Steinberger Club

[AphekGreg]

Originally Posted by JIO

I've never owned a Steinberger and hope someone who knows these instruments can help me figure out an issue I'm experiencing w/string-length/scale/tuning. I built a custom 4 string around a Steinberger fretless neck and a Steinberger DB system tuner/bridge (w/drop mechanism on the E string). Once assembled I strung it up and when I tried to tune it all 4 strings bottomed out before reaching standard EADG tuning (about 5 frets short of the note). Here's the numbers; the neck is from end to end 26 3/4", from zero-fret to butt 26", I set it up for standard 34" scale (from zero fret to bridge saddles) and am using LaBella S500L double ball system strings [light-043/060/082/104] The G string is just about 36" long from ball-center to ball-center. It's like the strings are too long (?), or the threaded tuners are too long (unlikely), or I would have to have the bridge saddles at 35" or longer (?). I'm versed in standard set-ups for standard basses and have some ideas on how to get around this problem, but maybe it's just something someone who knows can point out as the source of the problem. (and shed light on the solution)
Sorry if this is not the place to open this thread, but I thought I'd start w/people who own/know these instruments.

Some photos might help us solve the mystery?

[number11]

Originally Posted by JIO

I've never owned a Steinberger and hope someone who knows these instruments can help me figure out an issue I'm experiencing w/string-length/scale/tuning. I built a custom 4 string around a Steinberger fretless neck and a Steinberger DB system tuner/bridge (w/drop mechanism on the E string). Once assembled I strung it up and when I tried to tune it all 4 strings bottomed out before reaching standard EADG tuning (about 5 frets short of the note). Here's the numbers; the neck is from end to end 26 3/4", from zero-fret to butt 26", I set it up for standard 34" scale (from zero fret to bridge saddles) and am using LaBella S500L double ball system strings [light-043/060/082/104] The G string is just about 36" long from ball-center to ball-center. It's like the strings are too long (?), or the threaded tuners are too long (unlikely), or I would have to have the bridge saddles at 35" or longer (?). I'm versed in standard set-ups for standard basses and have some ideas on how to get around this problem, but maybe it's just something someone who knows can point out as the source of the problem. (and shed light on the solution)
Sorry if this is not the place to open this thread, but I thought I'd start w/people who own/know these instruments.

Sounds like you need to mount the bridge further back on the body? Try a different string first though

[Flux Jetson]

Originally Posted by JIO

I've never owned a Steinberger and hope someone who knows these instruments can help me figure out an issue I'm experiencing w/string-length/scale/tuning. I built a custom 4 string around a Steinberger fretless neck and a Steinberger DB system tuner/bridge (w/drop mechanism on the E string). Once assembled I strung it up and when I tried to tune it all 4 strings bottomed out before reaching standard EADG tuning (about 5 frets short of the note). Here's the numbers; the neck is from end to end 26 3/4", from zero-fret to butt 26", I set it up for standard 34" scale (from zero fret to bridge saddles) and am using LaBella S500L double ball system strings [light-043/060/082/104] The G string is just about 36" long from ball-center to ball-center. It's like the strings are too long (?), or the threaded tuners are too long (unlikely), or I would have to have the bridge saddles at 35" or longer (?). I'm versed in standard set-ups for standard basses and have some ideas on how to get around this problem, but maybe it's just something someone who knows can point out as the source of the problem. (and shed light on the solution)
Sorry if this is not the place to open this thread, but I thought I'd start w/people who own/know these instruments.

Any chance you made the body too short?

In any case, one simple solution would be to use a standard string adaptor. Problem solved.

[AphekGreg]

Originally Posted by Flux Jetson

Any chance you made the body too short?

In any case, one simple solution would be to use a standard string adaptor. Problem solved.

He might have intonation issues though, if the bridge isn't far enough back.

[JIO]

Originally Posted by Flux Jetson

Any chance you made the body too short?

In any case, one simple solution would be to use a standard string adaptor. Problem solved.

Yes, thanks once again to tb I've been schooled about the single-ball string adaptor and have ordered a brass one from Don at headless.com. I have a feeling it will in fact solve my dilemma. I will let you know once it's installed.

Thanks to all for your input!

[JIO]

Originally Posted by AphekGreg

Some photos might help us solve the mystery?

You can see my exhausted attempts at DB system related problem-solving as well as my custom build it is attached to under Luthiers Corner "Coming soon; Steinbacker fretless bass"

Coming soon; Steinbacker fretless bass

[Flux Jetson]

Originally Posted by AphekGreg

He might have intonation issues though, if the bridge isn't far enough back.

Agreed, but other than making another body I'm lost for any other short term solutions aside from the string adaptor thingy.

[AphekGreg]

Assuming the strings aren't a longer scale than usual, mounting the string in the headpiece and running it down to the bridge, will tell you where the bridge should be. You can look at photos in this thread and elsewhere to get an idea how far in the bridge block, the saddles/claws sit.

I'm pretty sure the adapter won't allow you to adjust the intonation properly. The saddles won't sit far enough back.

[Flux Jetson]

Originally Posted by AphekGreg

Assuming the strings aren't a longer scale than usual, mounting the string in the headpiece and running it down to the bridge, will tell you where the bridge should be. You can look at photos in this thread and elsewhere to get an idea how far in the bridge block, the saddles/claws sit.

I'm pretty sure the adapter won't allow you to adjust the intonation properly. The saddles won't sit far enough back.

Right .. like I said .. "agreed" .. but short of making another body using a string adaptor and using standard strings is the only other choice. Warts and all. He either tries the adaptor and settles for the intonation issues, or he makes a new body that has the proper length and places the bridge in the right place.

And instead of running the strings down the bass to verify bridge placement, shouldn't the saddles be at roughly 34 inches from the "nut" (or zero fret)? Won't just running the strings down the bass ~not~ account for string stretch? It seems that actually measuring the scale length with the saddles in their median position is a more precise way of doing things .. or am I missing something there?

If the strings were for a long scale bass (I'm guessing that means a 35+ inch scale?) wouldn't it be like VERY obvious before he even installed them? I mean, wouldn't they be like at least a full inch too long right from the start? Or is there something about "long scale" Steinberger strings I'm ignorant of? That said, I'm guessing that the strings most likely are not the wrong scale.

There is ... however .. the possibility that the strings are just not made to spec .. a bad set that somehow made it past QC. So I suppose that's a possibility.

I was simply offering the person an option. At least with the string adaptor, if he did .. in fact .. fuddup the body dimensions, at the very least he can still play his bass, and just stomach the intonation issues until he can get around to correcting the problem (new body?).

Correct me if I'm wrong .. please .. but isn't it more or less impossible to move the bridge rearward on a headless Steiny type bass? I mean, it's not like a standard bass where he could simply redrill the bridge screw holes and remount it, do I have that right? So if he can't relocate the bridge, all that is left is making another entire body. If that is correct, then the string adaptor can at least get him by (bad intonation and all) until he can get around to fabbing up another entire body to fix the issue.

It ain't perfect but at least he's playin!

[AphekGreg]

Originally Posted by Flux Jetson

Right .. like I said .. "agreed" .. but short of making another body using a string adaptor and using standard strings is the only other choice. Warts and all. He either tries the adaptor and settles for the intonation issues, or he makes a new body that has the proper length and places the bridge in the right place.

And instead of running the strings down the bass to verify bridge placement, shouldn't the saddles be at roughly 34 inches from the "nut" (or zero fret)? Won't just running the strings down the bass ~not~ account for string stretch? It seems that actually measuring the scale length with the saddles in their median position is a more precise way of doing things .. or am I missing something there?

If the strings were for a long scale bass (I'm guessing that means a 35+ inch scale?) wouldn't it be like VERY obvious before he even installed them? I mean, wouldn't they be like at least a full inch too long right from the start? Or is there something about "long scale" Steinberger strings I'm ignorant of? That said, I'm guessing that the strings most likely are not the wrong scale.

There is ... however .. the possibility that the strings are just not made to spec .. a bad set that somehow made it past QC. So I suppose that's a possibility.

I was simply offering the person an option. At least with the string adaptor, if he did .. in fact .. fuddup the body dimensions, at the very least he can still play his bass, and just stomach the intonation issues until he can get around to correcting the problem (new body?).

Correct me if I'm wrong .. please .. but isn't it more or less impossible to move the bridge rearward on a headless Steiny type bass? I mean, it's not like a standard bass where he could simply redrill the bridge screw holes and remount it, do I have that right? So if he can't relocate the bridge, all that is left is making another entire body. If that is correct, then the string adaptor can at least get him by (bad intonation and all) until he can get around to fabbing up another entire body to fix the issue.

It ain't perfect but at least he's playin!

I was forgetting that it's a fretless neck.

[Flux Jetson]

[JIO]

Originally Posted by AphekGreg

Assuming the strings aren't a longer scale than usual, mounting the string in the headpiece and running it down to the bridge, will tell you where the bridge should be. You can look at photos in this thread and elsewhere to get an idea how far in the bridge block, the saddles/claws sit.

I'm pretty sure the adapter won't allow you to adjust the intonation properly. The saddles won't sit far enough back.

I will update on my developments once the adaptor arrives and is installed. Until then I remain hopeful.

[jphovercraft]

Sign me up!

Here's me playing my L2 lined fretless #774. I'm the original owner.

[number11]

0001...Number 11
0002...AphekGreg
0003...WalterBush
0004...Palmann
0005...Gleneg61
0006...bungalowbill
0007...Deepwoods
0008...Bornagnhooligan
0009...pacojas
0010...Rozeg
0011...Stacker
0012...pkstone
0013...Sid fang
0014...jphovercraft

__________________

[ThaRoadWarrior]

Originally Posted by 80jazz

Since I did not get a number (thanks to not checking in properly) and someone else wants 15 I will take 16. Perhaps it should now read:

0001...Number 11
0002...AphekGreg
0003...WalterBush
0004...Palmann
0005...Gleneg61
0006...bungalowbill
0007...Deepwoods
0008...Bornagnhooligan
0009...pacojas
0010...Rozeg
0011...Stacker
0012...pkstone
0013...Sid fang
0014...rd2rk
0015...ThaRoadWarrior
0016...80jazz

I thought we were already past no 0016 ?
:-)

[number11]

0001...Number 11
0002...AphekGreg
0003...WalterBush
0004...Palmann
0005...Gleneg61
0006...bungalowbill
0007...Deepwoods
0008...Bornagnhooligan
0009...pacojas
0010...Rozeg
0011...Stacker
0012...pkstone
0013...Sid fang
0014...rd2rk
0015...ThaRoadWarrior
0016...80jazz
0017...jphovercraft

[ChoppyJalepeno]

I just got this baby last week. Been looking for a deal on one for a few years now.

How bout a numba?

thanks

[Flux Jetson]

Originally Posted by ChoppyJalepeno

I just got this baby last week. Been looking for a deal on one for a few years now.

How bout a numba?

thanks

Really beautiful!

The headless basses with ~regular~ bodies always rub me funny. They look like a busted axe. The small bodied headless basses look more like they're *supposed* to look like they do, but the regular bodied ones always look like a bass with the head busted off.

Well one thing for certain .. no neck dive with that type! I love my Jazz but I absolutely HATE the neck dive crap! It seems like Fender would have worked out something better in nearly 60 years of building them.

Excellent colors on your new headless! Score 1 for Choppy Jalepeno!! Came with the case too? (looks like it had a Tele in it at some point).

[Macrocosmcwh]

One of my favorites!!!!

[Flux Jetson]

Daaaaaayyyyuuumm!!!!