Array 4 String Bass (Satin Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have played bass for over 10 years for everything from church bands to death metal bands. I've performed and done studio work as a bass player. I used to preach nothing but 5 & 6 string basses (because of the extra range) but I started playing with a band who kind of followed the idea of Brain Drill (complex bass tapping lines mimicing the guitar) and I found the 6 stringer was just too big for my hands to quickly move the scales. I remembered seeing the band Skillet on stage with a Traben a few years ago and I was really impressed with the look and the sound. I did research on Traben and everything sounded great so I ordered this bass from Musicians Friend (when it was on sale for like $279.00)
First, know that this is a professional grade bass! If you're buying this for a beginner, you are getting something that they can play all the way to whatever status they are trying to reach. It is also great for tone shaping so a pro would love to have this on hand for all their needs.
The electronics are incredible. They sound great, have that huge punch but capable of being toned down for that dead sound. Response to both fingers and picks is very smooth. They are active but battery life seems to be normal to better than most. Tone, volume, and then your preamp. Perfect for doing minor adjustments. Usually I replace my pickups in every guitar but I don't want to ruin this sound by changing these. The only other guitar I've never changed pickups in is my D6 bass.
The bridge is actually the tribal design so it is very strudy, which I like. I was surprised to find the body was made of bass wood and the neck of maple. The cheaper quality wood does not seem to affect the tone. I have basses made from much higher quality materials that don't come close to this one. There is a lot of contact between the neck and body which amplifies the tone and makes it unique. The guitar is very stripped down and streamlined so that it is not heavy, but has enough mass to make a BIG tone. Color options are a little limited, I'm not one for the satin black look, but it is still a beautiful instrument.
I use this bass mainly for laying bass tracks in the studio now. It is great recording direct. The lightweight/big tone attribute makes it a perfect performance bass as well. If you're in the market for something that will continue to serve you and make your friends jealous I highly recommend this bass. I'm still amazed everytime I pick mine up and play it.

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Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar, Black Review

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(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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The Spirit XT-2 from Steinberger is among the most travel-friendly and convenient basses on the market. The 4-string bass guitar features the same distinctive body shape as the award-winning Steinberger XL Series. It also features the trademark headless neck with the patented Double-Ball tune-once tuning system. The Spirit XT-2 basss full 34" scale and 24 frets feel familiar and wont cramp your playing technique.Other features include the patented Steinberger fixed bass bridge with direct-pull, 401 ratio machine heads, two (HB - HB) EMG Select bass pickups for powerful output, and a folding leg rest for playing comfort while sitting.Being only 38.5" in length, the Spirit XT-2 electric bass can fit in places where other basses cant. It also features a 3-piece hard maple neck and thru-neck solid wood construction.

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