Steinberger, an innovative guitar brand founded by Ned Steinberger in 1979 in New York, revolutionized guitar design with their minimalist approach, pioneering the use of graphite and composite materials. They are best known for their headless guitars and their unique hardware, including cutting-edge tremolo systems. Steinberger’s tremolos stand out for their ability to provide stability and precision, setting them apart from traditional designs. Their tremolo systems have earned a reputation for maintaining tuning stability even under intense use, making them popular among guitarists seeking reliable and innovative whammy bar solutions.
Steinberger’s tremolo systems, often referred to as “TransTrem,” offer incredible versatility, allowing guitarists to not only use the tremolo for pitch effects but also transpose the entire guitar tuning accurately. This unique feature enables musicians to change the key of a song effortlessly, offering a level of control unmatched by most other vibrato bar systems. The tremolo system is highly regarded for its precision engineering, which ensures smooth operation whether you’re performing subtle vibrato bar movements or deep whammy bar dives.
Over the years, Steinberger has introduced various models of guitars and basses equipped with their signature tremolo systems. The brand’s innovative approach extends beyond just the use of composite materials; it also encompasses the engineering of their tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar components to deliver exceptional tonal range and tuning stability. Their tremolo-equipped guitars are used by musicians across genres, particularly those who appreciate technical precision and futuristic design.
For more information, you can visit Steinberger’s homepage.
Popular Products
Steinberger GL Series: The GL Series is one of Steinberger’s flagship guitar lines, featuring the iconic headless design and the revolutionary TransTrem system. The tremolo allows for full chord transposition while staying perfectly in tune.
Steinberger Spirit GT-PRO: An affordable version of the classic Steinberger design, featuring a locking tremolo system that offers great stability and smooth whammy bar action.
Steinberger Synapse Series: Combines the classic headless look with modern improvements, including a redesigned tremolo system for enhanced vibrato bar performance and ease of use.
Steinberger GM Series: Known for its ergonomic body shape and advanced tremolo capabilities, the GM Series offers guitarists a comfortable playing experience with reliable tuning stability.
Consumer Reviews
Tuning Stability: Many users praise Steinberger tremolos for their unparalleled tuning stability, even after extensive use of the whammy bar.
Innovation: The TransTrem system receives high marks for its ability to transpose keys, making it a favorite among experimental and progressive guitarists.
Playability: The smooth action of the tremolo and vibrato bar components is often highlighted, with players noting how easy it is to achieve subtle pitch changes or dramatic dives.
Build Quality: Steinberger’s use of composite materials contributes to a solid, well-constructed instrument that feels durable and reliable, even during heavy use.
