Steinberger GL4-T 1987 - White

Steinberger GL4-T

Background:

This rare guitar is in very good condition.  I cannot remember how I purchased it – probably eBay.  However, I do know that I brought it to Peekamoose in New York, NY for a full service in Jan 2012. 

Peekamoose serviced the following (receipt in pics):  rebuild TransTrem, a setup including a Plek machine, fret dress, improve shielding and grounding, install a new EMG 89 pickup with a push/pull coil split via the tone knob, improve circuit board.  The action is very low, the tremolo works fine, the pickups sound great, the neck is solid as a rock.  The guitar inspires me to play Eddie Van Halen/Van Halen/1984/Panama/Drop Dead Legs (I know, Eddie only played it later on 5150/Summer Nights) and Alex Lifeson/Moving Pictures/Red Barchetta/Tom Sawyer (I know, Alex never really played one, but its precision is perfect for the Math Rock and chorus/echo vibe).

Flaws include:  1) a chip of missing white material next to the high E string and below the TransTrem base – see pics;  2 ) some “belt rash” scratches on the back; 3) some tiny brown speckles near the tone control; 4) some finish wear where the top connects to the bottom of the body visible if you look inside the seam; 5) both single coil pickups have the EMG logo worn off and wear to the plastic cover (especially the middle pickup) and the pickup height adjustment screws are dark gray/black on the single coil pickups and chrome on the bridge pickup; 6) a thin scratch on the back of the neck in the middle between frets 5 and 6 – it is not noticeable at all while playing.See pics.

What is great:  this represents Ned Steinberger’s re-imagining and re-engineering of the guitar. The goal of a guitar that is rock solid and stays perfectly in tune forever has been realized.  Double ball end string changes are quick and effortless.The guitar is compact enough for an airline overhead bin yet sports 24 frets.  The 3 x pickup on/off buttons allow any combination of pickups with a master volume and master tone.  This guitar was upgraded with a coil splitting EMG 89 humbucker pickup in the bridge.  Obviously it is light and easy to play.  The STEINBERGER stenciling on the front is perfect.

And maybe the most telling part:  while playing this guitar to confirm everything and help write this description, I found that my 5 minute quick jams turned into 30 minute long sessions – I could not put it down.  Coming from the standard wood Teles/Strats/PRSs and even the composite neck Parker Flys/NiteFlys, this guitar feels unique and inspiring in its own individual way.  Everything is compact, comfortable, frictionless, and superbly engineered.

This guitar comes with an original Steinberger logo nylon soft case that is only in Good condition.  One of the seams has come apart leaving a hole, but otherwise, it works and the logo is still visible.

I’m selling it because I am clearing out my guitar/bass collection to go from 15 down to a target of 7 in my small 2 bedroom apartment. 

Links:

See the below YouTube video of “Van Halen - Summer Nights (RESTORED VIDEO)” from Crosscut Films:  youtu.be/coDVcuVoINU?si=P3TbXd21b0uhGxv9

Search for the YouTube video “Steinberger GL4T” from Cyril W:  youtube.com/watch?v=veEBa10iDoI

Search for the YouTube video “Steinberger GL4T guitar and L2 bass DEMO” from Alessandro Scandellari:  youtube.com/watch?v=IsMFxosaHgM

Search for the YouTube video “How to adjust your Steinberger trem (action/intonation)” from Alessandro Scandellari:  youtube.com/watch?v=F9r5WW1pi0c

Search for the YouTube video “Steinberger - PBS On Key, Part 1” from 1steinberger: youtube.com/watch?v=W2A5xNzw7F0

See the website for Peekamoose (Steinberger specialists): 

Manufacturer Specs:

Model Name:  Steinberger GL4-T

Year:  1987

Finish Details:    Original

Body Material:  Composite

Body Details:     Solid composite body

Neck Material:  Composite

Fingerboard Material:    Composite

Neck Profile:      "C" profile

Neck Thickness (IN):       .80" (1st fret), .90" (12th fret)

Fingerboard Radius:       12.00"

Nut Width:         1-9/16"

Scale Length:     25 1/2"

Neck Details:     Composite neck and fingerboard, with dot inlays and non-adjustable neck reinforcement

Electronics:        Original active electronics, EMG SA/SA pickups with the original EMG 85 pickup replaced with an EMG 89 and a coil split on the Tone knob, on/off push buttons for each pickup, master volume/tone controls

Case Details:      Original gig bag

Serial Number:  5126

Weight:  7.0 lbs/3.2 kg

Terms:

Free shipping in the Continental US.

Shipping provided for other locations – Canada, EU, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia.

Free hand delivery within 2 hours of Portland, OR – I will drive to meet you with the item.

Packing will be provided by The UPS Store to ensure full insurance value coverage.

Shipping is insured for full value – if any damage, photograph and report immediately to the carrier.

I am offering Reverb’s standard returns policy – any flaws are described in the listing, I will do my utmost to ensure you are satisfied, feel free to contact me after receipt of item with any questions/comments.