Steinberger Bass Guitars - Headless and Wonderfully Compact!

Full range of Steinberger Instruments - tinyurl.com/26nkqo9q
Guitars:
Steinberger Spirit GT-PRO Quilt Top Deluxe Outfit in Trans Wine Red - tinyurl.com/y5b65ykp
Steinberger instruments are known for their eye-catching compact headless designs.They are widely perceived as the best travel guitar solutions on the market. Don’t be deceived by their sci-fi looks; these instruments are designed to handle just about any sound. A Basswood/Quilt Maple body and Maple neck provides a light playability and balanced, neutral tone.
The headline feature of the XT-2DB is, as the name suggests, the DB-drop tuning system. This revolutionary design allows you to instantly tune the lower string from E to D, so you're in drop-D. This tuning is popular for everything from folk to thrash metal, so being able to change from that to standard and back again is immensely handy.
Check out our full range of Steinberger gear here! - tinyurl.com/y4wmownw
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#Steinberger #AllAbouttheBass #AndertonsTV

[@andyhightides]

I've been playing the spirit xt-5 for over 20 years. Tuned it twice.

[@mikelunatiko]

amazing durable strings :O

[@simoncooper8272]

Hat you don't change strings, I know they're hard to find, but really??

[@travisguide4516]

I think mine won't lose tune either maybe has something to do with the higher tension

[@OnPointFirearms]

Simon Cooper wait, do they take proprietary strings or something?

[@jpatt1000]

@@travisguide4516 I have a black Spirit that has stayed in tune for about five years now. I bought a yellow one last year. Different animal. The action was so low that the strings had a horrible buzz against the frets. I set the action to where I like it but it needs to visit the tuner usually once in the fall and again in the summer. The mentioned the Washburn. I had one of those in my hands at a music store last summer and it was HEAVY! Probably even heavier than my resonator bass!

[@ryanern18]

So it's official. You don't need to have a bass head to have bass face.

[@alanscharrer5255]

Just settled the argument, “Does tonewood matter?” No wood, lots of tone

[@pbague]

Wood matters, even though in a really small way Like Marcus Miller said It’s about your experience! A 15k dollar car would get you where you want to go, and so would a 100k dollar one, but your experience would be significantly different. other people would only know you had arrived

[@tack3132]

@@pbague. I've seen a guy on here on KZbin play a shovel made into an electric guitar before. It doesn't make a difference. Only the Amps and a decent set of hardware makes the difference.

[@Aaron-zh4kj]

Well, let me chime there. I have one of these steinberger's and I've even done a pickup swap on it. I can tell you this, you're going to miss out in the low end side of things with less wood. You don't lose sustain, but you lose low end. The pickups matter too. But perhaps I've not found the right pickups. I'll tell you right now, the ones that come with the guitar aren't great at all. They're super dull.

[@scottanderson6807]

These are the maple Steinbergers. They have that naturally compressed maple sound. Mid-rangey compared to the old plastic Steinbergers which were more dynamic and unique in their tone.

[@hugooliveira3785]

He play a shovel with mega distortion and tons of other stuff.

[@NicKnJ0hnProductions]

To my American ear, these two speak in such a delightfully British way. I don't even play bass and I watch these!

[@jordandangelo180]

That guitar sounds great. The switchable tremolo arm is amazing to me. Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray both played left handed tremolo units and it creates a great angle to bend the bar. It’s much closer to the body of the guitar. Also, The fact Alan Holdsworth played a headless makes it a lot more appealing to me

[@demeaningplebny1363]

All you guys need is a headless drummer and you can take that show on the road!

[@TheInfiniteFret]

6:30 in comments on posture - Excellent point! I bought one of these basses this week for that exact reason. It is much, much more comfortable and ergonomic than any other body shape. The lack of a head stock helps a lot with weight distribution and left arm/wrist/shoulder fatigue. I have muscle and joint issues that limit my playing time. With the Spirit bass, I can play at least 5x longer. I felt 15 years younger the first day I played it. And the bass does sound good and play smoothly. When sitting, I place the bass on my left leg which eliminates the balance issues when playing in the upper registers. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and general feel of the bass, especially at this price point.

[@CorrosionAudio]

Should probably mention that you can get a single ball end adapter (which lets you use regular strings) for £16.99 from Andertons!

[@mtthwskdmr2]

I believe Elton John's bassist, the late Dee Murray, used one of these in their tours from 1982-1984. He gave it such a phenomenal sound and it countered well with Elton's piano and vocals.

[@StormdriverOne]

Great video. I have an old Cort headless bass with the Steinberger system that looks like the black one in the video. It sounds great and is all I've ever needed for recordings.

[@savanaviolenta]

Yeah I'm gonna treat myself with one of these. Always have loved those shapes and unique styled headless basses.

[@etpslick100]

T. I. N Mateus Yeah I feel the same way. A significant IMPROVEMENT over the last models (which were garbage! I like my Hohner better) since you can get an adapter to use regular bass strings THAT’S A PLUS!! Now; make a Fretless version? I’m in! Like the new spirits!😌👍🏾

[@diego2112gaming]

Love my Spirit GT-Pro Quilt Top (blue). Probably my second favorite guitar in my collection. Nice, compact, great string spacing, easy to play, sounds amazing, looks killer, and is just plain fun to play.

[@diego67.5]

Sweet tone! I'm thinking of getting one of those basses

[@ZeugmaP]

I believe that Takeshi from the band Boris has a Steinberger double neck guitar-bass.

[@rickalancroft1916]

Hi Guys, I tried out an original Steinberger bass in 1982 in a shop in Romford East London. At that time it cost more than a Rickenbacker 4001. Lovely sound. Needed 60 secs to get used to no headstock. Shortly after I got a 4001. Thank you at Andertons for these democomercials. Rick

[@kingstumble]

Basses have got the sound I like---plenty of bottom end. You can buy an adaptor for not much money which allows you to use standard strings, so you are not limited to the double ball end ones.

[@MaduroMan]

My first bass was a Gibson 20/20 (a Gibson - Steinberger collaboration) and I still have it and it still works!

[@pcread]

I had a Hohner B2A (4-string bass) in the late 80s. played great, sounded great, held its tuning for ages. I fancy the 5-string.

[@john_pryce9855]

I’ll never forget seeing Mark Knopfler and Jack Sonni playing two Steinberger GL-2’s at a couple Brothers In Arms gigs ! They were very cool looking and apparently sturdy enough! Nice one lads

[@sparkfx5874]

For anyone wondering, you don't need to buy Steinberger double ball strings for these. Just get the universal string adapter, it's just a little slab of metal with holes drilled through for your standard electric guitar / bass strings to go through, two little lugs that drop into holes in the end of the Steinberger headstocks, and allen screws that you tighten to put pressure on the strings to lock them in, the adapter is held to the end of the headstock via the string tension after tightening them down and tuning up. Also - can't speak for the basses although I know they're fairly well regarded in general, but I absolutely love the Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro. I'm about to buy another one in fact, as it was my fav guitar to play shows with and just to play in general. Great crystal clear tones, especially if you replace the pickups with something a bit better than what they offer stock. I'd suggest some Dimarzio or Seymour Duncans for this one. I had my GT-Pro paired with Seymour Duncans and it sounded absolutely beautiful.

[@Crazyforgirls10]

I HAVE THIS ONE!! GREAT BASS I LOVE IT!

[@TheGuitarrmann]

Great demo, you guys are adorable! Straight from Hawaii. Thanks! I have one on the way!!!! A lefty!!!!!

[@proteus2103]

These are so cool!

[@SPTAH]

Status, Labella and D'addario produce double ball-end strings. You can also buy an adapter on Ebay which allow you to use single ball end strings.

[@chinesesloppyplop]

Iv got a Steinberger ZT3, they are amazing guitars, super easy to play and you only have to tune them once.

[@booshting3520]

I got the red quilt top one. Needed a fret level, but plays great. Love it for sofa playing, very comfortable.

[@babapawan62]

Same with me. My bass need a fret level.

[@springy-2112]

I have a collection of hohners b2as and a jack bass and bought 2 of these spirit basses from yourselves..currently converting the jack into fretless ...love headless steinberger licensed basses...the original l2 from steinberger goes for £3000 plus I don't have any !! 👍🏻☮❤

[@PooNinja]

I was hoping the video would be all filmed from the neck down to keep with the theme :D

[@mrhooke_gamer4077]

Well done.

[@andreasrosengren6059]

Nice episode. I have one of these that I bought online from a music store in Memphis back in 2003. Remember there was a story about Gibson had buried the classic small versions of Steinbergers headless guitars and this company in Memphis got some licens to make a reissue under the name Spririt (of steinberger). I have always had a fascination for the old GT Pro. Holdsworth was of course one reason ;) However, I knew it wasn't the "real" GT Pro, but I have used it quite a lot for traveling to kill time in boring hotels. I really think it is a quite decent guitar. Thanks guys.

[@cybertaiga9534]

Glad to see you both have so much with your Steinbergers! 😃Actually, Steinberger bass guitar does come with more colours than just black and white. Red, blue, suncrest, etc.

[@Bierce88]

Headless guitars are making a big come back, got a Kiesel Osiris last year, and that thing is amazing.

[@proteus2103]

Very nice design. AND, the small footprint is great for smaller apartments (or flats or cells or whatever depending on where you're seeing this)

[@samdehaan7394]

The trem can be set up so it can be played left handed without too much trouble And the string adapters are still available so you can use regular strings too

[@travisguide4516]

Ridiculously awesome jam at the end get 2 I got the black and the white

[@albikes8484]

I own one. There are adapters on the market that allow you to use any brand string. And there are also options for flat wound strings and tape wounds. The issue is locating those strings because headless basses arnt common.

[@thewomble1509]

Lots of manufacturers make double ball strings.

[@travisguide4516]

love that bass player solo on guitar!

[@jameslewis2635]

These seem like nice basses for those of us who have issues with back issues. I would want to change the control scheme myself by removing the volume controls, replacing one with a push-pull control for coil splitting and overall volume while using the final space for a 3 way switch. Also rather than being dependant on a single brand of strings I would want to rig up a locking system at the end of the neck, possibly just using a standard nut combined with a cappo.

[@alepurwanto]

Wow.. I like it.. Steinberger

[@mattiasjp]

Classic Reggae Paddle. 👍

[@dominiccrimmings6925]

Hohner made The Jack headless bass - I bought one in 1990 and I loved it. I had to sell at one point but am now thinking I might pick one up on e-bay or somewhere.

[@stevekonbass]

Good stuff fellas.

[@eugenehuman1945]

Just bought a steinberg guitar and a 4 string bass. Both spirit headless. One black. One white. Like your exit song (except the white one was like the red guitar u played in beginning).

[@troyevitt2437]

The L-2 bass was the first bass to sell commercially for 1,800 US dollars. The L-1 was one-pickup for $100 less. It was a graphite epoxy and because it was so durable, it came with a gig bag, not a hardshell case. Bill Wyman of the Stones was able to get the company to build him a 3/4 neck version. The strap attached to a harness which pivoted at the center of gravity and when you moved the neck up and down, there was no effect on the strap, so you wouldn't chafe your shoulders. I have the 5-string L-2, which is the same body and neck as the 4-string, with each tuner slightly smaller so as to fit 5 tuning "jaws" into the bridge.

[@stereoroid]

I had the Hohner B2V years ago: the low B never sounded right to me, so I ended up ordering custom strings from Status Graphite and stringing it with a High C. That was my only complaint, though.

[@simoncooper8272]

Homer headless jack bass with stienberger active pick ups and through neck, I loved that bass back In the day, I got it used in 1986 ish if my memory hasn't gone all together,

[@baldybonce29]

Opening jam sounded sweeeèet

[@HELLHAMMERHANDHIX]

I had the Hohner top end version back in the 80's and loved it for its unique appearance and the fact it fits in a guitar case. It just didn't have much sustain due to the body.

[@hownotto6733]

That guitar sounds so gooood

[@damvid21]

That dude is a lovely bass player.

[@gingataff]

Would be curious to hear these with some of the EMGs in that the original Steinbergers used.

[@guyviola5359]

I had one XT-2 and I change the stocks pickups for two EMG HB and it sounded great, very close to the original XL-2!

[@facedowngaming]

I currently own an XZ-2 with EMG HB’s with an added EMG BTC Preamp. Literally sounds close to the Original Steinbergers!

[@SixString_J5]

I just got one of the new stienberger guitars. I'll say, it's an ok guitar.... but it is a FANTASTIC travel guitar. I fly weekly and I never have a problem carrying it on. It feels like a solid Epiphone. Not a good one but a solid Epiphone.

[@BurningHandSounds]

Digging the Led Zep tattoos!

[@pgpete]

I had a 5 string spirit - I found the string spacing at the bridge too narrow compared to my other bass.

[@sebastianbaake3704]

Reading glasses are the answer (maybe multifocal ;-) Great Basses. Do the have the ultra Slap tone like in the 80s promoted?

[@TheSpineSplitter1990]

I really hope they release the full bodied M series.

[@circwut4664]

NS Design or Designs, Ned's new company has the ones with a full body. Though the price is almost ten times as much.

[@DanRelayer_Ukraine]

I really wish they refreshed the Synapse line

[@facedowngaming]

Daniil Lytovchenko with much better specs and QC. *Sigh*

[@jorgeabaezp9365]

I insist. Bass players are creatures of extremes. Either they are glenn fricker's rule #2 incarnate or they are extremely talented

[@andyhightides]

Wearing that shirt right now!

[@pat8437]

Nathan, review your brother’s Signature Bass! Sorry, had to. Love you guys. It’s interesting, the less I watch for gear, the more I enjoy the show, because you guys are just SOOOO cool. Love the show, love you guys. Never stop!

[@williamcampbell7387]

Reminds me of playing the fireplace broom in my living room mirror when no one else was home.

[@RC32Smiths01]

I tried a headless Bass not long ago at a guitar store here in San Antonio, and I must say they felt and looked pretty fabulous, which were wayyyy beyond my expectations! I sometimes feel that they are going to make a huge prominence in the near future of guitar construction, as if they haven't already! Beginning jam was so amazing, and the Bass tone reminded me of Tool! Awesome work and showcase indeed!

[@stephenhookings1985]

I got one a few years ago. Pretty nice especially if you intonate - can get 2 octaves of fun. Pickups are a it weak when I play at church but sound great thru my studio gear. Had to make my own strap arm.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@stephenhookings1985 Ahh I see, really interesting to hear about my man. Hope it is still doing you well in terms of performance

[@stephenhookings1985]

@@RC32Smiths01 yup. Depending on song I use the 5 string Spirit for low end and high end and 4 string active fretless with nylon wound for some tracks where you need that sound. I will likely get a maple neck M2 Sire for the active pickups also.

[@stephenhookings1985]

Just incase anyone is interested here where I found Augusto's post. I put images on regarding dimensions. I then mounted strap locks and got a thick bass strap. Works well and pretty much in the right place so to feels like a normal bass. Without a good hook the fretboard feels so wrong. www.talkbass.com/threads/headless-bass-handmade-strap-hook-for-steinberger-spirit-hohner-b2-etc.1304234/

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@stephenhookings1985 Dang, that is pretty strong and high of quality! Would love to try one out sometime, especially since I am one with not many Basses haha

[@jaggass]

Dee Murray played Steinberger bass guitars

[@sabyasachideb]

Please Make a detail video on the new Ibanez headless basses 2020

[@TrevBec]

I wish they would do legit American made Steinbergers with graphite necks. They were awesome.

[@ObraBass]

O man, that Aqua Sparkle EBMM at the back....

[@MrVinB]

They used to do ones with actual Strat type bodies right? Wonder if those will return eventually.

[@harmono8766]

They stay in tune amazingly well because the tuners never get bumped. It's also easy to change strings. Tuning is a little tricky you sometimes have to lube them (graphite lube?). Very solid, neck won't budge. You could drop one and it only gets scratches. A real work horse affordable, compact, solid, stays in tune, interesting look. Nice sound if you do Jazz, Funk, etc. The only thing is the don't have a short scale. I might get the 5 string some day.

[@drwheycooler8423]

This is not true for the Spirits. You are thinking of the L2's from the 80's. These are wood and will drift due to environmental impacts. The originals were made of composites and they never went out of tune. You could even stand on them between two chairs or go outside in the cold, get them wet and come back in and they would stay in tune. These are not that.

[@TLGProduktions]

Steinberger sells the locking nut thing separately. It's not expensive really.

[@52edmo]

Badass

[@happylaura0]

Do you feel your right hand and arm tired compared with another Bass?

[@thebigeasy8609]

I don't even play bass and Nathan and Lee kill me! #Dynamic Duo!

[@ericvassy2849]

It just isn’t fair. No matter how good or shite a bass or amp or pedal is… these two make it sound great.

[@brucepiland]

Sweet. By the way, I love Frost*.

[@calebpaden5856]

Did you say strap in or strap on?

[@chrisess2581]

I have the Spirit XZ-2. It's the same bass but with a 'normal' shaped body. I highly recommend them over these original dinky ones.

[@Mirza_Tanovic]

how comfortable is the bass to play fingerstyle for an extended period of time without having a real arm contour/rest?

[@drwheycooler8423]

You have to raise it up a little higher... The bigger issue is the front strap button. There's a tutorial on here on how to make one or what I did is set up a Google alert for Steinberger strap hook. It isn't balanced correctly and your LEFT hand gets fatigued because you are constantly moving it more to center with the factory placement of the strap hook.

[@omikl]

Dunno about for the bass, but I got a nut adapter for my old Spirit GT-Pro guitar for about five quid off of Ali Express so that I don't have to try to get unobtanium wrapped double ball end strings.

[@moontheloon1969]

john entwistle was the first guy i ever saw playing one looked cool

[@williamyoung3070]

Where do you guys go for pints?

[@shamsam69]

How do you hang it on the wall?

[@ToneDead666]

🤩 Nathan you HAVE to do more guitar vids!! 🤘🏼🔥🔥🤘🏼

[@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy]

Well he did play guitar for years in a successful band, where his brother played bass.

[@nathanking1970]

@@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy still do!

[@carl-ok9gn]

Jonny Lang is in europe right now. would be great if you could meet him!

[@miladbaygan10]

what's the final Jam song? Plz!!!

[@mojito6629]

I'd like to buy it.. with a gig bag, bring it to travel by bus/train/motorcycle to the rehearsal space/live venue would be practically small and simple. I guess I can deal with any negative things it may have, or people's dislike about it haha, I guess I can manage to get it to sounds good enough for my needs. Problem is, I can't find it being for sale in my country, Indonesia :)

[@symbiat0]

Im assuming the tremolo arm can be swapped for lefties...

[@JiTiAr35]

Review Hotone Ampero and Mooer GE300 please

[@adampaterson1890]

I'll take a 5-string in white please 👍🏻

[@stephenhookings1985]

Had one for a few years. It travels with me. Great product. Sounds cool but I also like playing it thru effects pedals

[@tallyankeegal]

Just got one for b-day 59 ,,,lovin it!

[@40spinup]

Asian Dub Foundation bloke used on of the originals. Did a gig with them. You didn’t need laxatives that’s for sure! 😂

[@beng1lh00ly]

masterblaster at the end?

[@andrewnbrown]

Shove trem in other hole and instant leftie gtr?

[@dpajc056]

Duuuuuuddddeeeee.....best intro EVAAAAaaa

[@TFEnright5]

In the late 80s I had a Hohner B2A which basically is the same as these. I regret selling it.

[@srssll]

did exactly the same. It was brilliant. I want it back. Might have get on of these....

[@jacksonraulerson6538]

IT IS WHAT IT IS BRU ! Ain't had one since 97 ! 🤔 about due for another One ,,,,, NOW !! Southern boy , les Paul junkie ya !!

[@greatwhite61967]

That's the only disadvantage to this bass, is the availability of their double ball strings... Nate's correct in that the older headless bass guitars had a 3 or 4 pin lock nut that used alan key screw in bolts that held the strings in position.. So if you found that your local or online guitar store's didn't have double ball strings you could buy regular strings & lock them in & clip off the excess string material if you so wanted to... Must say they do sound nice but the string availablity would be something I'd not be keen on but then again it's a cheap end bass... I'll shall emquire at my local guitar store later today to the availability of the strings as I'd like to get a 5 String version & you can get them in blue & a nice dark red now, as this was recorded back in January 2019... Keep up the good reviews & banter... And I'll see Nate & Level 42 the next time their gigging in my city... .....

[@Lukec-zj4cf]

I wonder how you restring those things.

[@Bierce88]

Its not very hard you just run it through the bridge to the neck. They have double ball strings you use. Most headless guitars are not like that anymore, and they have a adapter that goes in where you can use normal strings.

[@simoncooper8272]

I do like the sound of that bass, change playing position a little,

[@androo-4648]

Bill and Ted style axes! 🤘🤘

[@40spinup]

Nice Led Zep tatt!

[@jpatt1000]

They have black, white, black AND white, red, yellow and a pretty metallic blue.

[@gnaflethegarthok3074]

Is that mark kings brother?

[@jonathanmoor7035]

geddy lee used this bass from 1982 to 1987