Steinberger XM-2

Most of the other reviews have covered the electronics. It's two EMG's with a volume, pickup pan, and tone control. I think this bass is easy to tweak as far as dialing in a specific tone. I tend to go far a darker tone, but it's quite capable of a bright attack. Just dial it in.

The sound is perfect. It is very clear with the upper frets still ringing with great sustain. I suppose the graphite neck has a lot to do with the even tonal range. There are no dead spots on this beast.

I think this is where this bass design shines. The placement of the rear pickup provides the perfect thumb rest, being just over what I consider the sweet spot in the string tension. It's just tight enough there to allow very quick runs but not so tight that you feel like you are fighting the string. In fact, it was the playability of this bass that really sold me. I was happy with the electronics and the sound immediately, but I knew I could always change pickups if my tastes drifted. But having a bass that responds as well as this one makes me feel like I won't ever need anything else as far as technique is concerned. Sure, I would own all the basses in the world if I could, but the XM2 has a comfortable body style and the benefits of Steinberger necks and tuning system. It's just a solid piece of gear, imo.

I bought my in a very used condition. It still rocks and has obviously been dropped and dinged. Mine has purple hearts from gigging wars from previous owners, but it made it through it all. Of course, I take care of it, but even with the obvious abuse the hardware has held up great. No rust, no playability flaws. Just cosmetic nonsense that takes the pressure off of me to worry about now that it's obviously used!

No idea here. I don't anticipate ever needing to contact anyone but a local repair shop. I live in Nashville, so I assume I could probably get whatever I needed as fast as anyone since Steinberger is now owned by Gibson.

I'd buy another one if it was stolen or lost in a fire. I have a 1965 Eko violin bass as well as one of the Ergodyne Ibanez basses. So the Steinberger XLM is my main instrument, and it sounds great through my Bass Pod Pro.

Hey - 1988 Black Steinberger XM-2 four string with bolt-on graphite neck and white trim on the shiny black body. Headless, of course, with the tuning mechanisms below the bridge. EMG pickups. Compared to my Steinberger paddle bass, this one is easier to hold and play at gigs. Also, they've improved the tuning mechanisms over my older Steiney.

This guitar rings like a bell due to the graphite neck. This gives me a lot of versatility depending on the amp and effect settings.

Nice job at the factory, but the strings are set *slightly* off the neck centerline. This doesn't affect playability or stage appearance, but I tend to notice such things. Overall the workmanship is great.

Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. The graphite neck never needs adjustment and stays in tune for long periods of time. The tuners are very smooth and even.

Ha! Was Steinberger, now Gibson. I avoid calling. Try Ed Roman or MusicYo instead.

This is my favorite bass (as of 2004) compared with my Steinberger XL, Gibson Ripper, and Rickenbacker 4003. The sound is most versatile, the playability is great, and it's compact design makes it easy to tote. I only wish I had a red one, too. . .

This is my second bass, the first being a fender p-bass lyte which I don't really use anymore. It's third hand but in great condition considering it's close to 15 years old. It's one of the original steinberger models made on New York and has the headless graphite bolt on neck with 24 frets and fairly close string spacing. It's a 4 string with 2 emg active emg humbuckers and 3 controls - main volume, pickup pan and tone control. Simple yet affective and I find you can get a lot of variety.

The finish is black with white trim and the solid maple body weighs a lot and absorbs a lot of the sound when unplugged - you can hardly hear it unless your strings are new. the bridge system and headless design are great and have great sustain. It also makes changing strings so easy - I use "players" who have double ball end strings but I also have an attachment that allows me to use any othe r kind should I want. The simplicity of it is a plus.

I play through a Laney 300 watt head (tube and FET preamps) and a Laney quad box. The sound is great and I can get most styles and if I crank the mids, a lot of growl. It sounds like a steinberger with emg's you either like it or you don't. The graphite neck also has a specific sound. I use ot for rock, funk and jazz stuff.

Seeing as I got it third hand it was pretty much set up. I tweaked the intonation, action (which is really low cause of the neck) and the pickup height. The neck doesn't bend or warp so the action is constant once set. I love the feel of this bass and once you get used to it other basses are hard to compare to it.

This bass is rock solid and will withstand nearly anything. I use strap locks so it won't fall off.

Never had to deal with Gibson who now own Steinberger. I live in Australia so I'm guessing it would be difficult. but I hope I don't have to.

Thsi si a great bass and I highly recommend getting your hands on an original steinberger.

This is a guitar shaped headless model with a wooden model and bolt-on graphite neck. The usual EMG's, but rear-routed. Otherwise, the usual Steinberger features.

I find it sounds like most other Steinbergers; you like it or you don't. I use mine with LaBella Ground Roundwounds and a pick, thru solid state Ampeg gear.

Nicely built; everything fits as it should and works fine. This one balances nicely and is easier to play that my XP2.

Not much to go wrong except the bridge. I bought the bass cheap because it had a broken bridge saddle (2 months and $225 to fix it). I have played my other for over 5 years with nothing but string and battery changes.

I found the parts I needed thru a dealer as suggested by Gibson; I guess it all worked out.

These are nice instruments. Mine had a bit of fret wear and so I defretted it and made a very nice fretless. I like it a lot. Try a *real* Steinberger (graphite neck & EMG's) and see what you think.