Product: Dean Guitars Performer CE Acoustic Electric
Price Paid: USD 320
Submitted
02/19/2007
at
06:50pm
by
cameranerd
Features
:
8
Mine is a 2003 model (I think). It has 4 strings, 32" scale, 24 frets, spruce top, mahogany body, rosewood fretboard, and natural satin finish. The active pickup has a 3 band EQ, powered by a single 9 volt. The cutaway is nice and the bass plays pretty well. There is nothing outstanding about this bass, but it meets expectations for an acoustic/electic.
Sound
:
8
Unplugged it sounds good. I've played several acoustic/electrics before (and since) I bought this one, and it hangs with any of the others in the same price range (or a slightly higer price range). The Breedloves completely put it to shame, but you pay $$$ for that quality. I've recorded it through a condenser mic (and an SM58) and been very pleased with the results. I have wood floors in my house and I get a great acoustic tone just sitting on the couch and pickin' by myself or with an acoustic guitar.
Plugged in it sounds okay. I never really planned on using it for a live bass, so this isn't a big deal to me. I've used it for acoustic jams (guitar, banjo, mandolin, etc.), and sometimes the bass needs a little more volume. When I plug it in, I tend to turn down the level on the bass and turn the amp up to compensate.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
I bought mine from Musician's Friend and it showed up well adjusted and ready to play. The bass is really sharp. I like the satin finish, and the tailpiece/headstock set it apart from other acoustic/electics on the market. There is some fret buzz (especially on the E), but I've found this on a lot of acoustic/electrics.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I seems pretty solid, I wouldn't abuse it though. I've only used it for home, studio, and jamming... never for live gigs. I bought the Dean hardshell case with it, and (like any acoustic/electric bass) I wouldn't want to own one without it. I wish they would just include the hard case and charge a little more instead of making you purchase it separately. I haven't had to adjust it since I've owned it, and it has held up well.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I haven't had to use the warranty. Hopefully I won't have to. :-)
Overall Rating
:
8
I've been playing for 11 years, and I bought this bass because my buddy wanted to start a folk band and he wanted all acoustic instruments in the band. We ended up jamming a few times and then the band disolved. I probably never would've bought it if it wasn't for that band, but now I'm glad I did. It's fun to just sit around and pick it, and if it was lost of stolen... I'd miss it. I'd probably end up getting another acoustic/electic, but if I had it to do agian I might just spend the extra and get a Breedlove. I played a lot of acoustic/electrics before deciding on this one, and I've played a lot more (in the stores) since. This is probably the best 'bang for the buck' acoustic/electric on the market, and I think I made a wise choice.
