• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Warwick Katana; what is it that you don't like?

#42
I did not read all of the above post, so i'm not sure what everyone has already said.

I will say this. My friend bought one of the Katanna NT basses and it is amazing! I have never been completely sold on a Warwick because of the small body, the Katanna is much larger and I like the feel of it. It sounds great and plays great!

If I did buy a Warwick, it would most likely be a Katanna.
 
#43
I likely wouldn't consider any ovangkol-necked Warwick; I just have not liked any of them, though I try them every chance I get. Additionally, I'm not a fan of the Katana's shape(butt crack, horns look like they're not speaking to one another). I do love older(wenge)4-string warwicks- I had a sweet Thumb BO-4 & still have a Corvette FNA- both 98s.
 
#44
bassteban said:
I likely wouldn't consider any ovangkol-necked Warwick; I just have not liked any of them, though I try them every chance I get.
Click to expand...

+1000 to that. I don't mind the ovangkol s much as I prefer their shallower old-school neck profiles. OK so the wenge necks are awesome too.

never played a Katana but it's my favorite "current production" warwick body shape (i'm a fortress freak and don't like marital aids on my bass, so the corvette is OUT)
 
#46
Dan Knowlton said:
brought to you by the company that steals other people's designs and refuses to pay royalities (Spector!).
Click to expand...

Not to derail the thread too much, but you're a good bit off with this comment.

The body design for the Streamers/Spectors was created by Ned Steinberger and licensed to Spector. So first-off, Stuart Spector did not create that body shape. The original Warwick Streamers had "Licensed by Spector" printed on the truss rod covers. Over the years the body shape has changed to a large enough degree that they no longer have to print that. Additionally I've read that at one point the issue was brought in front of a court and the matter was either dropped or settled in favor of Warwick (there are conflicting reports on that aspect). Warwick owes Spector no royalties at all.

Derail complete, please return to your regularly scheduled programming :bassist:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jason Donfris, Semi Actuated and Driven Crane
#47
silky smoove said:
Not to derail the thread too much, but you're a good bit off with this comment.

The body design for the Streamers/Spectors was created by Ned Steinberger and licensed to Spector. So first-off, Stuart Spector did not create that body shape. The original Warwick Streamers had "Licensed by Spector" printed on the truss rod covers. Over the years the body shape has changed to a large enough degree that they no longer have to print that. Additionally I've read that at one point the issue was brought in front of a court and the matter was either dropped or settled in favor of Warwick (there are conflicting reports on that aspect). Warwick owes Spector no royalties at all.

Derail complete, please return to your regularly scheduled programming :bassist:
Click to expand...


Derail not complete....:D

The version I heard/read was that Warwick kept on paying the royalties after Spector was sold to Kramer. Kramer went bankrupt and then out of business, so Warwick stopped paying the royalties. It took Spector 8 years to get full rights to his name brand, over which time Warwick had not been paying the royalty. Stu Spector than went about trying to get his royalties again from Warwick, but unsuccessfully.

I don't know how true all of this is, but it sounds pretty reasonable. I prefer Spectors anyways, but I would have no issues playing a 'Wick. In fact, I was GASing about a $$ 'Vette just this morning. :p

Sorry to derail even further.
 
#48
Dan Knowlton said:
It is ugly, looks uncomfortable, and is a Warwick - brought to you by the company that steals other people's designs and refuses to pay royalities (Spector!).

Dan K.
Click to expand...

ya but (and i will get a flaming) im more of a streamer guy then spector , dont get me wrong i have a spector as my first bass :smug: but the headstocks looks Sh*t the bridges they use are the worst looking yokes ever :rollno: and they never EVER look as nice as a Streamer, so ya warwick stole but at least IMO they do it better..
 
  • Like
Reactions: Semi Actuated and godley69
#50
flea claypool said:
ya but (and i will get a flaming) im more of a streamer guy then spector , dont get me wrong i have a spector as my first bass :smug: but the headstocks looks Sh*t the bridges they use are the worst looking yokes ever :rollno: and they never EVER look as nice as a Streamer, so ya warwick stole but at least IMO they do it better..
Click to expand...

Stole? No.

Licensed a design that Spector didn't even come up with, then modified it enough to no longer need to pay royalties? Yes.

:D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Semi Actuated and godley69
#54
Its alright, I think in time more people will probably like it. Something about it was very similar to my Corvette but I couldn't put my finger on it. I have to agree with some people above and I would choose my Corvette over a Katana.
 
#55
All I can say is that I sat down and tried a Katana 5NT in a shop for a few minutes when it was a new model a few years ago, and I have never forgotten that bass for some reason. It just felt right in some way. On the downside, the looks are a good bit below average, and the price for a new one a good bit above. I am a previous Wick-owner, never really liked it(Streamer LX), and I don't really care for them in general, but the Katana just set it's mark on my mind. I might just go out and buy one if money stacks up one day.
 
#56
flea claypool said:
ya but (and i will get a flaming) im more of a streamer guy then spector , dont get me wrong i have a spector as my first bass :smug: but the headstocks looks Sh*t the bridges they use are the worst looking yokes ever :rollno: and they never EVER look as nice as a Streamer, so ya warwick stole but at least IMO they do it better..
Click to expand...

Seems to be a lot of emphasis placed on looks here rather than performance. :rolleyes:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back