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Fender Performer series
- Thread starter Sean Parsons
- Start date
I had a pretty positive experience with one in a big box store over the weekend.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the color option I'd prefer, and they only had that one model available in store (white/rosewood).
But that particular one sounded and played lovely, IMO. Gave me the growl I like when I dug in, but could round out with a lighter touch. Comfy neck, not too heavy. Only thing I was a little disappointed by was the lack of a high-mass bridge. At that price point, I expect premium hardware all the way around.
I was initially interested in the Deluxe Active Jazz, but now this one is a serious contender. Still considering the Deluxe Active since it's $100 less expensive than the Performer and comes stock with an 18v pre, A/P switch, high mass bridge, and B'n'B neck. But I can't deny the Performer caught my attention.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the color option I'd prefer, and they only had that one model available in store (white/rosewood).
But that particular one sounded and played lovely, IMO. Gave me the growl I like when I dug in, but could round out with a lighter touch. Comfy neck, not too heavy. Only thing I was a little disappointed by was the lack of a high-mass bridge. At that price point, I expect premium hardware all the way around.
I was initially interested in the Deluxe Active Jazz, but now this one is a serious contender. Still considering the Deluxe Active since it's $100 less expensive than the Performer and comes stock with an 18v pre, A/P switch, high mass bridge, and B'n'B neck. But I can't deny the Performer caught my attention.
I just got back from playing one at my local sam ash. It was the tobacco with rosewood. I liked it but want a different finish. I thought it played great and sounded great! They didn't have a Pro P to compare against, but have played those in the past too. I though this bass really fit me and sounded good. I am thinking of getting it, but wasn't sure about the color.
I really wanted to love them too. Maybe it was an isolated instance, but the American Performer P/J and Jazz basses I played at a local Sam Ash both sounded lifeless and dull, even when I switched to different amps. I wound-up buying a used Fender Tony Franklin P Bass for about the same price. It is amazing!
I think most people would be better off buying a used American Standard or American Deluxe instrument.
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Fender's strategy seems to be to keep all the USA made models pretty traditional and use MIM (AKA Player) and Squier to push the boundaries with the odd consequence that sometime the 'cheapies' are more desirable.
I should be getting a Preformer Jazz before the end of this week, I ordered one from Zzounds. I decided to go with white/rosewood, mainly because I already have 2 Fenders in Sunburst and wanted something different this time around. The colors for the maple board ones look great but they aren't for me. It's been a while since I've had a white bass. I'll be sure to post a NBD review when I get the chance.
I've had my Precision Performer for a couple weeks and it's a decent bass. I'm not too thrilled with the Yosemite pick-ups yet. They're not bad but the Jazz pick-up doesn't have much range, it's like an on-off switch. Easy enough to swap Pups though.
Finally someone puts a P neck on a (passive) PJ bass
Finally someone puts a P neck on a (passive) PJ bass
I just ended up buying a body for my Strat from a Performer. I like that Penny color, but not anything else about the rest of the guitar. Now, I have a Strat that Fender never made, and probably never will. The best Fender instruments I've had were always built from parts I liked from different series. Honestly, the only Fender I own that hasn't been massively customized is my '68 Precision. It's fine the way it is. Everything else they've made since the early 90's? Not so much.
I just had mine taken out. You're right, it's garbage.
The guy who installed my new pickups surprised me by replacing the capacitor with a different and much bigger one that he said was better. He said "yea the tone knob didn't sound right and I tried replacing the capacitor and that fixed it!" He thought it was something to be fixed lol. I told him it was an actual feature, branded and everything. He just shrugged and said it sounded bad. At first I was a little bit irritated because I didn't ask for such a change, and I had always been happy with the way the tone knob worked. But as soon as I played it and turned the tone all the way down I realized what I had been missing. It's like wow this is a real P bass now haha.
@IronLung1986, I'm glad you like it without the "grease." Rock on, brother!
The only time I played the grease bucket was on a new Performer recently, and I was actually pretty excited to give it a try - the beautiful blue model, and I’d heard so much about the tone circuit here on TB. I plugged it in and played around and honestly felt a little dirty afterwards. It, to me, sounded gross and unnatural. Cheers to those who like it, but I’ll stick with what I’m used to in this situation.
Granted, it could have been the pickups too.
Having said that, I’d also be a bit pissed if my tech made a change like that without asking me first.
I got my white/rosewood Performer Jazz yesterday via Fed Ex. I’ll do a NBD thread (with pics) over the weekend, but just from the hour or so that I played it last night, I am very happy with this bass. It wasn’t dead sounding (in fact, the pickups sounds fantastic), it balanced well, the neck is fast and comfortable. Overall it was light weight as well. Well constructed, too. Tight neck pocket, no fret sprout, and other than the usual dead spot on the C# on the G string, all the notes ring out. I’m looking forward to gigging with this bass tomorrow.
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Would it kill them to make 5 string PJ, for cryin’ out loud?
I agree! Mike Lull has one, but they are usually 35 inch (yuck) and about $3500! Worth money for sure... but the money...
How are you liking her so far? How's the quality? I have one coming Tuesday and am nervous/excited
I am absolutely thrilled with it...in love...and inspired
My playing has improved....and I cannot leave it alone....for 5 minutes
It is so comfortable ...and fun to play.....and my first 4 string in 20 years of 5 string playing
and the lightest bass I have ever owned
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