I just noticed that my Aerodyne Jazz P/J has Gotoh tuners. They’re definitely the “special” black (smoked?) chrome tuners, but I thought they’d be branded Fender, not Gotoh.
Is this the norm? Does Gotoh make Fender’s tuners for them?
3 Likes
Aerodynes are Japanese-made, no? Gotohs sure are.
I sense a pattern.
4 Likes
And even if it is not normal, Gotohs will be better than stock Fenders (by a mile) so consider yourself lucky 
3 Likes
The tuners on my Aerodyne Jazz PJ don’t have any brand markings at all. They appear to be generic Fender style, except for the “smoke chrome” finish.
Perhaps your tuners were upgraded at some point?
2 Likes
Seems you got lucky 
1 Like
It’s possible, but I bought it brand new. shrug
I certainly did get lucky, it appears.
6 Likes
You should run the serial number and see who manufactured it
1 Like
So, according to serialnumberlookup.fender.com, it’s dated 08/2022, with a country of origin of JP and a series of “Made in Japan Aerodyne”. Interestingly, it says the tuners are “standard open-gear”.
I don’t see anything really of interest past that.
2 Likes
My guess is they had a shortage of the regular tuning machines and used gotoh to fill orders. 
1 Like
That seems likely
2 Likes
If it’s used it’s more likely it’s simply an upgrade.
1 Like
Nope, brand new.
2 Likes
So are you going to sell it? 
3 Likes
No, LOL. I’m very much liking it. The finish picks up every little scratch and fingerprint, though. But it’s comfortable to play and I like the way it sounds.
Plus it’s got “undocumented feature” GOTOH tuners!
1 Like
Cool, I’m glad you’ve settled.
My OCD would be off the scale with all the constant fingerprints on the finish!
1 Like
Japanese bass tuners have different look than the vintage or the common fender tuners. They look Al more rectangular than the trapezoid shape. It’s nice to have different types of hardware.
2 Likes
I’ve got Gotoh tuners on one bass and one guitar and really like them
2 Likes
I mean, don’t get me wrong. This Aerodyne is great, and could easily satisfy a normal person’s bass needs for years, but as I’ve said before… I’m a mess. I’d be lying if I said I don’t regularly have intrusive thoughts about ditching it to regain the Dimension I sold to get it, or the Kiesel PB4 I sold to get the Dimension (both of which are up for sale right now). Or to get something completely different.
So… “settled” is more like “constantly fighting off intrusive thoughts and learning to live with the choices I’ve made and enjoying the things I have.”
2 Likes
A few years ago I stumbled across one of my now favourite YouTube channels. 5 watt world. It’s guitar based, but the central ethos is getting the most out of what you have and not buying more.
It also introduced me the the book ‘Enough’ by Patrick Rhone.
I love new gear as much as anyone on here but I know deep down that practice beats gear every day of the week.
3 Likes
This was actually pretty good, though the guy didn’t move at all.
I have no advice for Tim given that I’ve been no better. Fortunately I have settled into a spot where I no longer gas. Hope Tim gets there too.
2 Likes