Fender japan aerodyne question

[uk_lefty]

Does anyone own a Japanese fender Aerodyne bass? I'm seriously considering it because being a lefty I will have something uncommon and good quality with a painted headstock (superficial I know but I want it so much!!). However I remember reading an article years back saying that the Aerodyne P pickup did not compare at all to the traditional P bass tone - anyone foud this to be true with the Japanese model? I already have a heavily upgraded Mexican J so am also considering the Japanese 57 P as an alternative to the Aerodyne...
Thank you

[Bassman Steve]

I have a couple of the Aerodyne Precision variants. Lovely basses but I have changed the pick-ups as I did find them a little lacking.

Don't let that put you off, they are great instruments with all the build quality that you get from them. The Precisions also come in more colours - the Jazz is just black I understand.

[Joeyfivebags]

Non-export aerodyne jazz's come in various colours.

[lefrash]

I have the Aerodyne Jazz. Must say it gets more attention than I do at gigs. Mine is candy Apple red. I find the P pickup pretty nice actually, but the Jazz pickup was weedy and snoisy so I changed it out. Recently just done a slot with the BBC radio and the sound guy said it sounded really really nice. Playability it is awesome and sounds amazing. I really dont think I'll ever need a different bass!

Edited September 22, 2014 by lefrash

[uk_lefty]

Thanks! Am I right in thinking there are Japanese Aerodynes and "others"? Or is it just export and non export Japanese? I think a PJ would suit me very well but just a little reluctant on spending so much on a bass if I have to change out the pickups, I don't really expect that from MIJ Fender, but hey my MIM Jazz has only the neck and body as original parts so I can't really comment too much!!

[Joeyfivebags]

If your after a PJ MIJ its not just the aerodyne. Ive got one of these and its sounds and plays fantastic, the only slight annoyance is because its based on a '62 the truss rod adjustment its at the heel and no access. Think its probably a bit heavier than an aerodyne as well but nicely ballanced.

http://www.fenderjapan.co.jp/jb62pjbdmh.html

[uk_lefty]

Thanks Joey I'd love one of those but I'm left handed so for a PJ Bass it's just the Aero sadly.

[Bassman Steve]

I may be being a little unfair because my immediate comparisons are my main stage basses which have Kent Armstrong pickups or my older Precisions. The Aerodyne is a more slender beast too.

See if you can try one maybe? Whereabouts are you?

[uk_lefty]

I'm not far from London but finding a lefty Aerodyne to try out will be difficult.

[Subbeh]

I nearly bought one from Ishibashi's Ubox, theyve got a black lefty at the moment with chrome controls and a matching headstock for just over £300, not including import duty.

[url="https://flic.kr/p/pkQjzg"][/url]

Seems like a bargain and it looks so damn good!

[Bassman Steve]

I have bought from them with no problem at all. excellent packing and very good communications. You'll be charged VAT and some Duty (about 25% in total).

[Joeyfivebags]

Ishibashi are fantastic, the above mentioned jazz came from them, just be aware that because its international mail its down to parcel force in the UK. They package stuff so well tho, unless you're as unfortunate as Vivian Campbell was then it'd be fine.