PRODUCED: 1985 - 1986

ORIGIN: Japan

TYPE: Solid body, Asymmetrical V-shape, 4-string

BODY: Alder

NECK: Maple, bolt-on, 20 medium frets

SCALE LENGTH: 813mm (32-inch)

FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, white dot inlays

HARDWARE: Chrome plated raised-tail bridge, regular open gear bass tuners

PICKUPS: Classic split-coil unit

CONTROLS: Volume and tone

FEATURES: The pointed headstock features an angular Squier logo atop a golden sword with ‘Made In Japan’ printed on it. Underneath is a minute ‘by Fender’ decal. Jack socket on body edge, strap button on neckplate.

FINISHES: Black and Olympic White, plus custom colours

COMMENTS: Although originally conceived as the ‘affordable’ line product of Fender, there have still been a few cool Squier ‘originals’ that have adapted regular parts to produce something quite special.

The Katana is a case in point and although essentially a P-Bass in a stunted V-shaped design, it’s still a striking instrument. Named after Japan’s traditional Samurai sword, the headstock is obviously a sliced-down Precision but works well for this supersonic design essentially aimed at the metal-heads of the time.

The chamfering and the upper step to the body added much visual appeal, as do the amplifier style control knobs. Balance is not great but the sound from these basses is generally good, although the lack of headstock mass does affect sustain.

The Katana was incredibly cheap at the time so you got a lot of bang for your buck. Very short-lived indeed, but quite collectable now.