Aria Guitars has officially announced a commemorative Cliff Burton Signature Bass to mark 40 years since the late Metallica bassist’s passing. Unveiled ahead of its debut at NAMM 2026, the Aria Pro II Cliff Burton Signature Bass – SB-CLB revives one of the most iconic and underrated signature instruments in metal history.
Originally launched in 2013 with the approval of both Burton’s family and Metallica, the Aria Pro II Cliff Burton bass was a long-overdue celebration of the player’s unmistakable tone and pioneering approach. While Burton never received a signature instrument during his lifetime, that release finally put the spotlight on his unsung brand of choice. Now, 13 years later, Aria is bringing that formula back, refreshed for a new generation.
According to Aria, the SB-CLB “honors Cliff Burton’s groundbreaking tone and legacy” while being “created for a new generation of players.” In other words, this is not intended as a purely sentimental reissue, but a serious performance instrument designed to stand up to modern bass rigs.
At present, official specifications remain under wraps. It is unclear whether Aria has altered the original construction, which featured an Alder body, a seven-piece Maple/Walnut neck-through design, and a 24-fret Rosewood fingerboard. The 2013 model was also notable for its Solid Brass tailpiece with 24K Gold-Plated saddles, paired with a single Aria MB-V passive pickup, a setup that delivered Burton’s famously aggressive yet articulate voice.
Aria’s official announcement reads: “The legend returns. We are proud to unveil the Aria Pro II Cliff Burton Signature Bass – SB-CLB at NAMM 2026. This special model honors Cliff Burton’s groundbreaking tone and legacy, created for a new generation of players.”
The SB-CLB will be publicly unveiled at NAMM 2026, with a Spring 2026 release planned.
