I'd say the thin body is really what causes it to take a blow in terms of durability (pun not intended). My MTD Kingston Saratoga has a basswood body, but in spite the few times I've bumped it, no scratches or anything. The body is quite thick.
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I have two Fender aerodynes one with the pick guard and one without and they’re both MIJ. One of them is a fingerprint magnet the other not so much and they are both very good mid entry level basses. I collect old guitars. Mostly fender bases and I have a few gorgeous ones in my collection that I will die owning. My favorite is my 1966 Fender Jazz bass which is the year I was born. There was just something about the aerodyne that I really liked And I came across a buy one get one free deal from some young kids who did not know what day had. At first I thought the instruments were stolen but then the mother showed me the receipt for the aerodyne she had just bought at Sam Ash for over $800 so I gave her $900 and I got both which I consider buy one get one free. Does anyone know if send her plans on making an all natural aerodyne? I would be interested in that. Thanks guys
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Yes I put the Geezers in my Aerodyne and it is the perfect fix.
I had the same issues you are talking about. I was told that the newer Japanese made Fenders though still solid and great craftsmanship on the neck and body that they started using the lower end electronics from the Cheaper models. When my luthier guy took them out you could see the quality difference in build and then sound when played. The Geezers are amazing. So versatile in the sound and tone you can dial in with each pup. I also have a 2002 Japanese Pbass and you can see the quality difference right away on the electronics. I ended up putting Geezer Pbass pups in it anyway. I think the Pbass pups are more versatile than the Jbass pups but that’s just personal preference. Good luck with it but I highly recommend them. I’m also using DR black beauties for strings. Very light and easy playing. I’m strictly a fingers guy.
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Krebsy;
Thank you for the reply and your insight. I put the Geezer pups in my MIM PBass and have been really impressed with the sound. I LOVE’m! Originally, I was going to get them for my Aerodyne but I figured I could spend less by getting a set for the pbass just to see if I liked them enough for a PJ setup. You have confirmed what I suspected and hoped for so, after Christmas I will by myself a late gift.
By your comments about your luthier, it sounds like you guys had the same reaction as when I opened mine up. (WTH is this crap?) Underneath that pick guard it was (router dust, wood shavings and crappy solder) ugly. Regardless, I cleaned up the cavity and switched them out and I’m so happy I did. Now, I cannot wait to do the same with the Aerodyne. The neck on that guitar is addictive.
Btw... I use roto77 flats
Merry Christmas!
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Hey guys.. Question about pickups and "crafted vs build" in Japan please:
I'm considering getting a new Aeordyne.. I'm somewhat enamored with the thinner body/lighter and matching black head. I played one yesterday but I just don't like the pickups so would likely get EMGs.
Could I put active PJ EMGs into this bass? (I think all Aerodyns are passive stock)? I like EMGs a lot and have 'em in my current Spector.
Also, I am reading very conflicting things about the crafted vs built in Japan thing. Anyone knew the difference? Seems any [real] info I can get seems built in Japan is better / the more recent years.
Also, do you guys find the Aerodynes to hold value well?
Thanks a million!!!
I'm considering getting a new Aeordyne.. I'm somewhat enamored with the thinner body/lighter and matching black head. I played one yesterday but I just don't like the pickups so would likely get EMGs.
Could I put active PJ EMGs into this bass? (I think all Aerodyns are passive stock)? I like EMGs a lot and have 'em in my current Spector.
Also, I am reading very conflicting things about the crafted vs built in Japan thing. Anyone knew the difference? Seems any [real] info I can get seems built in Japan is better / the more recent years.
Also, do you guys find the Aerodynes to hold value well?
Thanks a million!!!
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Dunno if I can help with all of your wonders but, adding active pups would likely require some carpentry work. Even then, I’m in doubt that there’s enough meat on the body for the mod.
I agree with you that the stock pickups are lacking. I switched out mine within a month.
thanks.. I did notice that there's a plastic cover on the back so, wondering if there's room in there for a tiny bit of electronics and 9v battery? hmm... I wonder.
But, are any of the Aerodynes active at all? or, all of them--over the years--all passive?
But, are any of the Aerodynes active at all? or, all of them--over the years--all passive?
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I think that stern look from the seahorse should suffice to bring Fender to action...
Whoops - forgot where I was in the thread.
The only downside ive seen to the Aerodynes is they get "road worn" PDQ, the basswood body dents easily. Thats the price for light weight, i guess. They are hard to keep pristine, which may affect resale.
Yeah no doubt. Mine never leaves the house. If it didn’t feel so good to play and have a unique sound I would have never gotten it.
So, I found these EMGs, that can make it an active bass (link below) but, does anyone know if the bass has room in the body/back for a battery??? (I notice a good sized back plastic plate/cover).
https://www.amazon.com/EMG-Active-B...pickups&qid=1560013149&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1
https://www.amazon.com/EMG-Active-B...pickups&qid=1560013149&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1
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Thanks.. Though I appreciated the post, I didn't think that sounded definitive actually. I'm looking if anyone can speak to the space behind the somewhat large plastic plate (when removed) on the back of the Aerodyne.
This is my AERODYNE. The first thing I changed was the bridge. I put a hip shot on it and some Roto sound 66 strings and I had my brother who now lives in turkey make me a custom pick guard. I also have the other version without the pick guard which is a fingerprint magnet And a dent collector. The wood is so soft That if you bang into anything it leaves a mark. I have two of these in my collection and this one is my favorite out of the two.
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