• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Custom Performer/Supersonic bass

#223
Very cool bass. Really puts me in mind of this:

yamaha-sgv300-640992.jpg


Especially the headstock and the skirts around the knobs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BeeTL
#224
Happynoj said:
Very cool bass. Really puts me in mind of this:

yamaha-sgv300-640992.jpg


Especially the headstock and the skirts around the knobs.
Click to expand...

Keen observation Happynoj! Yes, I've been a fan of these guitars/basses for a while and it was definitely a reference (if not direct) for my Supersonic. These and Parker's Fly and Hornet basses. I always felt these "Flying Samurai" models were themselves referencing a Ric 4000 series body shape in reverse. Great odd colours also. Apparently they were very fashionable w/the surf-music crowd.

check out my latest build - http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/supernova-bass-project-1057545/
 
  • Like
Reactions: BeeTL
#225
Found and watched this Fender doc from '93 recently. Cool in a few ways but in this context it shows John Page speaking Fender-love a few times. John Page if you're not aware was one of the original founders of the Fender custom shop and also the designer of the Performer.

 
  • Like
Reactions: BeeTL
#230
#232
circuitspore said:
I know this is a bit of a zombie thread, but I just happened to notice that you used single-string bridges on this bass. If you don't mind me asking, which model did you use, what string spacing did you end up with, and how tight of string spacing could you have had if you'd mounted the bridges with no gaps between them?
Click to expand...

I don't recall them having a model name - I got them on ebay and they are pretty generic w/no markings. They may all come from China, but I bought them from a US based seller. They are top-load or string-thru, (I have them as string-thru) but are flush mount - other versions have a flange that needs a rout into the body.

I determined spacing based on the scale (34"), neck width and strings - no formula. The bridge pieces are each 5/8" wide and the space between them on my bass is just under 1/8". String to string center on the Supersonic is roughly 3/4" - a Jazz bass I have has spacing at 13/16". So if the units were butted together - about 5/8" string-to-string spacing is possible. Hope that helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: joselorellano
#235
Yeah, I know, old thread, but I love reading your build logs, checking out the pics, etc. I had a Performer, pearl white, from about mid 80s to early 90's (sold it off to upgrade amp situation). It was backup to my '72 P bass. I dug the looks, not so much the pencil narrow neck, or the anemic sound ( I just couldn't get the sound I wanted, had NO understanding of the electronics). I do wish I still had it, nice to have a stable of various music tools.
MJ
 
  • Like
Reactions: JIO
#236
Mildew Jones said:
Yeah, I know, old thread, but I love reading your build logs, checking out the pics, etc. I had a Performer, pearl white, from about mid 80s to early 90's (sold it off to upgrade amp situation). It was backup to my '72 P bass. I dug the looks, not so much the pencil narrow neck, or the anemic sound ( I just couldn't get the sound I wanted, had NO understanding of the electronics). I do wish I still had it, nice to have a stable of various music tools.
MJ
Click to expand...

Thanks! When I began my interest in the Performer I considered buying a used one. (I wasn't even aware of them in '85) But I kept hearing about exactly the two things you mentioned; the thin neck and the anemic sound. As I stated in this thread, I have yet to play one or even hold one in my hands. But like you I dug the look and the guts of John Page to attempt to break the hard-core trad mold at Fender… and the rest is spelled out in this thread! :thumbsup:
 
#237
I had never heard of the Performer, my Mom surprised me with it as a Christmas present (she purchased in Sacramento, CA at a local shop, had the sticker from the shop in the case). I only actually played it probably 2,3 times on stage. Would be fun to have now to upgrade the electronics, but man, I did NOT dig that skinny neck!
MJ
 
  • Like
Reactions: JIO
#238
Mildew Jones said:
I had never heard of the Performer, my Mom surprised me with it as a Christmas present (she purchased in Sacramento, CA at a local shop, had the sticker from the shop in the case). I only actually played it probably 2,3 times on stage. Would be fun to have now to upgrade the electronics, but man, I did NOT dig that skinny neck!
MJ
Click to expand...

I will make the call when I finally play one, but it is a very thin neck. Kind of a novelty I'm guessing - fun to play etc.
 
#240
ICM said:
A thin neck is the best kind of neck IMO. Maybe I should try one of these.
Click to expand...

Thin and long (34" 24 fret neck) Not that long ago, you could buy a Performer for substantially under 1K, but not so anymore. (there's one on Reverb now for over 2K!) Other now collectable/$$$ basses w/thin necks were the Italian made VOX basses from the late 60's. Very thin from top-to-bottom with BIG headstocks.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back