Fender Aerodyne Club!

[DennisO]

I’d say don’t “probably buy” one if you don’t want a maple fretboard, which likely isnt the original neck as you’re alluding to. Pretty sure Aeros have only come with dark rosewood or black fretboards. Got any pics to share?

the only pic is a very small crappy pic for his kijiji account . looked at it on my phone, zoomed in on it. It looks like it's probably not maple, more like rosewood, but it sure doesn't look black. And I am kinda picking up on your attitude, so if you don't know enough to be of help to me than please don't bother.

 

[DennisO]

I've never seen anything but rosewood, so my educated guess is that the neck is replaced. The neck is one of the best features on the Aerodyne, so I would be careful about this one. A simple Google search shows only rosewood necks.

Thanks Fredrik. I agree completely, I love the dark neck with no fret markers

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

the only pic is a very small crappy pic for his kijiji account . looked at it on my phone, zoomed in on it. It looks like it's probably not maple, more like rosewood, but it sure doesn't look black.

Some of the (early) rosewood boards are not very dark.

 

[DennisO]

Some of the (early) rosewood boards are not very dark.

Thanks for that info Fredrik. The originall Kijiji ad isn't around anymore, wish it was so I could view better pics.

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

Here are mine. The upper one from ~2008/9, the lower one from ~2003/4. As you see, the older one is much brighter (and has always been).

 

[DennisO]

Here are mine. The upper one from ~2008/9, the lower one from ~2003/4. As you see, the older one is much brighter (and has always been).

View attachment 3112572

the one with the pickguard is a non export huh? Do all Aerodyne's have "Aerodyne J Bass" in small letters at the end of the headstock?

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

I belive both are non export, but I'm not sure. Got the oldest one here in Norway (used), and the newest one from Japan. All I have seen have "Aerodyne J Bass" on the headstock.

 

[DennisO]

I belive both are non export, but I'm not sure. Got the oldest one here in Norway (used), and the newest one from Japan. All I have seen have "Aerodyne J Bass" on the headstock.

Hi in Norway Fredrik. I'm in Alberta Canada. Sorry for some reason I always assume people are from the States. I thought the Aerodynes with no pickguard were export models, but I'm a Aerodyne rookie. The guy with the bass will be here anytime now.

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

Hi in Norway Fredrik. I'm in Alberta Canada. Sorry for some reason I always assume people are from the States. I thought the Aerodynes with no pickguard were export models, but I'm a Aerodyne rookie.

Yes, I belive you are right. My memory ain't what it used to be. Good luck!

 

[DennisO]

Yes, I belive you are right. My memory ain't what it used to be. Good luck!

I need'nt of worried about the fretboard. Don't know why it looked so light in his profile pic. It's the black rosewood that i was hoping for. I'm now the proud owner of a Aerodyne It's not pristine but not too bad a shape. has a some marks and one chip and is missing a knob. But the lowest price I found for this exact bass in Canada is $999, and I got it for $350 so I'm very happy. My first bonafide Fender

 

[DennisO]

your bass with the pickguard is a short scale?

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

$350 looks like a good deal. Congratulations! Both mine are long scale. the picture is a bit skewed.

 

[Flippy]

At that price it's almost a steal! Let us see it

 

[Fredrik E. Nilsen]

At that price it's almost a steal! Let us see it

If it's 350 Canadian $, even better.

 

[Interspace Station]

the only pic is a very small crappy pic for his kijiji account . looked at it on my phone, zoomed in on it. It looks like it's probably not maple, more like rosewood, but it sure doesn't look black. And I am kinda picking up on your attitude, so if you don't know enough to be of help to me than please don't bother.

No attitude intended, just saying if it was a maple fretboard, you stated it was not something you wanted so I was agreeing on that part. My 2003 non-export Aerodyne definitely has that lighter rosewood fretboard look unlike the newer export ones that are stained pretty dark. Congrats on the purchase at such a great price!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Do all Aerodyne's have a black fretboard? I'm probably buying one today and in the pic of the bass it looks to me like it has a maple fretboard. I'm starting to wonder if it had the neck swapped. I really like the everything black look of all the ones I see online and a maple would disappoint me. Please inform me Aerodyne experts

the one with the pickguard is a non export huh? Do all Aerodyne's have "Aerodyne J Bass" in small letters at the end of the headstock?

There are a handful of "absolutes" in regards to all Aerodynes, whether an Export or Non-Export edition;

1. They always have rosewood fretboards and many are given a coating of dark stain.
2. They always have the little "Aerodyne" decal near the tip of the headstock.
3. They always have a bound & radius'd top. The binding is usually cream, but I can't be sure if they've used other colors.
4. The softer basswood bodies plus the particular finish they use leads to a noticeable amount of chipping and denting, almost like it's some kind of "Aerodyne Rite of Passage" or something.

Beyond that, there are few other absolutes. There are rare instances of J/J configured pickups (usually made by DiMarzio), five-stringers, Precision necks & bodies, flame tops, transparent finishes...such on and so forth.

Have I missed anything?

 

[Jeff Elkins]

There are a handful of "absolutes" in regards to all Aerodynes, whether an Export or Non-Export edition;

1. They always have rosewood fretboards and many are given a coating of dark stain.
2. They always have the little "Aerodyne" decal near the tip of the headstock.
3. They always have a bound & radius'd top. The binding is usually cream, but I can't be sure if they've used other colors.
4. The softer basswood bodies plus the particular finish they use leads to a noticeable amount of chipping and denting, almost like it's some kind of "Aerodyne Rite of Passage" or something.

Beyond that, there are few other absolutes. There are rare instances of J/J configured pickups (usually made by DiMarzio), five-stringers, Precision necks & bodies, flame tops, transparent finishes...such on and so forth.

Have I missed anything?

If inside your such on and so forth is “medium scale,” then Nope!

Nice list.

 

[Malak the Mad]

If inside your such on and so forth is “medium scale,” then Nope!

Nice list.

Thanks, Jeff. I know Fender-Japan made a few medium-scalers, but I'm 99% certain they were never among the Aerodyne Series.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

Thanks, Jeff. I know Fender-Japan made a few medium-scalers, but I'm 99% certain they were never among the Aerodyne Series.

I can help you with your certainty. I own one!

 

[Malak the Mad]

I can help you with your certainty. I own one!

View attachment 3113195

Oh crap! That's right!! It had the "AJB-M" model designation. I completely forgot about it.

Thanks for the refresher, Jeff.