Take a look at the Steinberger Synapse TranScale Electric Guitar! Nothing looks sounds and performs like a Steinberger and the new Synapse line is no exception. Designed by Ned Steinberger, Synapse is a Hybrid instrument combining the rigidity, strength, clarity and definitions of graphite with the warmth and beauty of wood. The result is a guitar of unparalleled performance.
The TransScale model adds even more with a 25-5/8 inch neck and integrated rolling capo making it both a long-scale Baritone guitar or (by moving the capo to the 2nd fret) a 25-1/2 inch standard guitar. Experiment with different string gauges and capo positions in combination with the piezo/acoustic bridge and you’ve got a multi-use instrument with infinite tonal and voicing possibilities.
Combo Headpiece
The functional advantage of Steinberger’s headless concept dramatically improves balance, ease of tuning and tuning stability. All Steinberger guitars feature the patented Double-Ball tuning system that allows string changes in seconds. The Combo Headpiece accommodates both the Double-Ball and Single-Ball strings.
Strap Hook
At Steinberger, we believe that the instrument should never get in the way of your musical expression. The patented strap hook allows the Synapse to hang in the optimum position on your body while maintaining perfect balance.
TransScale Integrated Capo
Another first from Steinberger. With the patented TransScale Capo in the resting position, the Synapse is a 28-5/8 inch scale guitar with thundering bass and complex baritone voicings. Roll the Capo up and you can change scale length on the fly, creating complete new and unique voicings and tonal qualities. Experiment with different string gauges for even more possibilities.
Phenolic Fingerboard
Much harder and more durable than wood, this ultra-stable composite material works in conjuction with our CybroSonic technology to give the Synapse guitar consistent feel and sustain as well as brilliant harmonics with no dead spots. Each note seems to jump off the fingerboard for that dynamic live quality that identifies the Steinberger sounds.
Custom Active Electronics
Developed in cooperation with EMG, the Synapse combines EMG-81 and EMG-85 Low-Z pickups with an active EQ system available only on Synapse guitars. The results are clean, warm and powerful sound with full band frequency response that compliments the natural brilliance and clarity of the Synapse. Controls include Master Volume, Magnetic/Piezo Blend with detent, Hi-EQ boost/out, Low-EQ boost/out and 3-position pickup selector. Two internal trim pots control the adjustment of the output of the piezo and the magnetic pickup.
Recessed Tool Holder
Conveniently located under the bridge, this innovation keeps the necessary tools with your Synapse and always within reach. Use the tools to adjust intonation and string height as well as to secure single-ball strings.
Zero-Fret
By using a zero-fret instead of a traditional nut, intonation is improved. It also allows for use of varied string gauges because there is no nut slot to widen. Action at the 1st fret and beyond is more consistent and improved as well.
Premium Gigbag Included
Every Synapse guitar is equipped with a premium gigbag with embroidered Synapse logo. Features include heavy-duty zippers, roomy zippered accessory pouch, dual shoulder straps, dual carry handles with Velcro wrap and padded butt guard.
Steinberger Piezo Saddle
On the TranScale only: Designed and patented by Steinberger, the bridge features a simple yet innovative under-saddle piezo pickup with 3 separate ceramic crystals for even string response and true acoustic tone. Combined with the magnetic pickups and custom active electronics, your TranScale can produce deep, growling harmonic pings to shimmering acoustic-like chimes and everything in-between.
Fold-Down Leg Rest
Another patented Steinberger innovation! Only ¼ inch thick when folded, the permanently attached leg rest snaps out instantly to provide exceptional comfort and balance when playing your Synapse in the seated position.
Adjustable Pickup Stabilizers
Like other pickup mounting methods, Synapse pickup Stabilizers allow you to raise and lower pickups to the optimum height. But unlike others, Steinberger Stabilizers keep the pickups parallel to the strings and don’t allow the pickups to inadvertently tilt from side to side. They also add a clean, uncluttered look to the Synapse.
CybroSonic Technology
Combines the patented Steinberger Graphite U-channel with a truss rod to create an ultra-stable yet adjustable hybrid neck with the same definition, clarity and focus you’ve come to expect from Steinberger but with the added warmth of a 3-piece hard maple neck.
Patented 40:1 Direct-Drive Double-Ball Bridge
Tune it up once and don’t tune it again until you change strings. Providing micrometer precision and stability, this revolutionary advance over traditional tuning methods allows string changes in seconds with no winding or cutting. Just insert the ball ends and tune it up.
Neck: CybroSonic
Neck Materials: Graphite & 3 piece Hard Maple
Neck Joint: Thru-Neck
Fingerboard: Phenolic
Scale Length: 28-5/8 in. adjustable
Body Wings: Hard Maple
Pickups: EMG81 & EMG85
Battery: 9V
Piezo Bridge: Yes
Standard Saddle Material: Aluminum
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Length: 35 in.
Zero Nut Width .165 in.
12-Fret Width 2.05 in.
Bridge Spacing .42 in.
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I've been playing for 30 years. Currently do a lot of digital recording through a guitar effects processor and a DAW. Also though a guitar effects processor and Fender AMP.
Sound:
Phenomenal. Good combination of advanced materials and design give you awesome sustain. Very versatile. I can get some amazingly different sounds out of this work of art. It can be very bright and full sounding, warm and sweet, fat and chunky and telecaster treble all in one. The fact it starts at a drop D tuning is important to me since I write a lot in drop D. Makes it easy to switch up between standard E and D.
My favorite set up now is bridge pickup, bass and treble up full, 50% on the bridge piezo, volume full, a pinch of hall reverb, some delay, lots of distortion, pitch doubling with a note an octave higher. It gives me a wall of fantastic sound!
Steinberger Synapse TranScale Custom (ST-2FPA Custom)
1. The neck goes straight through the body.
2. They use very dense but light Graphite (a U-Channel with truss-rod neck, that goes straight through body)
3. Phenolic fretboard (a carbon fiber like resin – very dense but light) NOTE – some people are mistakenly saying rosewood which is not correct for the TranScale model.
4. Uses double ball strings (although if you want to use regular you can).
5. Steinberger patented tuners.
6. Really pretty flame maple in a transparent blue (also comes in frame maple in a transparent yellow).
7. Active Electronics – EMG-85 in neck, EMG-81 in Bridge, Piezo Pickup with three way pickup selector.
8. Knobs:
"Volume"
The three knobs below have a cool "center 'flat' detent" – fancy speak for it clicks when you are in the middle. Very cool way to adjust with out having to look.
"Hi-Band EQ" – Treble
"Low-Band EQ" – Bass
"Piezo Blend"
9. On board tool kit.
10. Recessed Cord input (helpful).
11. Built in TranScale Integrated Capo. So you have the nice Baritone drop D tuning and easily can take it to any tuning you want (most likely E). Dots on side are for E, Dots on Fretboard are for D.
12. Strap extension thing that makes this a very light and easy to wear guitar.
Guitar set up nicely. Picked it up, strummed, it was in tune! These guitars are so rock solid! Fit and finish perfect. Very easy to play. No visible flaws. Good materials.
Action is good.
Only issue <very minor> – getting a very slight buzz on the bottom string. I'm taking it in to be adjusted. No big deal – but I'll ding axe 2 points on initial setup.
I've not had to call the company yet. Their website is informative and helpful. Well laid out. I'll give them an eight since it took me a bit to find out where on the website get replacement strings.
Flip (01/25/2009)
This guitar will do it all! With the EMG pickups and the Piezo pickup system you can blend the 2 combinations to get about any tone you are looking for. I've been playing this through a Line 6 POD Pro and have been able to acheive several really nice tones from crystal clean to Zak Wylde EMG 81 tones to vintage PAF tones. It is as quite as if it wasn't even on, due to the active pickups.
The only thing I would change would be to add a splittable EMG 89 pickup or a single coil pickup in the neck position and that is purely personal taste on my part. I've been playing single coil neck pickup for years and I prefer that sound.
Brand new 2005 Steinberger Synapse TranScale guitar. 24 fret Baritone neck with built-in rolling capo. All Maple body with matched flame maple top and Phenolic fretboard. 1 volume, 1 Mag./Piezo blend, 2 tone knobs, 3-way minitoggle pickup selector. The pickups are EMG 81 at the bridge, EMG 85 and the neck, Steinberer Piezo system in the saddle. Active EQ system with seperate treble and bass controls. Green transparent burst finish on flame maple. Steinberger GL, or boat oar shape. Gig bag, tools, cord and manual included.
Great factory setup, I haven't had to change anything. The pickup height was right on, the action is nice and low. The frets are even with no sharp edges, and it was in tune when it arrived. I see no flaws, the book matched front looks great and the finish is really well done.
I just got it so I haven't had to talk to them yet.
Troy Fancil (02/25/2005)
