PJ VS Standard J configuration (Aerodyne vs 62' reissue)

[BassOutcast]

Hey guys,
Buying a new Jazz bass next week, having a hard time deciding between an Aerodyne and a standard Jazz, main reason being the P-Bass neck pickup. My current bass is an Ibanez with a similar PJ setting as the Aerodyne, and I've grown quite fond of it, even to the point that the neck pickup has become the sound of some of my band's songs (parts like bass intros especially matter), and I'm just wondering how different would the impact be if I got the standard Jazz instead (well, 62' reissue to be exact), will the Jazz's neck pickup be able to match my current sound just as well ?
And is there a difference between the neck/body feeling on the Aerodynes compared to the 62' models? I'm ordering it from Japan so I can't really try it out before I buy it.

 

[Malak the Mad]

The Aerodyne has a carved/convex body will shave off some weight. That, and the basswood body construction, makes the whole package notably lighter. (my first 'Dyne weighs in at 8.5lbs exactly, even with the addition of a Hipshot Drop-D tuner) If Ibby's are as light as I hear, it might feel more comfy, weight-wise.

The necks are both fairly slim at the nut. Also, both have a vintage-style fretboard radius, so they'll probably feel a bit curvier than you're used to. (Aren't Ibanez fretboard radii are pretty flat?)

As far as sound goes, I've never owned an Ibanez, so I can't compare mine to yours. However, I own both a couple of Jazzes and a few P/J's. Respectfully, I disagree that the Aerodyne is the "Jazz on steroids" some say, but more of it's own beast. It's like a slightly brighter Precision (the neck pickup is a bit closer to the neck heel) with the ability to add in a bit more "grit" with the addition of the single-coil bridge pickup.

I'd suggest hitting up Youtube to hear examples of both. After all, I may love my 'Dynes to death, but I can't say if it's the sound you're looking for.

 

[Dave W]

A PJ sounds much more like a P than a J.

 

[BassOutcast]

The Aerodyne has a carved/convex body will shave off some weight. That, and the basswood body construction, makes the whole package notably lighter. (my first 'Dyne weighs in at 8.5lbs exactly, even with the addition of a Hipshot Drop-D tuner) If Ibby's are as light as I hear, it might feel more comfy, weight-wise.

The necks are both fairly slim at the nut. Also, both have a vintage-style fretboard radius, so they'll probably feel a bit curvier than you're used to. (Aren't Ibanez fretboard radii are pretty flat?)

As far as sound goes, I've never owned an Ibanez, so I can't compare mine to yours. However, I own both a couple of Jazzes and a few P/J's. Respectfully, I disagree that the Aerodyne is the "Jazz on steroids" some say, but more of it's own beast. It's like a slightly brighter Precision (the neck pickup is a bit closer to the neck heel) with the ability to add in a bit more "grit" with the addition of the single-coil bridge pickup.

I'd suggest hitting up Youtube to hear examples of both. After all, I may love my 'Dynes to death, but I can't say if it's the sound you're looking for.

It's LIGHTER ? Oh damn , and here I thought Jazzes were lighter as it is ... thanks for the info ...

A PJ sounds much more like a P than a J.

The bridge pickup sounds differently then a regular Jazz ?

 

[EricMordus]

I own an Aerodyne and used to have a jazz. I prefer the Aerodyne. However, if you can get your hands on a badass bridge, that completes the package

 

[Dave W]

The bridge pickup sounds differently then a regular Jazz ?

The bridge pickups soloed would sound very similar. If you want that thin burpy type of tone you'd be fine with either one.

With both pickups blended 50/50 a PJ sounds much more like a P than a J, which is what I meant by that post. If you compared that to a regular J you'd hear a significant difference between the two basses.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

If your existing sound is built around a PJ config, then you'll have a hard time maintaining that neck pickup sound you have now (and seem to want to keep), by going with a Jazz bass that has 2 J pups.

The P is a beefier pickup sound wise, and blending in the J bridge pup gives it a tighter and higher freq sharpness that is different than 2 J pups. It is more like a P, but with a broader range of tones and you can dial in both a Jazzy burpiness, or deeper grind that a P by itself can't pull off.

It can help us understand your sound better if you let us know which Ibanez model are you playing now?
.

 

[BassOutcast]

The bridge pickups soloed would sound very similar. If you want that thin burpy type of tone you'd be fine with either one.

With both pickups blended 50/50 a PJ sounds much more like a P than a J, which is what I meant by that post. If you compared that to a regular J you'd hear a significant difference between the two basses.

Ok, got it.

If your existing sound is built around a PJ config, then you'll have a hard time maintaining that neck pickup sound you have now (and seem to want to keep), by going with a Jazz bass that has 2 J pups.

The P is a beefier pickup sound wise, and blending in the J bridge pup gives it a tighter and higher freq sharpness that is different than 2 J pups. It is more like a P, but with a broader range of tones and you can dial in both a Jazzy burpiness, or deeper grind that a P by itself can't pull off.

It can help us understand your sound better if you let us know which Ibanez model are you playing now?
.

Currently rockin' a beat up GSR200 I've had for about 4.5 years now, ever since I've started playing really (rarely use the active boost though). I like to jump between fingers and pick, depends on the song, and I'm a really dominant player that needs a good presence with his sound. The jazz neck is good for finger picking, especially for heavy distortion, and the neck is my go-to pick sound, or fingerstyle when playing a ballad (with chorus, reverb and other effects).
So ... Aerodyne I guess ?

 

[MarkoYYZ]

The 62 Jazz RI is a fantastic instrument, and either would be an improvement over your GSR200. If you like the bass to be very present in the mix, I think the Aero's midrange will help punch the sound out a little better. The basswood body is lighter, yes, but it's also known to accentuate the mid and add some grind.

Think Duff McKagan from GnR (the Jazz Bass Special is an MIJ basswood in PJ config).

If you're buying from Japan, you can get the non-export models that have the pickguard, control plate, dots on neck, etc... I have 2 of them. There are several used ones on ebay now in the 549-599 range, and the $130 shipping isn't so bad considering you'll have the bass in just a few days. I recommend batfuk if he's one of the sellers you're looking at.

Also, you'll definitely turn more heads with an Aero than a RI Jazz, if that counts for anything with you.
.

 

[BassOutcast]

The 62 Jazz RI is a fantastic instrument, and either would be an improvement over your GSR200. If you like the bass to be very present in the mix, I think the Aero's midrange will help punch the sound out a little better. The basswood body is lighter, yes, but it's also known to accentuate the mid and add some grind.

Think Duff McKagan from GnR (the Jazz Bass Special is an MIJ basswood in PJ config).

If you're buying from Japan, you can get the non-export models that have the pickguard, control plate, dots on neck, etc... I have 2 of them. There are several used ones on ebay now in the 549-599 range, and the $130 shipping isn't so bad considering you'll have the bass in just a few days. I recommend batfuk if he's one of the sellers you're looking at.

Also, you'll definitely turn more heads with an Aero than a RI Jazz, if that counts for anything with you.
.

Yeah I think I'll stick with the Aero, thanks for the help man
Oh and being left-handed and the band's lead vocalist, I think the bass will be the center of attention no matter what