Fender Aerodyne Club!

[JakobT]

I think along the same lines. However, I make an exception for the '80s-era, Japanese-made Jazz Bass Specials. I, for one, give those a pass since it was early on in Fender-Japan's joint venture with FMIC and they may not have been hip to that organizational groove.

Yeah, Fender haven’t been entirely consistent over the years, but going by the body shape seems to be the current and longest standing convention.

 

[John Eaton]

Even if the headstock states Precision rather than Jazz? Thanks for the quick reply!

I was incorrect!

PJ "P bass" on headstock - 40mm
JJ "Jazz bass" on headstock - 38mm

Sorry, I eyeballed it, calipers don't lie though.

The bodys are also different, the JJ is thicker (not by much but thicker)...

 

[John Eaton]

The Precision Aerodynes have Jazz necks. Mine is 38mm thick

Is yours a straight P only or a P/J?

 

[Malak the Mad]

View attachment 4410086

Is that an ESP Frank Bello bass I see? If so, no surprise. Most of his signature basses have a lot of "Aerodyne DNA" in their design aesthetics.

 

[John Eaton]

It is, and it sure does.
Its the cheaper one but I threw in the active set instead and a HipShot bridge.
It is 4 tuners away from being close enough to the $4,000 version that I won't ever notice, haha.

 

[415Fish]

Greetings and welcome to TalkBass, Fish!

You could do far worse than getting yourself an Aerodyne…any Aerodyne, for that matter. I won't say "upgrade" because I've encountered a few Squier Affinities that punch way above their price-tag. (I, for one, am a firm believer in cherishing any bass that works for someone ergonomically and sonically regardless of the decal on the headstock or country of origin.)

With that in mind, could you go into more detail about your hands-on Aerodyne experience? Aside from it being Jazz shaped, what was it about it's "feel" that worked and didn't work for you? Was it more of a "sound" thing that did/did not grab you or is it really just an "I want something Precision shaped…'cuz reasons!" sorta thing? If the latter, I totally get it. "Looks" can important, especially when it stokes one's enthusiasm to pick it up and whale away at it.

Ultimately, if an Aerodyne Precision turns out to be too difficult to find, or prohibitively expensive, and you know an Export Edition Jazz will work for you, I'd say go for it. There are plenty of string and/or pickup options available that can bring one that much closer to the sound you're chasing, and all for a fraction of what it would cost to get a Precision 'Dyne. (Then again, you might luck out and find one that's already on local soil, wherever that may be for you. Who knows?)

Thanks to all who are willing to answer my noobie questions! Malak you bring up some good points. I hope I can answer them with grace. As a some background the Affinity was my first bass but I also own a Yamaha TRBX304 mgr. I sat with the Aerodyne at GC for a bit but did not plug it in, mostly because I am a coward but it was a Thursday night and they were practically empty. I liked a few things right off the bat.
1. The looks. I mean, aesthetics are not everything but I don't think anyone in the thread can deny that it's unique but not overdone. Tasteful. I am sucker for a matching headstock too.
2. Neck feel. So smooth and a comfortable shape. 34" neck - familiar to me like my affinity. I was worried about it not having fingerboard inlays but forgot about that after noodling with it (I guess it's not a big deal then! haha).
3. The Nut width is a concern for me. I prefer my Affinity Pbass nut width (1.63") since I have larger hands. That said, it's not like I can't stand to play my TRBX with a nut width of (1.496"). It's fine but not my favorite feature of that bass. Of course, I have seen some folks here who have the Aerodyne body and swap necks, perhaps do-able but besides my concern for nut width I quite liked the neck.
4. Weight/Shape. Loved how much lighter the Aero was than my Pbass, though I worry about it not having the thump. Strings would probably clear my concern there based on previous posts.

Initially I thought that an American Performer Pbass would be the next logical conclusion for me but the experience I had with one was disappointing. The quality to me wasn't there. Frets were sharp along the neck and it didn't feel like it was worth 7x what my affinity cost me. That brought me to 'dynes. Seemed like it takes the pieces I like about my Yamaha (impressive QC, aesthetic, versatility in sound) + what I like about my Pbass 34" neck, 20 frets, P/J config, passive pickups

I am not as familiar with the JBS I'll need to look into that. I see that is a non-export as well. I'd hate to lose the goodness of the 'dyne!

 

[Shirobon]

Is yours a straight P only or a P/J?

PJ.
I'll have to find a caliper or a tape measure because now you're giving me doubts about the width.
Fender Japan catalogs do mention that there are two Jazz widths, the JP Jazz at 38mm, and the US Jazz at 40mm.

I wouldn't be surprised that they chose the 40mm necks for export.

 

[John Eaton]

Remember there were two factories. my PJ is CIJ and my jazz is MIJ. maybe each factory had different specs?

 

[Malak the Mad]

Remember there were two factories. my PJ is CIJ and my jazz is MIJ. maybe each factory had different specs?

If Kanda-Shokai changed their specs when they switched over, sure. But if you're wondering if the factory independently decided to do things their own way without formal consent, I'm leaning towards "not very likely".

Given what I've learned about the Japanese work and business ethos, if someone contracts you to build something to a certain set of specs, you damn well better meet their expectations, even if it requires effort above and beyond the call to fulfill that order. Failure to do so and/or modifying a design without consent would lead to serious damage to one's business reputation. Furthermore, said failure would not only reflect badly upon the factory, but it could make the contractor look bad (i.e.: a loss of face) if they ended up selling items that didn't match up with advertised specs or didn't live up to the quality buyers expect. Put simply, to do so would be anathema to their way of doing business.

 

[John Eaton]

I think it is just Fender changing things up for whatever reasons.-

 

[Sub-hoo-fer]

I was incorrect!

PJ "P bass" on headstock - 40mm
JJ "Jazz bass" on headstock - 38mm

Sorry, I eyeballed it, calipers don't lie though.

The bodys are also different, the JJ is thicker (not by much but thicker)...
View attachment 4410086

that rack looks like a little slice of heaven.

 

[Rastaman85]

Not the greatest photo, but here’s my new Aerodyne. I’m a total noob; been f’n around with online lessons for about two months. Loving it so far. No grand ambitions; just wanna amuse myself. Can I get a number and join the club?

 

[John Eaton]

Not the greatest photo, but here’s my new Aerodyne. I’m a total noob; been f’n around with online lessons for about two months. Loving it so far. No grand ambitions; just wanna amuse myself. Can I get a number and join the club?
View attachment 4415766

Nice bass! If you haven’t checked out BassBuzz yet, give it a go, great beginner lessons.

 

[Shirobon]

Not the greatest photo, but here’s my new Aerodyne. I’m a total noob; been f’n around with online lessons for about two months. Loving it so far. No grand ambitions; just wanna amuse myself. Can I get a number and join the club?

(Crap I forgot I was the gatekeeper)

Ahem.


Welcome.
You shall be appointed number 174.

Current Member list:

Spoiler

Fender Aerodyne Club

1-Youngspanion
2-Coltranius
3-Lowfrq
4-Hdracer
5-Ilamor2112
6-Billy K
7-Rocinante-x1
8-Mr M
9-Hankazoid
10-Big chicken
11-Wake & Bass
12-Billy K
13-Ray34
14-Upandb
15-Philthygeezer
**16-GatorDogDoc**
17-Averagehack
18-WheresthPocket
19-StrangerDanger
20-Klonk
21-Bannybassman
22-Onosson
23-hollotim
24-bebop1
25-Jarod21
26-Stoutfellow
27-JacksonAerodyne
28-Dom_Bass_2
29-BassGen (Retired)
30-H.Kristal
31-Jweber76
32-Burgardj
33-Lordbeans
34-JohnnyChatter
35-swu678
36-TheOnlyJuan
37-Bass1965
38-Cellkirk74
39-Spin Doc
40-logans59
41-Lavave
42-THORRR
43-Brando28
44-Fit4pain
45-Bassmanmike1 (Honorary for his self built GORGEOUS Aero-clone)
46-Catbuster
47-Malak The Mad
48-Crash Alpha
49-Chrispunx
50-Melikecookies
51-LPswim2009
52-Dr. Goggles
53-Yesplz
54-Cadfael
55-hazmatt
56-Levis76
57-78Stingray
58-MeLikeBass
59-bluespenny
60-grey area
61-jefff100
62-ekidnu25
63-5Bass5
64-drewfunk
65-im_telling_Tim
66-KrügMeister
67-DaffyStarDuck
68-Sonic
69-ricoshea
70-Bassfacist
71-Snakeman1066
72-mack_avz
73-Lakland55
74-MarkoYYZ
75-[blank]
76-Xandros
77-Ilmārs_Priede
78-Breakman
79-BogezOnBass
80-EricMordus
81-naaily
82-Gorn Captain
83-Spent
84-Spanish Dave
85-9mmMike
86-DJ_SlackHack
87-chienmort- Kinda odd French there
88-Dogghouse
89-Chickentown
90-Kiyote
91-[blank]
92-A-Step-Towards
93-scottz369
94-Ancient of Days
95-marcosedh
96-God's Favorite Bass
97-christle
98-Hopi76
99-flashgod
100-PatrikB
101-rdcowan
102-Lakland55
103-hookgrip
104-Bass5150
105-mojomik001
106-DJJazzV
107-Menorahman
108-Shardik
109-frogonbass
110-Bassplayer315
111-HAVOK
112-Birdbrain
113-lutherie sg
114-Amplified
115-AsCanBe
116-Justice Graves
117-Tbone76
118-Beverlyvista
119-GePe
120-Jloch86
121-JxBass
122-Jonahlane
123-Sodbuster
124-Bassman54
125-BadB
126-Cider
127-Tari
128-XontheP
129-Xandrell
130-aah_scary
131-Templar
132-psyber
133-BuffaloBass
134-nothing_special
135-BassFishinginAmerica
136-RemyFallbrook
137-codiak
138-Flippy
139-Interspace Station
140-jackAbrasion
141-smithenhiven
142-alembic76407
143-chuggster
144-JimmyThunder
145-jeff62
146-soitainly
147-Nick Cardaras
148-razorx14
149-Gravedigger Dav
150-grungenote
151-Honk’n_down-low
152-McFly
153-Crusher47
154-whero
155-azfatboy
156-Jeff Elkins
157-[blank]
158-[blank]
159-Ramonesfan59
160-Fredrik E. Nilsen
161-MommyPlaysBass
162-Stinsok
163-DougieB
164-DennisO
165-jmon
166-chris70x7
167-Raymundo49
168-chienmort
169-NoSlapForYou
170-Nate13
171-Shirobon
172-DustyBottom
173-John Eaton
174-Rastaman85

 

[JakobT]

There are many like it, but this is mine. Had it for a little over two weeks, and very happy with it.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

(Crap I forgot I was the gatekeeper)

Ahem.


Welcome.
You shall be appointed number

Thanks @Shirobon for taking that on.

Can I be #175?

This is Jules. I don’t need to tell you what it says on Jules’ wallet.

Upgrades, maybe “alterations” is a better term, given how awesome this bass was right out of the gate: Hipshot drop tuner, EMG Geezers, Hipshot Kickass bridge, Gibson knobs.

First two I think were upgrades. I thought the original J pickup, although it sounded good to me tonally, was too noisy and I couldn’t get it as loud as the P pick up without it getting wonky/too close to the strings (with the P in the sweet spot). Geezers fixed that, very quiet and hotter J pickup. P is more classic old-school tone, I thought the stock Aerodyne P was more modern-sounding. If I had the skills, I would have left the original P alone, but it was such a simple upgrade and I had read that the Geezers were well-balanced, which I have found to be true.

There’s nothing wrong with the stock bent plate Aerodyne bridge. It had sustain for days and was easy to intonate. I just think those Hipshot bridges look cool, and I did like the ability to adjust the spacing at the bridge a little. But truthfully I don’t think the bridge made it play or sound better. Whether it looks better is in the eye, but I dig it. The Gibson knobs look great on the Dyne, but they are a tight fit on the Geezer pots.

I put Chromes back on tonight, and they just breathe new life into that bass! I had been experimenting with Fender flats. I thought they sounded fine new, in fact a little like Chromes to me, but when they broke in, I just thought they were too dull, especially the G and D strings. I had actually set Jules aside for a couple of weeks when it occurred to me what I needed to do, and this bass sounds so good! I like the tension of the Chromes a little better, too. Jules is singing again!

 

[Malak the Mad]

This is Jules. I don’t need to tell you what it says on Jules’ wallet.
View attachment 4416602

You see this cat Jules is a bad muther…

Shut your mouth!

But I'm talkin' about Jules.

Then we can dig it!

 

[Shirobon]

Thanks @Shirobon for taking that on.

Can I be #175?

Acknowledged.

There are many like it, but this is mine. Had it for a little over two weeks, and very happy with it.

View attachment 4416463

I didn't see your name in the list (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'll be stamping the number 176 on your forehead.

One of us! One of us!

------------
Current Member list:

Spoiler

Fender Aerodyne Club

1-Youngspanion
2-Coltranius
3-Lowfrq
4-Hdracer
5-Ilamor2112
6-Billy K
7-Rocinante-x1
8-Mr M
9-Hankazoid
10-Big chicken
11-Wake & Bass
12-Billy K
13-Ray34
14-Upandb
15-Philthygeezer
**16-GatorDogDoc**
17-Averagehack
18-WheresthPocket
19-StrangerDanger
20-Klonk
21-Bannybassman
22-Onosson
23-hollotim
24-bebop1
25-Jarod21
26-Stoutfellow
27-JacksonAerodyne
28-Dom_Bass_2
29-BassGen (Retired)
30-H.Kristal
31-Jweber76
32-Burgardj
33-Lordbeans
34-JohnnyChatter
35-swu678
36-TheOnlyJuan
37-Bass1965
38-Cellkirk74
39-Spin Doc
40-logans59
41-Lavave
42-THORRR
43-Brando28
44-Fit4pain
45-Bassmanmike1 (Honorary for his self built GORGEOUS Aero-clone)
46-Catbuster
47-Malak The Mad
48-Crash Alpha
49-Chrispunx
50-Melikecookies
51-LPswim2009
52-Dr. Goggles
53-Yesplz
54-Cadfael
55-hazmatt
56-Levis76
57-78Stingray
58-MeLikeBass
59-bluespenny
60-grey area
61-jefff100
62-ekidnu25
63-5Bass5
64-drewfunk
65-im_telling_Tim
66-KrügMeister
67-DaffyStarDuck
68-Sonic
69-ricoshea
70-Bassfacist
71-Snakeman1066
72-mack_avz
73-Lakland55
74-MarkoYYZ
75-[blank]
76-Xandros
77-Ilmārs_Priede
78-Breakman
79-BogezOnBass
80-EricMordus
81-naaily
82-Gorn Captain
83-Spent
84-Spanish Dave
85-9mmMike
86-DJ_SlackHack
87-chienmort- Kinda odd French there
88-Dogghouse
89-Chickentown
90-Kiyote
91-[blank]
92-A-Step-Towards
93-scottz369
94-Ancient of Days
95-marcosedh
96-God's Favorite Bass
97-christle
98-Hopi76
99-flashgod
100-PatrikB
101-rdcowan
102-Lakland55
103-hookgrip
104-Bass5150
105-mojomik001
106-DJJazzV
107-Menorahman
108-Shardik
109-frogonbass
110-Bassplayer315
111-HAVOK
112-Birdbrain
113-lutherie sg
114-Amplified
115-AsCanBe
116-Justice Graves
117-Tbone76
118-Beverlyvista
119-GePe
120-Jloch86
121-JxBass
122-Jonahlane
123-Sodbuster
124-Bassman54
125-BadB
126-Cider
127-Tari
128-XontheP
129-Xandrell
130-aah_scary
131-Templar
132-psyber
133-BuffaloBass
134-nothing_special
135-BassFishinginAmerica
136-RemyFallbrook
137-codiak
138-Flippy
139-Interspace Station
140-jackAbrasion
141-smithenhiven
142-alembic76407
143-chuggster
144-JimmyThunder
145-jeff62
146-soitainly
147-Nick Cardaras
148-razorx14
149-Gravedigger Dav
150-grungenote
151-Honk’n_down-low
152-McFly
153-Crusher47
154-whero
155-azfatboy
156-Jeff Elkins
157-[blank]
158-[blank]
159-Ramonesfan59
160-Fredrik E. Nilsen
161-MommyPlaysBass
162-Stinsok
163-DougieB
164-DennisO
165-jmon
166-chris70x7
167-Raymundo49
168-chienmort
169-NoSlapForYou
170-Nate13
171-Shirobon
172-DustyBottom
173-John Eaton
174-Rastaman85
175-DrThumpenstein and Jules
176-JakobT

 

[JakobT]

Acknowledged.



I didn't see your name in the list (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'll be stamping the number 176 on your forehead.

One of us! One of us!

------------
Current Member list:

Spoiler

Fender Aerodyne Club

1-Youngspanion
2-Coltranius
3-Lowfrq
4-Hdracer
5-Ilamor2112
6-Billy K
7-Rocinante-x1
8-Mr M
9-Hankazoid
10-Big chicken
11-Wake & Bass
12-Billy K
13-Ray34
14-Upandb
15-Philthygeezer
**16-GatorDogDoc**
17-Averagehack
18-WheresthPocket
19-StrangerDanger
20-Klonk
21-Bannybassman
22-Onosson
23-hollotim
24-bebop1
25-Jarod21
26-Stoutfellow
27-JacksonAerodyne
28-Dom_Bass_2
29-BassGen (Retired)
30-H.Kristal
31-Jweber76
32-Burgardj
33-Lordbeans
34-JohnnyChatter
35-swu678
36-TheOnlyJuan
37-Bass1965
38-Cellkirk74
39-Spin Doc
40-logans59
41-Lavave
42-THORRR
43-Brando28
44-Fit4pain
45-Bassmanmike1 (Honorary for his self built GORGEOUS Aero-clone)
46-Catbuster
47-Malak The Mad
48-Crash Alpha
49-Chrispunx
50-Melikecookies
51-LPswim2009
52-Dr. Goggles
53-Yesplz
54-Cadfael
55-hazmatt
56-Levis76
57-78Stingray
58-MeLikeBass
59-bluespenny
60-grey area
61-jefff100
62-ekidnu25
63-5Bass5
64-drewfunk
65-im_telling_Tim
66-KrügMeister
67-DaffyStarDuck
68-Sonic
69-ricoshea
70-Bassfacist
71-Snakeman1066
72-mack_avz
73-Lakland55
74-MarkoYYZ
75-[blank]
76-Xandros
77-Ilmārs_Priede
78-Breakman
79-BogezOnBass
80-EricMordus
81-naaily
82-Gorn Captain
83-Spent
84-Spanish Dave
85-9mmMike
86-DJ_SlackHack
87-chienmort- Kinda odd French there
88-Dogghouse
89-Chickentown
90-Kiyote
91-[blank]
92-A-Step-Towards
93-scottz369
94-Ancient of Days
95-marcosedh
96-God's Favorite Bass
97-christle
98-Hopi76
99-flashgod
100-PatrikB
101-rdcowan
102-Lakland55
103-hookgrip
104-Bass5150
105-mojomik001
106-DJJazzV
107-Menorahman
108-Shardik
109-frogonbass
110-Bassplayer315
111-HAVOK
112-Birdbrain
113-lutherie sg
114-Amplified
115-AsCanBe
116-Justice Graves
117-Tbone76
118-Beverlyvista
119-GePe
120-Jloch86
121-JxBass
122-Jonahlane
123-Sodbuster
124-Bassman54
125-BadB
126-Cider
127-Tari
128-XontheP
129-Xandrell
130-aah_scary
131-Templar
132-psyber
133-BuffaloBass
134-nothing_special
135-BassFishinginAmerica
136-RemyFallbrook
137-codiak
138-Flippy
139-Interspace Station
140-jackAbrasion
141-smithenhiven
142-alembic76407
143-chuggster
144-JimmyThunder
145-jeff62
146-soitainly
147-Nick Cardaras
148-razorx14
149-Gravedigger Dav
150-grungenote
151-Honk’n_down-low
152-McFly
153-Crusher47
154-whero
155-azfatboy
156-Jeff Elkins
157-[blank]
158-[blank]
159-Ramonesfan59
160-Fredrik E. Nilsen
161-MommyPlaysBass
162-Stinsok
163-DougieB
164-DennisO
165-jmon
166-chris70x7
167-Raymundo49
168-chienmort
169-NoSlapForYou
170-Nate13
171-Shirobon
172-DustyBottom
173-John Eaton
174-Rastaman85
175-DrThumpenstein and Jules
176-JakobT

I acknowledge the mark. Henceforth, I shall be known as #176 among you.

 

[VillageIdiott]

Hey all. I thought I would post my Aerodyne. It's blue which I think is pretty uncommon.

It's been said a million times but wow the necks on these are wonderful.

Love this bass.