you play. For concert halls and competitions, the S-1000 with its double top. For daily practice, recitals and recording, the MPR-5000, our key instrument. For an all-solid guitar at a more accessible price, the MPR-400. For repertoire high on the neck, the MPR-100 S with a cutaway. Read our full guide.
Is the “Arrius 5000” the same guitar as the MPR-5000?
Yes. Players often shorten the name to Arrius 5000 or MPR 5000. The full name is Arrius MPR-5000, the master-grade guitar of our MPR series. It also exists in sub-models and finish variations; ask us about the current versions.
What is the difference between the MPR-5000 and the MPR-400?
Both are all-solid and share the same body and scale. The MPR-5000 adds a special-grade cedar top, an additional resonance port that sends the sound towards the player, a raised fingerboard, eight-layer binding and Hannabach gold strings. The MPR-400 keeps a traditional construction and lets you choose cedar or spruce and rosewood or Java ebony. See the MPR-5000 comparison.
Do I need to change my technique for a raised fingerboard or a soundport?
No. The scale, the nut width and the string spacing are standard, so your hands will feel at home. The raised fingerboard simply makes the high positions easier to reach, and the soundport lets you hear more of what you play. Most players notice the difference within minutes and stop thinking about it within a day. The raised fingerboard · The soundport.
Cedar or spruce?
Cedar is warm and immediate; spruce is clear and grows with playing. Neither is better; they are different. Our comparison.
Is a double top better than a solid top?
It is louder and projects further, which matters on a concert stage. A solid top has a more traditional, intimate character that many players love. That is why we build both. The double top explained.
Buying and delivery
Can I try an Arrius before buying?
Yes. You can play practically every model at our distribution centre in Passaic, New Jersey, or at one of our authorised distributors in Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. Let us know in advance which instruments you want to see; some are brought from the warehouse, which takes one or two days.
How long does delivery take?
It depends on the model, the finish and where you are. An instrument in stock can be ready to try at our centre within one or two days. Custom finishes, limited series and larger orders are built by hand and take longer; we give you a realistic date when we confirm the order. How ordering works.
Can I order an individual finish or decoration?
Yes. We prepare limited series and individual finishes, including headstocks set with Swarovski crystals, moissanite or diamonds, and gold details. These are priced individually, according to the specification.
Does every guitar come with documents?
Yes. Each Arrius has its own serial number and leaves us with a certificate of authenticity and quality with a holographic seal. Keep it with the instrument; it matters for the warranty, for insurance and for any future owner.
Care and ownership
What warranty do I get?
We stand behind the structural stability of our guitars throughout their life, which is what eight years of seasoning makes possible. Every ukulele of the UK series is covered by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. For the exact terms for your instrument and country, ask us.
Which strings does my guitar come with?
The MPR-5000 is strung with Hannabach hard-tension strings with gold-plated basses; the S-1000 with Savarez; the MPR-400 with Savarez 540 ARJ; the MPR-100 S with Savarez 500 ARJ; the UK-1500 with Aquila. You are free to experiment. Choosing strings.
How should I store my guitar?
In its case, at a stable room temperature and a relative humidity of about 45 to 55%. Avoid radiators, direct sunlight and cold cars. Caring for your instrument · Humidity through the seasons.
My strings feel too high. What can I do?
String height (action) can be adjusted by a qualified luthier, usually by shaping the saddle. Do not file the saddle yourself. Action and setup explained.
I am buying a second-hand Arrius. How do I check it?
Ask for the certificate and photographs of the label before you pay, and compare the serial number and specification. If in doubt, send us the details and we will check them against our records. Recognising a genuine Arrius.
For music shops
Do you work with music shops?
Yes, from the first stage of an order. We discuss every detail of construction and finish, and with larger orders we can prepare limited series or unique accessories for your shop.
What are the minimum orders?
Five pieces for instruments priced up to $6,000, three pieces above that. With continuing cooperation, new models can be sent for testing in single pieces. Discounts grow with larger orders, and become significant from ten pieces. How to order.
Still have a question? Contact us, or browse the knowledge base.