1982 Steinberger Bass L 2. 5 string Serial # 362 Start Price USD 3,900.00 Current Price USD 3,900.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, October 06, 2008 End Time Monday, October 13, 2008 Location Key West, Florida See more about '1982 Steinberger Bass L 2. 5 string Serial # 362 ' Description   ONLY THE STEINBERGER BASS IN THE PHOTO IS BEING OFFERED ON THIS AUCTION.  I JUST THOUGHT THE WHOLE SYSTEM LOOKED SO COOL TOGETHER THAT I HAD TO PUT THEIR PIC UP. If the title caught your eye, you know what this is.   I could have subtitled it with "rare" and "collectable" or "no cleaner/older/prettier/etc on eBay."  But, I hate that kind of bullshit advertising.  There will be very few reading this auction that will have a clue what this instrument is.  But, for those of you still reading, here's the story.   In 1982, I bought (pre-ordered) this bass in Dallas, TX for $2,400 new at a music store named something-brook music.  The most expensive bass I had ever heard of, but Getty and Sting were playing them so I had to have one.  I wanted the 5 string with the low B so I could play a D and be heard at the back of the room thru my sun 18's and my SVT fridges with CS-800's at the Ritz on Harry Hines, Granada Theatre and MotherBlues on Greenville Ave, Caravan of Dreams, Baby Dolls, Maveric Club in Ft. Worth, Deep Elem and the West End., with the Marshall laden, ear bleeding lead player I was playing with at the time.  It took almost 4 months for this bass to be built and to arrive at the music store.  I was so pissed because no instrument could be worth that kind of wait, until I opened the box.  We opened the next night for Bad Brains and Black Flag, and I saw the future.  Unfortunately, it wasn't my future and I have never regained full use of my hip. Jump ahead more than two and a half dozen years.  I'm still the owner, thousands of gigs later.  Plenty of wear, some tear.  Mostly just use.  It always goes with me.  Usually, my main axe, but I go thru my phases.  Fender Precision/Jazz/tele classics for blues, Music Man for the sophisticated look, 12'ver Hamer, Chandler for the "I'm cooler and have more strings than the guitar player" look, Rippers and Gibson V's and Z's for that Kiss/Scorpions vibe, but the Stienberger was always there in it's case in the background for when I just needed a dependable in-tune sound that didn't weigh a ton and always plays like butter.  I have the original case that shows huge wear and tear.  I did buy another soft case and will send both.  The serial number on this bass says it all. #364 made in Brooklyn, NY.  The 5 string configuration is from the factory onto a 4 string neck.  Having small, thin fingers, I love it.  You may not.  This bass is from before the double ball end strings were plentiful and you used regular bass strings.  So, there is an adapter for regular strings using little hex set screws.  It's no big deal, the system works fine.  Active original EMG pickups using a 9 volt battery.  Never goes out of tune even after beating the occasional dirt-bag senseless during lead breaks.  I have gigged in Key West primarily since 1986.  The frets are worn, but don't buzz.  I am fairly light fingered.  The painted on logo is almost gone.  See the pics.  The boomerang straphanger is fine.  The leg rest works fine.  It's the swivel kind not the later fold down stick kind.  This bass is the best and I really don't want to sell it.  But, I have become obsessed with my '73 Ripper and my Hamer 12 string as of late, and have heard these old Steinbergers bring incredible $$.  So, show me, because it will only sell for incredible money.  I've kept it this long...  no hurry now. Bass comes with the leg rest for sitting down and both soft cases (worn-out original and another soft case bought off ebay).  Currently strung with a low B, but you can change it to high C. Please ask questions, try make them reasonable and I will post them all at the bottom.  So, read them first and see if the answer lies there before bothering me.  I know there are alot of Stein-heads out there that study every known aspect of this guitar.  Probably know what Ned had for breakfast.  I am not one of them, but am willing to learn.  Please go easy on me.  I am an expert on Sambora strats and 12 string basses! You can follow the history of this bass thru my posted pics and my hair or lack of it :)  Yep, that's Sloppy Joes, and Capt. Tony's, and the Bull and Whistle.  I only put on a tux for Mel Fisher's Christmas party and yes that is Charlie Manson on congas. This bass is in good working order.  Pots are quiet, tuners take a bit of strength, but you don't need pliers.  Neck is smooth.  Frets are dished, but have plenty of life left in them.  But, it is not pristine by any means.  It has been played, not kept in a closet.  If you are looking for that closet queen this ain't it.  This is where examining my feedback will be worth the time if you are considering buying this bass.  I am accurate in my descriptions. THERE WILL BE NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE THE USA.  PAYPAL ONLY.  USA SHIPPING ADDRESS ONLY.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  PLEASE DON'T WASTE MY TIME BY ASKING.  If you live in Zimbabwe, you can buy this bass.  You will need a confirmed Paypal acct. and a USA mailing address.  Simple. No trades, barters, bargains, or beggars.  Again, I don't have to sell it and actually don't expect to.  I have an ebay store I pay for each month.  It costs me nothing to list any piece of crap I want.  I just comes down to how much you want it. Feedback.  Mine is perfect...  actually more than perfect.  When I describe a guitar, it is what I say it is.  Read the comments left by buyers and sellers.  You can't get any more perfect.  So bid with confidence. Oh, if your feedback is less than stellar, your bid will be cancelled and question ignored.  $75 shipping.  Paypal only.  USA shipping only. Questions? Place a Bid!