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Tuesday, April 15, 2003

I mentioned a while back that there were some big plans for Steinberger in the works. I finally got the OK to share this info yesterday. . .

Ned has formally re-joined Steinberger!

Though he's been doing some design work for a while, it's been on a per project basis and only at Gibson's request. Now he can let his ideas flow freely. This news might be a little anti-climactic for some, since there were indications this was in motion with the announcement of new models and all. I know a few of you had already heard about this, as it was a topic of discussion at NAMM this past January.

Click here to read the official press release

This is very good news indeed! It's been many years since Ned was intimately involved with Steinberger proper. This new agreement is comprehensive, and the ideas that Ned has had over the last several years to improve and enhance the Steinberger line can now begin taking shape. Plans are already under way for a completely new model, with talk of changes and improvements to other products and hardware. Nothing official just yet. As we learn more you can be sure to read about here first.
Posted by andyyak 4/15/2003 09:54:15 AM

Tuesday, April 08, 2003

Yet another monthly update from MusicYo. . .

Overall sales continue to hum along. They are still trying to keep up with demand for the GM's while working on other new projects with Ned. Manufacturing for the GR bodies has been totally moved to Nashville (no more Terada bodies) and plans are the same for the GM's.

Here are some specific updates

PARTS -> S-Trem and TransTrems have been restocked. They are looking into why more bass bridges weren't posted, as they seem to have them in inventory. I also asked about guitar TT arms, which have been absent for some time. Seems they still list some as "in-stock" from the trailer. They'll be adding those if a physical check shows they have some for parts sales (as opposed to needing them for new guitars

I am still working on that bulk parts order for the group. Again they are having their folks do some physical inventory first. This includes verifying if what we've requested is available and what the actual quantities are. I provided a "short list" of items right before Xmas and they will get back to me on availability. I'm still pushing on this one to move it along. We might not have everything I've been emailed about in the first go 'round, but we should be able to get a fair portion of the "Wanted List" addressed.

SPIRITS -> XZ basses are on sale this month. As usual they've sold a bunch more than on average. Don't know if there will be run on these like the GR's last month, but they expect to have ample inventory on all the other models. No new models or options slated

GM's -> As stated above they're still trying to keep choices (options & colors) up as the body production gets moved in-house. No timetable on the Newburgh bound version but a general "summer" re-release is still the goal. They just got in a custom 12 string headpiece from Phil Langley (yeah Phil!) last week for the M/S blend necks. This too is a project slated for a "summer" release.

GR's -> As stated above they've moved all of the production of these bodies in-house to Nashville. Stock got depleted with that sale last month but they assembled more towards the end so inventory is good now. Standard price is back up to $999 and there's no indication that will change again any time soon. Seems “snooze you lose” was in effect.

XQ's -> Still refining the body milling. Electronics choices still TBA. I've confirmed EMG is working on a custom CS (ceramic & steel) version of their 35P 5 string pickup at the request of several builders. This would definitely be my choice for the 5 string XQ's after hearing the HBCS firsthand, and I've personally made that recommendation to them. The ceramic & steel design adds lots of midrange warmth and little bit of lows while keeping the highs down. This XQ project can move a bit quicker than the guitar ones (less variables) but they're not in a rush. Once again summer is general timeframe.

And now some exciting news. . .

NEW MODELS --> As we've stated before, Ned is actively working on many new ideas. If anything these have taken the driver's seat and the re-issue stuff is getting pushed aside when necessary. It’s official confirmed that Ned has already designed a new guitar/bass model. I'm also getting the sense that he's designed some new hardware for them as well but nothing's been confirmed there. I've not seen anything nor do I have any details, so anything else would be pure speculation on my part.

What I can say is that they are (again) pushing for a summer release. Early June was mentioned as a target, but that's still preliminary. I can see these coming out before the Newburghs or 12's, maybe about the same time as the re-issued XQ's. Guitar would arrive first with the bass to follow shortly thereafter. Release probably depends on all those normal variables: the number of revisions, general production issues, etc. All along MusicYo has stressed that they are more interested in getting new product out than simply re-issuing old product. So the brand is moving forward with critical creative & design input from Ned.

Of interest too is that they've stated they'd like to give our group advanced previews of these instruments. We should be able to get
detailed info & pics, and if we're lucky we might even be able to play some of the prototypes. Both Ned and MusicYo have commented in the past about the unique nature of our group and how it could help the design process with important player feedback. So it seems we may indeed be fortunate enough to have some input on the front side of the process before production commences.

Again nothing specific has been confirmed, but personally it's awfully nice to hear this kind of talk. Reinforces to me that we're doing good work here.

More news as it arrives. . .
Posted by andyyak 4/8/2003 04:34:05 PM


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