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Post subject: aerodyne fsr jazz
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2014 3:41 pm
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Hobbyist
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Hi Guys, can anyone answer this.
what is the difference between the aerodyne jazz bass and the aerodyne FSR jazz basses.
The FSR units come in various colours and retail much cheaper, i think they both made in japan so are they inferior basses.
thanks


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Post subject: Re: aerodyne fsr jazz
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 12:47 am
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The FSR costs less, so there are obviously going to be differences. Generally you don't get anything you don't pay for. In this case I've not seen the FSR version in person so I can't make a definitive judgment, but I'm guessing labor savings account for the lower price. The components seem about the same with similar pickups if not the very same ones, basswood bodies, similar machine heads and bridge, painted headstocks on maple necks in most colors etc. The neck markers are different which accounts for some labor savings on the FSR version. Block inlays take more time even if a robot is doing it.

The obvious cosmetic differences aside from neck markers are many. The long running Aerodyne has a very unique body shape which is like an aircraft wing with a carved top and the unique touch of body binding with no pickguard and no control plate with a top mounted Stratocaster type jack which requires a back plate also. The original Aerodyne requires a different assembly process from a traditional Jazz bass with the metal control plate and pick guard. It is probably much easier and faster to assemble the FSR version. There may be other differences but like I said I've not seen a FSR version in person. It has been years since I demo'ed an original Aerodyne Jazz also and so long that the Aerodyne Precision was still offered at the time.

I can say that they are both the Aerodyne and Aerodyne FSR are good looking instruments. I wouldn't buy one without playing it first though. Fender Japan has amazing fit and finishes plus they use top notch woods so on those points they are about on par with the USA made Fenders. I have no problem with a basswood body at all on a bass, but alder is the usual Jazz bass body tone wood except for a few ash ones in certain finishes. The weak point on most Fender Japan instruments is usually the electronics and mainly the pickups. The Japanese electronics are simply not as good as the electronics used in the USA ones or even the Mexican ones as a general rule.

Maybe in the FSR model they are as good as an American Standard, I just can't say since I've not played one. Anyone who owns both Fender Japan and Fender USA basses can tell you that there is an obvious difference in the tone, so it isn't a big secret. I played an early Aerodyne Jazz and Precision and each was OK but I wasn't super impressed with the tone at all over a USA Standard and even less over any vintage USA version.

They are nice looking though and while I don't think there will be much of a tonal difference between the two versions there is a labor difference. I hate that they discontinued the Aerodyne Precision, at least here in the USA it is discontinued. It was a nice looker too. You may want to upgrade the pickups on an Aerodyne pretty soon after getting it. By the time you do that and buy a hard case for it which is not included then you have invested about the same cost as an American Standard Jazz Bass which comes with a case in the first place.

If you want a really pretty bass for show then the Aerodyne is a good choice. I think however as good as it looks it doesn't sound as good as an American Standard. The Aerodyne is much lighter though. So if weight is a concern then the Aerodyne might be a good choice if you are willing to do electronics upgrades. I'd compare it side by side with an American Standard before buying one though. See what you think about the tone.


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