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Steinberger Spirits

#241
I'm rapidly approaching decision time: Synapse strap hook or homemade pivot plate. It is going to have to be one or the other because of the holes that are needed.

Has anyone tried both?

One concern I have with the Synapse hook is that it appears to not be usable with straplocks - the hook goes through the strap button hole, right? However, this is the simple fix. I have one on the way, I may try duct taping it to the back of the bass and gently giving it a try. If it seems like it will work, then I'll install it properly.

My worry with the pivot plate is that I'll really screw things up.

This is going to be critical in my keeping the XT-25 - the hang position with the factory strap buttons is totally unworkable for me. Feh.
 
#242
I used the hook on an ibanez artcore i had, and it is great at what it does. I don't think there is any way you can use strap locks with the hook, but in all honesty, it isn't coming off that hook...

The only thing you can screw up with the pivot plate, in my opinion anyways, is when you drill the body of the XT for the threaded insert.

I would opt of for the plate though, i love mine. It makes it feel and look more like a real XL2/L2. If you are worried about it, I'll post detailed specs/measurements of where the insert is on mine if you think it'll help.

You can fashion up the plate without drilling the XT, and make sure you get it right before you actually drill the XT. Even if you mess up the drilling, its on the back...;) no one will see it...

Good Luck!
 
#243
Apparently the Synapse strap hook isn't available for purchase anymore. Ken, where are you seeing them for sale?

For those who wanted to route their XT's, it was a cool option. I can attest to how well it works on my Synapses, and straps definitely will not come off the hook.
 
#244
Michael, I found one from a private party - they seem to have evaporated from everywhere. I have to admit the simplicity of the hook is very tempting.

Gid, it's not finding the balance point that worries me - it's coming up with a good pivot. A threaded insert is the obvious choice but I need to think more on the post and washer part.
 
#245
HeavyDuty said:
Michael, I found one from a private party - they seem to have evaporated from everywhere. I have to admit the simplicity of the hook is very tempting.

Gid, it's not finding the balance point that worries me - it's coming up with a good pivot. A threaded insert is the obvious choice but I need to think more on the post and washer part.
Click to expand...

i swapped out my rubber washer for a nylon one, and it is perfect now, for what thats worth.

Good Luck!
 
#248
I spent some time this morning with a metric rule and my early-2000's vintage XZ-2 and XZ-25, finally. As expected, most of the spacings and dimensions differed. Here they are:

Pickup Width
XZ-2: 68 mm
XZ-25: 70 mm

Bridge Width
(side to side)
XZ-2: 90 mm
XZ-25: 100 mm

String Spacing, bridge
(saddle slot to saddle slot)
XZ-2: 18 mm
XZ-25: 16 mm

String Spacing, nut
XZ-2: 10 mm
XZ-25: 10 mm


As HeavyDuty said, there is no substitute for data, in so many words. I knew there were differences between the 4's and 5's, but had never taken the time to measure them.

For years, I have been under the false impression that the humbucking pickups were the same for both, and they are not, as HD said. Only the 4 string Spirits have pickup widths that match guitar humbuckers. My apologies.

If there are other measurements that anyone would like me to do on the XZ's, let me know.
 
#250
Good deal on that one. In looking closely, I see there is a fair amount of paint worn off the pickups. There is also apparently a strap post added to the end of the body above the bridge (in playing position). Finally, the control knobs are not original, but chrome replacements. So some modding and wear. I'm watching it, but it does duplicate the XZ's I already own.
 
#252
Ken, looking forward to what you come up with on these mods, and how you like the result.

Thank you, as a TB moderator, for your interest in the Spirit basses and keeping this thread alive.

They really are interesting basses, and worthy of continued play and a following.
 
#259
HeavyDuty said:
The fours are slightly wider spacing than the wide fives IIRC - right?
Click to expand...

I found that to be the case. My XZ-5 was around 16.5 mm spacing if i remember...

not sure what my XT is, but it is wider than that. probably 17.5-18 mm...

I know that doesn't sound like much, but it sure feels like a lot more for me.

EDIT: My XT is right about 18mm just in front of the saddle.
 
#260
Interesting. I was worried about the spacing, but I'm finding it OK for fingerstyle. I used to be very sensitive to spacing, too.

I got the first coat of fretboard dye on, I'll let it dry a few hours and do it again. Something about the rosewood board on a paddle body just bothered me.

I also did the Synapse hook experiment. I think I'm going that way instead of trying to fashion a pivot plate. Did I see a pic somewhere of an XT with an added strap button on the top back around where the saddles would be?

NM - found it. craigb did it to his XZ back in post 17. I may do the same, the combination of the hook and moving the button should make the first fret reach the same as my other basses.
 

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