FS/FT feeler: Steinberger XQ5 (original model, with barts)

[rpsands]

This Steinberger XQ is in nice shape - the front is virtually perfect, but a few dings on the top and back. I think there is one very small ding on the front but it's impossible to photograph because of the shinyness of the body.

The neck is an original Steinberger neck and is perfectly straight (has just the right amount of relief). I spent a ton of time adjusting the action for various string tension and there is surprisingly a lot of adjustment in the bridge of these babies as well.

It has two bartolini humbuckers and a 9v Hazlabs preamp - two band (bass + treble) Eq, volume, and pickup blend.

Included is a hardshell case and a string adapter.



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Cash price: I'll consider offers in the neighborhood of 1300 if you want to go that route.

[rpsands]

Badabump. Had some nice offers, just want to be clear I'm only interested in graphite necks, unless it's something with graphite reinforcement - willing to potentially consider that I suppose

Status, Modulus and Zon are the main brands I'd be interested but shoot me anything.

[smperry]

Could you tell me the bridge spacing on this?

Thanks.

[rpsands]

I don't have a tool to measure it but I believe it's around 17mm. Strings are 2.5" at the bridge, around 1.5 at the nut (1.75" neck width at the nut).

It feels pretty tight but not amazingly snug to me.

[rpsands]

Bump: Based on the measurements of other basses at the neck I believe the string spacing on this is closer to the standard 18mm if that helps anyone.

Also, new cash price: $1500 (includes hard case, string adapter, two sets of GHS stainless double ball 5'er strings)

[rpsands]

New pictures!

[rpsands]

To the top: I bought a new bass, so I am dropping this yet again to an asking price of 1300 + shipping, WITH the hardshell case and all the gizmos above. This is cheaper than you'd see on Ebay for a Q2-series 5'er (not that I have seen more than one with barts on here) and it comes with a case, two sets of excellent strings, and a 40 dollar string adapter - and from my loving smoke free studio

[rpsands]

Still available - I have had some questions about the fretwork on this bass since it's pretty old and Steinbergers don't have truss rods. So in answer:

1- The action is medium-low, afraid I don't have the means to measure it although I welcome suggestions if anyone wants measurement prior to purchasing.

2- With the current frets, which are in pretty good shape - no grooves or anything I can find - this is about as low as it goes with my playing style which is pretty aggressive. If you have a light touch you could get the action a bit lower, or with tenser strings.

3- There is a lot of adjustabilty at the bridge, the Steinberger bridge is pretty amazing.

4- I am willing to consider up to 300 dollars in trade but I need to get a grand in cash out of this.

[rpsands]

More info: I measured with a tape measure and the strings are almost exactly 1/8th of an inch above the 12th fret just at rest. When I depress at the 1st and 24th, it is almost immeasurable, I would guess about 1/16th of an inch.

[rpsands]

It's Saturday morning and I wanted to add some intangibles. I played this bass for about two hours yesterday practicing. It is a seriously great bass. Definitely a player.

While I'm here, here's a video of me rocking it with some ridiculous expressions - first time on TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrJBauhg81s

[rpsands]

Still available for the moment

For anyone who is gunshy about buying a used Steinberger (which, having seen some total bummers, I can understand), I am willing to sell this for 1500 + shipping on approval - with any necessary repairs within reason (max 500) coming out of my pocket. I'd be willing to work through Peekamoose for the examination and repairs.

For the record, replacing all the bridge saddles (one of the most common Steinberger repairs) and a total Plek refret and crown would cost in the neighborhood of 400 dollars.

[bongomania]

How much does it weigh?

[rpsands]

I don't have a scale handy but I will try to figure it out; I'd estimate around 9.5lbs. It is the newer model with the swamp ash body instead of the maple body like the original Q's which weighed 10lbs for the 5-string.

Musicyo listed the "new" Moses ones at 10.5lbs which I think might be a little on the high side - might be some weight difference in the original Steinie to Moses neck.

Anecdotal: I have a pretty bad lower back and have used it for 3 hour shows with no issues, so it's not onerously heavy.

[rpsands]

This bad boy is still available; but watch out, my wife might forget about the money I dropped on my other bass if this takes too long to sell

[Dr. Cheese]

I think this is the graphite neck model. I had one back in the early 1990s. It was a great bass although I should not have traded my Alembic for it.

[rpsands]

Yes, this definitely has an original Steinberger graphite neck with perfect relief. And bump

[rpsands]

Had some bites, but this is still available. I'd like to reiterate that I'm down to accept all kinds of stuff in trade as long as there's in the neighborhood of 1000 in cash in the deal. The "on approval" at Peekamoose is also available.

Any questions please feel free to let me know. I have not gotten around to weighing it unfortunately, need to go buy a scale

[rpsands]

Final price drop: 1100 + shipping.

[rpsands]

One last bump before I take this off the market until the economy clears up

[Vagabond]

Bump for a great bass at a great price!