Fender Aerodyne J, flame walnut, crafted in Japan 2006-08. How do you like your J-basses? If you like them superbly slick under the fingers, gloriously gorgeous and thunderous in tone and a little unusual, this one is worth a look. This is a non-catalog special edition model; so it's a bit different from the cult-favourite AJB. Firstly, you get an alder body with a carved bound flame maple top... it's really quite something to behold. The deep, earthy walnut offers the maple a certain subtlety from a distance, but up close, the grain really shines through nicely. Next, the standard Fender Japan P/J is gone in favour of a pair of Dimarzio 'Heavy Drive' J-single coils. They're excellent pickups: plenty of output, very responsive, clear highs, thick juicy mids and a focussed, fat low-end... there's a lot to like! The neck is slim and comfortable, the satin finish and carved joint allow for quick and easy movement all the way up the neck. The body is slim and light and produces a lot of natural unplugged volume, it feels like a really classy instrument in the hands. These are pretty hard to come by, and it's truly a brilliant bass in every way; it's been a while since we had one and it'll likely be a while before we get another one... if you like it, you should've put a ring on it!
Model: Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass, Dimarzio Collection AJB-110DMC
Made: Japan, Tokai plant, 2006-08 (serial S062386)
Finish: transparent walnut over flame maple
Body: alder, flame maple top
Weight: 3.9kg approx
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays
Mods: none
Pickup: Dimarzio Heavy Drive DCJ-2 passive single coils
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There are a few dimples and marks on the bottom side of the headstock near the Fender logo. There are a few streaks of discolouration on the neck from the headstock down to the body joint. One shallow dimple in the clear coat near the top horn and two small marks near the bridge. A few small dings on the top of the body near the input jack. Some scuffs and scratches run from the back strap pin down the cutaway on the lower side of the body. There is a minor amount of wear on the top clear coat in sections, mostly on the back of the body from buckle rash. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very minor wear, 9/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105s. Sweet indeed!
