Fender Aerodyne Club!

[Shirobon]

Holy balls, guys.

An AJB110 DMC has appeared, and I'm pretty sure it's in violet and not red like the seller mentions.
Fender AJB Aerodyne Jazz Bass 2008 | Reverb
If it's actually violet, that's probably the rarest color of all Aerodynes. Can't tell if its bad lighting or not. It also had its Di Marzio pups replaced which in my opinion is a big no-no, but those can probably be bought separate.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Holy balls, guys.

An AJB110 DMC has appeared, and I'm pretty sure it's in violet and not red like the seller mentions.
Fender AJB Aerodyne Jazz Bass 2008 | Reverb
If it's actually violet, that's probably the rarest color of all Aerodynes. Can't tell if its bad lighting or not. It also had its Di Marzio pups replaced which in my opinion is a big no-no, but those can probably be bought separate.

I can't say for sure, but I think I remember seeing listings for Aerodynes in a color that I can only describe as "Transparent Original Candyapple Red". Whatever it is, it's a gorgeous 'Dyne!

 

[Shirobon]

I can't say for sure, but I think I remember seeing listings for Aerodynes in a color that I can only describe as "Transparent Original Candyapple Red". Whatever it is, it's a gorgeous 'Dyne!

It seems too dark to be Crimson red. I posted another violet APJ in my NBD thread somewhere and it looks closer to that. If anyone here wants to buy it, try and ask for better pics xD

 

[John Eaton]

It’s red. I have one.

 

[Shirobon]

It’s red. I have one.

Aah that's still ok anyway. I really wanted to believe it was violet. That color is excruciatingly hard to find.

 

[Genomatic8]

Add me in please! The color snagged me right away and luckily, it plays very nicely. I have a set of Seymour Duncans in my Squier and the stock pickups are obviously a lot less "meaty" so that is the only swap out I might do. There is a rough sawn area under the bridge inside the bridge pocket, but no effect on tone etc.. Fret work is well done, no sharp edges.
I do prefer the stripped down look of this model vs. previous ones with the guard and silver knob cover.

 

[Shirobon]

Add me in please! The color snagged me right away and luckily, it plays very nicely. I have a set of Seymour Duncans in my Squier and the stock pickups are obviously a lot less "meaty" so that is the only swap out I might do. There is a rough sawn area under the bridge inside the bridge pocket, but no effect on tone etc.. Fret work is well done, no sharp edges.
I do prefer the stripped down look of this model vs. previous ones with the guard and silver knob cover. View attachment 5066229

Ahem

*dusts off list*

#187

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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
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113-lutherie sg
114-Amplified
115-AsCanBe
116-Justice Graves
117-Tbone76
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119-GePe
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121-JxBass
122-Jonahlane
123-Sodbuster
124-Bassman54
125-BadB
126-Cider
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128-XontheP
129-Xandrell
130-aah_scary
131-Templar
132-psyber
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137-codiak
138-Flippy
139-Interspace Station
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148-razorx14
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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-[blank, double entry]
169-NoSlapForYou
170-Nate13
171-Shirobon
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173-John Eaton
174-Rastaman85
175-DrThumpenstein and Jules
176-JakobT
177-VillageIdiott
178-Evan Brown
179-Chuck Allen
180-Chipmonstr
181-SomeHoser
182-Doug P
183-musicman556
184-54 RPM
185-trseal
186-Mpcorb
187-Genomatic8

 

[Treeviper]

I’ve been thinking about buying one of these off of EBay straight from Japan, but I keep hearing about import fees. How is this addressed by the shipping carrier and how much is it generally for one bass?

 

[trseal]

I have bo't basses from Japan off eBay and they were free shipping and no import fees, for whatever that is worth.

Tim

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I have bo't basses from Japan off eBay and they were free shipping and no import fees, for whatever that is worth.

Tim

Same for me for the one that I bought last December.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I’ve been thinking about buying one of these off of EBay straight from Japan, but I keep hearing about import fees. How is this addressed by the shipping carrier and how much is it generally for one bass?

I bought my non-export Aerodyne from Japan. DHL shipping sent me a bill for $45 for import fees (this was about 7 years ago). I never read the fine print in the ad. I just paid it, because I got an amazing deal. Even with the extra fees, it was still $100 below average prices.

 

[jdcraignh]

I recently bought an unusual SG from the UK. Same experience, came via DHL, and I had to pay an import duty before they would actually deliver it. I think it was 8%. I also had a good enough deal that the extra cost was fine, but it was a bit of a surprise.

 

[Ramonesfan59]

I recently bought an unusual SG from the UK. Same experience, came via DHL, and I had to pay an import duty before they would actually deliver it. I think it was 8%. I also had a good enough deal that the extra cost was fine, but it was a bit of a surprise.

I can't recall paying import duties on the two basses I've purchased from Japan (one Japanese-made Aerodyne Jazz and one US-made Precision) but did have to pay duties on a MIM Reverse Jaguar I purchased from the UK.

 

[John Eaton]

I’ve been thinking about buying one of these off of EBay straight from Japan, but I keep hearing about import fees. How is this addressed by the shipping carrier and how much is it generally for one bass?

Under $800 - no duty
Over $800 - 4.9%
Some carriers ask for payment on delivery, some bill you (FedEx does this)

 

[musicman556]

I’ve been thinking about buying one of these off of EBay straight from Japan, but I keep hearing about import fees. How is this addressed by the shipping carrier and how much is it generally for one bass?

Are you based in the USA?

Is it actually any cheaper to buy it on ebay from Japan right now? These Aerodyne Specials are available here in the US, brand new, with full warranty support. I got my California Blue model from Sweetwater for $1,200, and they have 2 in stock as of me typing this post. MAP is $1,350 but you can usually get 10-15% off Fender stuff pretty easily from any dealer if you ask. Fender Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass - California Blue | Sweetwater

Separately, I HAVE also ordered two brander new Fender Japan-only models at the same time through Ikebe Music. I got the Elemental Jazz in white, and the Jino Signature Jazz. I paid right at $3,200 for both basses after all conversion fees, etc. Separately, FedEx sent an invoice to pay US Customs either $120 or $150 (I don't remember the exact amount) a few weeks after delivery. There is an federal import duty for items over $800, I believe it is.

If they were available new here in the US for a similar price, I would have just bought them here. I have no issues with the process, and both basses from Japan were absolutely perfect, but man... I was dreading the potential for an issue with the bass. Return shipping, etc, would have been a NIGHTMARE.

 

[trseal]

Are you based in the USA?

Is it actually any cheaper to buy it on ebay from Japan right now? These Aerodyne Specials are available here in the US, brand new, with full warranty support. I got my California Blue model from Sweetwater for $1,200, and they have 2 in stock as of me typing this post. MAP is $1,350 but you can usually get 10-15% off Fender stuff pretty easily from any dealer if you ask. Fender Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass - California Blue | Sweetwater

Separately, I HAVE also ordered two brander new Fender Japan-only models at the same time through Ikebe Music. I got the Elemental Jazz in white, and the Jino Signature Jazz. I paid right at $3,200 for both basses after all conversion fees, etc. Separately, FedEx sent an invoice to pay US Customs either $120 or $150 (I don't remember the exact amount) a few weeks after delivery. There is an federal import duty for items over $800, I believe it is.

If they were available new here in the US for a similar price, I would have just bought them here. I have no issues with the process, and both basses from Japan were absolutely perfect, but man... I was dreading the potential for an issue with the bass. Return shipping, etc, would have been a NIGHTMARE.

View attachment 5085529

I'm not aware of import duties. I guess I have to assume because I bo't from eBay sellers that advertised "free shipping" that they also paid any import fees. I purchased a MIJ '51 Reissue from eBay seller in Japan and paid no duty. Also a MIJ Vox teardrop from a Japan ebay seller--each north of a grand.

Tim

 

[musicman556]

If the seller under-declares the value for you, then yea, you skip the duties. Danny at BassJapanDirect offers that as a "service" for an additional $40. The downside is, you can only insure a shipment up to the amount of declared value. Shipping costs and import duties are not the same.

I almost purchased my 2 Japanese domestic market basses from Danny but saved about $400 buying straight from Ikebe. Even if I had bought from Danny, I would have only netted a savings on duties of about $100 by paying him $40 to under-declare, but then I would have been stuck with a total loss if something happened in transit because he couldn't insure them properly due to low declared-value.

The ebay sellers are all under-declaring the value of the items to skirt duties. That's all great 99% of the time.... unless yer bass gets bashed in transit. I don't think the seller CAN pay duties. If I understand it correctly (after reading tons of confusing info about import duties around the webs and from da gubmint) the duties are calculated by the carrier (in my case it was FedEx in Anchorage, Alaska) as the item goes through customs. In most cases, the seller doesn't even KNOW what the duties will be, and they have no mechanism to pay them even if they did. The onus to handle import duties is NOT one the seller, but the buyer/receiver. Ikebe has/had no idea what I ended up paying the US Gov, nor do they care.

Fedex sent me a letter a few weeks after I took delivery of the basses. This letter contained a QR code with a link to US Customs where I could input my tracking/bill of lading info, which then brought up my shipment, the totals, etc, and a checkout where I paid the duty.

 

[trseal]

That may explain why those items were advertised as "Used, excellent" (or "very good") but arrived with plastic still on all the hardware and hangtags still in place...

Tim

 

[Bob McAlister]

Loved my Aerodyne. It was loaded with EMG’s and sported a black blocked and bound maple Geddy Lee neck. I think that neck fully complimented the body aesthetically. It played, looked and sounded fantastic. Sold it to an amazing young man with a ton of potential cause I didn’t want him playing a POS!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Loved my Aerodyne. It was loaded with EMG’s and sported a black blocked and bound maple Geddy Lee neck. I think that neck fully complimented the body aesthetically.

Agreed! Better still, no need to dither over what color pickguard to choose!

What's funny, to me, is for a handful of years, the looks of those necks simply speak to me. But one day, I just "woke up" and found I really dug 'em. It's like my creative muse snuck up behind me and whacked me in the back of the head with one. Now, I have three parts-basses sporting '70s-style Squier necks and one more spare neck waiting to go onto whichever Projekt will wear it best...go fig!

It played, looked and sounded fantastic. Sold it to an amazing young man with a ton of potential cause I didn’t want him playing a POS!

That was such a sweet gesture! I mean, how many people here would sell or gift one of their favorites on a hunch?