2019 MIJ Aerodyne Strat - Sunburst & Crimson

[RMClem]

Hi everyone -

Lurker turned member! I was hoping to get your opinions on the Aerodyne series guitars.

(I can't post a link as this is my first post... go to Fender's website and search "Aerodyne"). Maybe someone else can post the link?

My local shop just got two of these, one of each color, and they are BEAUTIFUL. Both of them felt extremely well made and sounded like Stratocasters (although a bit warmer probably due to the basswood). I had been thinking of getting a Professional Strat but the Aerodyne compared more favorably in my opinion. The owner told me they were only getting 2 guitars in as there were just over 200 of each color made worldwide.

So my question is: there have been runs of these before... owners, what is your opinion? Also I see the pickups are "Standard Single-Coil Strat"... are these ceramic? Made in Japan? I can't find much info on these (although they do sound good IMO).

I want to get out there and snag one before they're gone!

 

[Guitarmageddon]

Hi everyone -

Lurker turned member! I was hoping to get your opinions on the Aerodyne series guitars.

(I can't post a link as this is my first post... go to Fender's website and search "Aerodyne"). Maybe someone else can post the link?

My local shop just got two of these, one of each color, and they are BEAUTIFUL. Both of them felt extremely well made and sounded like Stratocasters (although a bit warmer probably due to the basswood). I had been thinking of getting a Professional Strat but the Aerodyne compared more favorably in my opinion. The owner told me they were only getting 2 guitars in as there were just over 200 of each color made worldwide.

So my question is: there have been runs of these before... owners, what is your opinion? Also I see the pickups are "Standard Single-Coil Strat"... are these ceramic? Made in Japan? I can't find much info on these (although they do sound good IMO).

I want to get out there and snag one before they're gone!

Are these new models?? Or older ones?

You would have to obtain serial numbers and then type them into Fender's online database to be sure, but usualy 'standard single coil Strat' is a ceramic magnet pickup.....

Welcome to the forum!!

https://www.fender.com/product-registration/serial-search

 

[blille]

Only thing I would be mindful of is the fretboard radius. MIJ tends to be 7.25. If that's your jam, great.

 

[RMClem]

Thanks guys. Released in 2019, MFG date is 2018. These are most definitely an FSR.

 

[Guitarmageddon]

Thanks guys. Released in 2019, MFG date is 2018. These are most definitely an FSR.

Then 100% for sure the pickups are ceramic......and to me modern Fender Japan stuff is WAY WAY overpriced for what you get. You can get Mexico models with much better pickups and specs for the same price or less.....

It's those shipping to the USA and import to the USA fees that drive the price up.....

 

[RMClem]

Then 100% for sure the pickups are ceramic......and to me modern Fender Japan stuff is WAY WAY overpriced for what you get. You can get Mexico models with much better pickups and specs for the same price or less.....

It's those shipping to the USA and import to the USA fees that drive the price up.....

Thanks for the info. Are newer MIJ guitars losing their reputation for good quality, rivaling MIA guitars? I was extremely impressed by the build quality of the Aerodyne.

 

[Guitarmageddon]

Thanks for the info. Are newer MIJ guitars losing their reputation for good quality, rivaling MIA guitars? I was extremely impressed by the build quality of the Aerodyne.

100% yes. They are great build quality but they skimp on things like electronics pickups hardware etc.....to me Fender Japan was only in 'on par' kind of territory from 1982-1994.......

You get much less 'bang for the buck' with Fender Japan modern production stuff.....I'm not saying they're not great because they are, but for the price you're paying you should have full size pots, alnico pickups, etc.....

 

[RMClem]

100% yes. They are great build quality but they skimp on things like electronics pickups hardware etc.....to me Fender Japan was only in 'on par' kind of territory from 1982-1994.......

You get much less 'bang for the buck' with Fender Japan modern production stuff.....I'm not saying they're not great because they are, but for the price you're paying you should have full size pots, alnico pickups, etc.....

Thanks! Sounds like a Performer is more up my alley. Not wanting ceramics.

 

[CB91710]

Then 100% for sure the pickups are ceramic......and to me modern Fender Japan stuff is WAY WAY overpriced for what you get. You can get Mexico models with much better pickups and specs for the same price or less.....

It's those shipping to the USA and import to the USA fees that drive the price up.....

Ya... I wish Fender would just sell the Aerodyne bodies and let us stuff them.

 

[balston11]

I am in Australia so I can't see this Aerodyne. Is it shown to have ceramics? Many Aerodynes have Alnico mine certainly has

 

[Guitarmageddon]

I am in Australia so I can't see this Aerodyne. Is it shown to have ceramics? Many Aerodynes have Alnico mine certainly has

Not the recent models, yours is older correct? 90s?

 

[balston11]

Not the recent models, yours is older correct? 90s?

Yes that's right

 

[sonny wolf]

I saw the same two models you described in a local store here in Austin(Austin vintage guitars).Cool guitars for someone shopping for a different looking and feeling sort of Strat but really not my cup of tea visually.

 

[CB91710]

I saw the same two models you described in a local store here in Austin(Austin vintage guitars).Cool guitars for someone shopping for a different looking and feeling sort of Strat but really not my cup of tea visually.

You had to tell me that.
My folks live in Leander

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

The Aerodyne has been in constant production in Japan since they were first introduced here in the states.
That's if you can believe what I've been following on Ebay for several years now. New ones have been available for at least the last 6 years, based on my searches.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Cool, I had no idea they were still making Aerodynes.
My Aerodyne Tele is an '06; I thought production had ceased shortly after that.

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

I had that Tele as well, maybe 2004. I can't remember why I ever let it go. Unique in the Tele world. Maybe I should go shopping again.

 

[CB91710]

It looks like all that's available now is the black Jazz bass and red Strat.
You can go to Fender's site and search for "Aerodyne" and they both show up (out of stock). That matches what seems to be available new on eBay.

 

[balston11]

Cool, I had no idea they were still making Aerodynes.
My Aerodyne Tele is an '06; I thought production had ceased shortly after that.

No they were producing them up until 2016 when they launched the Japan Exclusive Aerodynes they lasted into 2017. Then in 2018 they produced an FSR before the current FSR FMT Aerodyne which still seems to show as available on the Fender site. It's not a proper Aerodyne it doesn't have a matching headstock. Details of all models are on my web site.

 

[CB91710]

Looks like the Strat is now available to North America.
https://shop.fender.com/en-US/elect...-stratocaster-flame-maple-top/5560052338.html