Am I crazy? Steinberger??

[reverymike]

I've always wanted one of these - am I nuts??

Never played one, but for some reason, this has been one of those guitars that has been on my 'want' list since I was 14 years old.

To make things even worse, these are very expensive - these days going for $2300-$3000.

 

[Ventura]

nuts

 

[Michi]

In my opinion, you are crazy.

The looks combined with the hefty pricetag is what my opinion is based on. I don't like the looks at all and if the price over 200€/$250 (absolutely the top I would pay for a guitar that looks like that) I say you crazy maaaaaaaaan.

But nevertheless, it's you and your money. You can do whatever crazy you want .

 

[reverymike]

Cool, keep 'em coming. I appreciate all the opinions. Though, if you think I'm crazy, can you express why you don't like these guitars? Have you played them? etc.

 

[Mailman1971]

I thought they were super cool when I saw EVH play one of Summer nights back in the day.
Played one at the local music shop (the smaller original shape) and thought it was cool.
Transtrem was really wild. Sorta like a modern Bigsby?
I wouldnt buy one myself though.

 

[IndyWS6]

Nuts...

Here's how I envision it would go...
1) It looks cool, you want it
2) It costs too much, but you spend the money
3) You get it, it still looks cool, it seems to be "OK"
4) The more you play it, the more you realize it wasn't what you thought it would be
5) You come to the sad conclusion that it doesn't live up to the expectation
6) You keep it for a while anyway because you already spent the money
7) You ultimately flip it and lose a few dollars along the way
8) You feel empty inside
9) You go back to LP's
10) You feel better

 

[ratter]

I am a big Steinberger fan. IMO, the TransTrem is one of the greatest guitar-related inventions ever. Owned a few originals back in the day. If money were no object, I'd gladly pay the going rate for an original GL2T or GL3T. Maybe a GM2/3T. But realistically, for what they are going for these days, it's tough. Nostalgia aside, and the coolness of the TT aside, you aren't getting much in the way of tone per $.

 

[Mesa\Kramer]

 

[Mudder]

Indeed perhaps the best reason to own one.

 

[Rash]

Played this shown model only briefly, had EMGs which I do not like much.

A good/special thing is the very even reaction/loudness/sustain on most frets, but the guitar seems to be evenly compressed in a strange way as a whole.

The opposite of "lively" and personality....

Unusual guitar, but the design is not that bad, quite consequent and stylish....80ties retro/futurism in a cool way, the trans trem was also cool.

Very unusual neck and string spacing (as far as I remember )

In these bands I find this guitar appropriate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNj1xSMT4Bc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35trBS-LWok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bmgneDNiRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9uSNetie2U

Kai

 

[Mudder]

Vito Bratta made them sound pretty good. Of course, he might have made a stick and rubber band rock.

 

[reverymike]

Yes, Vito did make them sound good. . .as did David Gilmour, Mike Rutheford, and other.

Producer Michael Wagner had guitarist play thru a Steinberger into his ADA MP1 rig for many of his big rock albums of the 80s/90s. Skid Row, Extreme, etc are said to have used it.

 

[Valtyr]

I like them, but not at the crazy prices they seem to go for these days.

I had a budget 5 string version of the boat oar bass (one of those Musicyo Spirits). It was neck through, maple body, and extremely stable. Balance was great too. The tone was a little generic but that's the only complaint I can come up with.

 

[///MK]

I always wanted one as well having played them several times. I love the consistency of the neck. and even though I look like even more of a dork than usual playing the thing I will one day pick one up and feel the sonic bliss of the transtrem. FWIW I find the Parker Fly has a lot of the same "nice qualities" of the Steinberger and does not come across as much of a "nerd stick"

 

[SteveK]

I would never EVER base any purchase on looks. You certainly aren't that shallow are ya?
I too have been intrigued by Steinberger, and Parker too. Everyone bitches and moans about how guitars rip off LP and Strat...yet never attempt to branch out from fear of not looking cool. WTF is this Rubbish!

I say if you do have the money...go ahead and try it. If you buy used at a good price...you will get your money back. That only makes good sense. Be sure to give it plenty of time and a real shot. Buck made them sound good. And he looks totally cool too!

 

[Spaceboy]

strictly 7 has teamed up with strandberg and will be doing a production line of his designs for less than what youd pay for a *reaL8 strandberg.. might be worth checking into

 

[reverymike]

I would never EVER base any purchase on looks. You certainly aren't that shallow are ya?
I too have been intrigued by Steinberger, and Parker too. Everyone bitches and moans about how guitars rip off LP and Strat...yet never attempt to branch out from fear of not looking cool. WTF is this Rubbish!

I say if you do have the money...go ahead and try it. If you buy used at a good price...you will get your money back. That only makes good sense. Be sure to give it plenty of time and a real shot. Buck made them sound good. And he looks totally cool too!

Well, looks are something to consider when getting a new guitar. Granted it's certainly not the only thing. These guitars have been on a ton of great recordings and received accolades from top producers for use in the studio. I take into consideration how it will react and perform in the studio, layered with other instruments, as well as providing a new flavor to the tones I already have. As far as looks go, I would MUCH rather play one of these GM Steinbergers than a Parker Fly. . . just my personal taste. After all, it's not like it's my only guitar.

 

[supersonic]

I was in the same boat, always wanted one, bought one, rarely played it, sold it. They sound sterile and the Transtrem would never work properly.

 

[Mauler]

I would get the rectangular shaped ones like those given to Bill & Ted at the end of the first movie.
And I remember those sounding pretty 'Brown' on Live without a Net also.

 

[reverymike]

The GL2T (small paddle shaped ones) are closer to $4000 (which I'm NOT paying). I can get a GM body version for around $2400).