Precision Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) I first became aware of these rarities as recently as last year in a magazine. Then a couple of weeks ago the chance came up to buy this beauty and I couldn't resist. The guy even drove it personally to my house in Newcastle all the way from London to ensure it reached me safely. All I can say is it's astounding. I've had the lot - Rickenbackers, Jazzes, Precisions, Flying V, even a Gibson Explorer bass but I've never played (or seen) anything quite like this. The two-octave neck is wonderfully thin and plays like a dream. This Performer is in incredible condition for being 28 years old and the only modification - and a wise one at that - is the addition of Schaller strap locks. An exceptional bass! Edited March 17, 2015 by Precision Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidpike Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Very nice, I've only ever seen this in pictures. I'm guessing the chances of finding another are slim... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precision Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share Posted February 7, 2014 Slim, yes . . . .but definitely not impossible. It involves a bit of patience and luck from my experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlapbassSteve Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 I'd never heard of these before seeing this but it's beautiful! Where were they made? Must be rarer than hen's teeth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Nice score. Always liked these. [quote name='SlapbassSteve' timestamp='1391831385' post='2361860'] I'd never heard of these before seeing this but it's beautiful! Where were they made? Must be rarer than hen's teeth! [/quote] There was an early US run, and then production shifted to Japan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precision Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share Posted February 8, 2014 They were only made for 12 months between 1985 and 1986. The models like mine were made in Japan, and were sold by Fender for around $500. There was indeed a US version called the Fender Performer Elite which retailed at around $1,000 at the time. Thanks for the compliments - it's even better looking than the photos suggest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precision Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 (edited) True they are very rare, but here's one that's just surfaced on ebay. 'Tis in the States though. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1986-Fender-Performer-Bass-Guitar-Gun-Metal-Blue-John-Page-grlc1373-/301259774461?pt=Guitar&hash=item46247b59fd"]http://www.ebay.co.u...=item46247b59fd[/url] Edited July 29, 2014 by Precision Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 I remember seeing these in either [i]Guitarist[/i] (UK) or [i]Guitar Player[/i] (USA) back in the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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