Steinberger, yes. But to DB or not to DB?

[FriendlyFiver]

OK, so I've got the Quarantine GAS, AND a green light from the spouse, I can buy a new bass. It's going to be a Steinberger Spirit, either the XT-2 or the XT-2DB.

For those unfamiliar, both are four-string, through-neck, headless basses, full 34" scale, paired HB coils with volume dials, and a single master tone dial.

The DB model has a mechanical detuner on the E string at the bridge, it lets the player set it up for a drop-Eb to drop-B tuning with the flip of a lever. the XT-2 is USD $400 brand new, the XT-2DB is USD $450.

I could almost go with the 5-string XT-25, and then not worry about the drop-tuner...but I don't think so. I'm not really using the 5-strings I already have.

So, Bassists of the World, what are your thoughts? To DB...or not DB? Or f'it, and go 5-string (also USD $450)?

(All input related to this is welcome, please, and thank you!)

 

[crobasster]

Absolutely .

 

[ctmullins]

A big Yes to the DB. Great bridge! I only sold mine because the string spacing was too wide.

All of my headed four-stringers have Hipshot Xtenders. That low D is necessary sometimes!

 

[SlickaBass]

@ctmullins - Too wide? You must have much smaller fingers than me There again I have the 5 string which to me is in a 4 string spacing.

FriendlyFiver have you actually played one of the XTs in your hands? Because I would have hoped you would hear and be able to make a decision on low D or not. I guess only you can really decide.

I have the 5 string and the stock strings are, to use a British phrase, pants ... But in the worst sense of the word. I got some Ken Smith but technically they don't fit - they do but hard work. Sound good though. I have 2 specially made sets of 4 strings made by some our of business UK firm. These are awesome strings but without the 5th you can't really use them (it just sounds out of place when you drop to B string - like the tone dropped off a cliff).

Right now I am trying to source some new pickups because the factory ones are weak - they are ok on my Orange amp when I add a bit of gain but for some reason at the church I play it's not cool to turn up gain on their desk - if I bring my Orange amp folks sometimes complaints too loud ... 35w and £57 second hand and it's much louder than a £1000 subwoofer and all the limited gain the soundfsound engineer affords me from Behringer digital desk.

For that reason I tend to like active now. Gives me a little cheat switch.

Anyhow I made a YT video regarding pros and cons of 5 string XT25 purely from my personal experience - others might vary. But it does sound to me like you not really tested one and that's always likely the fuel for more GAS IMHO. Apologies if I am wrong.



I also demonstrate DIY straphook - something like it is essential if you want to play in standing position

I get much more fun out of my Harley Benton B450FL fretless with LaBella strings (I see you like those). About half the cost of the Steinberger. Active / passive electronic. I wish I had bought the 5 or even the 6 string. Still nowt wrong with 4 string and these Zoom effect allow electronic detune.

Best of luck with your GAS.