Patrice Vigier set up his guitar- and bass-making company in 1980, after several years of experience as an instrument repairer.

From the start, the designs he produced in Grigny, France, were bold and challenging. They included the Surfreter fretless electric, and the bass shown here.

Among the key features that make Vigier basses special are their pickups (highly repsonsive units designed by the late Michel Benedetti), and the composition of their necks, which are constructed from 90% wood and 10% carbon. The carbon takes the place of a controversal truss-rod.

High-profile players of exclusive Vigier instruments include Adam Clayton of U2 and Roger Glover of Deep Purple.