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Steve Harris sig. model vs Fender P bass MIM, which one to get?


SH73
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Unfortunately the SH Royal blue is no longer manufactured and out of stock apart some american sites (which I don`t really trust).
As you maybe aware the new SH sig. model with West Ham logo (totally spoils the bass in my opinion) is out. This model is made in Mexico.

I am thinking if I would be better off getting Fender P bass lake placid blue, and replace the pick up with [list]
[*]Pickups- 1 Seymour Duncan® Basslines SPB-1 Vintage Style Split-Coil Precision Bass Pickup
[*][url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/seymour-duncan-spb-3-quarter-pound-for-precision-bass/28363"]Seymour Duncan SPB-3 Quarter-Pound for Precision Bass[/url]
[*][url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/seymour-duncan-custom-shop-steve-harris-signature-p-bass-pickup/80519"]Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Steve Harris Signature P-Bass Pickup[/url]
[/list]
Find a high mass bridge or badass II if lucky to find one and stick a chrome mirrored pickguard one and of course flats.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. The total price won`t be far off the SH new model though unless I sell the pick up and bridge from the standard Fender P bass.

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Well the current SH model is £875ish - you`ll be able to do a Mex Precision, SD Pickup of your choice, hi-mass bridge, chrome pickguard and flats for a fair bit less, probably have enough money for a hardcase/good gig-bag and change leftover. Thomann are doing Mex Precisions for about £470 at present.

I think the main difference from what I`ve read is the neck - the SH neck is meant to be quite chunky, although the current Mex ones aren`t exactly slim - or at least the ones I`ve had haven`t been, very comfortable to play though And I`d go for the actual SH pickup - if trying to replicate his sig model, get the parts as near as possible.

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I have a 1986 MIJ Precision in Candy Apple Red, like Steve's back up bass. I installed some SD SP-3's and added a Badass II bridge on it. I did go for the mirror scratch plate as well but changed it back to a white one once I stopped playing 4 string. I recently took it out of its case to have a little play and man, it sounds HUGE!! I was toying with the idea of putting some of his signature Rotosound strings on it and might yet. If I do, I shall let you know how it sounds. Have fun and post pics if you do it :o)

PS I prefer the blue sparkle bass as well.

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[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1433455247' post='2791308']
Well the current SH model is £875ish - you`ll be able to do a Mex Precision, SD Pickup of your choice, hi-mass bridge, chrome pickguard and flats for a fair bit less, probably have enough money for a hardcase/good gig-bag and change leftover. Thomann are doing Mex Precisions for about £470 at present.

I think the main difference from what I`ve read is the neck - the SH neck is meant to be quite chunky, although the current Mex ones aren`t exactly slim - or at least the ones I`ve had haven`t been, very comfortable to play though And I`d go for the actual SH pickup - if trying to replicate his sig model, get the parts as near as possible.
[/quote] I have read that it is the fat chunky neck that partly contributes to the big SH sound. I looked at Thoman before and prices are much lower than the extortionate UK prices.Thanks for the reply.
[quote name='police squad' timestamp='1433484542' post='2791386']
The neck on the west ham bass is lovely. Closest I've played to my old 75. Big and chunky. The bass is lovely and I love the paint job and big logo. The blue basses do come up for sale so you could hang on for one.
[/quote] Now I have a dilemma. Like the new SH bass, but I found the logo, well........rather chavy?(no offence to supporters).I`ll keep looking out for a blue SH bass.
[quote name='mattbass6' timestamp='1433507561' post='2791676']
I have a 1986 MIJ Precision in Candy Apple Red, like Steve's back up bass. I installed some SD SP-3's and added a Badass II bridge on it. I did go for the mirror scratch plate as well but changed it back to a white one once I stopped playing 4 string. I recently took it out of its case to have a little play and man, it sounds HUGE!! I was toying with the idea of putting some of his signature Rotosound strings on it and might yet. If I do, I shall let you know how it sounds. Have fun and post pics if you do it :o)

PS I prefer the blue sparkle bass as well.
[/quote] I agree, can`t beat the blue sparkle one. As far as I am aware there are only second hand Badass II bridges available.

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I contacted GAK and guitarguitar centre. GAK said that if I want to try out the Fender P bass lake placid I need to let them know by midday so the can get one for Saturday. It is overpriced and they could not drop the price.

Guitarguitar has one SH model in each of their store. They can dropped the price even though the bass is on display and my guess is that is being played on. Paying a full price for a display/demo model, no way!
It appears that both big boys stores make enough money and dropped their customer relation standards. At the end of the day no one would buy a can of drink after someone tasted it, or would they!

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[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1433513369' post='2791743']
Get a Lake Placid Blue one, and then have someone chuck a blue metal flake top coat over it.
That's what the blue sparkle SH sig one is.
[/quote] sounds like a good plan. I found this on e bay

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100gs-Royal-Blue-Metal-Flake-flakes-custom-car-paintshop-Air-Brushing-Helmuts-/121399076944"]http://www.ebay.co.u...s-/121399076944[/url]
[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1433515127' post='2791770']
Not sure on the majority of the bass, but I can tell you that you'll struggle to get a SH tone with the Quarter Pounder, as good as that pickup is. It's quite mid scooped!
[/quote]
Steve Harris`s sound is mid ranged isn`t it?

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[quote name='SH73' timestamp='1433528857' post='2791945']
Steve Harris`s sound is mid ranged isn`t it?
[/quote]

Yeah! "Scooped" meaning the mids are all cut out, usually with the famous "smiley face" EQ. I really loved the attack from those pickups but because there wasn't a lot of detail and fullness in the tone I ended up swapping them out for Entwistle neodymium ones (at a ludicrously low price) and my bass now sounds so good it hurts!

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[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1433531432' post='2791977']
The SH sig in I saw last week in GG in Glasgow, has a problem with the neck or the bridge being out of line. Its not horrendous but its noticeable. Lovely looking bass apart from that.
[/quote]Well if the bridge or neck is out of line on a big name such as Fender especially signature model I see it as a massive issues.

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[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1433535269' post='2792020']


Yeah! "Scooped" meaning the mids are all cut out, usually with the famous "smiley face" EQ. I really loved the attack from those pickups but because there wasn't a lot of detail and fullness in the tone I ended up swapping them out for Entwistle neodymium ones (at a ludicrously low price) and my bass now sounds so good it hurts!
[/quote]I Max out my mix and treble on my amp and get very close to SH sound.I suppose the seym.Dunc.pups are pricey and the price is down to name not necessary performance. It's like Fender,unless you get one made during certain decade or by a skilful craftsman you can never be too sure. I would personally not get rid off my Squier jazz bass.

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[quote name='SH73' timestamp='1433575839' post='2792175']
Well if the bridge or neck is out of line on a big name such as Fender especially signature model I see it as a massive issues.
[/quote]


chances are it's just a minor neck misalignment, easily sorted. It's not uncommon, and all it takes is loosen up the neck screws a bit, realign, and carefully tighten the screws again. A very minor shift can look terrible and make it seem the bass is all wrong.

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[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1433586701' post='2792287']


chances are it's just a minor neck misalignment, easily sorted. It's not uncommon, and all it takes is loosen up the neck screws a bit, realign, and carefully tighten the screws again. A very minor shift can look terrible and make it seem the bass is all wrong.
[/quote]

Totally agree with you but at the price they are charging, I would be wanting it spot on.

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I'm having this dilemma also, the Arry bass looks lovely, but it seems overpriced from my perspective. I'd love one though. But since there's a lot of other options out there, I just think it's a bit much. That's all.

Edited by Fisheth
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I've picked up a couple of the new SHs and I was amazed how heavy they are, at first I thought one was cable tied to the hanger!


[quote name='SH73' timestamp='1433575839' post='2792175']
Well if the bridge or neck is out of line on a big name such as Fender especially signature model I see it as a massive issues.
[/quote]Try owning a Ric ;)

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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1433603504' post='2792468']
I'm having this dilemma also, the Arry bass looks lovely, but it seems overpriced from my perspective. I'd love one though. But since there's a lot of other options out there, I just think it's a bit much. That's all.
[/quote]Hence i am thinking of buying a MIM Fender p bass Add sd pups badassII bridge and spray on royal blue metal flakes

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[quote name='SH73' timestamp='1433611191' post='2792537']
Hence i am thinking of buying a MIM Fender p bass Add sd pups badassII bridge and spray on royal blue metal flakes
[/quote]

When I worked it out, it was almost as much as an Arry, maybe it was just the prices I found but the prices were similar however.

Also good luck finding a Badass 2 these days, word is they're getting harder and harder to get now.

Edited by Fisheth
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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1433614301' post='2792567']


When I worked it out, it was almost as much as an Arry, maybe it was just the prices I found but the prices were similar however.

Also good luck finding a Badass 2 these days, word is they're getting harder and harder to get now.
[/quote] i would say that it will come cheaper.Another concern of mine is that SH model body and neck are maple made in Mexico, whilst MIM Fender p bass body is alder.There are no online reviews four new SH online.I really want to hear one or even play one but my local shop is too small to get one in just to try. guitar guitar is about 45 mins driving.

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[quote name='jezzaboy' timestamp='1433598849' post='2792424']
Totally agree with you but at the price they are charging, I would be wanting it spot on.
[/quote]


Oh, absolutely! But, if I want something that's hard to find, I'm willing to compromise a bit when I do find it. The fix is not much harder than changing the strings. Would you pass on a bass you really wanted because the action wasn't set to your liking? ;) Of course, you can use it as a bargaining point and might save some £££ :)

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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1433603504' post='2792468']
I'm having this dilemma also, the Arry bass looks lovely, but it seems overpriced from my perspective. I'd love one though. But since there's a lot of other options out there, I just think it's a bit much. That's all.
[/quote]

The Classic 50 Precision, MIM, is fantastic and substantially cheaper. The colour range is limited, I think it's only sunburst, honey blonde, red and black. But if you like any of those colours... it's a hell of a bass. The SH might be very nice, but I'm not sure it's much better (if at all!) than the Classic 50, which also has a wonderfully thick yet comfortable neck.

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[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1433639326' post='2792756']



Oh, absolutely! But, if I want something that's hard to find, I'm willing to compromise a bit when I do find it. The fix is not much harder than changing the strings. Would you pass on a bass you really wanted because the action wasn't set to your liking? ;) Of course, you can use it as a bargaining point and might save some £££ :)
[/quote] How would you point out a minor misalignment to the shop.They may turn around and say they would fix it for me so I may not be saving unless I order from Thomanm.

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[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1433639532' post='2792757']


The Classic 50 Precision, MIM, is fantastic and substantially cheaper. The colour range is limited, I think it's only sunburst, honey blonde, red and black. But if you like any of those colours... it's a hell of a bass. The SH might be very nice, but I'm not sure it's much better (if at all!) than the Classic 50, which also has a wonderfully thick yet comfortable neck.
[/quote]vDo you mean this one? http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_50s_precision_bass_mn_fr.htm?sid=bb572062ec2e8097dfe8e9b7be372519 £653; SH £799

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