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Steinberger Spirits

#341
I'd respond that they're buying the same axe with a different label as was Hohner., and these are a far cry from the original XL's. I was working at Gibson in Nashville when they imported the production fixtures from NY, and the few staff who decided to move here. After a year or so, they let it fade away.

It's interesting that Ned has made quite a go of it with his NS Design company, and I see lots of original Tobias basses in EBay and Reverb noting they are 'pre Gibson'. Yet Michael Tobias is doing very well with MTD, while I'm guessing the few people who stock the Baldwin-built current versions take them to qualify for more Les Pauls. And I'm utterly convinced that Mike's original design could still be a steady seller with the right backing.

But hey, you're right, I can buy a Spirit or Toby from Gibson, in more or less steady production. I stand corrected . . . .
 
#343
JW56789 said:
I'd respond that they're buying the same axe with a different label as was Hohner., and these are a far cry from the original XL's. I was working at Gibson in Nashville when they imported the production fixtures from NY, and the few staff who decided to move here. After a year or so, they let it fade away.

It's interesting that Ned has made quite a go of it with his NS Design company, and I see lots of original Tobias basses in EBay and Reverb noting they are 'pre Gibson'. Yet Michael Tobias is doing very well with MTD, while I'm guessing the few people who stock the Baldwin-built current versions take them to qualify for more Les Pauls. And I'm utterly convinced that Mike's original design could still be a steady seller with the right backing.

But hey, you're right, I can buy a Spirit or Toby from Gibson, in more or less steady production. I stand corrected . . . .
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That I'll agree with - IIRC (and I'm sure you can confirm this) Spirits were just an attempt by Gibson to leverage the whole Steinberger concept using their Asian Epiphone production facilities. About all they share with Ned's originals is the general shape and the tuning system.

I wanted to pick up one of the late USA built Steinbergers back when MusicYo was the source but couldn't afford one, then I found my old XM2A and quit looking at them. Gibson really pissed away a great line.

That said, IMO Spirits do make nice little basses and guitars. I've found the electronics are pretty bad, but if you change out the pots and jack they do just fine. My guitarist has a late model ZT3 that he's in love with, and it sounds great. I'm hoping this XP-25 will be able to fill my low cost travel bass role - I'd prefer not to drag my Synapses out.
 
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#344
i kick myself for not getting a USA steinberger when they were in musicyo. The later ones had truss rods. And as the owner of an XP2 that I got in 1986 I can say that just a few years later, I learned the hard way that those graphite necks needed truss rods.
 
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#352
I did some soul searching this morning. I came to the conclusion that the new XP-25 - while immensely cool - is a distraction. Kind of a shame after looking for one for 15 years, but I guess I've moved on in that time. Time to list it in the FS section along with a few other things.
 
#355
Marley's Ghost said:
Hard to believe this thread is coming up on 10 years old!
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Isn't it, though! I have not been following it, and just came back across it today. I'll have to refollow it.

I still have all three of my Spirits, but have not played them in some time. Will have to get them out and go over them and put them to work. Also have both my Synapses, and a couple years ago, added a NS Design NXT at a good pawn shop price.

If you've posted in this thread in the last ten years, and still have your Spirit(s), post something and let us know.
 
#358
Just checked in with AMS to see if they have the strap hook (Part # SSH 101 if anyone is interested) but no luck. Bummer, the addition of the strap hook is IMO what makes these playable standing. Last time I was able to find one it was through Sam Ash but haven't tried them lately. Anyone know anything about strap hook availability? Damn poor marketing IMO (which is the norm for Gibson it seems...) to make such an otherwise awkward instrument available without the one simple piece that makes it as comfortable to play as any other bass. They're offered in 6 colors but no strap hook available? Stupid business practice.
 
#359
I think people have been a lot more positive about the old XZ line, which is no longer available, than about the XT line.

Maybe someone on Talkbass who can do machining, might take up making an aftermarket strap hook for the XT Spirits for a good price? It's a thought.
 

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