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Gear
Peter Steele Signature Bass:
Models, Specs & Where to Find Them
Washburn M-series dominated Steele's later career; built on quartersawn maple necks bolted to maple bodies, weighing 12-14 lbs (vs. 8-10 lbs average). Customizable via made-to-order process.
Historical Context and Timeline
- Pre-1990s (Early Career): Steele used an Alembic Spoiler bass (burl finish) possibly before Type O Negative formed in 1989; a battered black version with green frets and tape over the neck pickup recess appeared in the 2003 "I Don't Wanna Be Me" video.
- 1995-1997: Switched to ESH Stinger I basses (iconic "Monster Green," 34" scale, loaded with noiseless low-impedance Alembic AXY single-coil pickups requiring onboard preamp). Used on tour from June 1995 (e.g., October Rust recording and promotion) through at least June 1997; he reportedly preferred 34" scale and 24 frets for endorsements.
- 2001-2003: Washburn M-series launch—made-to-order, rare basses gaining fame via Steele. He used the *M10 model* (black with green fittings, single MusicMan-style MM pickup at bridge) until his final performance in 2009.
- Post-2010 Tributes: ESH released a 2009 Tribute Bass (pre-death honor) based on Stinger I with EMG pickup, piezo double bass pickups near bridge, kill switch, tone/volume knob, and vibrant green fret markers—replicating his stage setup. ESH continues miniatures and inspired models like "Carnivore Red" Various.
Models and Specifications
ModelKey Specs | Steele's Configuration | Notes
Washburn M1034" scale, 24-fret rosewood fingerboard (tiny dot markers, optional double skull/crossbones at 12th fret), chrome high-mass recessed bridge, Grover 142C4 22:1 tuners, diamond plate control covers, bedliner-style satin finish. | Black body, green fittings/knobs, single bridge MM-style pickup. | Primary bass 2001-2009; very limited production.
Washburn M13 (not Steele's primary)Like M10 but no pots—stomp pedal on/off switch, blue jewel light; STK-J2B Hot Stack jazz pickup; drab green or green/black flag finishes. | N/A (built for Filter's Frank Cavanaugh by 2002). | Serials confirm 2003 build; headstock marked "M-13."
ESH Stinger I (pre-Washburn mainstay)34" scale, electromagnetic bass driver (Steele claimed integral to tone), Krylon Flat Black/green spray often applied by Steele. | Monster Green, piezo pickups, green glow-in-dark inlays. | Tour/recording workhorse 1995-1997+; 2009 tribute added killswitch.
Steele customized many basses himself, spraying Krylon Flat Black and greens.
Quotes and Bandmate Insights
No direct quotes from Steele on Washburn M-series in sources, but he emphasized 34" scale/24 frets for endorsements and called the Fernandes electromagnetic driver (similar ESH tech) "integral to his tone." Frank Cavanaugh (Filter) noted M13's design for heavy string gauges, any tuning, and road abuse—echoing Steele's needs. Seymour Duncan interview (pre-2002) confirms early M13 builds.
Lesser-Known Facts
- M-series info is scarce; Washburn inquiries yield nothing as original staff departed.
- Steele's Washburns were 34" scale (confirmed via Raine); he played a ESH Stinger live in videos and added piezo pickups to some.
- Posthumous ESH tributes nail Type O tone "tuned down and ready to play," with killswitch mimicking his onstage use.
- He paired with Peavey Tour 700 head and 2x Peavey Maxes (800W each) into 36/20 bottoms (two 18" + two 10" speakers).
Misconceptions Corrected
- Not a mass-produced "signature" line: Washburn M-series were limited/custom (2001-2003 only), not branded as "Peter Steele Signature"—fame came from his use, not endorsement deal.
- ESH Stingers predate Washburn: Often mislinked solely to tributes; originals were 1990s tour staples, not Washburn-era.
- Scale length: All verified Steele faves were 34", countering assumptions of short-scale due to his height (6'8").
