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Steinberger Synapse... what would YOU do?

wideyes

wideyes

May 9, 2007
991
22
Eugene, OR
#1
So the steinberger bug has finally bitten. I've been drooling over the Synapse XS-15FPA (5-stringer), but all reports call them kind of meh. I'm attracted to them for several reasons:

- headless
- weight (apparently lighter than older steinies)
- cheaper than an older steiny
- the strap hook. sucker for the strap hook

Basically, I'm wanting a small headless 5er. Should I just get the Synapse and decide for myself whether it was worth it? What are my options? What would you do?
 
#2
Well, given your criteria, what are the alternatives?

Zippo, right?

Buy and enjoy. I own a Spirit, which ain't no Synapse, and I'm happy.



wideyes said:
So the steinberger bug has finally bitten. I've been drooling over the Synapse XS-15FPA (5-stringer), but all reports call them kind of meh. I'm attracted to them for several reasons:

- headless
- weight (apparently lighter than older steinies)
- cheaper than an older steiny
- the strap hook. sucker for the strap hook

Basically, I'm wanting a small headless 5er. Should I just get the Synapse and decide for myself whether it was worth it? What are my options? What would you do?
Click to expand...
 
#3
Yeah, try it out! What's the worst that can happen? You don't like it? THen just sell it.
The best that can happen, you bought an inexpensive bass that you really like! :)
 
#4
Wideyes,

I've own an XL2 and I like it a lot.

I've tried a synapse at Sam Ash in NY, it was not my cup of tea but it was more than fine.

Very different from the old ones (but not sure if that is the tone you are looking for), I'd say more polite.

However if you are going for a 5ver forget about getting one of the old ones (they go for crazy ebay prices).

Go for the synapse, they are sold cheap in the second hand market.
 
#5
Ok, thanks for the input, guys. I was faltering, because I'm unlikely to find one to play in my small town. Argentum, yeah, I pretty much decided against trying to find an original 5er, though a man can dream... So ok, I'll just have to take a chance. I was hoping there'd be more options in the headless 5er category, but it's still a Steinie niche, I guess... So thanks, guys! Keep my eyes peeled for a used one.
 
#6
My XL2 4-string became my "go to" bass years ago, and when I started working with 5-strings I decided I really wanted a headless, graphite, 5-string. So much so that I oredered one built by Status Graphite in the UK - and it's an absolutely wonderful bass. But it was an expensive path to go down. The Synapses are somewhere in quality (and price) between the all-carbon-composite L and XL series and the mass-market Spirit line. The electronics are very different from the L/XLs, but whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on your taste and amplification system. Personally, given your description of your situation, I'd go for it.
 
#7
Every now and then I check eBay to see if there's anything interesting on this very front (or to see if an Ibanez Axstar surfaces…me want!). I get the best results using the search strings "headless bass" and then "steinberger bass". A lot of sellers will put "Steinberger" into their titles, despite the fact that what they're selling isn't a Steinie or even licensed by them.
 
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#8
Well I am a headless guy. My main bass is an XQ5, see my sig. I just joined a new band and they play 3/4's of a set tuned down a half step and one of those tunes needs a drop D tuning on the E as well. Then they switch guitars and go back to regular tuning. I don't have a second fiver and found I couldn't re tune fast enough to use the XQ5. I found a Synapse on EBay for $700 including shipping. Bought it. I recall buying one of these when they first came out but sent it back. I have only played one gig with it so far and it is OK. Plays well and the PUPS are very loud. Both have EMG PUPS with an active PRE Amps. I think I like the sound of the Q better but the Synapse plays well. I also feel the Synapse sounds like the pickups are out of phase if that makes sense. Not a bad sound just different. Finally I needed to be able to get it on and off fast so that meant using the same strap. I added a strap lock to the body along the bottom and then placed a tie wrap on my strap so i can use the tie wrap to slip onto the hook and use the strap lock end on the body. Sounds funky but I can change in about 20 seconds.

I would like to hear from other Synapse owners.
 
#9
Gotta agree with most of the posts above. I fell in love with Steinbergers when I was first starting off and tried out one of the old XL2 4-string fretless - loved the bass & the sound.

I started off with a 5-string spirit and was underwhelmed, then got lucky and got a synapse off eBay at a great price. I hated the Spirit because it had two volume pots and the neck was lacquered paint (and the sound was "meh"). As soon as I strapped on the Synapse I LOVED the feel of it. the balance and feel is wonderful (it even has a "beer gut" cutout in back so it's in the right position), but it takes work to coax a great sound out of it.
 
#12
I love my Synapse, and would buy another were mine to meet some sort of untimely demise, super stable, light, well made, and while it doesn't provide the tone that the original ones did, it sits in the mix very well, my sound man loves it! It has plenty of useful tones thanks to the EQ, EMG pups. I have to disagree with the detractors, I really enjoy pretty much everything about it, except that I am large, and it is small, so it might look a little odd, think Andre the Giant driving a Mini Cooper. Well, maybe not quite that odd, but you know what I mean.

Regards
 
#15
joenoone said:
... but it takes work to coax a great sound out of it.
Click to expand...

How so? I a/b'd mine I've had for three gigs against my 2001 USA P-bass while trying out a new GK Neo 410 cab (1001RB-II head). The Fender had more beef and compression with its passive p'ups that I tried dialing in w the Steinie's active ones.
 
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#17
Status half wound strings on a Steinberger generate, to my ears, a really great tone.
If spirit or synapse tone isn't working for you I'd suggest trying those strings.

kind of woody -- almost upright sound up the neck -- what I don't like on the spirit is how wooly the tone can be. could be cleaner/clearer.
sustain is equal to anything I've played.
 

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