See Geo’s business listing here
Take a design, make it better; that’s exactly what reader Geo did with his custom build.
Geo was originally inspired by the Fender Performer Bass; a very short-lived mid-1980s design that was made in Japan which is quite the collectible these days (assuming you can even find one.)
Geo’s “Supersonic” bass (not to be confused with Fender’s Super-Sonic electric guitar) definitely has the appearance of being made by a big instrument-maker as it has a totally modernized look, yet still retains classic cues and at the same time ended up being a very good-looking, well-functioning, very-usable bass guitar.
From Geo:
Here’s my recently completed custom designed/built “Supersonic” Bass. My inspiration was the MIJ ’85-’86 Fender Performer Bass designed by John Page. It was meant to be an elite Jazz Bass but timing was against its longevity w/the advent of Fenders 80’s retro-rehashing. It also had a very un-Fender like very-thin 24 fret neck
and pointy headstock.I loved the modern design but wasn’t keen on the thin neck or pointy headstock. Used ones were out of my price-range so I decided to build what I feel is a better version. I redesigned the (1 piece alder) body w/a longer top-horn and made it string-thru w/individual bridge units. The 24 fret (maple/ebony) neck was made to my specs (’60 Jazz bass at the neck/Parker Hornet at the butt) by luthier Dan Ransom here in SF. It has a (superior design) Gibson-style headstock (no string-tree needed-better tonality) and its shape/design plays off the body curves as compared to the original spear-headed Performer. Gotoh tuners, custom brass/water buffalo horn nut, Strat-jack, custom (painted-base) clear-acrylic pick-guard, nickel-chromed brass knob skirts, EMG-X J pu’s/preamp (V/V/T), GHS Precision flats, Dunlop strap-locs.
The mid-’60’s classic Firemist Gold Metallic finish was beautifully done by Pat Wilkins, Van Nuys CA. Looks amazing, is light and well balanced, plays like butter and (to me) sounds better than any Jazz bass regardless of vintage or price-tag.
Is Geo’s Supersonic better than the original Fender Performer? Most players would agree that to be a yes – but do you?
Thanks for sending in your bass, Geo! Job well done!
Want to submit your bass OR amp OR effects setup to be featured here? Send an email with a short story and photos to featureme@bestbassgear.com.
What a fugly bass.
You did excellant work on all details..and I see it..jeff
Amazing job, beautiful design and finish. Would be proud to perform with this beauty, hats off to you sir!
Gorgeous and functional– Awesome!
Reminds me of a buzzard.
Reminiscent of the Yamaha “Samurai” bass to me. Cool.
Love that design!
…the Yamaha that is – I reflected the hockey-stick headstock shape within my design – Geo
You are a tone man. I am sure this sounds awesome.
It really sounds great thanks to everything that made it possible – I’ve actually never heard/played a Performer, but it would have to go a long way to outdo this bass.
Love it! Except for the headstock–it just screams out to me “Noooooo!!!!”.
to each their own in the eye of the beholder…
Look’s like a bass “GUMBY” would play!!!
or George Jetson…
Is it a beautiful sculpture or an instrument? Both art lovers and music lovers
can appreciate this exquisite piece. Outstanding Geo! John
Agreed, frankly not that that is what I was going for, but it does share design elements. An interesting cross-reference is that Dan Ransom (who made my neck) also made John Entwistles prototype Buzzard bass. Small world we live in.
sorry, this response was supposed to be under “reminds me of a buzzard”
Now this baby is SAWEET!!! Nice job!!! I would buy one!!!
I’m definitely open to that idea!
altogether, it definitely looks well-made. I do think the new headstock fits the design better than the original. Oh yeah, the buzzard comment is on the mark too.
If it sounds as good as it is made, thumbs up for the make. Anyways, thumbs up to the maker!
thanks to all who have expressed positive responses about my one-off bass – I am entertaining the idea of a limited production of the SS as I have received much interest in it. You can contact me at gildaxe.com or on fb at Gildaxe
We would also appreciate a link from your site to this article. 🙂
Way ahead of you! 😉 (did many links yesterday!) Thanks again to BBG for this nice opportunity to show my bass.
jeez. THAT link deserves visiting.
out of my price range though
absolutely STUNNING .. and that finish? anytime you can see the photog’s reflection in it and it ain’t distorted .. me like
I know this is a very old post and no one is probably watching, but would anyone know what knobs were used in this beauty of a bass?
Hah! Hi Scott – I Just revisited this old link and saw your post from 2019 – the nickel chrome knobs are from an Ibanez SR5 and the skits are nickel chromed brass cabinet drawer fittings from an SF store that sells all things for doors/windows/cabinets. Now if you happen to revisit here… 🙂 GEO