Steinberger

Don Greenwald of NY has one of the largest personal collections of 

STEINBERGER guitars possibly in existence.  Don is one of the collectors 

that sells classic Pre-Gibson Steinbergers through GuitarSend.com 

 
After calling around to local guitar shops, I realized that my dream of
regaining a Steinberger XL2 bass was fading into the obscure.  I had
resisted placing my faith in the Internet or online auction websites,
because finding such a rare instrument and in acceptable condition would
seem to demand in-hand verification---preferably prior to payment!  But,
after reading the commentary on Guitarsend.com, I realized these instruments
had a strong following of devoted owners, and that the bass that I had once
loved so much might once again find its way back into my hands.  So, I sent
Tim Pletcher, Guitarsend.com's owner/moderator, an email about a bass that
was advertised on his website.  He promptly returned my email, which was a
pleasant surprise, but more than that, he said he knew of a collector that
could help me, since the bass I was inquiring about had already been sold.
After asking my permission to forward my contact information to this
"collector," two days later I got an email from Don Greenwald.  We spoke on
the phone and I quickly learned that Don was well-steeped in Steinberger
history, full of passion for these unique instruments, and extremely
knowledgeable about their various incarnations.  We had a great talk and my
mind was put at ease about dealing with someone halfway across the country
about a substantial investment in my happiness.  I was looking for a bass,
not as a collector of antiquities, but as a guy that just loved to try to
play along with his favorite Rush songs in the basement.  Based on our
conversation, Don picked out three instruments ranging from one in excellent
shape, but with some minor cosmetic problems (tiny holes on the face from
removing a thumb rest), to a near-perfect bass, reserved for the
professional collector or musician.  Don clearly stated the terms and price
for each, and provided numerous pictures of the instruments, along with
pictures of them together for comparison.  He offered to send additional
pictures, but I made my selection without the need for more.  Don explained
that once I had made my selection, he would take the bass to his friend,
Jeff Babicz, the former head of production at the original Steinberger
factory, to do the setup and adjustments prior to shipment.  That alone
shocked me, and added another layer of trust and anticipation.  I felt I was
dealing with people that had been with the Steinberger movement since its
start.  I must now admit that beyond what Don had told me, I did not know
who Jeff Babicz was or what he had accomplished since his days at
Steinberger.  So, after a quick internet search, I was amazed that "the Jeff
Babicz" would be even in the same zip code as my bass, let alone set it up
for me.  I viewed his website and read various articles and other blogs
about him, and was just floored that he was going to be involved in this
process, thanks to Don.
 
When the bass arrived, I was relieved and elated.  The instrument was
exactly as Don described, but it sounded so great, and played so well, that
I felt I got more than I bargained for.  Don had taken so much care and was
so invested in the process, that all my expectations had been surpassed.
From the first email, to cutting through layers and layers of "bullet-proof"
mail packing, to playing this superb instrument for the first time since
losing one in 1994, this whole experience was a testament to those rare
folks that, in their own personal devotion to excellence, raise the
standards of those with whom they interact.  I was looking for a bass that
would play well beneath my rusty, thick fingers, and I was given a
masterwork that has rekindled my passion for playing music.
 
Thank you.
 
With warmest personal regards,
 
Craig Larson