Fender Aerodyne Club!

[filler83]

I started thread with my question and didn't get any responses so figured I would ask here.

background:
I used to have an older export Aerodyne ("S" serial number). Back of neck was slightly stained which I liked and a thick rosewood fretboard. The sound of the P pickup was very punchy and open (sounded like most other P pickups).

Current question/concern/issue:
I have noticed in multiple newer export aerodynes ("JD15-19" serial number) that the sound is very dark and dull, to the point that it is a turnoff off for me, although they play exactly the same as the older ones.

Recent example was I was in my local GC and they had both a used "S" serial and a new "JD19" I played back to back. Both felt great, but the newer one still had a dull/dark sound whereas the older one had that typical punchy open P sound. Unfortunately, the older one had a ski jump on the neck. The new one played great.

Has anyone else noticed this? Am I just going crazy? Could this be remedied with different pots or pickups? Why would they sound so different?

 

[emal]

Years ago I got rid of mine and regretted it almost immediately
Recently found one at a good price
I have get the jack soldered back as one wire came off but so happy to get her back
It’s a Q Serial number so from 2002-2004 and Crafted in Japan
Pics to come

 

[B-Mac]

What type of Fender HSC works with the Aerodyne?

 

[tiny warlock]

What type of Fender HSC works with the Aerodyne?

This one works. I've used it and the Gator TSA series with the purplish interior.

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[jeff62]

Any standard P or J bass case will work. They are all the same size.

 

[B-Mac]

This one works. I've used it and the Gator TSA series with the purplish interior.

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Thanks

 

[B-Mac]

Any standard P or J bass case will work. They are all the same size.

Thanks

 

[Jeff Elkins]

I started thread with my question and didn't get any responses so figured I would ask here.

background:
I used to have an older export Aerodyne ("S" serial number). Back of neck was slightly stained which I liked and a thick rosewood fretboard. The sound of the P pickup was very punchy and open (sounded like most other P pickups).

Current question/concern/issue:
I have noticed in multiple newer export aerodynes ("JD15-19" serial number) that the sound is very dark and dull, to the point that it is a turnoff off for me, although they play exactly the same as the older ones.

Recent example was I was in my local GC and they had both a used "S" serial and a new "JD19" I played back to back. Both felt great, but the newer one still had a dull/dark sound whereas the older one had that typical punchy open P sound. Unfortunately, the older one had a ski jump on the neck. The new one played great.

Has anyone else noticed this? Am I just going crazy? Could this be remedied with different pots or pickups? Why would they sound so different?

I haven't played any of the newer models.

What kind of strings are on them?

 

[Master Chief]

It's here:

Bonus pics:

 

[TexasEdition]

It's here:
View attachment 3574725
Bonus pics:
View attachment 3574724 View attachment 3574726 View attachment 3574727

Nice color!

 

[Malak the Mad]

View attachment 3574724

Kitty approves!

 

[Master Chief]

Nice color!

Thanks, I liked this one more than the all-black and red variants.

I might swap the bridge for a Hipshot Kickass at some point.

 

[filler83]

I haven't played any of the newer models.

What kind of strings are on them?

It would be whatever is stock - I wonder if that’s it though. They sound dead or sound like chromes or flats but I would assume nickel rounds?

 

[TexasEdition]

Thanks, I liked this one more than the all-black and red variants.

I might swap the bridge for a Hipshot Kickass at some point.

I've never seen the grey/slate (whatever color it is.). It's stunning. Looks like the older (and better) one with the pick guard and plate. I've I ever have the opportunity I would do what I can to get it.

I'm looking at the same bridge. I might do it at my next string swap, but it sounds great right now. I put some roto sounds on it that I had laying around waiting for my Geddy bass and it sounds great. I might try the nickles next time, or the DR Hi Sun beams. But I don't see how I can improve on this much more.

Best of luck with your new toy.

 

[Master Chief]

I've never seen the grey/slate (whatever color it is.). It's stunning. Looks like the older (and better) one with the pick guard and plate. I've I ever have the opportunity I would do what I can to get it.

I'm looking at the same bridge. I might do it at my next string swap, but it sounds great right now. I put some roto sounds on it that I had laying around waiting for my Geddy bass and it sounds great. I might try the nickles next time, or the DR Hi Sun beams. But I don't see how I can improve on this much more.

Best of luck with your new toy.

They call it Dolphin Grey. I've seen them pop up in Europe lately, so when I found one in great condition and OK price, I knew I had to have it.

DR Hi Beams are my strings of choice ever since I tried them on my P bass w/ an EGC bolt-on neck. Excellent sparkle and they seem to last a long time too.

 

[DennisO]

It's here:
View attachment 3574725
Bonus pics:
View attachment 3574724 View attachment 3574726 View attachment 3574727

Beautiful !!

 

[Catbuster]

I've never seen the grey/slate (whatever color it is.). It's stunning. Looks like the older (and better) one with the pick guard and plate. I've I ever have the opportunity I would do what I can to get it.

I'm looking at the same bridge. I might do it at my next string swap, but it sounds great right now. I put some roto sounds on it that I had laying around waiting for my Geddy bass and it sounds great. I might try the nickles next time, or the DR Hi Sun beams. But I don't see how I can improve on this much more.

Best of luck with your new toy.

The first time I saw that color, or an Aerodyne for that matter, was the video for Slither by Velvet Revolver where Duff McKagan was wearing one. I thought it was the coolest looking bass I’d ever seen at the time... I still think it’s one of the coolest to this day.

The KickAss won’t fit in the recess, so you’ll have to either do a base plate or modify the body.

I really like the Gotoh 201 as a better bridge for an Aerodyne. And they come stock in smoked chrome, which is slick.

 

[B-Mac]

I’ve been seeing quite a few used ‘non-export’ Aerodyne basses for sale lately.

I assume anything other than a Black Aerodyne is ‘non-export’. Is this an accurate assumption or are there exceptions?

And why is the USA market only getting Black as new ?

 

[Malak the Mad]

I’ve been seeing quite a few used ‘non-export’ Aerodyne basses for sale lately.

I assume anything other than a Black Aerodyne is ‘non-export’. Is this an accurate assumption or are there exceptions?

And why is the USA market only getting Black as new ?

This model…

…is the one and only "Export Edition", the only model that is regularly circulated around the world. Every other iteration is considered a "Non-Export" made specifically for the Japanese market.

 

[B-Mac]

This model…

…is the one and only "Export Edition", the only model that is regularly circulated around the world. Every other iteration is considered a "Non-Export" made specifically for the Japanese market.

Thanks

I’m just wondering why? Are we considered that boring to only want black? Not that the black isn’t sharp because it is, but why deprive the bass players in the USA market who might want a different Fender than the usual tried and true Precision and Jazz?

Does anyone know an official Fender answer? Is it just a sales/profitability thing?