Need Purchase Advice - MIJ vs. Aerodyne vs. FGN

[Bigpig]

So, here goes: I'm getting ready to sell a P-Bass I've had for about 30 years (short version: tough to let her go, but it's physical - I'm a P-Bass player with J-Bass hands) and returning to my main four-string instrument of old with the proceeds.

I've narrowed it down, but it's not really that narrow at the moment, and am looking at three possibilities:

1. Mid-to-late 1980s or early 1990s MIJ Jazz Bass - no advice needed here - an 88 MIJ was my old primary instrument, and I know how good they are. However, it's not the only option I'm considering, which leads me to . . .

2. Aerodyne Jazz Bass - ideally the non-export Japanese version, with twin single-coils. I have had a little time on an American market P-J Aerodyne, and was impressed by the ease of the action and feel. Great spangy sound too, and the weight was a nice change after the Precision. The only thing that struck me as maybe taking some getting used to would be the body edge against the right forearm, but maybe molehill to mountain conversion on my part? Beyond that, I don't know if certain years or periods are more desirable than others, as seems to be the case with MIJ standard Jazz Basses.

3. I've also heard good things about Fujigen, and am considering either a Mighty or a Standard Jazz Bass as another possibility. If there's anybody out there who owns one, or has played one, your input would be most welcome! What I've been able to find online - here at TalkBass and elsewhere - indicates a very high quality instrument and good sound, though lack of American distribution would almost certainly mean ordering internationally, as far as I can tell.

Anyway, that's the scoop, and thanks!

 

[Malak the Mad]

2. Aerodyne Jazz Bass - ideally the non-export Japanese version, with twin single-coils. I have had a little time on an American market P-J Aerodyne, and was impressed by the ease of the action and feel. Great spangy sound too, and the weight was a nice change after the Precision. The only thing that struck me as maybe taking some getting used to would be the body edge against the right forearm, but maybe molehill to mountain conversion on my part? Beyond that, I don't know if certain years or periods are more desirable than others, as seems to be the case with MIJ standard Jazz Basses.

Here's my vote, but then, I am terribly biased. And even if solo'ing the neck pickup isn't "the classic P-sound" you're used to, I don't think the audience will notice enough to deduct any points from you.

As far as the forearm contour goes, it should only take a small period of adjustment. Eventually, you'll be able minimally "rest" it on the edge to the point where it won't cut in deeply.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever looked into a Fender Blacktop Jazz?

 

[Bigpig]

Here's my vote, but then, I am terribly biased. And even if solo'ing the neck pickup isn't "the classic P-sound" you're used to, I don't think the audience will notice enough to deduct any points from you.

As far as the forearm contour goes, it should only take a small period of adjustment. Eventually, you'll be able minimally "rest" it on the edge to the point where it won't cut in deeply.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever looked into a Fender Blacktop Jazz?

I've seen Blacktops online and elsewhere, but frankly don't know all that much about them. Controls are oh-so-familiar, but beyond that, I'm totally at sea.

For starters, manufactured in . . . ? Looks pretty sweet, though - and I've always been a sucker for basic black.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I've seen Blacktops online and elsewhere, but frankly don't know all that much about them. Controls are oh-so-familiar, but beyond that, I'm totally at sea.

For starters, manufactured in . . . ? Looks pretty sweet, though - and I've always been a sucker for basic black.

Basically, it's a very simple idea that, in a number of TB'ers opinions, turned out quite awesome. Fender took a straight up, MIM Jazz bass, routed it for a pair of split-coil pickups and gave it a Deluxe Series high-mass bridge. Everything else…specs, ergonomics, volume/tone controls…is all Jazz bass.

Definitely don't let the country of origin dissuade you. A lot of us suspect they chose the cream of the Ensenada factory's crop when they started cutting and assembling the Blacktop Series.

There's a whole TalkBass club devoted to the Blacktops, but if you want to start with one, satisfied customer's experiences and perspective…

Startin' the (New Bass) Day by poundin' the Blacktop

Oh, and as much as I dig "basic black" too, I thought mine needed a little oomph in the aesthetics department.

 

[NortyFiner]

As a former CIJ Aerodyne owner, let me offer my two cents: it was a great instrument, until I needed to work on it. And then that archtop body with its cramped interior became a major pain in the carrots. I ended up putting it in proper original condition and selling it. Therefore, my recommendation off your list would be to get the regular J-bass. You know what you're getting with it musically, parts are easy to get, body is user friendly, etc.

 

[Bigpig]

Basically, it's a very simple idea that, in a number of TB'ers opinions, turned out quite awesome. Fender took a straight up, MIM Jazz bass, routed it for a pair of split-coil pickups and gave it a Deluxe Series high-mass bridge. Everything else…specs, ergonomics, volume/tone controls…is all Jazz bass.

Definitely don't let the country of origin dissuade you. A lot of us suspect they chose the cream of the Ensenada factory's crop when they started cutting and assembling the Blacktop Series.

There's a whole TalkBass club devoted to the Blacktops, but if you want to start with one, satisfied customer's experiences and perspective…

Startin' the (New Bass) Day by poundin' the Blacktop

Oh, and as much as I dig "basic black" too, I thought mine needed a little oomph in the aesthetics department.

Ooh! That's sexy! So, how often do you "redline" your bass? (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

A quick search on EBay and Reverb brought up a couple used for $450 - $650, which is pretty reasonable, instrument condition being equal, of course.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Ooh! That's sexy! So, how often do you "redline" your bass? (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

A quick search on EBay and Reverb brought up a couple used for $450 - $650, which is pretty reasonable, instrument condition being equal, of course.

Almost as frequently as I "blue-shift" my basses!

Blacktops went for $500 when they were brand-new ($50 less than their MIM Standard cousins, at that time) and have only been discontinued for a couple of years. By my thinking, $650 would be way too much, unless it was ferociously tricked-out and came with a bulletproof case.

 

[bassbully]

I would go with the MIJ Jazz. I'm not a huge Aerodyne fan.

 

[Bigpig]

And the winner is . . . .

Just arrived this morning - and ready to go right out of the box.

I can tell what I'm going to be doing this weekend . . .