Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,850

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the streamlined world of bass playing with the Steinberger XL-2. A testament to innovation, this electric bass strips away the conventional to offer a sleek, headless design that’s all about function and playability. Its composite construction marries durability with a unique tonal character, making it a standout choice for bassists who dare to be different. Whether on stage or in the studio, the XL-2’s distinct voice and ergonomic design ensure you never go unnoticed.

Key Features:

  • Composite body and neck construction for enhanced durability and unique tone
  • Headless design with tuners behind the bridge, optimizing balance and playability
  • Equipped with two EMG humbuckers, delivering versatile and powerful sound
  • 24-fret phenolic fretboard for extended range and smooth playability
  • Standard in a sleek black finish, with red finish and fretless options available

Product specs

Brand Steinberger
Model XL-2
Finish Black
Year 1984
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Steinberger XL-2 have?

The Steinberger XL-2 features active pickups, which provide a powerful and clear sound ideal for various playing styles.

How many frets does the Steinberger XL-2 bass guitar have?

The Steinberger XL-2 has 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and extended playability across the fretboard.

Is the Steinberger XL-2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Steinberger XL-2 is well-suited for live performances due to its active electronics and compact, lightweight design, making it easy to handle on stage.

What is the body shape of the Steinberger XL-2?

The Steinberger XL-2 has a unique non-cutaway body shape, which contributes to its distinctive look and ergonomic playability.

Does the Steinberger XL-2 bass guitar have a rosewood fretboard?

Yes, the Steinberger XL-2 features a rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth playing surface and warm tonal characteristics.

mindhead2005

mindhead2005

Headless Bass Shootout - Spirit XT-2 vs Hohner B2A vs Steinberger L2 vs Steinberger XL2.

Video thumbnail for Headless Bass Shootout - Spirit XT-2 vs Hohner B2A vs Steinberger L2 vs Steinberger XL2. by mindhead2005

Headless Bass Shootout - Spirit XT-2 vs Hohner B2A vs Steinberger L2 vs Steinberger XL2.

mindhead2005

mindhead2005

Video thumbnail for 🔥🔥Steinberger XL-2 Bass Guitar - Best Bass???! by J Cherry Music

🔥🔥Steinberger XL-2 Bass Guitar - Best Bass???!

J Cherry Music

J Cherry Music

Video thumbnail for Steinberger XL2 bass with LaBella flatwounds by Tony Senatore's Classic Bass Tracks

Steinberger XL2 bass with LaBella flatwounds

Tony Senatore's Classic Bass Tracks

Tony Senatore's Classic Bass Tracks

Video thumbnail for 1984 Steinberger XL2 by Paul Geary

1984 Steinberger XL2

Paul Geary

Paul Geary

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Steinberger XL-2.

User experience

  • Owners describe the Steinberger XL-2 as playing "like butter," highlighting it as the best sounding and playing instrument after adjusting to its ergonomics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user inquired about the difference between older Steinbergers and the newer Spirit XT-2 model, showing interest in how they compare in playability and build.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Geddy Lee uses Steinberger XL-2

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

Geddy started playing an L2 right before the Signals Tour, where he went on to record Grace Under Pressure with it. He then switched to the XL2 around 1985, and only used it live during the Power Windows Tour (photo). The last time Geddy used a Steinberger bass was in 1987 on the Hold Your Fire Tour.

Many people mistake the XL2 for the L2 and assume he only owned 1 Steinberger, this is false. In fact he owned 3 Steinberger's, a black L2, a black XL2 and a white XL2. The difference between the L2 and the XL2 basses are slight. The XL2 was an improved version of the L2, such as the face plate bolts being positioned on the back of the bass and a different "headpiece" that only allowed double ball end strings. In his Big Book Of Bass he only mentions the black XL2.

(Photo from the Power Windows Tour, Rosemont Horizon - Rosemont, Illinois March 21, 1986)

See how Tina Weymouth uses Steinberger XL-2

Tina Weymouth

Singer, Bassist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen at 3'32''.

See how Roger Glover uses Steinberger XL-2

Roger Glover

Bassist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Alamy images
Color/Finish: Black

In this stock photo, Roger Glover is pictured playing a Steinberger XL-2, distinguished from the more famous L2 model by the white line marks on the knobs. It appears to be late 80s model due to the bass using the second, more simple leg rest design.

See how Humberto Gessinger uses Steinberger XL-2

Humberto Gessinger

Singer, Guitarist

Engenheiros do Hawaii

...
Verified via Uol

Utilizado na Variações Sobre a Mesma Tour

See how Yamane Satoshi uses Steinberger XL-2

Yamane Satoshi

Bassist, Composer

toe

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video at15:41, can be seen he's using Steinburger XL-2 Bass with Orange amp.

See how Tony Lewis uses Steinberger XL-2

Tony Lewis

Singer, Bassist

The Outfield

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see him playing that bass in this music video and alot of other performances with other steinberger type basses

See how Rutger Gunnarsson uses Steinberger XL-2

Rutger Gunnarsson

Guitarist, Bassist

ABBA

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1992 TV4 interview, we see Rutger (right) using a Steinberger XL-2. Some may say it is an L-2, however this is unlikely as Steinberger stopped production of L-2's in 1984.

See how Kentaro Nakao uses Steinberger XL-2

Kentaro Nakao

Bassist

Number Girl

...
Verified via YouTube

Nakao used a Steinberger XL-2 during this live performance.

N

Nick Feldman

Bassist

Wang Chung

...
Verified via Photo

Nicks main bass guitar since the 80s, and he still uses one today. It can be seen in pretty much every photo, or video of Nick performing.

See how Jamaaladeen Tacuma uses Steinberger XL-2

Jamaaladeen Tacuma

Bassist, Music Producer

Fool Proof

...
Verified via Photo

Jamaaladeen Tacuma is depicted using a Steinberger XL-2 bass guitar on the cover of his album "Dreamscape."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Steinberger XL-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
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