Fender Aerodyne Club!

[juancaminos]

I installed the EMG X PJ set into my Aerodyne I believe that I had to remove the lock nut on the back side of the jack so that it fit closer to the mounting plate.

 

[petch]

Gentlemen and Ladies, I wish to be in your Aerodyne Club! 7.7 lbs of simplicity, beauty, and great tone.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

Gentlemen and Ladies, I wish to be in your Aerodyne Club! 7.7 lbs of simplicity, beauty, and great tone.

View attachment 5453902

View attachment 5453909

View attachment 5453910

It's a nice day for a white welcome!

That's a beaut! Play it in good health!

 

[Malak the Mad]

It's a nice day for a white welcome!

 

[silentkaboom]

Well, TalkBass does tend to be a “pics or it didn’t happen” kind of place, sooooo…

Fair enough. I'll be back when it arrives.

 

[Lucky Chuck]

So the latest pics got me to thinking -- what is an aerodyne? I can't tell anymore.

Originally (outside of Japan), they were black Export model PJ's without pickguards, with no-dot Jazz-width necks and strat-style jacks. Then we in the states began to see the non-export models in other colors and with pickguards and neck dots. Now they're almost straight P and J basses.

So what makes them Aerodynes? Is it just the arched body that has an edge that cuts into some folk's forearms? Is that the remaining distinguishing feature?

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

So the latest pics got me to thinking -- what is an aerodyne? I can't tell anymore.

Originally (outside of Japan), they were black Export model PJ's without pickguards, with no-dot Jazz-width necks and strat-style jacks. Then we in the states began to see the non-export models in other colors and with pickguards and neck dots. Now they're almost straight P and J basses.

So what makes them Aerodynes? Is it just the arched body that has an edge that cuts into some folk's forearms? Is that the remaining distinguishing feature?

Inquiring minds want to know...

I was thinking the same thing. I think the body style is the main thing, along with the Jazz width neck with 7.25” radius. As different as the new models are, I think it’s the same with cars. How is a 1966 Corvette in any way related to the 2024 model? And yet, it is.

 

[musicman556]

Hey all! I'm currently trying to install some EMG GZR pickups into the black PJ model, and I'm hitting a snag with the output jack.

I did a search through the thread and it seems like other people have been able to successfully just plug and play these pickups, but I'm not able to find a way to literally fit the output jack + cables into the cavity. I first tried with the supplied jack, but the prongs were too long once the spade attachments were connected, so then I cleaned up the original jack and tried with that, and same thing. I've tried rotating it, squeezing it in, etc, but no dice.

Is my only option to remove the spade connectors and solder the wires directly to the output jack? I was hoping to stay solderless, and didn't think this would be an issue since it seems other people haven't had the same problem.

Anyone have any experience with installing these pickups? Did you have the same issue? Did you solder it in the end? Would love to hear anyone's thoughts or solutions. Thanks!

Not sure if you've already fixed this, but in the link below is a pic of the cavity of my Aerodyne Special P. Yes, the jack is funky and I didn't even bother detaching the stock jack because I KNEW the EMG supplied jack was a non-starter as far as fit. I just clipped the spade ends and soldered where the previous wires had been. I did have to flip them, as outlined in my post from a couple pages back. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-aerodyne-club.626850/page-192#post-28421854

Good luck!

 

[Malak the Mad]

So the latest pics got me to thinking -- what is an aerodyne? I can't tell anymore.

Originally (outside of Japan), they were black Export model PJ's without pickguards, with no-dot Jazz-width necks and strat-style jacks. Then we in the states began to see the non-export models in other colors and with pickguards and neck dots. Now they're almost straight P and J basses.

So what makes them Aerodynes? Is it just the arched body that has an edge that cuts into some folk's forearms? Is that the remaining distinguishing feature?

Inquiring minds want to know...

It's a damn good question. My personal, short answer is the radius'd body.

To expand a bit...since the dawn of the model, and if one were to include the Whole, Dang World in the equation, there have always been different variants within the model going all the way back to late 2003 (re: displayed at Winter NAMM 2003, released for general sale in 2004, etc...)...Export Editions, Non-Export Editions, Deluxe models with small changes depending on the country, Precisions with P-sized necks, mid-scales, five bangers and so on and so forth. And now, there are the Aerodyne Specials that are more commonly P's and J/J's only, but with much, much flatter necks. (Sorry, @BassFishingInAmerica. If it's any consolation/commiseration, I, too, am sad that they dropped the vintage-style, 7.25" radius'd necks. It's probably American thinking getting inflicted on Japanese ideas. )

Through it all, the one, unifying feature is that curvy...and for some, aggravating...body shape and binding. No matter what neck, electronics or hardware they slap on, it's the one thing that "binds " them all together.

At least, that's my reasoning. I'm sure others will have their own rationales and ideas, and that's perfectly cool.

I was thinking the same thing. I think the body style is the main thing, along with the Jazz width neck with 7.25” radius. As different as the new models are, I think it’s the same with cars. How is a 1966 Corvette in any way related to the 2024 model? And yet, it is. View attachment 5454857

View attachment 5454860

I, too, was thinking along similar lines just yesterday, but in regards to Volkswagens (...my weapons of choice! ) Over time, and with different minds & hands at work, it's how this 1982 Volkswagen Quantum, my first ever VW...

...somehow evolved into this 2022 Volkswagen Passat. Go fig!

 

[Malak the Mad]

It's a bit of a "hail mary throw", but I figured I should mention this;

There's someone on the TB Classifieds selling a Dolphin Grey Aerodyne Special Jazz body. At the same time, I have a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz neck with binding and blocks that complement it rather well. Now that I'm almost done parsing down my collection of basses and parts, I'm currently debating on selling it off.

(Specifically, the middle neck...the one that's attached to my long-since-sold Fender Dimension body.)

I figured I should mention it, just in case someone was eyeing up the body, but was also in the market for a more budget-friendly neck that could go nicely with it.

 

[musicman556]

It's a bit of a "hail mary throw", but I figured I should mention this;

There's someone on the TB Classifieds selling a Dolphin Grey Aerodyne Special Jazz body. At the same time, I have a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz neck with binding and blocks that complement it rather well. Now that I'm almost done parsing down my collection of basses and parts, I'm currently debating on selling it off.

(Specifically, the middle neck...the one that's attached to my long-since-sold Fender Dimension body.)

I figured I should mention it, just in case someone was eyeing up the body, but was also in the market for a more budget-friendly neck that could go nicely with it.

This raises an interesting question... ARE Aerodyne necks standard swappable items like regular J or P necks? Or are the geometry, thickness, or pocket shapes slightly altered with the curved body, etc?

I don't have an answer and am not planning on doing this swap at all, but am curious about the prospect.

 

[Ramonesfan59]

This raises an interesting question... ARE Aerodyne necks standard swappable items like regular J or P necks? Or are the geometry, thickness, or pocket shapes slightly altered with the curved body, etc?

I don't have an answer and am not planning on doing this swap at all, but am curious about the prospect.

IIRC, others have reported having issues with this swap, but I was able to get an Aerodyne neck onto a Blacktop Precision bass with no muss of fuss.
Always a good day when I can post this photo again!

 

[musicman556]

IIRC, others have reported having issues with this swap, but I was able to get an Aerodyne neck onto a Blacktop Precision bass with no muss of fuss.
Always a good day when I can post this photo again!
View attachment 5454940

Smashing the like button with abandon is not a strong enough indicator for how awesome that bass looks!

Man, that is hekkin amaze! Truly!

And I think that IS probably a good indicator that these are probably swappable like anything else. If you didn't run into any issues with bottoming or maxing out saddles, etc, I'd say that works! Cool stuff!

 

[Lucky Chuck]

This raises an interesting question... ARE Aerodyne necks standard swappable items like regular J or P necks? Or are the geometry, thickness, or pocket shapes slightly altered with the curved body, etc?

I don't have an answer and am not planning on doing this swap at all, but am curious about the prospect.

I had trouble swapping necks between Aerodynes even -- wouldn't squeeze into the pocket. But one might have been export model and one not. This was back when those were the only 2 flavors.

 

[bdplaid]

I have swapped necks on my black PJ Aerodyne. I had a surprise... The neck pocket fit fine, but the screw holes were in a different place. The holes placed the neck outward from the body leading to intonation problems. New screw holes and resetting the neck solved the problem.

Having messed with everything on my Japanese Aerodyne, I can say it's a slightly different animal than regular Fenders. Don't assume everything will fit just like swapping parts on a regular Fender or Fender styled parts bass.

 

[Ramonesfan59]

Smashing the like button with abandon is not a strong enough indicator for how awesome that bass looks!

Man, that is hekkin amaze! Truly!

And I think that IS probably a good indicator that these are probably swappable like anything else. If you didn't run into any issues with bottoming or maxing out saddles, etc, I'd say that works! Cool stuff!

AS Lucky Chuck and bdplaid have indicated, this is a YMMV situation. Blacktop Precisions may just be forgiving beasts in this regard. None of mine have the original necks. With the exception of this one, I swapped Precision Special necks onto all of them. Hey! An excuse to show the current Blacktop Precision lineup! Yeehaw! Two custom paint jobs and five neck swaps. Not bad for a guy who can hardly play!

 

[Malak the Mad]

This raises an interesting question... ARE Aerodyne necks standard swappable items like regular J or P necks? Or are the geometry, thickness, or pocket shapes slightly altered with the curved body, etc?

I don't have an answer and am not planning on doing this swap at all, but am curious about the prospect.

I, for one, have had very few problems mounting first-gen Aerodyne necks to bodies. The biggest issue I ever had was putting one on a Mighty Mite body. The neck and body holes were barely off, but adding tension to the strings pulled the neck into place.

Meanwhile, these mix-and-matches had no problem whatsoever.

 

[Shirobon]

Gentlemen and Ladies, I wish to be in your Aerodyne Club! 7.7 lbs of simplicity, beauty, and great tone.

Welcome, #202

Fair enough. I'll be back when it arrives.

Current member list:

Spoiler

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-/\/\3phist0
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-maakkim
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-davedamage
158-Daniel Piper
159-Ramonesfan59
160-Fredrik E. Nilsen
161-MommyPlaysBass
162-Stinsok
163-DougieB
164-DennisO
165-jmon
166-chris70x7
167-Raymundo49
168-Moving Pictures
169-NoSlapForYou
170-Nate13
171-Shirobon
172-DustyBottom
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
188-THEbryon
189-Charlinho14
190-Kevlanco
191-JumboJett35
192-outoftune
193-Guitarchitect
194-MIJ Enjoyer
195-Enrique M
196-Gregory H
197-bluetex_
198-johnspierce
199-Pep
200-Flatwound
201-WNRumfoord
202-petch

 

[Malak the Mad]

A question for mod-minded out there; I just got a pair of replacement pickups that I'll likely install into my first-gen Aerodyne P/J Jazz, a DiMarzio Ultra J and a Fender Pure Vintage '63 Precision pickup. Said PV '63 comes with a brass grounding plate. Does anyone know for sure that the plate will drop right into an Aerodyne or will I have to remove it first?

 

[MARVIN MECKLER]

I bought a new California Blue Aerodyne Jazz for $599.

The Jazz neck is AMAZING...but I just could not get with the yellow tint satin maple fretboard against the blue, even though I love the blue painted headstock.

So, I bought a new white headstock Aerodyne Precision neck with a dark rosewood fretboard. I much, MUCH prefer the feel of the Jazz neck, but I did this for looks. The Precision neck still feels good, and the white headstock pulls in the super bright white pickups and binding. I polished the rosewood fretboard like glass.

I also sanded down the yellow tint topcoat off of the rest of the neck with 1000 to 2000 grit sandpaper (took forever) so the color of the neck is now satin-finished untinted maple, which matches the binding and blue perfectly.

Here is a bad pic with even worse "graphics" bwaaahahaaha: