Well, how can I say it without putting people off who are very satisfied playing their Synapse or XT.
Sorry folks, it ain't the real deal.
The very best sounding and playing bass (let me make this very clear, that's all in my ears) is the old L2. And that's not because it's rare or expensive, it's just is.
The balance on the L2 and XL2 is the best, and because of the pivot plate.
So in order of playability etc: L2-XL2-XP-Synapse/XZ and last but not least the XT.
Soundwise the EMG select pickups aren't that great, the old ones just sound more punchier and direct, in my ears.
Nothing wrong with the XT (in fact I got that one as my second Berger after an XP) but although it looks like the old classic, it weights about half of it and also sounds half of it. I also got a Hohner B2 which could by a copy of that same Steinberger.
The Synapse is a totally different story, it feels great and I love it features like the "straphook" (it balances way better than the XT) . But if I play it after playing the L2 or XL2 it seems like playing a much bigger bass. Although it will be a couple of centimeters bigger, it feels a little awkward to me. Still, I'm glad to have it.
Cheers!
Neither plate ends up where it's supposed to be when closed. Maybe later L-2s were more like XL-2s?
