NBD - Fender USA Jazz Performer

[Rdore2000]

So, a few years ago, I fell in love with EBMM and purchased an Old Smoothie, a US Sterling, a Cutlass and a Caprice, all of which were absolutely breathtaking. Then after a few ups and downs, playing for bands fell by the wayside until Geddy Lee's - My Effin Life was published.

It was such an inspiring account that I was tempted to pick up an American Jazz + his MP40 pedal (purchased one recently). I live in India and it's very difficult to get the USA Geddy Signature here. Plus, I've read horror stories about the weight of the thing, so the Performer, by all accounts seemed like the best bet for me.

Turns out, it totally is. So lightweight, so musical and honestly, so much fun to play. Maybe this is the honeymoon phase but it's been a dream to play right out of the gig bag.

PS: Since I'm neck deep into the Geddy phase, am I missing out on anything with this model? Or should I save up and get a US Geddy when I have the funds as well?

 

[MrB64]

Looks like a really nice jazz bass to me. Happy playing!

 

[P. Aaron]

Congrats. The 'Geddy' bass is really just a Jazz Bass that a particularly motivated guy picked up and made memorable music on.

You can do that too. So, hop on that nice bass and rock yer world.

 

[bassist4dalord]

Congrats! I've got a copy of the book on loan from a friend; I'll have to finish reading it. Enjoy your new bass!

 

[MrB64]

Actually, I'd recommend not buying the "name". I've made that mistake. Find a bass that fits your hands so you can use it to release the music that's in your heart.

 

[Rdore2000]

Actually, I'd recommend not buying the "name". I've made that mistake. Find a bass that fits your hands so you can use it to release the music that's in your heart.

Appreciate that, but unless you eventually own the 'name', does the GAS ever stop?

 

[Aussie Player]

Buy the original Japanese made version.
The hottest Jazz I have ever played. Very thin and fast neck too.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

What, we now have NPD? (New paperwork day). How long before we start seeing NCKD? (New case key day)

 

[JRA]

i don't know about your pursuit of the geddy experience, but i'm pretty sure your ax will do the job --- glad to hear that it's a joy to play --- congratulations on your new instrument!

 

[Gervais Cote]

If I was shopping for a jazz bass, this would be the American performer for me as well.
Why ?
Because it’s light weight, resonant and lively and sounds better to me than the American pro from the same manufacturer.
I wouldn’t bother with the Geddy Lee version because it can be a tad midrangy and aggressive sounding compared to the American performer and not as versatile.
Also, by changing the strings on your American performer, you will be able to find a tone that will be very similar to Geddy Lee.
Congrats on your purchase and make this baby sing !

 

[dustinymichaels]

Had the American performer. It was very good. Very light and powerful. I have the US Geddy Lee Body on a bass. Very similar sounding, but the weight is noticeable.

 

[Rdore2000]

If I was shopping for a jazz bass, this would be the American performer for me as well.
Why ?
Because it’s light weight, resonant and lively and sounds better to me than the American pro from the same manufacturer.
I wouldn’t bother with the Geddy Lee version because it can be a tad midrangy and aggressive sounding compared to the American performer and not as versatile.
Also, by changing the strings on your American performer, you will be able to find a tone that will be very similar to Geddy Lee.
Congrats on your purchase and make this baby sing !

Thanks for the review. What makes it better than the Pro, in your opinion? Is it the Greasebucket circuit?

 

[Rdore2000]

i don't know about your pursuit of the geddy experience, but i'm pretty sure your ax will do the job --- glad to hear that it's a joy to play --- congratulations on your new instrument!

It is! Couldn't be happier with the purchase.

 

[Rdore2000]

Had the American performer. It was very good. Very light and powerful. I have the US Geddy Lee Body on a bass. Very similar sounding, but the weight is noticeable.

What did you replace it with?

 

[Gervais Cote]

Thanks for the review. What makes it better than the Pro, in your opinion? Is it the Greasebucket circuit?

I don’t know if it’s the grease bucket circuit but the performer sounded way more lively than the pro in an A/B test. The pro sounded dead and lifeless in comparison.
I tried both basses on various amps at the store with same result every time.
You need to know I’m not the kind of guy tweaking the sound and when I use a jazz bass, all the knobs are turned all the way up. If I need a different sound, I have 3 precision basses with different setups/sounds so I just grab the right one for the song I play.

 

[dune]

I think that the Geddy signature is a great axe, but no better than yours. Plus, I vastly prefer the sunburst finish. Enjoy.

 

[Rdore2000]

I think that the Geddy signature is a great axe, but no better than yours. Plus, I vastly prefer the sunburst finish. Enjoy.

That's great to hear. I'm having a blast playing it.

 

[dustinymichaels]

What did you replace it with?

Nothing. Just one too many basses.
I am Stingray man, at heart. Coming on 30 years working with them. I've never had the opportunity to check out a new Cutlass or Caprice and would like to give 'em a test one day.

 

[Rdore2000]

Nothing. Just one too many basses.
I am Stingray man, at heart. Coming on 30 years working with them. I've never had the opportunity to check out a new Cutlass or Caprice and would like to give 'em a test one day.

I have both. They're absolutely fantastic.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So, a few years ago, I fell in love with EBMM and purchased an Old Smoothie, a US Sterling, a Cutlass and a Caprice, all of which were absolutely breathtaking. Then after a few ups and downs, playing for bands fell by the wayside until Geddy Lee's - My Effin Life was published.

It was such an inspiring account that I was tempted to pick up an American Jazz + his MP40 pedal (purchased one recently). I live in India and it's very difficult to get the USA Geddy Signature here. Plus, I've read horror stories about the weight of the thing, so the Performer, by all accounts seemed like the best bet for me.

Turns out, it totally is. So lightweight, so musical and honestly, so much fun to play. Maybe this is the honeymoon phase but it's been a dream to play right out of the gig bag.

PS: Since I'm neck deep into the Geddy phase, am I missing out on anything with this model? Or should I save up and get a US Geddy when I have the funds as well?

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Congrats on the bass. Enjoy it for what it is even if it isn’t a dead on copy of a Geddy bass.