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Steinberger Club

#962
I've seen that post before. Yes, it does look cool. I'd be curious to find out how the modification affects the feel and comfort of the instrument. Personally, I've already wrecked the resale value of my bass by boring out a larger hole for a different output jack, so I'm not too concerned about the reversibility of any mods I might make.
 
#963
mrmxyzptlk said:
EdO., I'm glad you're still following this thread! I haven't picked up the hook yet, but I'm wondering about something: I see that on the Steinberger Synapse, for which this product is intended, the upper "bout" meets the body at the 19th fret, whereas on the Spirit it's a bit higher, the 21st fret. What I'm wondering is if on a Spirit the hook end ends up in the right position to make playing standing up with a strap completely comfortable, or if it's still somewhat of a compromise. (My understanding is that more or less the ideal location for a strap button is even with the 12th fret, as on a Fender Precision or Jazz Bass. On the Synapse the hook end seems to be about even with the 13th or 14th fret, and on a Spirit it would end up even higher.)

Also, do you rout a channel on your basses for the SSH-101? Or do you just screw it onto the surface? And do you mount it parallel with the neck, as shown here? Or at an angle?
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Adding the strap hook is what makes the thing playable standing. Without it the neck is way to the left, long reach and uncomfortable IMO. To me I can't understand why they don't ship a strap hook with each unit, it's almost unplayable without it and makes them pretty unattractive to the average player who doesn't know the difference. You'll definitely notice and like the difference immediately.

I've attached some photos of how mine is mounted. Basically just screwed it to the back of the bass, never a problem. It actually comes out to the 15th fret, 12th would be ideal but considering that the body is short and the weight isn't an issue it balances fine and is WAY more comfortable to play than without the hook.

On mine the more centered hole I put where a strap mount would go on the back of the neck heel, angled it until I liked it, drilled a pilot hole and installed the 2nd screw and tightened everything down. Works like a charm. I wouldn't worry about routing a channel for it, I have one on all 3 of my thunderbirds (photo attached) they're much heavier and haven't moved of loosened.

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#965
Just got my NS Design CR5 fretless today from Bass Central (SN#00030) and took it out for a spin ... wow ... just wow!
from the instant truss rod neck adjustment to warm - well defined tones with character ... I won't miss my Fender Jaco Bass for a minute ...
I'll be experimenting for the next couple days but man, this promisses to be quite a bass ;-)
BTW, any tips from owners of a similar model would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
 

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#966
Jumping back in, what do you think of the neck? Have you played an old Steinberger before? Curious to know your thoughts.

francoprof said:
Just got my NS Design CR5 fretless today from Bass Central (SN#00030) and took it out for a spin ... wow ... just wow!
from the instant truss rod neck adjustment to warm - well defined tones with character ... I won't miss my Fender Jaco Bass for a minute ...
I'll be experimenting for the next couple days but man, this promisses to be quite a bass ;-)
BTW, any tips from owners of a similar model would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

View attachment 3005285
Click to expand...
 
#967
EdO. said:
Adding the strap hook is what makes the thing playable standing. Without it the neck is way to the left, long reach and uncomfortable IMO. To me I can't understand why they don't ship a strap hook with each unit, it's almost unplayable without it and makes them pretty unattractive to the average player who doesn't know the difference. You'll definitely notice and like the difference immediately...
Click to expand...
Indeed, it makes all the difference. Like you, I think it would be ideal if the SSH-101 were just a little longer, but presumably Steinberger had their reasons for not making it that way. Perhaps it would have made the hook more expensive to manufacture?

Instead of using the existing strap button hole, I decided to drill two new holes and mount the SSH-101 roughly parallel to the neck, as on the Steinberger Synapse instruments. I also used neoprene washers (3/16" inner diameter, 1/2" outer diameter) around the screw holes, between the SSH-101 and the bass body. The hook feels great in this position, and completely clears my left hand.

I had already replaced the pickups in my Steinberger Spirit XT-2 with "real" EMGs. Now, adding the SSH-101 has made this bass seem all the more like a serious instrument. I don't gig much anymore, but I have a four-hour gig next month, and I'm looking forward to putting this bass through its paces on the job!
 

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#968
xrob said:
Jumping back in, what do you think of the neck? Have you played an old Steinberger before? Curious to know your thoughts.
Click to expand...

I have an L2, XL2, and Radius CR5. I never noticed the thickness of the CR5 neck as being unusual, but the width (being 5 string, of course :) ) and the 35 inch scale definitely impact how it feels/plays.

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#969
bungalowbill said:
I have an L2, XL2, and Radius CR5. I never noticed the thickness of the neck as being unusual, but the width (being 5 string, of course :) ) and the 35 inch scale definitely impact how it feels/plays.
Click to expand...

Man that is weird. My CR5 feels a lot thicker than my Q5. It's been awhile since I have played my XL2, so I'll have to revisit it. I really thought there was a noticeable difference between the old guard and the new NS.
 
#970
I'd ask before you commit. I've owned 6 different L2's and XL2's, all from different era's of Steinberger's exsistence. The L2's have a different swivel plate design and the swivel location on the bass is different from the XL2's. The only replacement swivel plates I ever saw were from Ed Roman, and I was never really impressed with his.......customer service. I don't know if he built them or had them brought in. Check with Don at Headless USA, he knows the most about the XL2's.
 
#971
xrob said:
Jumping back in, what do you think of the neck? Have you played an old Steinberger before? Curious to know your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Well, the neck feels 'chunkier' than that of my Elite Jazz V (it is not as flat) but not as chunky as my STD MIA PBass. That being said, it feels 'like home' in my hands (I use it mostly for my Big Band gigs - reading bass partitions). I appreciate the bump (for lack of a better word) at the end of the neck, where the headstock would start : it stops my left hand and gives it a reference for the fretboard. The scale is standard and comfy as my left hand finds every position effortlessly. The neck is also balanced though you will notice (and soon after adapt to) the lighter weight of it. I have never played an old Steinberger before. Cheers!
 
#974
Hello all!!!
After many years, I'm ready to take my Steinie copy out for some gigs. It is Japanese, with absolutely NO markings anywhere. Even the bridge plate is blank! I wanted to add some 'color' and put my name in Steinberger-style font. Does anyone know how I could make or get such a decal (Main issue is the WHITE
print...)
SteinieDiegoBlack.png
 
#977
Hey Steinberger people!

I've got a Spirit XL25 on the way for an upcoming gig and I'm already worried about dive. How many of you have a problem with it, how many of you have no trouble with your standing bass position...and is there anyone out there with a spare/extra hook or a source on one? I'm not in a position to build one myself.

Thanks!
 

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