Steinberger Club

[foal30]

I have played a XL2 5 string
The guy who owned it didn't keep it for long
They are expensive but a XL25W would surely be a premium

There's a rumor there's actually only 1 XL25WUF in existence so $10K might be what it is

 

[foal30]

What's the tension like on them? I've been curious about them for my xp2-a, though i've been diggin on roundwounds for this bass.

And just an aside, don't tell anyone, but this thing is becoming my #1 after years of pretty well exclusively slinging a rickenbacker. It goes on tape very well and it's very versatile. I have yet to try it on a show but for how comfortable and great sounding it is, i think it'll be a hit.

I can't notice any difference TBHi in the tension

Can certainly notice differences in tension changing rounds to Flats on my Fenders

 

[Fretlessaurus]

I have played a XL2 5 string
The guy who owned it didn't keep it for long
They are expensive but a XL25W would surely be a premium

There's a rumor there's actually only 1 XL25WUF in existence so $10K might be what it is

 

[Fretlessaurus]

I know for a fact that that particular rumour is false. I've seen photos of both a black and a white XL25WUF. However, they are indeed quite rare — probably fewer than 10 were ever produced.

 

[xrob]

I have been looking for an XL25W for the better part of 20 years. I have my original XL2 (1988) and 2 Q5s from the 90s that I play, but the 5 wide is the grail for me. I would definitely play it. My guess is that particular bass will be $8k+ if and when it ever shows up. Seen a small handful for sale over the years, sometimes the same one twice. I think there is one listed on a Japanese website for $17k. Too rich for my blood. I bet when I finally get one (if), I'll probably be too worried about it to play out with it. ARGH. For now, my purple Q5 has been a great fill-in.

Rob

If you aren't a collector and would intend to play a Steinberger bass that you purchased, how much would you be willing to pay (in U.S. dollars) for the following unicorns?

XL25W
XL25WUF

I am aware of an XL25WUF that is potentially available for over $10,000 USD. However, given the fact that I could have a fretless 5-string Status Graphite Stealth or Streamline built for under $3000 USD, I'm inclined to be skeptical of that collector pricing for the XL25WUF.

I own an XL2UF, but I've never had the opportunity to play (let alone see in person) an XL25W of any kind, let alone a UF. I've also not had a chance to see or play either an SG Stealth or Streamline in any form.

if anyone has had the pleasure of playing any of these instruments, especially fretless versions, what are your impressions? Are XL25W prices grossly inflated by their relative scarcity and collector value? Has Status Graphite matched and even exceeded the engineering advantages achieved by Steinberger's XL series?

 

[jglunt]

On my Spirit XT25, the pickups are extremely warm, excessively so IMO. I've modded it by adding an EMG BTC active EQ, which provides much greater tonal versatility, and I've also decided to try stainless steel wound strings, though nickel-wounds are my normal go-tos on my other basses. I tried a Rotosound 66 set, but found that the low B string in particular is really short. (See photo) I can string it, but it barely makes it to the edge of the tuner cover when tuned to pitch. Though the strings sound great, I'm just waiting for that B string to jump out. Does anybody have experience with Ken Smith double-ball-end stainless steel wounds? I have no experience with Ken Smith strings at all. Thanks in advance.

 

[sonojono]

On my Spirit XT25, the pickups are extremely warm, excessively so IMO. I've modded it by adding an EMG BTC active EQ, which provides much greater tonal versatility, and I've also decided to try stainless steel wound strings, though nickel-wounds are my normal go-tos on my other basses. I tried a Rotosound 66 set, but found that the low B string in particular is really short. (See photo) I can string it, but it barely makes it to the edge of the tuner cover when tuned to pitch. Though the strings sound great, I'm just waiting for that B string to jump out. Does anybody have experience with Ken Smith double-ball-end stainless steel wounds? I have no experience with Ken Smith strings at all. Thanks in advance.View attachment 4630865

I wouldn't worry too much about that. My current spirit bass is like that on the E string but trust me, it stays in tune and will not slip out

 

[jglunt]

I wouldn't worry too much about that. My current spirit bass is like that on the E string but trust me, it stays in tune and will not slip out

Good to know! I had visions of that string popping loose mid-song and tearing the pinkie off my right hand. In my vision, I soldiered on to the end of the song before seeking treatment. Now that's unlikely!

 

[FirstHelmetDrop]

Here's my Steinberger. I got this in August of 2016 and it was my second ever bass. It's a very loud instrument and has a nice tone. Got it because I'm a huge fan of 80s glam, especially Bon Jovi. Nowadays I usually keep it in Half Step down tuning.

 

[jglunt]

Here's my Steinberger. I got this in August of 2016 and it was my second ever bass. It's a very loud instrument and has a nice tone. Got it because I'm a huge fan of 80s glam, especially Bon Jovi. Nowadays I usually keep it in Half Step down tuning.View attachment 4631073

The classic black of a Steinberger. Gotta love it. Even my '88 XL2 isn't black--it's white. That probably gives it a little more value--I've been told only 10% were white--but still, a black Steinie! I'm surprised that you say yours is loud. My Spirit XT-25 serial number says it was originally manufactured in July, 2018, but man, my pickups have very low gain. I adjusted them up as close to the strings as possible, which helped, but I eventually put an EMG 2-band active EQ in it. That made it loud and added a lot of tonal versatility.

 

[jglunt]

Has anybody used LaBella stainless steel round wound strings on a Spirit? (The newer Spirit with the pickups that say "Steinberger" on them, not the older ones with the EMG pickups). Been thinking of trying a set on my XT-25 and I'd like to get some opinions of what they sound like on a Spirit. Thanks in advance!

 

[jglunt]

Has anybody used LaBella stainless steel round wound strings on a Spirit? (The newer Spirit with the pickups that say "Steinberger" on them, not the older ones with the EMG pickups). Been thinking of trying a set on my XT-25 and I'd like to get some opinions of what they sound like on a Spirit. Thanks in advance!

Since nobody responded to my question about LaBella stainless steel round wound strings (copied above), let me ask a more generic question: Do any of you use stainless steel round wound strings on your Spirit--preferably a newer Spirit say from 2018 upwards? If so, which ones have you liked best? They don't have to be double ball end strings. I have an adapter to use regular strings as well, so either double ball end or single ball end strings will do.

 

[Snert]

There is also a Spirit Club thread I think. Maybe ask there too.
Status also sell DB SS strings.

 

[jglunt]

There is also a Spirit Club thread I think. Maybe ask there too.
Status also sell DB SS strings.

Thanks.

 

[EdO.]

My Spirit 4 string is older than 2018 I think but I put RotoSound RDB 66LC double ball strings on mine and I like the sound I get from them FWIW. I will say that the Roto's are kind of a tight fit though, had to run the tuner bolts pretty much all the way out.

 

[jglunt]

My Spirit 4 string is older than 2018 I think but I put RotoSound RDB 66LC double ball strings on mine and I like the sound I get from them FWIW. I will say that the Roto's are kind of a tight fit though, had to run the tuner bolts pretty much all the way out.

Thanks! I have the Roto double ball ends on mine now. I had to install them as you say. They sound great, but the B string is so short I'm afraid to adjust its intonation for fear of popping it out. Thanks for your input. Roto makes those same strings in a regular model, so I could use them with my string adapter.

 

[Snert]

They sound great, but the B string is so short I'm afraid to adjust its intonation for fear of popping it out.

I would be extremely surprised if it does.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Does anybody have experience with Ken Smith double-ball-end stainless steel wounds? I have no experience with Ken Smith strings at all.

I've been using Ken Smith double-ballend stainless steel roundwounds on my 1982 Steinberger L-2 since 1985, and I've never been disappointed and can't imagine ever wanting to try another string on that bass: It gives me exactly what I want from a string in terms of sound, feel, response, and longevity.

fwiw I've also been using Ken Smith stainless steel roundwounds on all my other basses (with a few exceptions) since 1985. Discovering those Smith strings was a revelation for me, and allowed me to stop the incessant Goldilocks Search ("This one's too thick! This one's too thin!") that had plagued my string shopping for the previous decade.

 

[EdO.]

Thanks! I have the Roto double ball ends on mine now. I had to install them as you say. They sound great, but the B string is so short I'm afraid to adjust its intonation for fear of popping it out. Thanks for your input. Roto makes those same strings in a regular model, so I could use them with my string adapter.

The ball ends stick out from under the cover and initially I was concerned about that as well but they've never budged. I'll wouldn't worry about it, under tension I can't see how they could move. Anything's possible I suppose but it's never been an issue.

 

[jglunt]

I've been using Ken Smith double-ballend stainless steel roundwounds on my 1982 Steinberger L-2 since 1985, and I've never been disappointed and can't imagine ever wanting to try another string on that bass: It gives me exactly what I want from a string in terms of sound, feel, response, and longevity.

fwiw I've also been using Ken Smith stainless steel roundwounds on all my other basses (with a few exceptions) since 1985. Discovering those Smith strings was a revelation for me, and allowed me to stop the incessant Goldilocks Search ("This one's too thick! This one's too thin!") that had plagued my string shopping for the previous decade.

Excellent recommendation. I've never used Ken Smiths on anything, but they sound worth a try. On my other basses I use nickel wound, including on my '88 XL2, but the pickups on my XT25 are much darker than those on my other basses. Thank you!