My First Gear Video! Steinberger Spirit Overview

I'm going to be traveling almost all of next month, so I got this unusual looking headless guitar to bring with me! Hope you enjoy my first gear video :).
Gear mentioned (affiliate links):
Steinberger Spirit Guitar: amzn.to/2yNU7yy
Vox amPlug Metal Amp: amzn.to/2h7U07A
Double ball end strings: amzn.to/2xoSLqL
Follow me on Instagram for travel updates! / rachelfguitar
Get a Rachelf shirt and support the channel here! rachelf.bigcartel.com/
My Website: www.rachelf.com
If you are interested in getting a Steinberger Spirit yourself, the guitar can sometimes be hard to find. But I was able to get mine on Amazon. They also seem to semi frequently come up in the used market.
As a side note, I have recently been extremely busy with work and some other things, so I haven't been able to play guitar as much as I'd like to (hence the lack of videos recently). I'm sorry about this, but I plan to make another cover video before I leave for Japan, so look out for that :).

[@tasunkelutagleska8663]

It's weird to hear it called a travel guitar. When I owned in the 80s early 90s, it was apart of my gear. It sat with my guitars. It was a legit, playing and sounding guitar. It's pegged a travel guitar now. I did a lot of gigs with mine back in the day.

[@NexxuSix]

Hello Rachel! Yes, you are correct, the original Steinberger guitars from the 80’s were made of carbon fiber, and often go for about $3,000 or so if you can find them these days. Steinberger did the reissue in wood, hence the name “Spirit”. I have both the guitar, and the bass. The leg rest original was plastic, and did break, and the Spirit has a metal rest. As for the tuners, yes, they can be a little hard to turn. The tuner for the floating bridge can be tuned as well, by taking a little pressure off of the bridge by moving by hand. The double-ball end strings are hard to find, but there is a string adapter available for normal strings. Have fun with your guitar! This is one of the most iconic guitars of its time =)

[@manuman95]

The only bad thing about this guitar is that too many people call it a travel guitar. But it's really not, it's a guitar on its own. You made a lovely review! Your smile and enthusiasm is very contagious!

[@simonkormendy849]

Agreed, these Steinberger guitars are not toys, these are serious gigging guitars, how do I know? I've already done one live jam gig with mine and they do the job fine, just like a regular guitar.

[@Kittensandpuppies123]

David Bowie had one, I love how it looks!

[@raistlin-sg8do]

I love your enthusiasm, its awesome to see people so psyched about music and music related things. I smile every time I watch your videos.

[@leokimvideo]

I remember when these guitars were appearing in bands during the 80s, they were seen as being really cool and used more for their light weight format Vs being a travel guitar. I think they came in a Bass format first. The simple style suited the new wave look for many bands. Still look very cool today.

[@darrensjames]

I think it's a great idea showing some of your holiday in Japan. Have a safe and happy holiday.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome, thank you! :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Hope you enjoy my first gear related video! If you'd like to see more or have any suggestions for future gear videos, please let me know :)

[@user-vb2of3qi2v]

I have that Vox headphone amp. I bought a little Bose Soundlink Color for $100. It is battery powered as well. I tell you what, you plug that Bose into that Vox amp and you can get some killer sounds!! 100% portable too!!

[@alexmanuelgil9608]

Rachelf keep up the good work

[@DavidNwokoye]

I like the shovel guitar

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

David Nwokoye aka a broom body. An older term from when Ned Steinberger first made this design. ✌☺

[@The1stMrJohn]

Deductive Reasoning Broadly speaking, The Japanese currently make the best guitars in the world. They have huge Luthiers schools...

[@daveshepherd7582]

Great review Rachelf! have a great trip and be sure to bring home some awesome vids!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! Will try :)

[@thomassanchez2301]

YOU ARE SO FREAKIN COOL!!!! I've stopped being stoked on guitar after 7 years, but your videos make me want to play again.

[@RachelfGuitar]

+Thomas Sanchez :), thank you and glad to hear that!

[@peterkloostra1835]

Just back from Thailand, visiting friends and staying in Temple in Chang Mai with my friends and the monks (amazing experience) after that leaving to Japan, first Osaka and cycling from Onomichi to Imabari, with the ferry to Hiroshima, after that to Tokyo ...and back to the Netherlands with a lot of great memory's. Back home, after months of searching (on-line) for the right guitar to play with at home and travel, i was looking at this video wich gave me the "ok" to buy one..thanks for your inspiration and enthusiasm !!

[@synthiamiller5990]

Guuuurrrrll you are AWESOME!!!!!!!! Having watched your progress video and your gear demo, I’m truly blown away!!!

[@johnphillipdavis]

Rachel, I finally got myself one of these in white also. ive been playing for 30 years and I have always loved these. Keep the updates coming!

[@mohamadshams9661]

Great review, Rachel. Very informative, focused and straight to the point. Keep it up.

[@thomasdemartino6109]

Dear Rachel, thank you for taking the time breaking down the Steinberger Spirit. Because of your breakdown of the guitar, and a few others, I bought one for myself for the same reason. I’m a traveling sales person who’s been playing guitar for many years, and wanted something that I could keep my chops up, but also have something that I might be able to bring with me to an open mike night when traveling. With this, along with my Boss GT-1 effects pedal, I’m now set. Thank you very much for this demonstration. Well done. Regards, Tom D.

[@Hapharzardly]

Looking forward to a follow up review when you get back. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

[@drakethorn1339]

Your review is so positive and cool! I’m really encouraged to (heh) pick up an HSS version of they’ve got it. Thanks! Ash

[@williammatthews1609]

Wow, I think the middle pickup alone and the song choice for that pickup was really well chosen....they went together so well I think that rif sounded the best by far! :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! Yeah, I spent a little more time on that one and used the same amp setting on all the others. In retrospect probably should have changed the others a bit!

[@joppy232]

love it! Safe travels! keep playing!

[@japgold]

I know this video is old, but, I love her enthusiasm, just adorable and cranked out some nasty riffs. AWESOME!

[@davidwoods80]

Dear Manufacturers: Please bury Rachel's house in free gear. Let her enthusiasm rub off on your products and therefore increase your sales. Sincerely, your potential customer.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Haha, no free gear yet, but I wouldn't complain! :)

[@rtxf]

David Woods or bury mine and I'll try to be exactly like rachel..

[@kaisoliz2533]

David Woods i like where you are going with this

[@BornToRock-to7gk]

@@RachelfGuitar poopoo

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

what a simp

[@BrianMark75]

I bought one of those after lung surgery when I needed something lightweight that wouldn't pull too much on my right side. I don't play it all that often any more, but it sits in my office at work and certainly sparks some conversations.

[@robertrockwell6996]

Thank you for the review. Please do one when you get back. Would be real interesting to hear what you think after having it on the road for a bit. Keep the videos coming!

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

Your playing is smoothing out and relaxed. Love it. KEEP IT UP!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@xChrXisx777]

You had the best review. It was quick and to the point and in depth. Some of these fancier edited videos don’t even come close to your review. Can’t wait to get mine.

[@lanceeriksen6672]

Rachel you have inspired me greatly. I have been taking extra jobs on the weekends to buy an electric guitar. I thank you. Have fun in Japan!

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad to hear that! Best of luck getting your guitar! :)

[@thedaniluvshow]

Luv your enthusiasm! Great product knowledge. Your review helped, I think I will add this axe to my travel studio. Thanks! Keep Rockin'!!

[@mattma96]

You really have SUPER-GOOD taste in choosing musical instrument~ This unusual looking headless guitar was designed in the early Eighties, salute to Mr. Ned Steinberger. He's the man!

[@smartypantznumber2840]

Those are great ...have fun traveling!

[@RandellVandergriff]

Congrats on the new guitar. I getting an Italia LP style Fiberglass guitar next month for Christmas. So I know what it is like to get new gear and be excited. Enjoy it girl. Your videos is so postive. And you play much better than I do. You go girl and rock on. God bless you.

[@thenativeghoul5707]

Great job on your first gear review👍 Have a great trip and keep on rockin🤘

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@DarrylDomani]

Great video, Rachel. Even we older beginners.....who travel.....will find your review helpful. Kudos!!

[@HTNT9]

I'm so jealous u going to Japan for a whole month. That would be my #1 place to travel to next. Nice guitar and I love the leg rest feature. I have the same amp plug and it sounds surprising amazing for such a small device. Anyways, I hope you have a fun and safe trip and as always, I look forward to hearing more covers from u once you're back. Oh, I would def be interested in seeing footage from Japan!

[@RachelfGuitar]

+Huy Tran Thank you, I'm excited! Been saving up vacation days for a while. The amp does sound quite good for what it is! Thanks again :)

[@earlbrackett6742]

superb, very versatile as well, you know your tones... ! may give the Steinberger a whirl finally...rock on Rachel !

[@otavio048]

My god she is so happy it makes me happy love your vids

[@ANDYSUH]

One year ago I finally decided buying this guitar watching you were playing the guitar. So now I playing this guitar day after day.😅 It is so useful for play in a car.

[@therolandstreet]

I totally need this. I could take this with me everywhere. Awesome review!

[@khatri8647]

Never stop playing! You're killing it :)

[@nellayema2455]

Excellent demo! My daughter lives in a big city. This looks like the perfect axe for toting around the city.

[@drakejdf]

Love your enthusiasm I just purchased the hot rod red.I’ve wanted one of these for years.hope I like it.

[@Ale_Marks]

I'ts so great to see your evolution and hapiness, my dear!!!! Stay Heavy!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :) \m/

[@samlelowitch]

Fantastic video. Great job! I look forward to your next gear video....

[@theopoiesis]

My god, you look so happy that I am happy for you!

[@troynunley8161]

Loved it! 30 year guitarist here! Gonna buy me one!

[@7monkeys100]

I have one just like it. They loosen up after awhile. Love this guitar.

[@MarceloAnez]

I'm really curious to hear how it went with the guitar during your trip! I love your videos! Love your energy! It's inspiring and contagious! You rock!

[@ursuladecay]

this was really helpful!! I would love to see more gear reviews from you!! have fun in Japan

[@RachelfGuitar]

+ursuladecay Thank you! :)

[@richardtoney431]

i just came onto your video..love your enthusiasm..you are very knowledgable...nice work

[@DeevoC]

I swear to god, the amount you love this shit makes me love it even more than I already did. I'm gonna go learn the Tornado of Souls solo now. You should too!

[@paulinacortes2744]

I found your channel yesterday and I am really glad I did bc you're awesome! When I was 12 yrs old (now 20) I got an acoustic guitar even though I wanted an electric one, lol. So I didn't get into it but right now I'm hoping to keep learning as much as I can. You're an amazing inspiration to me :D

[@cristorres9547]

0:36. Every guitarists worst nightmare: loss of calluses.

[@DavidOnTheRoadGuitars]

Thanks for the review. Very complete. I didn't know it has a switch on the bridge to alternate between fixed and floating. That is very cool.

[@geetarman58]

Keep em coming!!! And have a blast in Japan too!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@soulfinger]

I recently bought one of these. The middle single coil pickup got in the way of my pick, so I removed it, and I replaced the 5-way switch with an exact fitting 3-way switch. It doesn't look too good with the missing pickup, but it's more comfortable for me to play and I can switch on both humbuckers.

[@ramaynard77]

Wow, that neck pickup sounds awesome!

[@Hauntedasylum666]

I really enjoy watching your videos. You have such a pleasant demeanor. This video was very helpful.

[@biggSHNDO]

You’ve quickly gone up in subscriber quantity. I’ve been with you from the beginning. I’m happy for you, Rach. Keep up the fabulous work.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you so much! :)

[@_BubbleFox_]

KILLED IT!!!

[@MrGREYMATTERS]

NICELY done! Safe travels!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@MarkLumsley]

You did a great job of demoing that thing! Especially with the pickup configurations - great choice of songs! ^_^

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@veganvendetta2960]

Very useful and compatible....great demonstration Rachel👍

[@RachelfGuitar]

+Vegan Vigilante Thank you! :)

[@rileywu9582]

I’m in love with this guitar

[@jaybalagulan6825]

thank you for clearly explaing the features of this guitar in a straight forward manner ! hope to see more of these kind of contents . Just got subscribed . Stay metal ! \m/

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! \m/!

[@ratsausage]

Great video! I'm entirely hopeless but I've just ordered one of these just for the fun of playing about with it...

[@kazkylheku1221]

It may make a good travel guitar (better than some instruments marketed as travel guitars) but the iconic Steinberger is a (now) classic instrument design which has appeared in numerous music videos and concert stages, particularly in the 1980's.

[@MarvinSheats]

Great video Rachelf. I love my Steinberger Pro as well and I also have a Hohner G2T headless and use these as my main guitars. Have fun in Japan is you have not been yet and again.. GREAT VIDEO!!! ❤️️👍🏾

[@QuaseMutantes]

wow . thanks for such a complete review. you even gave great ideas for a portable. amp. thanks a lot!!

[@ShinHarmony]

You are super happy for the new guitar, congrats! I wish I get my electric soon too >3

[@SPITFIRE80371]

Go girl!! great vid keep on rocking...

[@Jrami608]

Super helpful, thanks for doing this video. I may just pick one up.

[@timothycalhoun7626]

Can't wait to see what you do in Japan!

[@RachelfGuitar]

+Ulthar W/thumbs Thanks! :)

[@timothycalhoun7626]

Wait... takes us with you! LOL

[@metalreporterjuso]

Great review, thanks 🙌

[@stevehogan8829]

Great Job Rachelf.. I want one now so I guess that says it all.

[@TMac-Attack]

Awesome!!! Thanks! Great review!

[@ScubaSteve89]

great review! Enjoy Japan and looking forward to seeing videos from there.

[@RachelfGuitar]

+Steve Vanlandingham Thanks so much!

[@ayo__ayo]

This is really dope. I got something similar. Its great that you were able to keep it up. I've been playing off and on for a few years. While I have improved significantly, I haven't actually completed a song yet. I'm about to pick it up again so hopefully I'll be able to be a bit more consistent now haha!

[@WednesfieldGirlsFC]

Great video! The guitar sounds superb!!!

[@w13rdguy]

Now, this is how a review is done! 👍

[@misterblack6521]

Excellent demo and review

[@scotttomlinson1057]

Nice, enjoy your enthusiasm, good stuff. My son just played with his first band at the studio! He is excited and is taking it to the next level, if you are ever in NC maybe you two can jam some... safe travels.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Awesome! Good luck to your son with his playing! :)

[@lenjamiol8847]

I have an original white GT2 with Trans Trem. It fits diagonally in my suitcase and flies in the baggage section. So far, so good. I love it! I wish you the best of luck with yours. Len J

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Good overview of the Steinberger Spirit. These are great guitars for the price. If you upgrade the pickups it can work very well as a professional instrument. Although it does make an excellent travel guitar the design was originally leaning toward the ergonomic aspects. Hohner makes a slightly higher priced version which I own and am completely satisfied with. Hohner offers some really nice finishes such as natural wood (oil finish). I got mine after hearing and seeig the amazing guitarist Mick Goodrick using a Hohner G3T for several years. The last model Steinberger was making before Gibson bought them out was the Steinberger Synapse. It's definitely a more professional instrument with slight design changes, 2 EMG active humbuckers, improved hardware which takes double ball end or regular strings of your choice, the neck is reinforced with graphite and a phenolic resin fingerboard (feels & looks like ebony). It's too bad Gibson stopped making them... but at least they still have the 2 Spirit models. I have a Hohner, a Synapse and would still consider getting the same Spirit model which you have as a good backup that I could experiment using different pickups on. That locking bridge works incredibly well. I don't use much whammy bar in my playing but this makes it SO easy to switch back & forth. Again, a great and honest review. It would be hard to find a guitar with better balance in this price range. ...and ends up travelling really well too! :-)

[@RachelfGuitar]

The Synapse does seem like a really cool instrument as well! Thanks! :)

[@tzyoci]

thanks for nice review! hope you enjoyed visiting Japan.

[@berniesollano6368]

Steinbergers are badass! They’re rad and that’s the guitar I need next.

[@mattytaylor2674]

Just got one because of your video!!! Thanks and Rock on!!!

[@3FlyingFarts]

Hey Rachelf excellent review , very informative and thorough and to the point . I have a traveller guitar but I think there are some things on the Steinberger Spirit that I seem to like better like the tuning system and choice of fixed or non fixed bridge , awesome review

[@lauscho]

A couple of pretty big names are associated with that style of guitar (and the bass model): Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult and Paul Masvidal of Cynic both used a different model of Steinberger with a more "traditionally-shaped" body. Geddy Lee of Rush used the bass model a lot through the 80s. Steinberger even has a cool trem system that changes the pitch of the strings uniformly so that you can bend entire chords while keeping them in tune, and Eddie Van Halen used that a bit in the 90s. Surprised that it's so inexpensive. Steinberger are definitely the innovators of the whole "headless" thing. Strandberg makes some really, really nice headless guitars and they're probably the guitars I'm most interested in getting (plus they have 7 and 8 string models :D)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Cool, thanks for the information! I had seen that Eddie Van Halen had used Steinberger guitars before as well. This one is their most entry level model and is made in China, probably accounting for the lower cost. I think Strandberg guitars are really cool! Maybe someday will get one :)

[@DanielEnochs]

Nice guitar 🎸 definitely thinking of getting it!

[@anthonydemitre9392]

Rachelf ROCKS!!!

[@angelofgroove7409]

Have a great time in Japan. Nice review about the guitar. It does seem compact enough to travel with. Sounds good to with these newbie ears. Also, you should do a video when you get back on how it was to travel with it. Keep up the good work.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! Planning on making a Japan related video when I'm back. :)

[@BrendanMacWade]

Excellent playing. This video shows that the stock pickups are good enough for beginners like me. Cheers!

[@candlestickproductions6950]

I do the web stuff for a big mom and pop store and I have viewed hundreds of KZbin demos... and you are spot on... if this was your first one, you are seriously kicking ass right out of the chute... This review is better than most other for this model out there... go go go

[@SavvyCrypto]

Great review! I have an older black version of the same guitar and it is my goto instrument because it is so light and versatile!

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Great review!

[@user-tm3uk4nv2f]

I love the way you enjoy playing!!! True love for music :-)

[@TwistedStrummer]

I've had one for a few years. Plays and sounds great. Someone else mentioned getting the adapter for regular strings, and I highly recommend getting one.

[@ShortLongBones]

what do you mean by "regular strings"

[@TwistedStrummer]

@@ShortLongBones The Steinberger uses "double ball" strings, and are premeasured to fit on this instrument. they require no cutting or winding and as the name suggest have balls on both ends. By regular strings I suppose I mean your standard 9, 10, 11 sets with a ball on one end, that require winding around a tuner.

[@countvond233]

Your attitude will take you as far as you want to go young lady. Solid player. Those two things will get you the gigs.

[@cageliner]

I'll be taking delivery of a black Spirit on June 15/20. Six weeks since I ordered it, but less than the 8-12 weeks that was quoted. I had a Hohner G3T (HSS) copy many years ago and didn't like the sound of the pickups so I traded it off. Early this year I decided I needed (wanted) another one, and the Steinberger is cheaper than the 35 yr old copies are now. I have an AmPlug, too, the AC30 version, and yes, it is an amazing wee amp. It takes pedals just fine. Sometimes I'll take it and headphone to try out guitars so I don't embarrass myself :D I enjoyed your video, and I hope you had a smashing good time time on your trip!

[@shanewalton8888]

I just ordered my lefty version. Being a lefty, it might take 6 months to arrive however. Hope you enjoyed Japan. I live in Hiroshima, come for a visit next time.

[@zera_offical]

its double sided.

[@ste5441]

You have such a good attitude 😄😄😄your smile is contagious keep up the great videos 👍👍👍