Ned Steinberger

10
S
ince the introduction of the
first Steinberger instruments
in 1980, the Steinberger name
has become synonymous with
evolution, innovation,
ergonomics and performance.
lose your head
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Ned Steinberger
Translucent Red (TR)
Translucent Black (TB)
Translucent Blue (TL)
The Ultimate Guitar for Musical Expression
Steinberger announces the new ZT3
™
guitar with the revolutionary new version of the
transposing tremolo system. As it was with the introduction of the first
Steinbergers equipped with the original TransTrem, the new ZT3 is the world’s ONLY
guitar capable of immediately transposing and locking into 5 different keys. Unlocked,
the TransTrem is the only tremolo that can also bend chords in pitch. Add to that,
legendary Steinberger quality, performance and comfort and you’ve got a guitar
like no other.
TransTrem™
Definitely not par for the course... Modern in every detail.
Patent Applied For TransTrem-3 Tremolo
• At the heart of the ZT3 guitar is the latest version of the TransTrem transposing tremolo
system. Like the original TransTrem, this newest version (known as the TransTrem-3 or TT3)
allows the guitarist to change keys “on the fly” by simply moving the tremolo arm. However,
that’s where most of the similarities stop. With the new TT3, guitarists can now transpose to 5
different keys in half-step increments. When locked, the TT3 acts similar to a fixed bridge with
advantages such as increased sustain and tuning stability. For example, if you break a string
the other strings will remain in pitch. Conversely like a traditional tremolo, when the TT3 is in
the unlocked position it allows the user to also perform extreme pitch bending both down and
up. But unlike all other tremolos, the TT3 bends each string in perfect relative pitch to each
other. Therefore, chords can be raised or lowered in perfect pitch using the tremolo arm
allowing for pedal steel or slide guitar type effects.
CybroSonic Technology™
• Steinberger combines a patented graphite U-channel with embedded truss rod and Phenolic
fingerboard, to create an ultra-stable yet adjustable "hybrid" neck with the same definition,
clarity and focus you've come to expect from Steinberger but with the added "warmth" of a
1-piece hard maple neck.
Refined Ergonomics
• Since the original XL and GL instruments, Steinberger has set the standard by designing
instruments with ultimate comfort, balance and playability in mind. The new ZT3 guitar is no
exception and includes refinements such as a belly scarf, an arched top and a new, double-cut
away body with elegant curves that still maintains perfect balance and position.
Patented 40:1 Direct-Drive Double-Ball Bridge
• Tune it up once and don't tune it again until you change strings. Integrated into the new
TransTrem-3 and providing micrometer precision and stability, this revolutionary advance
over traditional tuning methods allows string changes in seconds with no winding or cutting.
Just insert the ball ends and tune it up.
Custom Electronics
• Electronically, the new ZT3 is the most versatile guitar ever produced by Steinberger. Custommade by Gibson USA, the neck pickup is a 90R humbucker and the bridge pickup is a 91T
humbucker. A push/pull potentiometer on both the master volume and tone control combined
with the 3-position pickup selector lets the musician individually activate each of the humbuckers coils resulting in 9 possible combinations. The results are a guitar capable of use in a
wide variety of styles from rock to blues, country to jazz.
Zero-Fret
• By using a "zero-fret" instead of a traditional nut, intonation is improved. It also allows for use
of varied string gauges because there is no nut slot to widen. And, action at the1st fret and
beyond is more consistent and improved as well.
Recessed Tool Holder
• Conveniently located on the rim of the guitar, this innovation keeps the necessary tools with
your ZT3 and always within reach. Use the tools to adjust intonation and string height.
Combo Headpiece
• The functional advantage of Steinberger's headless concept dramatically improves balance,
ease of tuning and tuning stability. All Steinberger guitars feature the patented Double-Ball™
tuning system that allows string changes in seconds. The Combo Headpiece accommodates
both Double-Ball and single-ball strings.
Recessed Output Jack
• The rear output jack conveniently tucks your guitar cable out of the way of your performance
and out of sight of your audience.
Fold-Down Leg Rest
• Another patented Steinberger innovation! Only 1/4" thick when folded, the permanently
attached leg rest snaps out instantly to provide exceptional comfort and balance when
playing your ZT3 in the seated position.
Nothing looks, sounds and performs like a Steinberger and the NEW Synapse
™
line is no exception. Designed by
is a HYBRID instrument combining the rigidity, strength, clarity and definition of graphite
Ned Steinberger,
with the warmth and beauty of wood. The result is a guitar of unparalleled performance. In the words of Ned
Steinberger himself... "The Synapse guitar incorporates all the tweaks and improvements that have been brewing in
my mind ever since the original Steinberger GL-series guitar went into production over 20 years ago. For example,
the strap extension balances the instrument perfectly, and the back curve fits comfortably against your body with just
enough inward tilt so the fingerboard remains visible. The Synapse body is just a bit larger for a less radical feel and
look than the super-compact L-series. The headpiece has built-in string clamps so any double ball or conventional
single ball strings can be used. And the TranScale neck, in combination with the piezo bridge pickup, opens up a
whole new world of voicing options."
Synapse™
The Familiar. The New. The Synapse.
Patented 40:1 Direct-Drive Double-Ball Bridge
• Tune it up once and don't tune it again until you change strings. Providing micrometer
precision and stability, this revolutionary advance over traditional tuning methods allows string
changes in seconds with no winding or cutting. Just insert the ball ends and tune it up.
CybroSonic Technology™
• Steinberger combines a patented graphite U-channel with embedded truss rod and Phenolic
fingerboard, to create an ultra-stable yet adjustable "hybrid" neck with the same definition,
clarity and focus you've come to expect from Steinberger but with the added "warmth" of a
1-piece hard maple neck.
Refined Ergonomics
• Since the original XL and GL instruments, Steinberger has set the standard by designing
instruments with ultimate comfort, balance and playability in mind. The new Synapse line is no
exception and includes refinements such as a belly scarf, an arched top and a slightly larger
body with even more elegant curves while still maintaining perfect balance and position.
Strap Extension Hook
• At Steinberger, we believe that the instrument should never get in the way of your musical
expression. The patented strap hook allows the Synapse to hang in the optimum position on
your body while maintaining perfect balance.
TranScale Integrated Capo
• Another first from Steinberger. With the patented TranScale Capo in the "resting" position,
the Synapse is a 28.5" scale guitar with thundering bass and complex baritone voicings. Roll
the Capo up and you can change scale length "on the fly" creating completely new and
unique voicings and tonal qualities. Experiment with different string gauges for even more
possibilities.
Custom Active Electronics
• Developed in cooperation with EMG, the Synapse combines EMG-81 and EMG-85 Low-Z pickups with an active EQ system available only on Synapse guitars. The results are clean, warm
and powerful sound with full band frequency response that compliments the natural brilliance
and clarity of the Synapse. High signal-to-noise ratio (-85dB) makes them hum-free which is
especially important in today's recording environment.
Combo Headpiece
• The functional advantage of Steinberger's headless concept dramatically improves balance,
ease of tuning and tuning stability. All Steinberger guitars feature the patented Double-Ball™
tuning system that allows string changes in seconds. The Combo Headpiece accommodates
both Double-Ball and single-ball strings.
Steinberger Piezo Saddle (TranScale Only)
• Designed and patented by Steinberger, the bridge features a simple yet innovative undersaddle piezo pickup with 3 separate ceramic crystals for even string response and true acoustic
tone. Combined with the magnetic pickups and custom active electronics, your TranScale can
produce deep, growling harmonic "pings" to shimmering acoustic-like chimes and everything
in between.
Phenolic Fingerboard
• Much harder and more durable than wood, this ultra-stable composite material works in con
junction with our CybroSonic technology to give the Synapse guitar consistent feel and sustain
as well as brilliant harmonics with no dead spots. Each note seems to jump off the fingerboard
for that dynamic "live" quality that identifies the Steinberger sound.
Zero-Fret
• By using a "zero-fret" instead of a traditional nut, intonation is improved. It also allows for use
of varied string gauges because there is no nut slot to widen And, action at the 1st fret and
beyond is more consistent and improved as well.
Recessed Tool Holder
• Conveniently located under the bridge, this innovation keeps the necessary tools with your
Synapse and always within reach. Use the tools to adjust intonation and string height as well as
to secure single-ball strings.
Adjustable Pickup Stabilizers
• Like other pickup mounting methods, Synapse pickup Stabilizers allow you to raise and lower
pickups to the optimum height. But unlike others, Steinberger Stabilizers keep the pickups
parallel to the strings and don't allow the pickups to inadvertently tilt from side to side. They
also add a clean, uncluttered look to the Synapse.
Recessed Output Jack
• The rear output jack conveniently tucks your guitar cable out of the way of your performance
and out of sight of your audience.
Fold-Down Leg Rest
• Another patented Steinberger innovation! Only 1/4" thick when folded, the permanently
attached leg rest snaps out instantly to provide exceptional comfort and balance when playing
your Synapse in the seated position.
Evolution of Innovation.
Synapse TranScale
ST-2FPA Custom
Translucent Amber (TA)
Synapse TranScale
ST-2FPA Custom
Translucent Blue (TL)
Synapse
TranScale ST-2FPA
Pitch Black (PB)
Play it open and it's a baritone, roll the built-in capo up a couple of frets and
it's a normal 25-1/2" guitar. Add to this Ned Steinberger's brilliant design features such
as the tune-it-once direct-drive double-ball bridge, fold-down leg rest, and graphitereinforced neck with ultrafast phenolic fingerboard and you've got a truly advanced and
infinitely playable instrument. Low-impedance EMG USA humbuckers offer a broader
bandwidth for unique and robust tone and are mounted on stabilizers that keep them
from tilting. Improved intonation from a zero fret. Unique Steinberger Combo headpiece improves balance, ease of tuning, and tuning stability while the patented DirectDrive double-ball bridge lets you change strings in seconds then tune up once and not
have to tune again until you change strings.
Synapse
TranScale ST-2FPA
Alpine White (AW)
Synapse TranScale “Demon” SD-2FPA
Pitch Black (PB)
Designed by Ned Steinberger, the new Synapse "Demon" TranScale guitar is a
HYBRID instrument combining the strength, rigidity and clarity of graphite with the warmth
and beauty of wood. With it's devilish looks, long 28-5/8" scale length, patented integrated
rolling capo with piezo equipped bridge and heavy-gauge strings, this guitar will shake your
teeth loose. No other guitar sounds and looks like the Demon. The ULTIMATE metal monster.
Synapse SS-2F
Pitch Black (PB)
Synapse SS-2F
Alpine White (AW)
Synapse SS-2F Custom
Translucent Blue (TL)
Synapse SS-2F Custom
Translucent Amber (TA)
Designed by Ned Steinberger, the Synapse guitar is a
HYBRID instrument combining the strength, rigidity and clarity of
graphite with the warmth and beauty of wood. The result is a guitar
of unequalled performance. At only 31.75" in length, this full-size
instrument makes the ultimate travel guitar. Low-impedance EMG
USA humbuckers offer a broader bandwidth for unique and robust
tone and are mounted on stabilizers that keep them from tilting.
Improved intonation from a zero fret. Unique Steinberger Combo
headpiece improves balance, ease of tuning, and tuning stability
while the patented Direct-Drive double-ball bridge lets you change
strings in seconds then tune up once and not have to tune again
until you change strings.
Designed by Ned Steinberger, it features the patented U-channel graphite core in a rock maple neck and maple body.
Combo™ head accommodates double-ball and single-ball strings while the unique direct-drive double ball bridge adds
super-fast string changes and tune-it-once tuning stability. While other guitar manufacturers have been resting on their
laurels, Steinberger's been thinking. Witness the strap hook, recessed tool holder and output jack, fold-down leg rest, and
phenolic fingerboard that's slick as butter and fast as lightning. Low-impedance EMG USA bass pickup with internal lowimpedance preamp and piezo bridge extends the range on both ends for earth-moving lows and phenomenal transients
from slap-style playing. And like all Steinbergers, it's super comfortable and perfectly balanced.
Synapse XS-1FPA Custom Bass
Translucent Blue (TL)
Synapse XS-1FPA Bass
Pitch Black (PB)
Also available (WH), not shown
Synapse XS-15FPA Bass
Alpine White (AW)
Synapse XS-15FPA Bass
Pitch Black (PB)
Synapse XS-15FPA
Custom Bass
Translucent Blue (TL)
Synapse XS-15FPA Custom Bass
Translucent Amber (TA)
Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass
Black (BK)
Also available Left-Handed)
Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass
w/ DB-Tuner
Black (BK)
In the Spirit of
Value and
Performance.
Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass
Black (BK) - White (WH), not shown
Also available Left-Handed)
Nothing looks like a Steinberger and nothing performs like one either!
The Spirit XT-2 and XT-25 basses feature the same distinctive body-shape as the awardwinning Steinberger XL Series and features the trademark headless neck with the
patented Double-Ball™ tuning system. Other features include the patented
Steinberger fixed bass bridge with direct-pull, 40:1 ratio machine heads, two (HB-HB)
Steinberger™ bass pickups and folding leg rest for playing comfort while sitting.
These are perhaps the world's most "travel-friendly" and convenient basses ever
made. They come complete with a heavy-duty gigbag and, being only 38.5" in length,
can fit in places where other basses can't! They also feature a 3-pcs Hard Maple neck
and Thru-Neck solid wood construction.
Spirit GT-Pro Standard
White (WH)
Although our most affordable Steinberger line,
Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe
Black (BK) - White (WH), not shown
Also available Left-Handed)
the "Spirit" collection features many of the same
advantages and revolutionary designs as found in
our more expensive models. With it's compact and
comfortable body styling, rock-solid neck-through
construction, 40:1 DoubleBall tuning system and
headless design, the Spirit collection offers amazing
performance and value.
Spirit GT-Pro Standard
Black (BK)
Nothing looks like a Steinberger and nothing performs like one either! The Spirit GT-Pro guitar
features the same distinctive body-shape as the award-winning Steinberger GL Series and features the
trademark headless neck with the patented Double-Ball™ tuning system. Other features include the patented LOCKING R-Trem™ system with direct-pull, 40:1 ratio machine heads, three Steinberger™ pickups and
folding leg rest for playing comfort while sitting. And the GT is perhaps the world's most "travel-friendly"
and convenient guitar ever made. It comes complete with a heavy-duty gigbag and, being only 30" in
length, fits anywhere including airplane overhead luggage bins.
Synapse & Synapse TranScale
Synapse Bass
Spirit GT-Pro
Neck
Neck Materials
Neck
Neck Materials
Neck Materials
Neck Joint
Fingerboard
Fingerboard Radius
Frets
Scale Length
Body Wings
Body Top
Pickups
CybroSonic™
Patented Graphite U-channel
with adjustable trussrod integrated
with 3-piece Hard Maple
Neck Joint
Set-Neck
Fingerboard
Phenolic
Fingerboard Radius 14”
Frets
22 - Synapse; 22 - TranScale; Medium-Jumbo
Scale Length
25.5” - Synapse; 28.5/8" adjustable -TranScale
Body Wings
Hard Maple
Body Top
Hard Maple - Synapse; Flame Maple - Customs
Pickups
EMG-81 & EMG-85
External Controls
Master Volume, Master Tone,
3-way pickup selector - Synapse;
Master Volume, Mag/Piezo Pickup Blend,
Active Hi Cut/Boost, Active Lo Cut/Boost,
3-way pickup selector - TranScale
Internal Controls
None - Synapse; Two trim pots adjusting
Magnetic and Piezo output levels - TranScale
Battery
9V
Bridge
Patented DoubleBall™ Bridge with
40:1 ratio direct-pull tuners
Piezo Bridge
No - Synapse; Yes - TranScale
Saddle Material
Steel - Synapse; Aluminum - TranScale
Weight
6.2 lb - Synapse; - 6.4 lb - TranScale
Length
31.75” - Synapse; - 35” - TranScale
Zero Nut Width
1.68”
12-Fret Width
2.05”
Bridge Spacing
0.42”
Includes:
Premium Gigbag
Options
Hard Case (SHC-100)
Ebony Saddle (SPZ-102) - TranScale
Graphite Saddle (SPZ-104) - TranScale
CybroSonic™
Patented Graphite U-channel
with adjustable trussrod integrated
with 3-piece Hard Maple
Neck Joint
Set-Neck
Fingerboard
Phenolic
Fingerboard Radius 14”
Frets
22, Medium-Jumbo
Scale Length
34”
Body Wings
Hard Maple
Body Top
Hard Maple; Customs - Flame Maple
Pickups
EMG-40P - 4-String; EMG-40P5 - 5-String
External Controls Master Volume, Mag/Piezo Pickup Blend,
Active Hi Cut/Boost, Active Lo Cut/Boost,
3-way pickup selector
Internal Controls
Two trim pots adjusting low and
18V
Bridge
Patented DoubleBall™ Bridge with
40:1 ratio direct-pull tuners
Piezo Bridge
Yes
Saddle Material
Ebony
Weight
7.6 lb - 4-String; 8.5 lb - 5-String
Length
39.5”
Zero Nut Width
1.58”
12-Fret Width
2.056”- 4-String; 2.46” - 5-String
Bridge Spacing
0.73”- 4-String; 0.67” - 5-String
Includes:
Premium Gigbag
Options
Hard Case (SHC-101)
Ebony Saddle (SPZ-102) - 5-String
Graphite Saddle (SPZ-104) - 5-String
External Controls
Bridge
Saddle Material
Weight
Length
Zero Nut Width
Includes:
Options
Premium GigBag
Hard Case
Technical Data
Spirit XT Bass
3-pc Hard Maple
Thru-Neck
Rosewood
14”
24, Medium-Jumbo
25.5"
Maple
Maple
Steinberger HB, Single, Single
Deluxe - HB, Single, HB
Master Volume, Master Tone,
5-way pickup selector
R-Trem™ Locking Tremolo with
Patented DoubleBall™ Bridge
with 40:1 ratio
direct-pull tuners
Steel
7.0 lb
30.25"
1.625"
Deluxe Gigbag
Hard Case (ST-A0190-BL)
Left-Handed (BK) - Deluxe
Neck Materials
Neck Joint
Fingerboard
Fingerboard Radius
Frets
Scale Length
Body Wings
Body Top
Pickups
External Controls
Bridge
Saddle Material
Weight
Length
Zero Nut Width
Includes:
Options
ZT-3 with TransTrem-3
3-pc Hard Maple
Thru-Neck
Rosewood
14”
24, Medium-Jumbo
34"
Maple
Maple
Steinberger Humbucker, Humbucker
Neck Pickup Volume, Bridge Pickup
Volume, Master Tone
Patented DoubleBall™ Bridge
with 40:1 ratio direct-pull tuners
XT-2DB - DB-Tuner™ Drop tuning
system with Patented DoubleBall™
Bridge with 40:1 ratio direct-pull tuners
Steel
7.5 lb - 4-String; 8.2 lb - 5-String
38.5"
1.50" - 4-String; 1.625” - 5-String
Deluxe Gigbag
Hard Case (ST-A0188-BL)
Left-Handed (BK) - XT-2D & XT25
Deluxe GigBag
Double Ball
Strings
Neck
Neck Materials
CybroSonic™
Patented Graphite U-channel
with adjustable trussrod integrated
with 3-piece Hard Maple
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Fingerboard
Phenolic
Fingerboard Radius 14”
Frets
24, Medium-Jumbo
Scale Length
25.5”
Body Wings
Hard Maple
Body Top
Flame Maple
Pickups
USA 90R neck and USA 91T
bridge humbuckers
External Controls Master Volume (Series/Parallel)
Master Tone (Series/Parallel)
3-way pickup selector
Bridge
PAF TransTrem-3 Transposing
Tremolo System
Tuners
Patented DoubleBall™ Bridge with
40:1 ratio direct-pull tuners
Saddle Material
Steel
Weight
6.5 lb
Length
33.35”
Zero Nut Width
1.62”
12-Fret Width
2.02”
Bridge Spacing
0.42”
Includes:
Premium Gigbag
Options Hard Case (SHC-104)
Calibrated DoubleBall Strings Light-9
(SST-106)
Calibrated DoubleBall Strings Std-10
(SST-107)
Saddles
a part of the Gibson family of brands
645 Massman Drive
Nashville, TN 37210 USA
www.steinberger.com