Kiwi Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 (edited) [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I've decided to embark on a rationalisation of my purchases over the last 10 years as the cash is needed for another aspiration. This iconic instrument needs no introduction, it was built in 1984 and is a early narrow width 5 string which makes it fairly uncommon.[/font][/color] Basically, Steinberger fitted 5 string bridges, nuts (and modified pickups to cope with the wider string spacing) to their four string instruments ahead of developing wide necked 5 strings. The string spacing on this bass is a tad over 13mm but still comfortable to play for those who don't have fat fingers. The most suprising thing is the amount of low end this instrument puts out which is at odds with its diminutive appearance. The HAZ labs single pot eq boosts treble and cuts bass in one direction, and cuts treble/boosts bass in the other. One of the fattest sounding eq's I have encountered. No surprise that Steinberger XL2's remain popular with reggae/dub bassists. There are no issues and the bass is in excellent condition..I'm tempted to say near mint because I haven't been able to find any signs of careless use...or user wear for that matter. Even the paint on the tuning knobs is unworn. [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=4]Features include:[/size][/font][/color][list] [*][size=4]Molded all composite construction - different to shell based construction of status/modulus etc. There is no wood in this bass.[/size] [*][size=4]34" scale [/size] [*][size=4]Strap plate for perfect balance[/size] [*][size=4]Original gig bag [/size][size=4]case[/size] [*][size=4]Original user guide/manual[/size] [*][size=4]Controls are volume, tone and pickup pan[/size] [/list] [size=4]Science bit:[/size] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]No trades. I really need the cash for a non bass related purchase.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]First person with the money gets the bass. A 10% deposit to secure the instrument is absolutely OK if you need to raise funds to purchase so long as the balance is paid within 30 days. Otherwise you risk losing the deposit.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]If it doesn't sell on here within 4 or so weeks, it will be sold on commission through a selected bass retailer. So the cost of commission will be added to the cost of the bass.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I would prefer collection from SE London although I can deliver within the M25/Kent area for the cost of zipcar hire (£8.50/hour subject to availability). [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=4] Or if you work/visit London, I can meet you at a train station at the weekend, or if you are visiting the City of London, I can meet anywhere between Farringdon and Liverpool Street during the week.[/size][/font][/color] Edited November 16, 2015 by Kiwi More pics added Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 holy smoke! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloudburst Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Very nice. I love these instruments very much (as no doubt most of you know). Was playing my white one at a gig on Thurs and actually got complimented by the engineer on its sound during the sound check. GLWTS. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 cheers CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblueplanet Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Can it take string gauges to be tuned to either BEADG or EADGC ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 You will need to fit a set of strings that have an appropriate gauge in order to tune to high C, but otherwise yes this would be possible. For a composite instrument it doesn't sound brittle in the slightest and the upper registers are very clean sounding. A high C tuning could sound beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Indeed. On a rarity/collectable scale an XL25A goes up to 11…funny how Steinbergers don't get snapped up immediately. They are such fantastic basses… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 I heard there was even one in the Smithsonian although I've struggled to find any confirmation online. Speaking of which, did I mention how cool it looks mounted on a wall when not in use...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowregisterhead Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 Fantastic basses anyway, but a 5? Rarer than a very rare thing. Somebody buy it, for gawd's sake! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badboy1984 Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 omg .... GAS attack now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 12, 2014 Author Share Posted December 12, 2014 The ironic thing is that once I advertise it more widely, it's unlikely to hang around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 Indeed - these are so eye wateringly rare. One of the great bass designs and unlike it's peers - Jazzes, Ps, Rics, Stingrays etc - they will NEVER be made again. Gold dust, hen's teeth, finite resource etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 12, 2014 Author Share Posted December 12, 2014 £2,000 seems like a bit of a bargain, on reflection... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I wouldn't sell it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 12, 2014 Author Share Posted December 12, 2014 It does look nice next to the Status...two slices of iconic instrument design involving composites from either side of the pond. http://basschat.co.uk/topic/250151-steinberger-xl25a-5-string-and-status-series-5000-5-string-together/ It would be nice to get a shot of these two, the Alembic AND the Pangborn all together sometime as well. But the money is going to be used towards something else equally investable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 Probably the last bump. After a discussion on Friday, my other half said I can keep it if it's so collectable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairobill Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Indeed Kiwi - regarding rarity, load up the Steinberger database and search for XL25...doesn't occur much... http://www.steinbergerworld.com/serial-L.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Bugger. Only noticed this today, having just dropped a 4-figure sum on a rather good Tele. Oh well, GLWTS, or enjoy keeping it with the permission of S(H?)WMBO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 SWCL. She Who Complains Loudest. [quote name='Cairobill' timestamp='1418583369' post='2631436'] Indeed Kiwi - regarding rarity, load up the Steinberger database and search for XL25...doesn't occur much... [url="http://www.steinbergerworld.com/serial-L.html"]http://www.steinberg...m/serial-L.html[/url] [/quote] Cheers! Mine has the serial 3371...which doesn't show up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 Half hearted, indecisive type bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MELLOW Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 You should keep it ! Weeks ago i decided to sell my XL2ADB Elite and finaly i won't do that ! Rarest Stein here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 You guys are slowly managing to persuade me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeCee Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 Pish ... sell me the Pangborn, keep the Steinberger. It's an obvious win-win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 Not if I lose the Panger It's a very comfortable bass to play and I haven't really yet gotten to know it yet...and it carries on the theme set by the Alembic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 Humpty bumpty - last time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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