Definitely rare! I think…emphasis on "think"…this is the only time I've seen a listing for one. There may have been another many years ago, but I can't be sure.
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Hi all,
I have been curious about the Aerodyne model for a number of years. I got serious about finding one when I started seeing eBay listings for a Japan only non-export "Aerodyne 2" model with different specs, including an alder body. When I saw a pic of a white one with a matching headstock and black binding, I knew I would ultimately have one.
Well, as luck would have it, fortune smiled on me and I now have this:
It's a mint 2021, that I picked up for an excellent price. Don't know how I got so lucky, but sometimes cool basses just find me.
I am still doing my initial setup work and trying to get a feel for what this bass really is and what it does well. I am curious to know more about this specific Aerodyne 2 model. Anyone here have one? I would love to compare notes with you. Anyone know where I can find detailed specs on this? I would really like to know more about the pups in particular.
So far, I have a big smile on my face. I think we are going to get along very well together!
I have been curious about the Aerodyne model for a number of years. I got serious about finding one when I started seeing eBay listings for a Japan only non-export "Aerodyne 2" model with different specs, including an alder body. When I saw a pic of a white one with a matching headstock and black binding, I knew I would ultimately have one.
Well, as luck would have it, fortune smiled on me and I now have this:
It's a mint 2021, that I picked up for an excellent price. Don't know how I got so lucky, but sometimes cool basses just find me.
I am still doing my initial setup work and trying to get a feel for what this bass really is and what it does well. I am curious to know more about this specific Aerodyne 2 model. Anyone here have one? I would love to compare notes with you. Anyone know where I can find detailed specs on this? I would really like to know more about the pups in particular.
So far, I have a big smile on my face. I think we are going to get along very well together!
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She's a beauty alright!
The only thing I know for sure is when FMIC took over for Fender-Japan, they started "modernizing" the Aerodyne II by flattening out the fretboards to the incredibly commonplace 9.5" spec. I guess the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" concept didn't cross their minds, despite the fact that the Aerodyne, in it's original forms, have been strong sellers for a decade and a half.
Man that is one sweet looking bass! If you ever decide to part ways with this unicorn hit me up.
Playing the Fretless Aerodyne on NYE at the Legion. We played five sets!
I picked up an early Aerodyne yesterday, serial number puts it in 2003, and I noticed there are quite a few differences compared to the 2019 I used to have. The output jack isn't the strat style, but rather a flat one located in line with controls. The bridge is slightly inset, not on top of the body like the newer one. The back of the neck is gloss finish, unlike the newer satin ones. And the body appears to be thinner and more contoured than the newer one. The back edges in particular seem to have more curve. Does this all sound correct?
You may have one like mine (my avatar) it's a non export "special"
Aerodyne's are made in Japan. In general, the ones intended for export (to the US, for example) come with the Strat-style jack and without pickguard or fretboard markers. The "non-export" models (intended for the Japanese market) come with the more "normal" right-angle jack, pickguard and fretboard markers. I have one of each.
More knowledgeable folks can (will?) comment on the many exceptions (such as emal's avatar.) Some may even come with Precision-style bodies vs. Jazz-style, but that's getting beyond my knowledge. Let's let the experts fill in those details...
More knowledgeable folks can (will?) comment on the many exceptions (such as emal's avatar.) Some may even come with Precision-style bodies vs. Jazz-style, but that's getting beyond my knowledge. Let's let the experts fill in those details...
All Aerodynes are exported from Japan. The “AJB-DX” designation stands for “Aerodyne Jazz Bass Deluxe” and refers to any no-pickguard model, whether they’re Export (strat-jack’d) or Non-Export (flush-mounted jack) models.
All Aerodynes are exported from Japan. The “AJB-DX” designation stands for “Aerodyne Jazz Bass Deluxe” and refers to any no-pickguard model, whether they’re Export (strat-jack’d) or Non-Export (flush-mounted jack) models.
Thanks for the clarification. I think I worded my question poorly. I meant to ask if the flush-mounted jack models were ever exported to the US market or if they've always been non-export, like the pickguard version. I think you answered that question. Thanks!
I read through this entire thread while waiting for my Aero to arrive from Japan. I already knew the differences between the export and non-export models but when I saw this one, I had to jump on it. Well, it arrived today and after putting it through its paces, my quest for the right four string to fill out the stable may be over.
Congrats!
New or used? Aerodyne I or II?
If it is a II, let's compare notes. I am absolutely in love with mine. It excels at basically everything.
You've got that white one though, right? That thing is sexy as hell. I really like the OCR, but that white speaks to me.
Yes, white Aerodyne II with an alder body.
Am I really the first person in this sub forum to actually lay hands on one?!?
Am I really the first person in this sub forum to actually lay hands on one?!?
