1986 Westone Pantera X275 - Black

[bactuz]

Hi there fellow Westone-heads

Just wanted to share with you my Westone Pantera X275, 1986 model, serial 6080373.
Bought it new back in 1989, played it for a few years, and it went on the wall as "art"...

Then suddenly here one day I decided to pick it up again and give it a tune-up and bring it back to life after 15 years of just sitting there...

Took a few pics today and will try to share them with you here, for your viewing pleasure , if I can figure out how to do it...


BaCtuZ
Norway

[bactuz]

I guess the pictures speaks for themselves, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask

[bactuz]

[bactuz]

[bactuz]

I am going to have my Pantera tuned up this week, and I just wondered about a few things.
I guess the guy doing this for me knows what he's doing and knows what to look for, but is there any of you out there who has any tips on what needs to be done to make the Pantera a better guitar?
What are the usual weeknesses of this guitar? Any good tips on how to make it play better?

How are the pick-ups on these guitars compared to others? Any recommendations on replacements?

Thanks in advance


BaCtuZ

[norfolkngood]

Hi Bactuz

I've never had a Pantera so can't help on how to make it play better. But I'd be careful about making any non-reversible changes to the guitar. If you do swap the p/ups keep the originals in case you want to change back later.

If it were mine I'd keep it just as it is but maybe get it set up professionally. That's one nice Westone you got there

[Warrn]

I would suggest setting it up with the electronics as is to see if you like the guitar as the factory designed it. If you don't like it with factory electronics, then go look for replacements, but as was said you shouldn't make any irreversible changes and should hold on to the original pickups.

[Westonefan71]

Just placed my Pantera X275 on this forum, they could be brothers: were made in the same year. I got a Bendmaster FT instead of de Luxe..

[bactuz]

Just placed my Pantera X275 on this forum, they could be brothers: were made in the same year. I got a Bendmaster FT instead of de Luxe..

Nice guitar you've got there... I'm also thinking about replacing the humbucker as you have. I think the sound from the original is a little thin, so a Seymor Duncan or some other brand is on the wishlist
Any recommendations on a good humbucker for a guy who loves fat distortion?

[Dragondreams]

Any recommendations on a good humbucker for a guy who loves fat distortion?

Iron Gear Steam Hammer or Hammerhead for huge fat sounds. Iron Gear Blues Engine or Hot Slag for bags of tone but a little less insanity...

And if you've not come across Iron Gear pups, you'll be stunned at the quality for a fraction of the price of some of the "big" names.

[corsair]

the Bareknuckles are good as well.... tho I've gotta say, I've got an MMK75 from Pantera and it fair roars; I'm gonna replace the non OEM bridge Duncan in my Vantage Invader II with it when Polly decides to give it back!!

[THEBARRON]

I believe I have just soiled myself....... she is a sensational Pantera.

"go forth & play till the frets singe off". ( i know i would).

[Barry]

Bactuz, Panteras have a solid rep as a fine instrument built to a high standard, and they certainly have a loyal following.
So before doing anything drastic to her, have a read if you haven't already, of Tom Presley's posts, the man who designed not only the Pantera but the Westone line in general: LINK.
You may find a new appreciation of what you have there.

[bactuz]

I have decided to keep my Pantera in her original state and not mess around with replacing the pick-ups on her
After all, I have had her her entire life and why start changing her now?

I promise not to disgrace the Westone Pantera name and legacy, and therefor will keep her just as she is.
She is a beautiful guitar and I love her just as she is


BaCtuZ

[Barry]

Let the choir say "Amen!"
Yay!