Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe BK 4-stars Reviews

great wee guitar with a big heart

A perfect little guitar, comfortable for home practice, robust for travel, compact for cramped stages, in its current HSH form it has a broad enough range of tones for many folk. A capable workhorse for gigging, and competitively priced.

A modernist choice for a minimalist savant. Ideal

Exceeded Expectations!

I own two other headless guitars (Kiesel and Strandberg) and, while they're excellent, I wanted another, cheaper, model to bring w/ me when teaching students so I wouldn't have to worry about damaging my expensive instrument(s). I also wanted a Steinberger Spirit as I liked the minimalistic design, apparent reliability, and overall look.

I was happy to see this model here for a decent price - including the shipping to Australia - and had to place an order. Also happy w/ the shipping progress updates and time; it arrived a day earlier than expected and this website kept me up to date well.

The guitar was decently set up right out of the box. I'd planned to swap the factory double ball end strings for lighter ones using the single ball end adapter I'd purchased previously, but I still enjoyed playing the 10's for a while.

I'd highly recommend anyone considering this guitar to either stock up on double ball end strings or purchase an adapter beforehand; the former aren't widely available and the latter allows use of your preferred string brand and gauge (within reason - I installed D'addario NYXL 8-38's and the 1st string was apparently too thin for the adapter screw to keep in place when tuning to pitch; it kept slipping down. I ended up using a single 9, which has worked well so far).

After swapping the strings and adjusting the intonation, action, and tremolo spring (all a breeze, even compared to my other headless guitars), I was pleasantly surprised by how well it played. I was able to drastically lower the action before there was any hint of fret buzz, and the lack of a headstock makes truss rod adjustments a no-brainer. While I wasn't expecting a lemon, I didn't expect a <$500 AUD guitar to feel or sound this decent. Like most headless guitars, it balances perfectly and is also lightweight w/o feeling flimsy. The pickups won't win any awards anytime soon, but they don't sound terrible. Tuners, knobs, selector switch, and the quaint little leg/lever for playing sitting down all feel solid and satisfying. As for the fretboard radius, I generally prefer something very flat (20" or above) but the 14" doesn't feel radically different here.

One minor quibble is the bridge and tremolo arm. On the on hand, I adore the ability to lock the bridge w/ a simple switch and adjusting the spring tension is super easy; on the other, the tremolo feels rather stiff, the arm never feels secure enough in its hole no matter how tight the accompanying hex screw is adjusted, and it doesn't feel as 'buttery' as I'd like a floating tremolo to be. Granted, I've been spoiled by my previous guitars, but it does make me want to use the tremolo less. Tuning does stay relatively stable, however, even after a few dive bombs.

Ultimately, this instrument exceeded expectations. While certain quality aspects reveal its cheaper nature, the fact that it feels and operates this well for its price is a definite plus, as is the fact that I feel like playing it just as often as my other, higher-quality, instruments. Satisfied customer here, and might even consider another one somewhere down the line!

Wouldn’t be without it

I bought this 10 years ago to use on stage only. I was in an electronic duo with a retro-futuristic image so it seemed ideal.

It actually sounded better than expected and I used it in recordings as well as live.

To this day I use it a lot even though I have lots of other guitars, mostly because it’s so handy.

The size and shape mean it will stand anywhere leaning without needing a guitar stand so I can keep it by my work desk and grab it any time inspiration strikes.

Double ball end strings aren’t cheap but very quick and easy to change. The trem can be locked if you don’t need it, and it stays in tune for weeks when locked. When not locked it’s still pretty good at staying in tune tho.

There are two strap buttons on the back making it easy for left handed players to use as well as giving it balance when leaning on a wall.

Easy to set up and get a very low action.

My only complaint is the trem system can cause the strings to lift off the saddles when dive-bombing. Pickups aren’t the best but ok for high gain sounds.

Being so small, but still full scale, makes it great for practicing or travelling, and I have used mine for recording in a hotel room.

Won’t get a Les Paul or strat tone out of it but a great guitar for anyone creative

I love this guitar. Even though it is not high end, it has many features. Very good for travelling and practicing at home

Simple and works just fine

Interesting guitar, good quality and features for this price, I like it therefore I recommend it.

Bang for the buck

Very good quality for the price, excellent fretwork. One small stripped screw (one that locks the bridge pieces) but could be replaced by tremolo arm lock screw, of which there are two. Excellent travel guitar and sees almost daily use at home as well.

An ok guitar.

So the big big big plus for this guitar is that it fits in my suitcase! I can play guitar when work sends me overseas hooray!

It's none too easy to play though - the lack of body makes it hard. It's better than no guitar at all, of course.

Build quality is fine, and sound is ok from the pickups - I only use it though a tiny travel amp in any case.

For what it is, it's a good guitar.