Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH Review: Real-world test

Customer Review Summary

Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe WH Review

I purchased the Steinberger Guitars GT-Pro Deluxe WH a few months ago, aiming for a compact travel guitar that I could easily take to rehearsals and practice anywhere. Overall, I have found this instrument to be quite impressive, though it certainly has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Compact Size: The guitar is extremely portable, allowing it to fit as hand luggage on flights, making it ideal for travel.
• Build Quality: The craftsmanship is commendable with good frets, solid wood, and high-quality hardware. The included gig bag is a nice touch, providing adequate protection during transport.
• Stability: The bridge-lock machine holds tuning well, even after hours of travel and varying temperatures.
• Versatile Pickups: The H-S-H pickup configuration offers a range of sounds, with the humbuckers providing a strong output for various genres.
• Comfort: The neck-through design allows for easy access to higher frets, and the overall weight is manageable for long playing sessions.

Cons:

• Weight: Despite its small size, the guitar weighs around 4.5 kg, which feels heavier than expected for a travel instrument.
• Pickup Quality: The middle single-coil pickup is notably weak and lacks character, often leading to a preference for the humbuckers.
• Control Layout: The placement of the volume knob can be inconvenient, especially for those with larger hands, and some adjustments to the controls could improve playability.
• Tremolo Issues: While the tremolo system is functional, it can be cumbersome, and the locking mechanism might not stay secure at times.
• String Compatibility: The guitar uses double-ball-end strings, which can be hard to find, necessitating the purchase of an adapter for standard strings.

In summary, the Steinberger GT-Pro Deluxe WH is a well-designed guitar that excels as a travel companion, offering good sound quality and build stability. However, potential buyers should be aware of its weight, pickup limitations, and the need for some initial setup. Overall, for its price point, it represents a solid choice for musicians on the go.

Steinberger Guitars Gt-Pro Deluxe WH Review

As a tester, I found the Steinberger Gt-Pro Deluxe WH to offer a surprisingly good sound, especially considering its compact design. The playability is excellent when seated, thanks to the foldable leg rest, although it may take some adjustment when playing standing due to its smaller body size. The addition of a 3 cm thick foam padding in the service area enhances comfort while playing.

However, the initial setup left much to be desired. The included manual was for a different guitar, which could be particularly confusing for beginners. I encountered issues with the lock tremolo and maintenance, and the factory settings were poorly executed, with intonation off by nearly a semitone and string height set too high. Such quality control issues were disappointing for a new instrument.

Regrettably, I experienced a crack in the neck after just a week, necessitating a replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement also had an electronic defect and a damaged gig bag, which led to further returns. Despite these challenges, the sound quality was unexpectedly good, with a clear tone and impressive sustain, though the single coil in the middle position lacked a bit of power.

Ultimately, the Steinberger’s tuning and tremolo system holds the guitar in tune remarkably well for extended periods. Overall, despite the initial quality control concerns, I would recommend this guitar for its sound and playability, particularly for those looking for a portable option for sessions.