Tuning and Re-Stringing Your Steinberger Synapse Guitar

1. Turn the tuning knobs on the back of the bridge clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. Because they are precision, direct-drive 40:1 ratio, only a small turn is necessary to effect pitch. Plus, there is no nut or stationary saddle for the string to get "hung-up" on. As a result, tuning is effortless, dead-on accurate and ultra-stable.

2. As with all Steinberger guitars, your new Synapse guitar is designed to be used with Steinberger Double-Ball(tm) strings. Unlike regular guitar strings with a single ball on one end, Double-Ball strings have a ball on each end and are made to a precise length so no cutting is necessary. We strongly recommend that you use official Steinberger Double-Ball strings when replacing your strings on your Steinberger instrument. Steinberger strings meet our exact specifications and will allow you to take full advantage of the superior performance and benefits of the patented Steinberger tuning system.

3. To re-string using Double-Ball strings...

To remove strings, turn tuning knob counterclockwise until the string ball is fully visible and can be removed. Do not loosen beyond this point. Remove the ball from the saddle jaw.

Remove the ball end of the string at the headpiece end by lifting out of slot.

To install strings, start by putting the ball end into the headpiece first (small ball on bass), then drop the other ball into the tuner jaws. Tighten tuning knob until proper pitch is achieved. Stretch string and retune.

4. To re-string using single-ball strings...

To remove strings, turn tuning knob counterclockwise until the string ball is fully visible and can be removed. Do not loosen beyond this point. Remove the ball from the saddle jaw. Using the Hex wrench provided, loosen the corresponding Hex screw at the headpiece until you can pull string out of its slot.


To install strings, start by putting the ball end into the bridge tuner jaw. Keeping the ball in the jaw, insert the non-ball end through the corresponding headpiece slot and out the back of the headpiece.


Making sure that the ball-end is still in the jaw and that the string is aligned in the corresponding saddle, pull the string end tight as you tighten down the Hex screw. (Tighten Hex screw firmly but do not over tighten as it may damage Hex screw.) Tighten tuning knob and check for any string slippage. If slippage occurs, tighten headpiece Hex screw a little more. Cut used portion of string behind headpiece using wire cutters.


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