Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I travel on the road alot for my job...After hanging up my weekend musician career, I wanted to keep my chops alive. Bringing along my regular basses along wasn't an option due to space limitations and the risk of structural damage to the instruments.
What I found in the Steinberger Spirit XT-2 is a really well made and fully functional bass guitar..A neck thru 3 laminate hard maple structure means solid durability, great sustain and exceptional tone...A rosewood fretboard topped with 24 nickel frets makes for very low and smooth, fast action....The neck feel is a cross somewhere between a Rickenbacker 4001 and a Hofner 500/1 Beatle bass...The dual passive soapbar pickups provide a wide range of sound, offering up plenty of punch and growl, as well as balanced highs and lows....Controls include 2 volumes and 1 tone. I usually plug into a SANSAMP Bass DI (which offers up great preshaping prior to my bass rig...eliminating the need for active electronics)
My string preference is GHS stainless steel strings 40-102..A major improvement over the stock nickel strings, as they have a brighter sound for clearer highs and solid tighter lows.....Resulting in an even better sounding bass... Plus I find that stainless strings have a much longer life than nickel strings, due to the fact they resist corrosion from skin acids.
Visually very similar to the original Steinberger XL bass....aside from the previous graphite construction (I actually prefer the maple...for it's warm, sonic qualities)...The weight is substantial considering its compact size...
I really must compliment the makers on the high gloss black paint job.....beautiful and flawless.
If I were to improve on anything...The use of stainless steel jaws and adjuster screws for the bridge (this would greatly improve tuning and tone and are much more durable and longer lasting than regular steel) and a stainless string holder for the headstock...equipped with built in set screws making it compatible with either single or double ball strings (this would be more increase sustain, sustain and string options)....Maybe Steinberger or the aftermarket geniuses can come up with these. Also, I would upgrade to Bartolini passive soapbars and Switchcraft pots and input jack....They are a major improvement over the stock equipment. As another upgrade, I would recommend an ebony fretboard....another big sound improvement.
After reading some negative reviews on this bass, I feel they are unfounded. I have played professionally since 1970 and have owned over 25 basses in my career, including a 75 Rickenbacker 4001; 67 Hofner 500/1; A number of early-late 1970's Fender Presicion and Jazz basses as well as Ovation, Teisco, Danelectro, Ibanez, Hohner and Conrad basses..and many more, So when I compare the feel of the neck ....This little bass can easily hold its own alongside any of them.....AND it's just plain fun to play.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran....and you are looking for an affordable 1st bass or a portable, compact bass you can take anywhere...Look no further....This is a really awesome bass at a really great price.
The price is unbelievably low...considering what you get....It comes with a nice durable gigbag and for about $69, you can get a Steinberger hardshell case.
I purchased the bass off Amazon thru Music123.....and am very pleased with the folks there...I am a repeat customer and they are a keeper.....Always ready to meet your needs and go beyond the pack to make you smile.....The setup was perfect...Nice low action....I highly recommend "Music123" for all your music needs.
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Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar Black
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