Which brings up a question I've been pondering... is that belt really necessary?
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Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass
- Thread starter ilnickyJ
- Start date
Which brings up a question I've been pondering... is that belt really necessary?
Don't these basses have a serious problem with the finish cracking like a spider web? I remember seeing someone trying to sell one of these on here. Or was that only a certain year(s) that was a problem?
A little late in entering the conversation, but I'm lookin to buy a new P-bass also. I love the American Standards, and enjoyed an american standard used which had bassline pickups even more. (The sound was better, feel was slightly worse.) I was wondering whether to get an american standard and make it look unique, or get a steve harris bass with unique pickups, bridge, color, and especially the tinted neck. (I've played american P's that have it but online stores say they dont.) Note: I'm only a half finger player, who also part time picks, and probably would switch out the flatwounds due to lack of fondness of them.
That's right, it isnt worth a dime. Even I havce succumb to this marketing illogic, and its utter crap. the ONLY way it could be of any benefit is if you felt more confident and it actually made you play freeer.
In which case I would say thake the signature premium and hire a good teacher to make your confidence permanent and not an illusion.
Besides it being over priced and does not come with a hard case - has anyone here bought it new and fresh in '09 and played it A LOT to have a qualified opinion of it's overall quality now in '11?
I've tried a few in stores and LOVED them, but it can be a different story after playing them a lot for a long period of time.
I'm seriously considering one of these.
I've tried a few in stores and LOVED them, but it can be a different story after playing them a lot for a long period of time.
I'm seriously considering one of these.
An Am Std retails for $1,199. The SH is at $1,299. For the extra $100, you get:
- SD Basslines Pickups;
- Unique Color;
- BA II Bridge;
- Mirror pickguard;
- Quartersewn neck;
- Flatwound strings;
all of which are legitimate upgrades. On the downside, you lose the nice SKB case and fancy Made in the USA Sticker.
I purchased a SH back in March, paid $800 used but the previous owner never touched the bass. I could honestly give or take the pups, pickguard and bridge, but man the neck is awesome and color is just killer. The fit and finish also rival the MIA Standars. To me, it was well worth the money.
It's worth mentioning that I could also give two s**ts who's name is on the bass - it had the tone and feel I was looking for.
- SD Basslines Pickups;
- Unique Color;
- BA II Bridge;
- Mirror pickguard;
- Quartersewn neck;
- Flatwound strings;
all of which are legitimate upgrades. On the downside, you lose the nice SKB case and fancy Made in the USA Sticker.
I purchased a SH back in March, paid $800 used but the previous owner never touched the bass. I could honestly give or take the pups, pickguard and bridge, but man the neck is awesome and color is just killer. The fit and finish also rival the MIA Standars. To me, it was well worth the money.
It's worth mentioning that I could also give two s**ts who's name is on the bass - it had the tone and feel I was looking for.
My thoughts exactly.
It's built like a tank and all I want to know is that it is still a tank after a long time service. One part of my brain screams "Get it!" way too often
Both yes and no.
No, not one of these signature models, but at least it's built after the specs of his favourite bass.
That why I made my own Jaco. I saved $2k, and Kevin Kaufman himself did my neck. I may be bias, but I think my Jaco is better than the Fender CS version.
It's the back up bass. Here's a video.
1:35
‪IRON MAIDEN - HEAVEN CAN WAIT - LIVE 2008 - PUERTO RICO‬‏ - YouTube
I'm not a Steve Harris fan, but to some people it is a question of how much your time is worth. Could you replicate one to the tee for less money? Yes. Could the time/effort be spent elsewhere doing something more productive than finding parts and tinting your own neck? Certainly. If the Steve Harris p was the exact bass I wanted it would be worth it to me to just buy it with one click and have what I want out if the box. Also, not everyone cares about resell value.
I agree. In this case, building your own "parts caster" version of a signature bass priced at $1,299 will probably wind up costing you as much if not more.
I was going to do a James Jamerson tribute bass, but Fender already makes it: it's called American Vintage 62' P Bass. After pricing it out, I was over by $100.
Until you get beyond $1,500 for a bass, doing parts replications isn't financialy wise. Plus, resale sucks on parts basses.
However, I love to tinker, so there is something to be said about the thrill of assembling and finishing a product.
I'm not a Steve Harris fan as I don't listen to Iron Maiden, but I do like some of the features of this bass. Mostly, I'd like the chunky neck (I don't like the flat wide ones) with the 7.25 radius (something that the DIY'ers are missing in trying to replicate it). I'd prefer vintage size frets and for me, the mirrored pickguard would have to go.
The pickups are good in that they are generally recommended if you want an accurate sounding replication of the '62 P Bass pickup.
As for the price, it's a bit high and then there's the no case issue. I generally store my cases and use a gig bag, but it's nice to have a case for shipping.
The pickups are good in that they are generally recommended if you want an accurate sounding replication of the '62 P Bass pickup.
As for the price, it's a bit high and then there's the no case issue. I generally store my cases and use a gig bag, but it's nice to have a case for shipping.
This bass is high up on my GAS list. I want it because I am a fan. I did one back in the late 80s using an old Kay P-bass body and a Warmoth neck. (Side note: Warmoth was fairly new to the world back then and I actually went to their place - seems like it they used an old house as their 'store' - and looked at bins and shelves of guitar parts) The bass turned out OK and I sold it for $350.00. Less than what I had in it.
I never purchase a bass with what a resale value would be in mind. I buy because I want/like a bass. They are a tool way before they are an investment. If you are looking for an investment, I recommend gold...
I never purchase a bass with what a resale value would be in mind. I buy because I want/like a bass. They are a tool way before they are an investment. If you are looking for an investment, I recommend gold...
If the OP hasn't already seen it, the Bass Whisperer has a review of the Steve Harris bass on his web site. He gives it high marks. Its well worth checking out before making a decision to purchase or not.
