Steve Harris P Bass Review

[rodv66]

Just got my Steve Harris P Bass and wanted to give a quick review.

It is a pretty heavy bass, but just what I like. Balance is good and doesn't feel uncomfortable at all. The neck seems pretty thick, but that might just be the U shape. It is pretty easy to play and the bass has good sustain.
The pickups are very good and versatile. I got a good mid range punch when I want and a mellow sound with the tone rolled off. The fit and finish looks good and there was attention to the little details. It didn't have the flatwounds on it, but I like rounds better anyway.
Overall, this is my first new bass ever and quite happy with it so far. My only wish is that the West Ham logo was not there, but nothing is perfect.

 

[Herrick]

Nice. Steve Harris is The Man. Where is the West ham logo located on the bass?

By the way if you want to, you can delete your other thread.

 

[rodv66]

Will do that, the crest is on the top, towards the back.

 

[shawshank72]

You know the rules by now.
No pic = no bass.

 

[rodv66]

Ok will post later

 

[rodv66]

According to my sweetwater sales professional, this is the exact bass they sent me

 

[JackTheRipper]

I have one also. I swapped the neck with a Geddy Jazz and it's perfect. I use the Rotosound Steve Harris signature strings and it sounds fantastic. It is a little heavy, but get a wide strap and it's all good.

--jack

 

[rodv66]

Interesting you switched necks. How are the flats? Didn't try them yet.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I have one also. I swapped the neck with a Geddy Jazz and it's perfect. I use the Rotosound Steve Harris signature strings and it sounds fantastic. It is a little heavy, but get a wide strap and it's all good.

View attachment 971373

--jack

Mandatory post quote for bad ass picture

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Btw, congrats on the new bass! I've always wanted to play the Steve Harris bass and I've never had a chance to.

 

[rodv66]

Btw, congrats on the new bass! I've always wanted to play the Steve Harris bass and I've never had a chance to.[/QUOT

Didn't have a chance to play first. Figured if I didn't like it, would just return it. Think it is really a solid instrument and built like a tank.

 

[rodv66]

I have one also. I swapped the neck with a Geddy Jazz and it's perfect. I use the Rotosound Steve Harris signature strings and it sounds fantastic. It is a little heavy, but get a wide strap and it's all good.

View attachment 971373

--jack

Nice pic

 

[JackTheRipper]

Interesting you switched necks. How are the flats? Didn't try them yet.

Actually, I lied a bit when I said I switched necks. I bought a loaded body (no neck) and installed the Geddy neck that I had on a MIM jazz body.

I've pretty much played rounds since I started playing bass in the late '70's. I tried some Fender flats on my RIC years ago and hated them. So I didn't know what to expect with the Roto flats and the heavy gauge in the Steve Harris signature set. I am pleasantly surprised. The tone, especially when fresh, is very bright and the finish is smooth and easy to play. The tension is a bit high, but not too bad and it was easy to adapt to. Overall, I like them a lot.

The only real negative (well 2 negatives really) is that they don't stay bright very long and they are pricey. What I have been doing is buying multiple sets using one set just for gigs and swapping for a used set for practice and rehearsals.

--jack

 

[odin70]

Interesting you switched necks. How are the flats? Didn't try them yet.

If you want to sound like Arry you should definitely give em a try. I would say they are 50% of his sound.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Actually, I lied a bit when I said I switched necks. I bought a loaded body (no neck) and installed the Geddy neck that I had on a MIM jazz body.

I've pretty much played rounds since I started playing bass in the late '70's. I tried some Fender flats on my RIC years ago and hated them. So I didn't know what to expect with the Roto flats and the heavy gauge in the Steve Harris signature set. I am pleasantly surprised. The tone, especially when fresh, is very bright and the finish is smooth and easy to play. The tension is a bit high, but not too bad and it was easy to adapt to. Overall, I like them a lot.

The only real negative (well 2 negatives really) is that they don't stay bright very long and they are pricey. What I have been doing is buying multiple sets using one set just for gigs and swapping for a used set for practice and rehearsals.

--jack

Recently put flats on my MIA P.

I won't be doing that again.

 

[PortlandBass77]

I have one also. I swapped the neck with a Geddy Jazz and it's perfect. I use the Rotosound Steve Harris signature strings and it sounds fantastic. It is a little heavy, but get a wide strap and it's all good.

View attachment 971373

--jack

Holy $$$$ that's like the ultimate bass!

 

[tombowlus]

Invalid Link Removed. It's a heavy mofo, but man, does it kick in a mix!

 

[lowendrachel]

I dig the blue one. The Japanese one a lot?

 

[rodv66]

Putting chrome flats on mine for a try

 

[electracoyote]

I haven't had a chance to play one, but based on the specs I'm sure I'd love it. The double binding aesthetic is way cool. Congrats and enjoy.