• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Aerodyne Club!

#1,861
MtManiac said:
Here’s mine - a relatively recent addition, a non-export Q serial number, CIJ, which fender tells me dates from 2003-2004. Fender also says it is a non-pickguard model, but I dunno about that, it’s not easy to find P pickguards that are placed correctly.

I usually play a P bass - this P pickup is slightly closer to the neck than a standard P pickup. I also usually play Chromes - for this, I went with Rotosound flats, and I really like them, they feel great and sound authoritative. The stock pickups are good, I have a set of QP PJ’s that I considered putting in it, but after playing it with the band I don’t see a need anymore.

I took it out of the case and everyone said "ooooo... shiny!"

The neck is the real charmer. It doesn’t feel skinny like a Jazz usually feels to me, although it is 1.5” at the nut. The neck profile seems thicker front-to-back than I’m used to, but it feels really good and fast.

Any good places online for replacement knobs? I like the chrome Strat style knobs, but they’re a little tarnished.

Contemplating new pots, and swapping the bridge for a Fender high mass BadAss style.

View attachment 3388460
Click to expand...

If it was a non pickguard version, modded, wouldn't it have a control rout/cover in/on the back ?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fredrik E. Nilsen
#1,863
MtManiac said:
Here’s mine - a relatively recent addition, a non-export Q serial number, CIJ, which fender tells me dates from 2003-2004. Fender also says it is a non-pickguard model, but I dunno about that, it’s not easy to find P pickguards that are placed correctly.

I usually play a P bass - this P pickup is slightly closer to the neck than a standard P pickup. I also usually play Chromes - for this, I went with Rotosound flats, and I really like them, they feel great and sound authoritative. The stock pickups are good, I have a set of QP PJ’s that I considered putting in it, but after playing it with the band I don’t see a need anymore.

I took it out of the case and everyone said "ooooo... shiny!"

The neck is the real charmer. It doesn’t feel skinny like a Jazz usually feels to me, although it is 1.5” at the nut. The neck profile seems thicker front-to-back than I’m used to, but it feels really good and fast.

Any good places online for replacement knobs? I like the chrome Strat style knobs, but they’re a little tarnished.

Contemplating new pots, and swapping the bridge for a Fender high mass BadAss style.

View attachment 3388460
Click to expand...
Is that medium scale?
 
#1,865
Congrats @BillMason! I have the same model, also dating back to 2003. Pickguard definitely came installed on that body, perhaps someone swapped the neck at some point. Is the back of the neck glossy or satin? Should be glossy if original to 2003. (Edit: probably not a swap, I don't think US market Aerodynes ever had dot inlays so possibly it's an error on the Fender site?)

I added standard jazz bass style knobs to mine, liked the contrast they have against the control plate.

IMG_0978.JPG
 
#1,866
C481AA06-11B5-4AB8-9949-4F966C861F2E.jpeg

I’m pretty sure the neck is original.

Not sure why the Fender site says non-pickguard, but the pickguard is molded to the body contours, so I’m comfortable it’s original.

Interspace Station said:
Congrats @BillMason! I have the same model, also dating back to 2003. Pickguard definitely came installed on that body, perhaps someone swapped the neck at some point. Is the back of the neck glossy or satin? Should be glossy if original to 2003. (Edit: probably not a swap, I don't think US market Aerodynes ever had dot inlays so possibly it's an error on the Fender site?)

I added standard jazz bass style knobs to mine, liked the contrast they have against the control plate.

View attachment 3388818
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: TinIndian and EdBo
#1,867
MtManiac said:
Not sure why the Fender site says non-pickguard, but the pickguard is molded to the body contours, so I’m comfortable it’s original.
Click to expand...
What specifically does the Fender site give as it's designation? To get technical, that model should be listed as an "AJB Aerodyne". The models with no pickguard or fretboard dots are "AJB-D Deluxe Aerodynes".

Either way, given it's range of production dates, that was very early into the production and distribution of all Aerodynes. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a teensy hiccup with the database. If nothing else, you could call Fender directly and ask a customer service rep to run the numbers for you and tell you what it says. If there is an error in their records, I'd kindly proffer up a correction to them.
 
#1,869
Interspace Station said:
Just did a search with your serial on Fender's US site, most likely the labels they have are for the US models only and just defaulted to that. As Malak said, there are more specific labels per model for the Japanese market.
Click to expand...
That’d what my assumption was - I don’t have a problem with it, I was just answering the questions being asked.

To my question - anyone know where chrome strat-style replacement knobs for split shaft pots can be bought online?
 
#1,874
#1,880
Jeff Elkins said:
I am in the market for an Aerodyne neck if anyone has one they want to sell. New J models with four bolt heel, black headstock face, in good condition. Loaded or unloaded is fine. I have my eye on the gunmetal blue one on Reverb (Stratosphere) but prefer a black one.
Click to expand...
First off, great choice! It may just be one guy's opinion, but they are the best necks EVER! :thumbsup:

Second, you may have to do what I've done once or twice…buy a used Aerodyne at the best price you can find, keep the neck and sell the body.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Elkins

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back