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Steve Harris P bass, is it accurate?

D

diehardprog

Dec 2, 2014
6
0
56
#1
I recently received a MIJ SH bass. I found out he uses the Seymour Duncan spb4 pickup, not the spb1 that it comes with. I purchased the spb4 and will have it installed later this week.
My question is, should I upgrade the pots and/or caps at the same time? It seems odd that a signature series bass is NOT what they use.
What type of pot and cap should I have installed?
I want to have my bass as accurate as possible (even though I put roundwound strings on it lol.
As it is, it does sound great and is a pleasure to play. Like I said, I just would like it to be as authentic as possible, even though I have not put on a Birmingham United sticker (and probably won't ever do that, the finish is beautiful)
Any and all help and suggestions is greatly appreciated!
 
#2
Before the spb4 came out he was using a custom wound SD pup that was similar to the spb1. If you want to be authentic the tone pot is completely irrelevant as all of his basses bypass it completely.

A set of his signature flats is going to get you WAY closer to his sound than changing anything else on the bass IMO.
 
#3
StevieMac said:
Before the spb4 came out he was using a custom wound SD pup that was similar to the spb1. If you want to be authentic the tone pot is completely irrelevant as all of his basses bypass it completely.

A set of his signature flats is going to get you WAY closer to his sound than changing anything else on the bass IMO.
Click to expand...
 
#4
So I should, to be truly authentic, have the luthier bypass the tone control? Ha, at least that would savea few dollars. That would give me treble control via my Hartke attack pedal and eq on my amp correct?
And put the rounds back on (I kept them, I don't want to be wasteful)
Last question, mostly likely, what values should the volume wiring be (pots and caps)
do you think the spb4 will be able to reproduce his sound accurately (I know much of that comes from the right hand)

again, thank you for your help!
 
#5
Steve uses flat wound strings not rounds. These ones Invalid Link Removed
If you bought the bass new it should have come with a set of those.

The stock volume pot is perfectly fine (as is the tone for that matter) and your pickup choice. You could just run your tone wide open but if you choose to bypass it the bass will sound slightly brighter than with the tone wide open. You don't need a capacitor at all if you are bypassing the tone pot but really, just run the tone pot on full bright and save yourself the trouble. The reason he bypassed the tone pot was from back when they were playing clubs and sometimes someone in the crowd would bump his bass and turn the tone down.

His sound is somewhat scooped (highs and lows boosted on the amp), but yes, a lot of his sound comes from his right hand technique. He sets the action really low and plays with a light touch.
 
#6
StevieMac said:
Steve uses flat wound strings not rounds. These ones Invalid Link Removed
If you bought the bass new it should have come with a set of those.

The stock volume pot is perfectly fine (as is the tone for that matter) and your pickup choice. You could just run your tone wide open but if you choose to bypass it the bass will sound slightly brighter than with the tone wide open. You don't need a capacitor at all if you are bypassing the tone pot but really, just run the tone pot on full bright and save yourself the trouble. The reason he bypassed the tone pot was from back when they were playing clubs and sometimes someone in the crowd would bump his bass and turn the tone down.

His sound is somewhat scooped (highs and lows boosted on the amp), but yes, a lot of his sound comes from his right hand technique. He sets the action really low and plays with a light touch.
Click to expand...
 
#7
You are correct, the bass did come with his flatwound strings. I'm mostly likely going to put them back on (since I do play blues and jazz as well)
And I'll talk with my luthier about running the tone wide open. That should allow for a bit more 'brightness'
The action is already pretty low (zero buzzing! Even with the .110 E string)
At least now I know I can skip buying a capacitor for the tone control.
Thank you for you help!
You'll probably laugh, but I want to install a Hipshot detuner. I have the BT10, but it doesn't line up with the factory holes, and I do NOT want to drill on it.
is there a Hipshot model that may fit? Again, it is one of the Japanese models.
I was so ticked because the company I purchased it from ensured that it would fit.
 
#12
I personally wouldn't chase Steve around the product world seeking an exact replica of whatever it is he plays. You may spend a fortune and never really know how accurate you are unless your mates or maybe neighbors. Enjoy what you have, be content and "turn it the hell up!"
 
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