Steinberger Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass Black Original

An Iconic Design Born in 1979, Offered in the Spirit Series

When Ned Steinberger unveiled his first basses in 1979, their "headless" silhouette and radically modern approach stood out from the standards of the time. The XT-25 Standard Outfit follows this lineage with the instantly recognizable Steinberger look, while belonging to the Spirit Series: a series designed to offer the essentials of the concept (compactness, precision, stability) in an accessible, robust instrument built for everyday use. Available in Black Gloss or White Gloss, it combines a poplar body and a 3-piece hard maple neck for a "one-piece" feel and appreciated reliability on the road.

For Whom and Which Styles: The Travel Bass... Without Compromise

The Steinberger XT-25 is aimed at intermediate to advanced bassists who want a serious 5-string, as well as motivated beginners attracted by a different ergonomics and an easy-to-transport instrument. Its format is ideal for musicians frequently on the road (rehearsals, sessions, tours), and its natural balance due to the absence of a headstock makes it comfortable both on strap and seated. In terms of styles, its humbucker configuration and long scale make it comfortable in rock, metal, pop, funk, and gospel, with a usable low B string for modern chords, deep lines, and percussive riffs.

Sound and Response: Steinberger Humbuckers, Sustain, and Intonation Precision

This 5-string electric bass relies on an effective formula: poplar body for a balanced response and clear midrange, combined with a 3-piece hard maple neck that provides attack, sustain, and stability. The granadillo fingerboard contributes to a precise feel under the fingers, with a clear attack and defined high end, particularly useful on a headless where a "clean" articulation and impeccable intonation are often sought.

The electronics feature two Steinberger humbuckers: HB-2 (neck) for dense, round lows, and HB-1 (bridge) for more bite and definition. The controls are intentionally direct and musical: neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, and master tone. By blending the two volumes, you can easily shift from a full, enveloping sound to a sharper attack, ideal for cutting through a busy mix. Finally, the DoubleBall bridge with steel saddles, combined with Direct-Pull tuning, promotes a consistent tension feel, solid sustain, and quick fine adjustments, especially appreciated live.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the best out of the XT-25, you can consider a Steinberger DoubleBall string set with gauge 45-65-85-105-128 (original gauge), ideal for maintaining the factory-intended feel and response. For connectivity, a 6.35 mm instrument jack cable (1/4" barrel-style output) is the safe choice to plug into an amp, DI, or interface.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Category	Headless	Electronics	Passive
Left handed	No	Electroacoustic	No
Special feature	Travel	Color	Black
Strings	Steel	Finishing	Glossy
Nbr of strings	5	Hardware	Black
Nbrs of frets	24

Type	5-string headless electric bass	Saddle material	steel
Wood	poplar	String spacing at bridge	0.64" / 16.3 mm
Finish	Gloss	Tuning system	Direct-Pull (patented), 40:1 ratio
Total length	38.5" / 978 mm	Hardware finish	black
Material	3-piece hard maple	Other	folding leg rest (Fold Down/Up Leg Rest)
Profile	1960's SlimTaper, D profile	Neck pickup	Steinberger Bass HB-2 (humbucker)
Fingerboard	granadillo	Bridge pickup	Steinberger Bass HB-1 (humbucker)
Number of frets	24	Controls	neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, master tone
Fret type	Medium-Jumbo	Output	premium 1/4" jack, barrel-style format
Scale length	34" / 863.6 mm	Original strings	Steinberger DoubleBall 45-65-85-105-128
Radius	14" / 355.6 mm	Gig bag	Deluxe gig bag included
Nut width (Zero Nut)	1.625" / 41.3 mm	Colors	Black Gloss, White Gloss
Width at 12th fret	2.40" / 61.0 mm	Weight	3.72 kg
Bridge	DoubleBall Bass Bridge (patented)