I need to do a bit more "overseas research" (Look out, Ishibashi...here I come!
), but one thing I do know is the Aerodyne II didn't see the light of day until 2015, when FMIC took over the show out in Japan.Two things I can say for sure about the II's, the body wood seems to have switched to alder and they started flattening out the fretboards to a 9.5" radius. That means no more lighter-than-normal basses and bye-bye to the neck profile that many players have come to love since the 'Dyne's unveiling.
Oh, and did I mention they initially made an FSR model that lacks a painted headstock?!
I can understand FMIC feeling the need to make them fall more in line with more conventional Fender specifications, but that FSR just effin' baffles me. "Standardization" is one thing, but taking away a big, visual twist that makes the Aerodyne stand out from the crowd just screams "unnecessary homogenization" to me.
I mean, sure...it's just an FSR model, so it's probably not going to last, and it's probably meant to echo the "Classic Fender Jazz" look, but really, now...what soulless, white-bread-with-mayonaise-craving, empty suit would go out of their way to make the Almighty 'Dyne look less cool?! I just do not get it!But then, perhaps...
Big picture, I have to wonder if FMIC taking over from Kanda-Shokai will be looked back through the same veil of history as CBS buying Fender...a period of questionable creative changes that may or may not be seen as something of a "dark age" for the brand and the company.
[/RANT]
Ranting aside, sifting through the Ishibashi site is definitely rekindling my interest in the Fender MIJ Modern Jazz bass, which has the looks and specs of a lovechild between an Aerodyne and a Fender American Deluxe. (Is it a forbidden romance or would the World accept their love?! <cue cheesy soap opera music>) For sure, I'd make some minor, cosmetic changes, but I'm gonna put a pin in that discussion until owning one is a realistic possibility.
