Fender Aerodyne J, flame blue, 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 blue hue 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 ring on it!

Model: Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass, Dimarzio Collection AJB-110DMC
Made: Japan, Tokai plant, 2006-08 (serial S005398)
Finish: transparent blue over flame maple (flame blue FLB)
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 gig-bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a proper chip on the edge of the binding near the input jack, as well as a minor one on the top edge directly up from the bridge pickup. There's some minor marks on the end of the headstock. Aside from that, there's some minor buckle-rash on the back, some minor play scratches above and on the guard and a few dimples here and there, nothing dramatic. Overall: good condition (7.5/10)

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, 8/5/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105s. Sweet!