Build and features

Although the Dean Performer bass has been around for about eight years and follows the traditional lines of a fully bound cutaway acoustic bass, this particular model positively screams with visual originality.

The use of highly figured dao wood for the top, back and sides of the body, suitably adorned with an asymmetric (and quirky) rosewood bridge and Celtic rosette, elevates it into a whole new dimension. It’s true that the rosette actually gets a bit lost in the vibrancy of this stunning top but close inspection reveals that it is all rather beautifully done.

With multi-ply binding, die-cast tuners and downsized dot inlays this is one very tasty looking instrument. A jumbo body with slightly more depth ensures a good natural voice, and with a slightly shorter scale length of just a tad over 32-inches this is an accurately intonated bass. The reduction in scale also provides this with a better balance potential.

That said, however, we are yet again presented with the jack socket/end pin as the only means of applying a strap, so a second button will need to be fitted if you ever want to stand up and play this bass.

Next: Dean Performer Dao sounds, pros and cons