Steinberger TranScale Demon Electric Guitar (With Gig Bag)
Put an end to neck problems and headstocks with this innovative electric guitar. Made with stranular graphite construction, it's virtually indestructible.
Overall User Ratings (based on 2 ratings)
Submitted August 2, 2014 by James Kelly in Reno, NV
"Wish I could've given 5 stars..."
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Ok, first off I love this guitar. HOWEVER, if you're thinking about picking up this wicked musical weapon there are some very IMPORTANT things you might want to know about my buying experience.
When I ordered this beast, it arrived in 7 days, which is the longest I've ever waited for an online order. But the most upsetting moment was when I realized that my brand new guitar was not only in serious need of a proper set up, I also had to unscrew the back panel to adjust the trim pots because at first the pickups were so weak I barely had any crunch while at full gain. If I didn't know much about guitars, I most likely would've thought the pickups were defective and returned the damn thing. I had to give a lot of adjustment to the bridge, saddle and action too so...that was very disappointing.
The only other issue I have with this guitar is the inexplicably hard to find double ball strings. Good luck finding them anywhere that reliably restocks the specific type that you're looking for (this guitar only takes the Transcale double ball strings, not the standard strings or the calibrated strings or non-calibrated strings...just the Transcale strings. Either 10-46 standard gauge strings or, if you're a madman, 13-68 baritone strings).
So with that said, everything else about this guitar really blew my skirt up, so-to-speak, and after some frustrating time spent doing what should've been done before the guitar shipped, I am absolutely in love with this guitar. It's definitely my #1 of 6.
Sound
The guitar sounds amazing. Most guitar players instantly know what to expect from the EMG 81 85 combo, however depending on whether or not you're an EMG or a Seymour Duncan fan boy, you either love em or hate em...I personally pay more attention to different models than I do manufacturers, and these pickups are sounding very sexy.
Features
I have wanted this guitar since 2008 and finally 6 years and a few price drops later, I'm very happy with my choice. I was attracted mostly because I play in drop B, always have for the most part, and I'm sick of tuning instability and intonation problems from drop tuning 25.5" scale guitars. The double ball tuning system is unbelievably effective. Very light weight, feels suspiciously sexy in my hands. I instantly fell in love with this guitar.
Ease of Use
The 28 5/8" scale does make things a little more difficult around the lowest 5 frets, could be a problem for those with small hands. The frets are a bit wider than normal, so you'll have to get used the extra stretch. But, it didn't take me more than a few days. The bridge system can be difficult to adjust. And if your guitar comes like mine did, adjust you must. Cuz mine was unplayable upon arrival. String action was laughably high. Also had to turn up the trim pots to get full sound from the pickups. They were half-way down. The owners manual seemed very vague and didn't provide nearly enough detail as I initially needed. The manufacturer website was also vague and frustrating. The strings are insanely easy to change if you're using double ball strings. Regular strings can be used, but I wouldn't recommend using anything but double ball strings. However....good luck finding them.
Quality
It's made fairly well, the bridge seems like it could've been designed better, and maybe with better material. But it's sturdy enough. Don't much care for the saddle design. It doesn't allow individual saddle adjustment, instead it's all one piece. The bridge is a "stiff", after adjusting it sometimes it won't move until you finally hear a "pop". Like it gets stuck... Other than that, it's cosmetically gorgeous. No no, arousing! The finish is something you just have to see in person to appreciate. A beautiful guitar.
Value
For $800, it's a fair deal... It probably won't last as long as the next guitar for 8 bills, but if you want a baritone and hate constantly tuning your 24 3/4" scale guitar that your tune to drop Ab, this baby will put a full coat of hair on your balls. True story
Manufacturer Support
It's funny, the company than makes this guitar hardly acknowledges it's existence, let alone provide much support. Steinberger, which is part of the Gibson family (I can't say I'm a fan of Gibson thanks to all the trendy, pretentious wanna-be rock star, les Paul playing Gibson fan boy douches who claim every guitar sucks except their les Paul) does not directly sell strings nor do they give much information on where to buy them. Now, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!! After, of course, I bought this beast, I realized how ridiculously difficult it can be to find the CORRECT double ball strings for it. There are a few different types of string gauges, but you'll most likely want the regular 10-46 gauge sets. If you go for the baritone strings, you better be tuning to A standard or lower. The 13-68 gauge baritone strings are HEAVY. I played with the baritone strings tuned to F# (like an 8-string guitar without the high b and e strings) and not only does it stay perfectly in tune for days, it sounds heavy enough to put the neighbors in a coma.
The Wow Factor
This guitar is great for recording, you won't have to get yelled at by the technician to tune your guitar after each and every take... also, see above
Musical Background:
Singer, guitar player, vocalist, musician of 14 yrs
Musical Style:
Metal, hard rock, progressive metal, alternative metal, experimental metal, horror metal... did I mention METAL?! \m/
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