Steinberger XL2DA

Made in the USA, Steinberger "Elite", full carbon, has a handle of two octaves, or 24 frets/24 boxes. 2 EMG active pickups with volume and tone for each general microphone.

UTILIZATION

The neck is thin and extremely fast, a great accuracy on all notes. A very high regularity of sound in any position on the handle. Bass players used to the wide sleeves can be confused by the small distance between the strings. All notes are easily accessible, including the 24th fret with the index. Like any low without a body, ergonomics takes some practice - even indispensable strap to play seated. Perfect balance, weight 3.9 Kg little adapted to a high port, choose a middle position. The setting of the bridges and very easy provided you have the Allen keys adapted. The instrument is fully removable. Over time, the string tension damaging the screw thread Steinberger tuning system (steel chosen too soft?), Some type cello tuning (do-sol-re-la) increase this risk on the G string ( acute). I had to re-manufacture the mechanical parts of a power company in general engineering ... after 12 years anyway.

SOUNDS

The Steinberger is suitable for all types of games because its sound can be as heavy as crystal, through pseudo-frettless sounds. A graphic equalizer is a must to exploit all its possibilities. Here's a very big sound, even live on a mixer on stage with nothing. In short, the anti "cardboard". For example, the bulk of its "Power" by Marcus Miller obtained without adjustment, with new ropes, pots directly on the bass. For the sound of fretless Alain Caron, a equalo is necessary because the sound of the Stein 'is not enough medium is indeed sound pretty dug in high relief with the pots "in the middle."

OVERALL OPINION

I have my Elite since 1991, is a transplant who has been very successful, I do not want anything else - I have always been disappointed with everything I tried. Either at his or level of ergonomics and especially the handle.