STEVE HARRIS... AGAIN...

[Metaltheocrashd]

Hello BassFellas!
This is my very first thread, here, in TalkBass forums.
As I can see, there are many experts of bass sounds and effects here, so I dare to ask the very question... P) How do I get Steve Harris's tone? I am not searching for the "Early Maiden" tone, but the "Flight 666-En Vivo" one. I am using a Precision bass and a Zoom B3 petalboard.
I'm searching for this for a very long time. I have 2 Iron Maiden Bass covers uploaded on YouTube, yet they doesn't have the sound I like.
I'm happy to discuss about this cause I know I'm not the only one who seeks the mysteries of Steve Harris's clacky sound
Thanks in advance

 

[mpdd]

here is a little primer

 

[Metaltheocrashd]

Ok. Be sure I cant buy a Steve Harris signature Bass Any other ways I can get close to that sound?

 

[queevil]

You won't get his tone because you aren't Steve Harris but I think you could come up with a convincing tone. Using a p bass strung with his signature Rotosound flats would be a good start but if you really want to come as close to his tone as possible I think you should study the fine points of his technique, mainly his hand placement and how he attacks the strings with his right hand.

 

[Fawkes007]

OK, here's how you get Steve Harris' sound without getting the signature bass:

1. Buy USED Fender P-bass with maple board, preferably a mid-70's model.
2. Add Badass bridge
3. Rotosound Flatwound strings - Steve Harris signature set.
4. Add Seymour Duncan pup. I forget which one.

Set the action a little higher than you normally would. Now whack the hell out of the strings - Steve plays for keeps.

Next, get his rig. It's a lot of stuff. Then accept the fact that you will never sound exactly like him no matter how you try.

I was in an Iron Maiden tribute. I played my Lull PJ4 with roundwounds through an aguilar DB750 and a bergie AE410. I don't play anything like Steve Harris, but was able to get an acceptable sound for the gig. His sound is a combination of his gear and, more importantly, the way he plays. Watch some videos of his right hand string attack and keep saying to yourself, "wow, and he's playing flats." PLaying that way with flats takes some serious strength.

 

[MethodsofDance]

He uses 2 fingers not 3 AFAIK, regardless that was always how i did it playing along to maiden stuff. Also he has constantly fresh strings, even changing them before every show night after night on one of their enormous world tours.

 

[StevieMac]

OK, here's how you get Steve Harris' sound without getting the signature bass:

1. Buy USED Fender P-bass with maple board, preferably a mid-70's model.
2. Add Badass bridge
3. Rotosound Flatwound strings - Steve Harris signature set.
4. Add Seymour Duncan pup. I forget which one.

Set the action a little higher than you normally would. Now whack the hell out of the strings - Steve plays for keeps.

Next, get his rig. It's a lot of stuff. Then accept the fact that you will never sound exactly like him no matter how you try.

I was in an Iron Maiden tribute. I played my Lull PJ4 with roundwounds through an aguilar DB750 and a bergie AE410. I don't play anything like Steve Harris, but was able to get an acceptable sound for the gig. His sound is a combination of his gear and, more importantly, the way he plays. Watch some videos of his right hand string attack and keep saying to yourself, "wow, and he's playing flats." PLaying that way with flats takes some serious strength.

4. Seymour Duncan SPB-4 is his signature pickup.

You are incorrect about the high action and aggressive right hand technique. He sets the action very low and uses a very light touch. He taps downward on the strings lightly with his right hand similar to how you would drum your fingers on a table.