Fender Aerodyne Club!

[Malak the Mad]

I'm hoping to join the aero club soon. I've had a couple of good condition model slip through my fingers in the last couple of weeks.

Any chance of posting those images of the UGB model soon @Malak the Mad?

I have some better pics from right after purchase that still need to be cleaned up & resized in Photoshop, but I've been holding off until I have it completely finished...mainly new knobs and a custom-made pickguard. That being said, I had the routing done, laid down some new copper foil shielding alongside the existing foil (someone did a good amount of mod-work on this 'Dyne before...talk about "pre-loved"!), installed a set of Seymour Duncan Apollos and managed to get an Audere 2-band, on-the-plate preamp fit into the control cavity.

There are rumors that the three band Audere fits without modification, but I can't confirm that. What I can confirm is that you have to route out the back cavity a bit to get a 4-band in. just a couple of millimeters, and the original plate still covers it completely, but I had to do a little surgery to get that in. Great payoff, though! My Aerodyne keeps up with my Fodera, which is also an excellent player, but 6 times the price!

I can't speak to the 3-band preamps, but with a bit of elbow grease, I got my 2-band to fit. The big breakthroughs were...

1. Dropping the plugged-in battery to the bottom of the channel, underneath the pickup wires, then sliding it into place when the preamp was ready to drop in and screw down.
2. Learning I had to turn the output jack a little. If it doesn't have the right amount of turn, the metal tabs can't move enough for the incoming cable plug. It's still tight, so plugging in a cable requires a little more force than my other basses, but it can pop in. (I tried installing it once before and ran into this problem. I am so glad I tried a second time! )

As for the Apollos, holy sheep dip, they are beefy! They remind me a bit of Fender's misbegotten Super 55's...very deep, but still "Jazzy". These SD's are very similar, but perhaps having a bit more growl. Whatever the proper descriptives are, I dig 'em!

Last, but not least, since this bass is special to me, and will likely be a core "keeper" bass, I decided to go all-in and give it a new set of Thomastik-Infeld POWERBASS rounds. I forget who it was, but someone on TB called them "the Cadillac of bass strings", a description I cannot disagree with.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Hi all, has anyone covered their Fender Aerodyne into a fretless? I found one for a good price. I want a P/J fretless like the Tony Franklin and I was thinking the Aerodyne would be a good contender without the $2000 price tag. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Hi all, has anyone covered their Fender Aerodyne into a fretless? I found one for a good price. I want a P/J fretless like the Tony Franklin and I was thinking the Aerodyne would be a good contender without the $2000 price tag. Any thoughts? Thanks.

What year is the Aerodyne? If it's a first-gen, then my next question would be, "Do you want a fretless with such a curvy radius?"

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

What year is the Aerodyne? If it's a first-gen, then my next question would be, "Do you want a fretless with such a curvy radius?"

The all black glossy with the cream binding. Yeah I just looked at the specs and saw the radius is 7.5”

 

[Malak the Mad]

The all black glossy with the cream binding. Yeah I just looked at the specs and saw the radius is 7.5”

Tighter than that. It should be 7.25". Either way, it definitely sounds like some kind of Deluxe Aerodyne. If it has the Strat-jack, then it's an Export Model. Non-export Deluxe 'Dynes have a flush-to-the-body jack, like so...

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Tighter than that. It should be 7.25". Either way, it definitely sounds like some kind of Deluxe Aerodyne. If it has the Strat-jack, then it's an Export Model. Non-export Deluxe 'Dynes have a flush-to-the-body jack, like so...

Japan made with strat jack and smoked hardware.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I was doing a little online "window shopping" through Guitar Center's used database and came across this link. If someone was interested, it's a first-generation Aerodyne Deluxe listed at $580. What's really interesting is that it's a Non-Export Edition with a flush-mounted output jack, instead of a Strat-jack.

• [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[just-1-more]

Was matte black a colour option on the earlier models?

I only recall seeing two advertised with a matte finish (e.g. Fender Japan Aerodyne Jazz Bass Matte Black 2004) but I don't recall any discussion about it being one of the colour options. Both were from the initial CIJ period and had pick guards.

I thought someone might have taken to the finish with fine steel wool to de-gloss the body but the finish looks too consistent for that.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Was matte black a colour option on the earlier models?

I only recall seeing two advertised with a matte finish (e.g. Fender Japan Aerodyne Jazz Bass Matte Black 2004) but I don't recall any discussion about it being one of the colour options. Both were from the initial CIJ period and had pick guards.

I thought someone might have taken to the finish with fine steel wool to de-gloss the body but the finish looks too consistent for that.

To the best of my knowledge, no, but I have been surprised every once in a while, so take it with a grain o' salt.

I can think of three possibilities;

1. It's a prototype done with a non-standard finish.
2. It's a refinish.
3. Someone buffed out the gloss. For the record, this is my vote.

There are some potential clues in the pictures that point towards aftermarket buffing. If the gloss was removed, then the finish would be thinner. If that is the case, then that would account for the lines up and down the body. If they aren't weird reflections in the paint, then they could be where pieces of basswood were glued together before routing and finishing.

The other clue is the closeup of the headstock. Either the paint is similarly thinned out and the wood's grain is peeking through or the lines are from the buffer moving side-to-side, along the same lines the neck travels.

 

[just-1-more]

If they aren't weird reflections in the paint, then they could be where pieces of basswood were glued together before routing and finishing.

I would say that those lines are almost certainly the join between different pieces of timber. They are visible on the front too. Most modern Fenders are made from 3 or more pieces of wood. I thought it was most likely done by a previous owner, but the prototype theory sounds plausible too.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I would say that those lines are almost certainly the join between different pieces of timber. They are visible on the front too. Most modern Fenders are made from 3 or more pieces of wood. I thought it was most likely done by a previous owner, but the prototype theory sounds plausible too.

Possibly, but I'm just spitballin'. Whatever it really is, I'd love to see if I'm proven wrong on any/all of my conjectures. (research...research...research...research...)

I'd never thought about it until a few years ago when a friend got their hands on one or two prototype Fender Dimension basses. It looks like it helps to A.) be really dedicated to something and B.) have contacts within FMIC. Now, if I could only build some bridges with the people who designed and built the Aerodyne...

 

[DrThumpenstein]

To the best of my knowledge, no, but I have been surprised every once in a while, so take it with a grain o' salt.

I can think of three possibilities;

1. It's a prototype done with a non-standard finish.
2. It's a refinish.
3. Someone buffed out the gloss. For the record, this is my vote.

There are some potential clues in the pictures that point towards aftermarket buffing. If the gloss was removed, then the finish would be thinner. If that is the case, then that would account for the lines up and down the body. If they aren't weird reflections in the paint, then they could be where pieces of basswood were glued together before routing and finishing.

The other clue is the closeup of the headstock. Either the paint is similarly thinned out and the wood's grain is peeking through or the lines are from the buffer moving side-to-side, along the same lines the neck travels.

I'm with you. The joints can't be seen on my or any other Aerodyne I've seen. I agree that it appears to be due to the finish being thinned by buffing, FWIW.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I have some better pics from right after purchase that still need to be cleaned up & resized in Photoshop, but I've been holding off until I have it completely finished...mainly new knobs and a custom-made pickguard. That being said, I had the routing done, laid down some new copper foil shielding alongside the existing foil (someone did a good amount of mod-work on this 'Dyne before...talk about "pre-loved"!), installed a set of Seymour Duncan Apollos and managed to get an Audere 2-band, on-the-plate preamp fit into the control cavity.


I can't speak to the 3-band preamps, but with a bit of elbow grease, I got my 2-band to fit. The big breakthroughs were...

1. Dropping the plugged-in battery to the bottom of the channel, underneath the pickup wires, then sliding it into place when the preamp was ready to drop in and screw down.
2. Learning I had to turn the output jack a little. If it doesn't have the right amount of turn, the metal tabs can't move enough for the incoming cable plug. It's still tight, so plugging in a cable requires a little more force than my other basses, but it can pop in. (I tried installing it once before and ran into this problem. I am so glad I tried a second time! )

After a bit more use, I've decided to remove the Audere preamp from my Non-Export Aerodyne. The channel is too tight to let the jack's connectors move properly. I mean, if I can't plug in without it becoming a whole production unto itself, why bother?

 

[DrThumpenstein]

After a bit more use, I've decided to remove the Audere preamp from my Non-Export Aerodyne. The channel is too tight to let the jack's connectors move properly. I mean, if I can't plug in without it becoming a whole production unto itself, why bother?

What about trying to file it out a little with a small rasp?

 

[Malak the Mad]

What about trying to file it out a little with a small rasp?

I’ve thought about having more routing done, but it’s already been a big production to convert it from a P/J to a J/J. Between that, and probably having to drill additional holes for the new pickguard and control plate, I don’t want to carve it up anymore. Besides, I’ve had a lot of success with my recent “Dark Night Projekt” and it’s off-kilter wiring that I’m strongly considering getting another one made for it. (I can even request the whole thing be chrome…plate, jack, knobs and switches…just like the original controls.)

I’m also considering different Jazz pickups, but that’s just a little bit down the road.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I just realized something...I did a big photoshoot with my original Aerodyne, but still haven't posted the final product! Time to remedy that oversight!

It may be mojo'd up, but it's pretty much in the same shape as when I got it back in 2011. Perhaps, someday, I'll do a protective fill-in with some glossy black nail polish to keep the cracks and dings from spreading, but, for now, it's fine as is.

 

[just-1-more]

NBD - I'm in. Just picked this up yesterday. I've played guitar for a long time but this is my first bass. Haven't touched a bass since high school. Let's just say that was several decades ago. I'm totally comfortable playing finger style on guitar, but this is obviously a whole different deal. It's going to take some getting used to but I'm up for a new challenge.

Dolphin grey (DFG) with a Q serial number so an early model - either 2003 or 2004. It looks greenish in these photos but I think it's just picking up green tones from the grass. Nice light gloss neck. I generally prefer satin neck finishes but this isn't too far from that. It's still pretty slick. I'm not a fan of the sticky / grabby feeling of heavy gloss or painted necks.

It's in great condition overall apart from a chip and a few dings on the lower bout. There are a couple of other minor scratches / dents on the body and a couple of small chips in the headstock but really good condition for a 20 year old instrument. The knobs are normally heavily tarnished and dull but these are still like new. Everything is stock as far as I can tell.

No complaints about the pickups - they sound good to me. It has a new set of Alice round wound strings which will do for now but I'll see if I can pick up some TI Jazz Flats or D'addario Chrome flats when the black friday sales roll around.

I think they may have actually sprayed this one with whale grey instead of dolphin grey. It tips the scales at a beefy 4.45kg (9.8 lbs) . That's got to be one of the heaviest AJBs I've seen reported but so far it seems manageable. I've been looking for one for the past couple of months and most of the non-export models have been in the 4kg to 4.3kg range (8.8 to 9.5 lbs).

 

[Malak the Mad]

NBD - I'm in. Just picked this up yesterday. I've played guitar for a long time but this is my first bass. Haven't touched a bass since high school. Let's just say that was several decades ago. I'm totally comfortable playing finger style on guitar, but this is obviously a whole different deal. It's going to take some getting used to but I'm up for a new challenge.

Dolphin grey (DFG) with a Q serial number so an early model - either 2003 or 2004. It looks greenish in these photos but I think it's just picking up green tones from the grass. Nice light gloss neck. I generally prefer satin neck finishes but this isn't too far from that. It's still pretty slick. I'm not a fan of the sticky / grabby feeling of heavy gloss or painted necks.

It's in great condition overall apart from a chip and a few dings on the lower bout. There are a couple of other minor scratches / dents on the body and a couple of small chips in the headstock but really good condition for a 20 year old instrument. The knobs are normally heavily tarnished and dull but these are still like new. Everything is stock as far as I can tell.

No complaints about the pickups - they sound good to me. It has a new set of Alice round wound strings which will do for now but I'll see if I can pick up some TI Jazz Flats or D'addario Chrome flats when the black friday sales roll around.

I think they may have actually sprayed this one with whale grey instead of dolphin grey. It tips the scales at a beefy 4.45kg (9.8 lbs) . That's got to be one of the heaviest AJBs I've seen reported but so far it seems manageable. I've been looking for one for the past couple of months and most of the non-export models have been in the 4kg to 4.3kg range (8.8 to 9.5 lbs).

Sweet!

There's a lot to unpack, here. Mainly, it's finding a twenty-year-old Aerodyne with so little finish cracks. That's quite a find, even if it is on the heavy side. But, then, I've noticed how the standard, non-export 'Dynes tend to be a wee bit heavier than their Deluxe counterparts. Just a guess, but I suspect it might be because of the additional control plate and pickguard.

As for strings, I started off with .100-gauge Chromes on my Aerodyne and will probably be going back to them or Fender flats. It may just be me, but I feel they lent a bit more beefiness to the overall sound, but still kept some of it's inherent growl.

Last bit of advice, don't let your forearm dig heavily into that binding. If you're used to keeping your elbow up while playing six-stringers, keep that groove alive.

 

[just-1-more]

There's a lot to unpack, here. Mainly, it's finding a twenty-year-old Aerodyne with so little finish cracks. That's quite a find, even if it is on the heavy side. But, then, I've noticed how the standard, non-export 'Dynes tend to be a wee bit heavier than their Deluxe counterparts. Just a guess, but I suspect it might be because of the additional control plate and pickguard.

As for strings, I started off with .100-gauge Chromes on my Aerodyne and will probably be going back to them or Fender flats. It may just be me, but I feel they lent a bit more beefiness to the overall sound, but still kept some of it's inherent growl.

Last bit of advice, don't let your forearm dig heavily into that binding. If you're used to keeping your elbow up while playing six-stringers, keep that groove alive.

I've seen some really beaten up specimens and a couple that had only a few depressions in the finish but were otherwise pristine. The latter were substantially more expensive.

I actually had the choice of three non-export AJBs that were all in similar condition from the seller. He imports second hand Japanese guitars and basses to Australia. Japanese models are a lot better value here - the exchange rate and taxes make US varieties way more expensive.

As well as mine there was a black BLK that would have been my second choice and another DFG that had a little more cosmetic damage. The neck felt a bit better on the one I brought home. The other DFG had a nice neck but seemed to have lower output pickups. It could have had something to do with the strings (seemed really old and dead) or pickup height though. It was good to be able to compare a few different examples.

I wouldn't have thought the pick guard and control cover wouldn't add that much weight. I suspect the export models have a deeper control route and remove more material. And nature just throws up variations - environmental conditions and genetics can influence timber density and weight. Who knows.

 

[just-1-more]

Last bit of advice, don't let your forearm dig heavily into that binding. If you're used to keeping your elbow up while playing six-stringers, keep that groove alive.

The hard edge hasn't bothered me at all. I play plenty of acoustic guitars so the Aero isn't a big adjustment.