A genuine Newburgh-era Steinberger Sound XL-2 bass in white, serial number 3485. Produced in 1985; built while Steinberger Sound was still an independent shop turning out the instruments that made the reputation. Restored to near mint by HeadlessUSA

The one-piece molded graphite body and neck mean no truss rod, no dead spots, and no seasonal setup drift. It doesn’t care about humidity, it doesn’t care about stage lights, and it holds tune in conditions that would put a wooden instrument out of commission.

The XL-2. The refined production form of Ned’s original design — the bass that invented the headless category and put Steinberger on stages worldwide. 34″ scale, phenolic fingerboard, and the Steinberger bridge with its direct-drive tuning system. The tone is famously focused and deep, with the even response across the neck that only one-piece graphite delivers.

EMG HBCS pickups. Upgraded from the original HBs. The HBCS uses a ceramic and steel blended magnet in place of the standard HB’s design, adding warmth and low end — a well-regarded modification that fills out the XL’s naturally tight, articulate voice without softening its clarity. Active, quiet, and powerful.

Condition: Excellent. (Near mint).

Included:

• New HeadlessUSA gig bag
• New HeadlessUSA strap

Note on strings: the XL-2 takes double-ball bass sets, and we stock them.

Sold and supported by HeadlessUSA — Steinberger parts, service, and restoration specialists. We inspect, set up, and photograph every instrument in-house.