tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post7255241225909155570..comments2022-03-24T06:44:55.958-07:00Comments on Geek Versus Guitar: The Steinberger Synapse XS-15FPA 5-String Fretless BassPaul R. Pottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-50350778872680723262015-10-22T09:07:04.582-07:002015-10-22T09:07:04.582-07:00Hello Minki Hong,
You can reach me at paul@thepot...Hello Minki Hong,<br /><br />You can reach me at paul@thepottshouse.org. I am not sure if you will see this follow-up message. I will take this down in a few days.<br /><br />I will help if I can. I think still have that Q series Music Yo white Steinberger bass in storage, I think. I tried a while ago to sell it, but when music stores examined it they did not like the quality of the fret work, and so they didn't want to pay anything at all for it. Thanks, Gibson!<br /><br />I think I may have a DB bridge, but it may not fit a Music Yo Steinberger. I'll have to dig my old parts out. They have been sealed up in plastic bags for a few years.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-71751387518398956222015-10-21T23:36:02.852-07:002015-10-21T23:36:02.852-07:00Dear Mr. Potts,
I'm playing Musicyo.com era S...Dear Mr. Potts,<br /><br />I'm playing Musicyo.com era Steinberger bass with DB tune bridge and seeking for help. Could you possibly provide your email address I could ask some questions? Being a stranger for blogger.com, email would be great help for my broken detune lever. <br /><br />Thank you. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08033732530889699859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-15280111959275386152013-10-21T20:52:01.818-07:002013-10-21T20:52:01.818-07:00Anonymous, I am a big fan of the Newburgh instrume...Anonymous, I am a big fan of the Newburgh instruments. I have not handled enough of the ones in that early "transistion" stage to know for sure what to think of them. It probably depends on exactly when they were made. You might check out<br /><br />http://www.steinbergerworld.com<br /><br />and look at "serial number database." Note that it only covers the early Nashville instruments. Gibson started reusing the N prefix which really muddies the issue, although if you have examined them closely the different generation necks are very notably different.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-60633399775965161322013-09-15T19:44:29.219-07:002013-09-15T19:44:29.219-07:00I'm about to lay out big bucks for a Nashville...I'm about to lay out big bucks for a Nashville made XL2.. Always wanted a steinie...do I hear some of you saying its may not be worth it cause its post Gibson?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-88019728716790705702013-07-24T11:53:56.745-07:002013-07-24T11:53:56.745-07:00Nice to meet you, Joey. I'm sorry I don't ...Nice to meet you, Joey. I'm sorry I don't have a solution for you. I contacted Ned Steinberger himself about this issue a while back. He sent me the specs for the Synapse strings, but they don't actually specify some of the details like where the wrap stops, and so a string could technically meet the spec, but not really work right with this bass's bridge and headpiece. I have a Newburgh made XP bass and a Newburgh made XQ (currently broken) and it is much easier to find strings for those basses -- the current Steinberger strings fit them just fine. But they are both fretted. If I had the money, I would buy one of Ned's new fretless basses. They look very cool!Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-89998440641756116242013-07-24T11:01:30.658-07:002013-07-24T11:01:30.658-07:00Hi Paul, By the way, I'm Joey Perez, nice to ...Hi Paul, By the way, I'm Joey Perez, nice to meet you!!!Brokenarrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18009926432960919350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-81870441940874019562013-07-24T11:00:00.042-07:002013-07-24T11:00:00.042-07:00Thanks Paul for your reply!! I've never been ...Thanks Paul for your reply!! I've never been as frustrated trying to find flatwound strings for a bass. I just naturally assumed all Steinberger double balls would fit. I have an original Brooklyn Steinberger pre-production model (serial # 004). It is the 1st 4 string lined fretless. After years of trying to find a narrow 5 bridge to modify my original without damage, I came across this used Synapse 5 fretless and fell in love with it. I find the low B on this bass to have the clearest tone of just about any 5 string I've ever played. The timbers of all the strings are so even!! But because I bought it used and seeing how hard it is to find strings, I assume these strings are original. I managed to find a set of single ball DR Low Riders that could actually fit on the bass, but the low B didn't have anywhere near the clarity. At this point, I fear what really attracts me to this bass is the unique combination of strings and the instrument itself. If I can't replace these strings or find something similar, it would be heartbreaking!!! Right now I'm at a loss....Brokenarrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18009926432960919350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-59130605109503655752013-07-22T08:57:55.084-07:002013-07-22T08:57:55.084-07:00@Paul, sadly, I had no success with LaBella making...@Paul, sadly, I had no success with LaBella making a custom set for mine.George Miklas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796617266404234442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-9113046354215489712013-07-22T08:21:09.021-07:002013-07-22T08:21:09.021-07:00I don't know, Brokenarrow... most likely La Be...I don't know, Brokenarrow... most likely La Bella in New York, but I don't know for sure. I think they are the best bet for making a custom set.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-4760874705020383612013-07-22T07:46:52.682-07:002013-07-22T07:46:52.682-07:00Does anyone know which company manufactured the fl...Does anyone know which company manufactured the flat wounds that originally came on the bass?Brokenarrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18009926432960919350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-72765077840331076272013-07-15T11:57:46.653-07:002013-07-15T11:57:46.653-07:00hi! everyone, i have a project one, 5 strings Stei...hi! everyone, i have a project one, 5 strings Steinberger Synapse XS-15FPA... anyone know where i can fine the accessories to finish it... i would love to play it.. i got the body on ebay... thanks jjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03359545287691814238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-90585984404114536312013-06-09T11:00:49.264-07:002013-06-09T11:00:49.264-07:00Paul, I left my address for you on Google Hangout....Paul, I left my address for you on Google Hangout. Let me know that you got it please.<br />George Miklas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796617266404234442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-67110092453746156302013-06-09T07:51:51.135-07:002013-06-09T07:51:51.135-07:00George, I have to check -- I can't quite remem...George, I have to check -- I can't quite remember if I put them on my son's bass. I think I still have them, though.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-84646895607051242372013-06-08T15:36:54.682-07:002013-06-08T15:36:54.682-07:00Paul,
Do you still have the Status Graphite Tape W...Paul,<br />Do you still have the Status Graphite Tape Wound strings? I'd like to take those off your hands.<br /><br />GeorgeGeorge Miklas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796617266404234442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-15172800705615613362013-06-08T15:28:37.301-07:002013-06-08T15:28:37.301-07:00DJ Walsh, I still love Steinbergers -- although th...DJ Walsh, I still love Steinbergers -- although the post-Gibson Steinbergers, not so much. I am hoping one day to be able to buy an NS Radius bass.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-60442846881370393042013-06-08T15:09:18.159-07:002013-06-08T15:09:18.159-07:00Update June 8 2013: I have sold this bass.Update June 8 2013: I have sold this bass.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-58852542431371315092013-05-06T17:12:16.888-07:002013-05-06T17:12:16.888-07:00I ordered a set of tapewound strings from Status G...I ordered a set of tapewound strings from Status Graphite 11 days ago... still nothing. I'm getting nervous whether I'll be seeing my strings before the gig.George Miklas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796617266404234442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-84366198835599477002013-05-02T20:40:10.676-07:002013-05-02T20:40:10.676-07:00Thanks for the compliment. I don't think they...Thanks for the compliment. I don't think they are white elephants. They are cool looking and sound pretty good (with a little fooling with the graphic eqs).<br />I was WAY happier with this bass (mine is fretted) once I changed the OEM's strings. Five-string sets are kind of expensive so I have not tried LOTS of them, but a few. That said, I have a love/ less-than-love relationship with this bass. It is kind of finicky and difficult to play IF you don't practice on it. For me, it is not the "narrow gauge" 5/8ths inch spacing because the Corvette I play the most is also 5/8ths. I usually blame myself but have had friends play it. All bass players want to try a Steinberger, but halfway through the first song they look like they would rather be pecked to death by birds, then quickly switch back to their own instruments ASAP. So much for the Steinberger mystique. I also have a broken one that is a "project in process". The truss was broken so I pulled the fret-board off (in 20 pieces), replaced the truss with some heavy duty double acting rod and installed two 1/8 by 3/8 carbon fiber "stays". The "stays" went in since the large (0.45 X 0.560 inch "core" went bye-bye with the broken rod). I plan on getting an ebony fret-board to replace the phenolic. My problem is that I keep clicking fretted, then unfretted on the order form and have not sent it in yet.<br />It's most likely going to be fretless, the real question is fret-lines or no fret-lines. I have an EUB with finger positions on the edge of the neck, I couldn't play it without them so I'm afraid of none. From your picture I got to see Steinberger uses position dots for every position. Didn't know that and now I don't feel so bad about marking. If it ever works and plays worth a dam, I'll post some pictures of the repair and finished instrument. If it doesn't, I'll get rid of it somehow.<br />DJWalshAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09269933894314486146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-77786322068808482652013-04-23T17:35:36.607-07:002013-04-23T17:35:36.607-07:00Any solution for a Hohner B2AV ? I want to change...Any solution for a Hohner B2AV ? I want to change out the roundwound for either tapewound or flatwound. La Bella has corresponded with me recommending the 4-string tapewound set S660L, plus a S505B B string. Anyone try this route?George Miklas Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796617266404234442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-30326702753845169762013-04-15T08:27:21.212-07:002013-04-15T08:27:21.212-07:00Either that or, when some extra money was availabl...Either that or, when some extra money was available, sending it off to La Bella and asking if they could make some custom sets (and maybe also put them in their catalog, once they had exact specs).Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-69369672983996962762013-04-15T08:26:33.331-07:002013-04-15T08:26:33.331-07:00Wow, DJWalsh, thanks for your detailed comment. Th...Wow, DJWalsh, thanks for your detailed comment. The Synapse bass has pretty much been in storage but I will have to pull it out and see if I can put your ideas into practice at all. I had not pre-cut the strings. Honestly I had mostly just been leaning towards buying a different fretless when I was able, and putting this white elephant up for sale, even though I really like the way it sounds.Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-597508717409456552013-04-14T19:40:55.140-07:002013-04-14T19:40:55.140-07:00I have tried at least two other types single ball ...I have tried at least two other types single ball stings in the Steinberger Combo Head without issues, MTDs and DRs, both without the exposed core "B".<br />I agree that the Steinberger Combo Head's "through holes" are "pretty tight" but I don't think that is the problem. Please consider this; if you pre-cut the string BEFORE trying to thread it into the hole, it is NO LONGER even CLOSE to round and it also will have sharp "burrs" at the cut. It is very likely this "out of round and sharp" condition will cause some issues trying to force the string through the holes, especially if stings have been forced in before and raised small burrs in the holes.<br />To avoid the (remote) possibility of the string unwinding when cut, the options are actually better on this bass than one with standard tuning machines with the cut ends buried in the posts. Just DON'T cut them before they are installed. Put the un-cut strings through the Combo head, let the tails "hang out". Then carefully make your position adjustment and clamp the headstock set-screws. Once it's "all good", then use large, strong wire cutters and cut the strings off flush with the end of the Combo headstock. This will leave some sharp string-ends sticking out a touch, but once you stab yourself a couple of times, you will avoid that area!<br />BUT, unlike a bass with standard tuning machines, don't expect to ever get them ALL back in once they have been removed, (unless your lucky). They are very distorted at the set screw position. <br />Also, if the thread or tape wound around the ball-end is "too long" and goes over the bridge-saddle, put a "touch" of superglue on the threads where you want the them to "end". Then, using a razor-blade and tweezers, carefully cut the thread at the glue and remove the excess length. It's a snap.<br />If fitting strings through the Combo headstock is still a real issue (after trying uncut strings), you can try two different "tricks"?;<br />1) Loosen or remove the setscrews. Using long lengths of some old set of round-wound strings, thread them through the proper holes, then pull the whole length of the string back and forth through the hole SEVERAL times, like a file. This may remove some of the paint or plating and maybe remove some proud metal burrs in the hole and make it "better". Use Roto-Sound since they are very course and can cut through just about anything (if fret-wear is any indicator), ha.<br />If that doesn't "do it", then;<br />2) Remove the headstock, bring it to a machine shop and have the machinist clean up or hand ream and deburr the "through holes" to the sizes that work for you. It would be wise to bring a new set of your fattest strings to "try" so the machinist can measure them, add some clearance dimension and chose the reamer sizes. My guess is about +5 thousandths of an inch should do it, but the machinist will know. That's what they do.<br />Good luck everyone.<br />DJWalshAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-49570393614015993642013-02-18T12:36:24.764-08:002013-02-18T12:36:24.764-08:00Hi All - I have a Synapse 5 fretted. I use Status ...Hi All - I have a Synapse 5 fretted. I use Status Hot Wire HALF-rounds (40 - 125) which seem to work fine. The instrument originally came with the factory stainless steel rounds (45 - 128) but these were very harsh for my application, which is mostly recording. The Status halfs fit well and sound good - great acoustic bass like articulation at piezo setting and full-bodied sound when soapbar p'up is favored. The slight change in gauge did necessitate some intonation adjustment on the B-string mostly at the octave.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-85514353204011835012013-02-13T06:29:17.104-08:002013-02-13T06:29:17.104-08:00WHatever HAPPENED with this?!??!
WHatever HAPPENED with this?!??!<br />JoeCovenanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10490125589184855757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5850403001392456516.post-51923086642818296962012-10-29T16:37:14.944-07:002012-10-29T16:37:14.944-07:00Jay, my flat-wound set from Status Graphite doesn&...Jay, my flat-wound set from Status Graphite doesn't fit either. I was having a conversation with a guy there about sending him my original strings to copy but I have not followed up on that, partly because I am not sure I want to send my only working set of strings overseas...Paul R. Pottshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04401509483200614806noreply@blogger.com