Westone Pantera vs Genesis

by Brainfertilizer Sat May 14, 2011 6:43 pm

They seem like extremely similar body styles.
But the Pantera didn't appear in any catalogs after 1986.
Is it safe to assume the Genesis is just the Pantera with a new name and new gimmick (picking area recess)?

by Guest Sat May 14, 2011 7:01 pm

The Genesis did no have the arched back and top like the higher end Panteras. Pantera 300 & 390 also had the rounded edges on the headstocks. The bodies were different woods - Pantera = maple, and Gen = Poplar I believe. The way I see it is the Gen's ended up replacing the lower end Pantera's and the higher end Pantera'a turned in the the Trevor rabin signature series.

by Iceman Sat May 14, 2011 7:17 pm

Funny!! Just got back from a local shop to have my Genesis I measured for a Seymour Duncan before ordering it and my new tech friend exclaims as I pull it out of the gig bag, "Awesome, a Pantera!!"

Razz

Mine with the Translucent Brown finish is solid ash? I believe.

by tpresley Mon May 16, 2011 11:12 pm

The Genesis and Pantera were jointly produced. The Genesis was done without the arch in the back as mentioned, was a bit lighter than the Pantera Standard models (a little less mass) but still used a maple body. The cutout in the body, though somewhat useful to get the body away from the pick attack was really a way to show off the routing capabilities at Matsumoku. Doing a body cut like that is tough and adds a ton to manufactured costs. Sanding is all by hand and since the linear edge has a tight radius, it's a mess to keep the radius even. Shooting the body with the cut, also promotes runs in finish.

They were one of my favorite designs since it captured the outline of the Pantera and added an element of innovation. Sometimes you do things for no particular reason except to say that you can!

Tom

by Iceman Mon May 16, 2011 11:27 pm

Ahhh, a very sensible reason does pop up. CNC routing was in its early stages as pertains to guitar manufacturing back then I take it?

Thanks Tom. I can attest to the beauty of the wood selection alone with a recent experience.

The shop I had it in last Saturday had about 3 employees and 8 customers in it when I arrived. When I left 30 minutes or so later I had gotten 4 inquiries about selling it and one flat out offer from other customers.

It's not for sale.

Evil or Very Mad