V2factoryman Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Forgive my ignorance. A friend has asked for advice about buying the following bass: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Japan-AJB-M-GMB-Gun-Metal-Blue-Jazz-Bass-Electric-Bass-NEW-F-S-from-Japan/161140873853?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D286%26meid%3D4410070944684438839%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1048%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D161140873838%26"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Japan-AJB-M-GMB-Gun-Metal-Blue-Jazz-Bass-Electric-Bass-NEW-F-S-from-Japan/161140873853?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D286%26meid%3D4410070944684438839%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1048%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D161140873838%26[/url] Now, I didn't even know that brand new Fenders were being made in Japan. And this looks like a different body shape to what I recognise as the classic Fender style, i.e. it has 90 degree angles to the edge of the body and a flat front (like a Ric), as opposed to contoured. So are these produced under licence for Fender, are are they a proliferation of copies that Fender is powerless to challenge because they let it go on for decades? Who produces them, has anybody played this model, and where does he stand in terms of warranty etc? Sorry if the answers are obvious, they're not obvious to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 (edited) [quote name='V2factoryman' timestamp='1390828389' post='2349911'] Now, I didn't even know that brand new Fenders were being made in Japan. And this looks like a different body shape to what I recognise as the classic Fender style, i.e. it has 90 degree angles to the edge of the body and a flat front (like a Ric), as opposed to contoured. Who produces them, [/quote] Aerodyne-type slab body shape. Looks great but can feel uncomfortable to some players. Fender Japan still make a lot of instruments, but many of them stay in Japan (they might show up the US ones!). Some are made as export versions. They are generally very good, with excellent fit and finish. Some find the pickups a bit "polite" though... So if it is what it claims to be (you never know with ebay) then it is a genuine Fender. It looks a lovely bass! Edited January 27, 2014 by Conan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 That's an Aerodyne model - very popular &, like all Japanese Fenders, excellent quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 I had one with Fralins in it and it was fantastic other than the fact that it was really uncomfortable during long rehearsals and the 3 hour gigs I was doing at the time because of the 90 degree bound edge. Loads of compliments on it. Fabulous neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 As everyone says, an Aerodyne. Fender Japan have been operating for over 30 years now and offer quality comparable to the US versions. Just warn your friend that he can expect to pay about 25% on top of that price in VAT and duty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V2factoryman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Thanks for all the feedback do far, I really appreciate it.....especially the duty Andy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V2factoryman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Should get spellcheck on this app. *so Actually spellcheck wouldn't help would it, because "do" is a word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Carter Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 That is stunning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Fender Japan official site, click here: http://www.fenderjapan.co.jp/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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