Fender Aerodyne PJ Jazz Bass - The Original Aerodyne is Still Hard To Beat! - LowEndLobster Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2023
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Hey Everyone! Today we are reviewing a LEGENDARY Japanese made Fender, The Aerodyne (PJ) Jazz Bass! These were first released in the early/mid 2000's as a modern sleek player-oriented version of the classic Fender Jazz bass. With a streamlined basswood body design, glossy black finish w/ cream binding, and a set of punchy Fender PJ pickups, the Aerodyne is still one of the best Fender values out there... but this bass won't be around for long as Fender has updated the Aerodyne lineup and is phasing out this model (it's not even on their website!). Let's check it out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
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Things worth noting about this bass is that the tuners are actually from Gotoh, and the smoothest I’ve seen on any Fender. The P-pickup is also somewhat closer to the neck than on a standard P or PJ, which gives a fuller tone.
Absolutely true comment here.
Are you speaking of the tuners on the export (in this video) or non-export models?
I have the export model and I'm 99% sure they're not Gotoh.
@@TenFalconsMusic I have the export model too, and the tuners are identical to the ones seen in this video. The tuners are Gotoh GB10's, and have been used on every Aerodyne I've ever seen, export or non-export, except the new Aerodyne Specials. The only difference between them is the finish - the export model has the smoked chrome finish (or Space Black, as Gotoh calls it) and the non-export models have the nickel finish. The new Aerodyne Specials seem to be equipped with Gotoh GB2's from the pics I've seen.
@@jakobthyness Before 2017, they were GB-1s.
@@nerkoids That is entirely possible - GB1's and GB10's are visually identical, and the dimensions are exactly the same. The only difference I've been able to discover is a 21:1 tuning ratio as opposed to the 20:1 ratio of the GB10's. The GB1 is apparently discontinued - at least Gotoh no longer display them on their website - and the similarity in name suggests that the GB10 could be an updated model. In any case, it's a distinction without a difference, my point being that the Aerodyne has always been equipped with Gotoh tuners, and not Fender tuners.
My wife gave me an Aerodyne for Christmas several years ago. I got a little misty when I opened the box and saw the headstock.
The neck is sensitive to changing weather, a quarter turn up, a quarter down on the truss rod.
When the strings start slapping the frets it's time for a little relief.
It's my personal and sentimental favorite.
Basswood, that makes me always smile ....
I just watched this again. Lobster reruns are better than the rest of the internet today.
I have and love this bass…yes, that black shows EVERYTHING. Fingerprints, dust, cat hair…but it’s still stunning and fun to play.
I have a PB62 reissue from Japan, I would always go for Japan made instrument in the future because of the flawless quality control and pricing of this basses ....
My mate had one and as soon as he hinted that he was selling it I hounded him for it and it's been my pride amd joy for 5 year's, swapped out the stock pickups for Cream DiMarzios and it just pops even more, good ol' Minty
Great look, great sound! Glad to see the Aerodyne series coming back! 🦞
Probably the coolest looking bass of all time, excited to see you dive into it!
I agree...but the Rickenbacker fanboys will definitely get triggered by your comment.
😠
@@TenFalconsMusic 😂 😂 although I do like rics, I hate how many quality control issues they have and how John Hall REFUSES to take ANY constructive criticism whatsoever so I appreciate your comment. I can’t stand companies like that.
If only Rickenbacker would open a factory in Japan (run exclusively by the Japanese)...
...QC issues solved.
@@TenFalconsMusic damn right.
@@TenFalconsMusicthat would be so sick
I lucked out and many years ago picked up an aerodyne cherry red precision (not jazz) bass body (only made for a year or two back in the early 2000s). Sadly I could never find a matching neck, but was content with an all maple deluxe Fender neck.
All in all a very beautiful, ergonomic, and light weight bass that I love. It has some ultralite tuners and is a solid go to for a p/j bass.
Cheers for a fantastic review and thank you for checking out this bass!
I've had two of these, still have one, and it's never leaving my possession. I got mine when it was even cheaper. Great value and I love that everything is smooth including the sound, a great finger picking bass. I laugh when I play it as well, its just so chill and classy feeling. It seems super resonant, and punches through.
If you ever consider selling your bass, I'd be all over it! I'm a proud Canadian and we're 1/10 of your population. And also just 1/10 of the Bass Players. I have a MIM Feetless Jazz, 2005. I'm blessed!
Every time I’ve picked one of these up in a shop I have been very impressed!
I modded mine with Aguilar PJ pickups. I switch to a Hipshot Kickass bridge in black. Changed the cheap input Jack to a Switchcraft unit. Now it sounds 1000% better!!!
I had my fingers crossed you would one day make this video. Thanks😁👍
So glad I got one just before they were discontinued.
It's certainly a wonderfully balanced (form/functionality) instrument.
I have an original Aerodyne P and love it.
These IMO the best basses that Fender has made in modern times. It's not the absolute best pickups that Fender has designed in later years, but overall (tone, feel, playability etc) they are unbeatable.
I wish Fender Japan could buy out Fender USA.
You'd definitely see a massive improvement on every level🤘
Dude! Just managed to get this exact same model this week, it randomly popped out on FB in my town. So gorgeous and lite! It had flats on but I'll change it to cobalt slinkies. In love with it so far.
got mine in the mid 2000s. been my no.1 ever since. fast as all get go and so beautiful.
I discovered this bass at Guitar Center in Maryland. It was banged up and I had never seen one like it before. I started researching them. Did not find a bad review! Having never owned a Fender I was really digging this bass and was determined to find one near me. Guitar Center in NJ had one and it was on sale! I am so excited to play this bass I can’t wait until it’s out of the shop and all set up! Great review as always!
I would love one of these basses, Mr Lobster! Great review.
Great review. Bought mine about 2 1/2 years ago. Just love it! I don't even look at other basses when I go into a store. Why bother. Has a great sound and is a joy to play for hours being lighter.
Just bought the California Blue, can't wait!! Will be in my hands on 5 days.... first fender.....Love your stuff Lobster!!
A great review, Lob ! ❤️❤️
Thanks Chris for letting Lobster review the bass. It's a good sounding instrument. Very neat to hear. Another great review Mr Lobster. Until we groove again ✌️😎👍🦀🦞🎸
NP!
I’m glad to see this review. I was new bass when I got this model. But the truth is I had set a budget of $600 and was set on a Yamaha but then I played this bass and between the way felt in my hand. The tone. And the ease of finding my sound between both pick ups made me fall in love with it and it was def worth the extra $300 I went over budget.
2 years after buying it I still get excited when I pick it up to play. If can afford it, go with what feels right in your hands verses your budget.
Great video Lobster. I just found a uniquely beat up 2020 version used for $500 this weekend. Instantly bought it and absolutely love it. Swapping out the black pickup covers with cream ones to match the body binding, and it looks amazing. The neck dive is real, and wish it had wide and tall frets, but thats a small issue. Blending the P and J pickup while using dirt creates the perfect sound. Highly recommend this bass.
Those may be the most articulate, clear pickups I have ever heard in your reviews.
I kinda miss mine, notably the super light weight and the vintage radius. Some have mentioned weak pickups, I found replacing the cheapo mini pots with a quality wiring harness made a noticeable improvement as well.
I have this bass for 9 years, and it could have been my only bass, no problem!
it's really light and confortable. Sad news Fender changed it and doens`t do the PJ anymore.
This Precision pickup is DELICIOUS and PERFECT for 80% of my gigs, with this amazing and confortable jazz bass neck, and adding the JazzBass pickup there makes it ultra versatile, with a super slap tone. Great review, man!! All the best!
Nice sounding bass. Thank you for this great review ;-)
I love the change in the groove right here. It's very very nice. 6:28
Always wanted to check one of these older aerodynes out.
Great review, Great playing and tones.
Really like the Fender Japan stuff. Played one of the new ones (in white) at a local guitar shop and was really impressed. The fact that the black one is now reduced to the same price as MIM J bass makes it seriously tempting...
Bought one of these because I tried the American jazz and P , couldn't make my mind up and having a very bad back , saw this and how thin it was! Tried it and bought one instantly, biggest no brainer ever. Every bit as good , looks stunning, plays great, I don't need anything else now for what I need and do.
Very nice review. I’ve had this bass a little over a year and really enjoy it. I did replace the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound as I felt each pickup sounded a little weak when used alone. I also love the smooth neck on this one - maybe my favorite jazz neck.
I think one more feature that would make this one even greater would be an ebony fingerboard to make it all blacked out.
This bass used to come with a dyed rosewood fretboard, which had the look of ebony. I was a little disappointed to find that mine had a plain rosewood fretboard - on the whole, ebony would have been preferable.
I bought one about a month ago after lusting over the look for a long time. Glad I did! Sounds great and plays like a dream. People complaining about weak output need to turn up their amp…🤨
The Bass Gods have spoken! I saw a dude playing one of these last night at a local show and I thought it looked super cool - and sounded nice as well. Then I see your review this morning! I know what I need to do now.
Dude. I love mine. Highly recommend.
@ifbridges the Bass Gods are definitely sending you a message. LOL
When I was younger I could have picked these up for 400-500 pounds in the UK all day long... Wish I had! They've doubled and more.
They were quite cheap for a bit in the U.K., beautiful bass!
I got mine just before the were discontinued.
Yes, it was more than double the price you mentioned but worth every penny (and more).
Best bass hands down for the price. Great bass for people who love p basses, but also love j necks.
Never before have I watched a TH-cam video and then immediately purchased the product afterward. Until Now. 🙂 I have always wanted an Aerodyne, so your mention of their discontinuance spurred me into action. Thanks! Excellent reviews and LOVE your playing. You obviously love what you do and it shows in every frame.
I bet a lot of people are doing exactly what you did! I would be myself except that age is taking a toll and I'm finding short scales easier to work with now.
Where did you buy?
Where did you find one???
@@TenFalconsMusic REVERB!!!
@@dm4728 REVERB!!! There's Plenty!!!
Luv it had to buy a 2nd one, sold my 2018 now have a 20, 22 from gc. One of my fav
Missed opportunity for an Ebony fretboard to complete the blacked out look.
Edit: I believe there was a dealer exclusive “Blackout” Mustang P/J that did get an Ebony board a few years ago.
Yep. It was a GC exclusive and I missed getting one before they were all sold. Dang it. They are very cool looking Mustangs.
A few days after getting mine, I treated the fretboard with lemon oil. It turned almost as dark as my Pedulla's ebony fretboard.
When I guitar is blacked out, I’d like for the hardware black as well. Oh well, still a killer looking bass.
If I was still playing out I’d own one. Classy looking instrument.
I have one and it is my go to bass. Nothing I play can beat it for me.
That thing sounds so damn good! If I was in the market for a new Fender, that'd be exactly what I would get. Fingerprints be damned.
Thank you!
I was listening to this video and not really watching as I walked the dog. When you got into the demo of the P pickup it seemed to me that you played a little longer than some demos and with a little extra spice. At that point I guessed it would be a 4 claw or better rating. To my ear when you got into the both pickup slap section the bass provided a certain hi fi sound that really let me hear the flavor of each pickup with a certain distinction. Thanks for the review
Fantastic bass, love mine!
Fender Japan forever and ever! Thanks for the video, Lobster.
this bass is so nice i bought it twice . The first time new from guitar center in 2007 , sold it a couple of years later for my first stingray bass. Then this year i bought a used one for cheap and it satisfies the passive fender tone pretty well for me.
Never owned one of these, but everytime I played one at Guitar Center, it always felt and sounded amazing
I have this in Candy Apple Red color, and very happy with its various tone, easy-to-play neck and lightweight
Dotless fretboards are the coolest!
I keep looking at the blue jazz aerodyne. I didn't like it at first but it's starting to grow on me lol
i have a 2012 and i love it. roll the jazz volume about half way back and it gives me exactly what i want.
Best bass I've ever had - action and neck, pickups and variety of tones available, weight, appearance - all excellent. Naturally falls to hand. Why did it take so many years for me to figure this out??? I've played active and passive, Gibson EB3, Fender Precisions in several flavors, Squier, G&L, Ibanez, Hofner, Lakland, Music Man, Harley Benton - none compare. Just so happy to have found it!
I would totally love a Fender Japan medium-scale Bass.
I'm looking forward to trying out the Short-scale Fender Japan Junior Collection Jazz Bass, when I get the chance.
I’m so glad I got this bass for 700$! They are really light. The lightest I ever played and one of the best
Amazing bass to have a basswood body
A nice sounding Bass! Thanks! 😎
They had a Burgundy one for $300 at a pawnshop a while back
Wow! That's inexpensive! I would love to have had it!
I remember trying these when they came out and not enjoying them. Since then I’ve come to realize that I just don’t enjoy pj setups and really prefer my own jazz bass above all others. These are well built and good quality. I believe they were going for about ~700 ten years ago so the current price isn’t terrible.
Had one of these years ago, the electronics weren't great but i loved the neck, so i took the neck off and put it on a p bass body (black of course) and it's still my main bass today- I'd love a few of these necks to make a fleet of franken pbasses
Nice playing
Love my 2011! No reason to ever get rid of it?!?! It's black, PJ, light weight, looks cool, sounds pretty good stock and now discontinued!!
Thanks for the review reminder Lobster!! 🦞👍🤓
Khruangbin bassline spotted :)
Wish I hadn’t sold mine. What a bummer.
Perfect bass! The New Aerodyne dont have the PJ set up :/
They also removed the Aerodyne label on the headstock.
That seemed a bit odd to me, but... whatever.
Thank you for another great video, I thoroughly enjoy playing mine, It is my favourite bass. PS. I think our cats are twins 8-)
I own one of those… but I hated the pickups. Swapped those for DiMarzios, much better now.
I have an old bass magazine from 2003 and this bass was listed at $900 back then. I know I have seen it on sale before but it's funny how this has the same MSRP 20 years later.
Great tidbit of info! My memory is a bit hazy from those days lol. I remember the MIJ Geddy's coming in at like 699 or so I think. What an interesting time for Fender. So many mainstream MIJ models that were replaced with MIM (except for the Aerodyne luckily!)
I paid $800 for one (new) in 2021, FWIW
Got mine new in 2019 for the same price he listed $894. So I guess no clearance price with the discontinued.
Fender Japan seems totally ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tempting! I really wish Fender would fix that annoying single coil hum on the passive J pickups. They have noiseless active pickups and other brands that have noiseless passive single-coil pickups. Great review, brother, as always.
It's well worth upgrading the pickups.
Get a split coil J and you're good as gold.
😁👍
@@TenFalconsMusic I did that same swap out on my Fender Jazz and it sounds great. I'd just prefer if these basses came standard with better-quality pickups. To me, once a bass is up around $1000, things like noisy pickups should not be expected or accepted. Fender now has a noiseless pickup and another PJ Fender I own has one. Again, sounds great but I'm tired of paying $1100 simply to get something that isn't noisy. That should be a prerequisite feature at the price of this Aerodyne.
Wow, the P pup sounds beefy and full. As RichardvBrown stated earlier, I can only imagine what this baby would sound with some good flats and a touch of foam at the bridge, and a nice pick to do some boogalooin'...
LOBSTER PULLIN OUT THE STOPS IN DEMOS 👀👀👀👀
I bought mine exactly 8 years ago and still like the Aerodyne a lot. At that time the price was 899 EUR. Best looking Fender and the Japan built quality is without any complains. I especially like the thin vintage frets on this bass as well as the P pickup soloed, which pairs ideal with the basswood body sound. If you dont have one already go and get one before their are all gone (here in Germany already sold out)
There were some changes throughout the years on these. 2003 was the first year. For 2003 and 2004, they had a flat jack, not a strat style jack. They also used vintage style frets early on instead of medium jumbo frets. Early ones also had glossy necks instead of matte finish necks. I always assumed this change happened in 2005 when the strat jack was implemented, but I’ve recently seen a 2005 with a glossy neck. I have a 2003 and it’s one of my favorites (probably second to my USA G&Ls).
I'm two weeks late but I was wondering about the changes as my bass has the flat jack. Good to know!
I own a 2005 CIJ that I bought new. I also bought a custom G&G case when I purchased it in 2005. We have played hundreds of gigs together , and I just love it. The tone is just awesome and can play anything from jazz to country to rock. Last year I bought an American Jazz bass and made this one my backup. Last week I restrung my CIJ and gave it its first setup since 2006… and now, she’s my #1 again. Compared to my American Jazz, my CIJ just plays herself. All I have to do is think what I want and CIJ automatically plays it beautifully. Lol.
I loved mine and personally kick myself for letting it go. Just might pick another one up, before they're gone for good. One that I know would be a lost treasure soon is the flea active jazz. Could you try to get one of those on a review? They've already started going up in value, and I'm sure they'll be a collector in the future.
I had one about 15 years ago; it was a real looker for sure. I cannot remember why I sold it; I bought a Jerry Jones Longhorn after that so it must have been the scale. I do believe there are 32” scale versions out there!
Personally I prefer MIJ Fenders over other models with the exception of some MIA jazz basses. The build quality is top notch can’t be beat for the price.
MIJ = A little less expensive MIAs and a lot higher quality.
USA models are hamstrung by having to fit into a bracket in the price range.
A ton of MIA stuff is not ever gonna beat the Japs stuff, hell the japs did way better basses and guitars with the lawsuit era stuff being better than the originals. that's saying something
I was gonna get this Aerodyne about a year or so ago then saw a used red Fender Japan Jaguar bass at my local shop and could not help myself. I love it.
Don’t even get me started on the Aerodyne Jazz Bass. I have a 2017. Yes the fit and finish is perfect. With a large hand, the 7.25 radius is not good, IMO. I think with such a sleek modern look, they could’ve went more modern. The bridge is cheap junk with 60s technology. The saddles move around and the screws scratch my hand. The pickups are standard squire. For the money, they could’ve gave you more. The Gotoh tuners are light weight and very accurate. I love the looks and the carved top, but this is not my “go to” bass. However, Lobster does make it sound good.
Great comment and thank you for sharing your experience!
A used one just showed up in my town for $450. I don't really have it to spend, and I don't really need it, but it is tempting.
Hope you're getting a kickback from Musicians Friend, I just ordered one.
Great review.
I bought one of these brand new in 2014 and gigged it pretty heavily for 6 years. Until then, I had been barrowing my guitar players bass. This bass is a workhorse and it is the only bass I will ever buy.
Great demo! I actually have this bass guitar 🎸 I did change the pickups and I replaced the bridge. Sounds Awesome!
What p/u and bridge did you put in?
I put Aguilar pickups on it and I added the BABICZ Full Contact Bridge.
it sounds completely different from when I baught it. It definitely sounds much more like one of my more expensive bass's.@@devilduck
I bought one used in 2012 to take over seas gigging and it did the job. I love the P bass pickup by itself. The jazz pickup doesn't do it for me.
Back when I was getting my first bass, I almost got one of these and I am forever kicking myself for not getting it. I don't remember if it was one of the 32" scale imports but that would be even worse if I didn't pick it up them lol although, my first bass got ruined during a rainstorm that happened before a parade so maybe it was a blessing in disguise
I had one of the domestic versions (it was in the Old Candy Apple Red finish) that I still regret selling. Its only weak points are the pickups and the softness of the wood, which makes it prone to dents.
The new Aerodynes have a 12” radius which is unfortunate if you liked what Fender was doing with this one. It would be awesome to see a shootout with this and the new aerodynes though. I wonder how much the Babicz bridge adds.
I had one of these as my main gigging bass for years, fantastic sound and feel but only sold it as the body dug into my arm, couldn't play it fingerstyle without wearing a sweatband or a hoodie!
I had one of these a few years ago and I didn’t like playing it out of fear of getting it all smudged up. It’s a beauty for sure.
It's suuuuuuch a fingerprint magnet hahahaha
@@LowEndLobster the new Aerodynes still have a little neck dive, more noticeable on the p-bass than jazz bass.
I had one about 25 years ago; it was a real looker for sure. I cannot remember why I sold it; I bought a Jerry Jones Longhorn after that so it must have been the scale. I do believe there are 32” scale versions out there!
Fingerprint and dust magnet for sure; but I love mine.
I sold Fender back then and these were so easy to sell.
What makes the Boxer bass so special that they list for hundreds more than the Aerodyne?
Hahahah dat khruangbin part got me ice cold man
I absolutely LOVED my old Aerodyne but my lord it's the biggest fingerprint magnet on the planet!😂
The key is to wrap your entire body in microfiber
Your review was definitely part of my decision, thank you Patrick!
@@LowEndLobster MY ACTUAL DREAM!
@Patrick Hunter
I had mine wrapped (translucent) at my local auto shop.
£50 later & you can barely tell... and no more fingerprints.
...or wrap yourself in plastic like Lobster recommend. 😁👍
Def. considering one of these beauties❤
I have owned and played the exact same bass in this review since the day they became available. Awesome tone for a passive instrument. Made in Japan quality is equivalent to US custom shop standards IMHO. Most bang for the buck by far. May upgrade the bridge primarily for appearance. No tone issues with the original at all.
I always liked the Aerodyne. Great looking. Real nice tone.The only minus I can see here is the neck dive.
If you're playing gigs with it... It's unnoticeable.
That being said, it's seems to be less pronounced the taller you are.
Bought myself one for my birthday back in 2015. Really liked the look; but something was a little off with the sound. Upgraded the pickups to a set of EMG GZR PJ, bridge to the Leo Quan Badass II, and slapped on a set of my favorite strings. Surprised to find little to no shielding at all when I installed to EMG pickups. So, I added some copper shielding. My opinion is now there is not a better Bass to be found.