What makes the Steve Harris 50th Anniversary model unique?

It features a unique Satin Black finish and all-maple body construction to celebrate Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary. Unlike standard P-basses, it includes a mirrored pickguard and Harris's signature on the headstock.

What is the body material of this bass?

The body is made entirely of maple. This provides a brighter attack and more presence compared to traditional alder or ash bodies.

What type of neck profile does it have?

It features a 'U' shape neck profile. This is a thicker, more substantial neck that offers a classic feel and added stability for heavy playing styles.

What pickup is used in this model?

It is equipped with a powerful Fender Split P Bass pickup. This pickup is voiced for punch, midrange growl, and clarity in heavy music settings.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 7.25" radius. This is a vintage-spec curve that many players find comfortable for traditional hand positions.

Is this a limited edition instrument?

Yes, it is a limited edition model created specifically to mark the 50th anniversary of Iron Maiden. It is not part of the permanent standard production line.

Does it include any visual artist identifiers?

Yes, it features a mirrored pickguard and Steve Harris's signature on the back of the headstock. The Satin Black finish also distinguishes it from his previous signature models.

How does the all-maple construction affect the sound?

The maple body and neck combination increases the brightness and 'snap' of the attack. This helps the bass frequencies remain defined and audible when playing fast 'gallop' rhythms.

What kind of bridge is installed?

The bass uses a 4-saddle vintage bridge. This hardware ensures solid string stability and maintains the classic Precision Bass aesthetic.

How does it compare to a Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass?

The Steve Harris model is a Precision Bass with a wider nut and a chunkier 'U' neck, whereas the Jazz Bass has a slimmer neck and two single-coil pickups. The Harris model is significantly more focused on midrange punch and high-end attack.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price range for this limited edition bass is approximately £1,699. This reflects its status as a specialized, artist-signature instrument.

Is the finish gloss or matte?

The finish is Satin Black, which has a smooth, non-reflective matte appearance. This contrast is further highlighted by the reflective mirrored pickguard.

Gear article

Fender Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Steve Harris Precision Bass

The Fender Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Steve Harris Precision Bass is a signature 4-string instrument designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Finished in Satin Black, the bass features an all-maple construction and custom aesthetics tailored to Steve Harris's distinctive 'galloping' playing style.

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Historical Context

This limited-edition model was released to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Iron Maiden, one of the most influential bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Steve Harris, the band's founder and primary songwriter, has been synonymous with the Fender Precision Bass throughout his career. While previous signature models have featured white or blue finishes, this commemorative edition introduces a sleek Satin Black aesthetic.

Design and Construction

The instrument is built with a specific material choice that deviates from standard alder or ash Precision Basses. It features an all-maple body paired with a maple neck and fingerboard. This choice is deliberate, as maple provides a denser, heavier foundation that contributes to a bright, snappy attack.

The neck follows a vintage-inspired 'U' shape profile, offering a substantial feel that provides stability for aggressive fingerstyle playing. The fingerboard maintains a traditional 7.25" radius, catering to those who prefer the ergonomic curve of vintage Fender instruments.

Electronics and Hardware

At the heart of the bass is a powerful Fender Split P Bass pickup. This electronics configuration is designed to produce a prominent midrange growl and high-end clarity, which are essential for cutting through dense heavy metal mixes.

Hardware includes a mirrored pickguard, which has become a visual trademark of Harris’s gear. The bridge is a 4-saddle vintage-style unit, providing reliable intonation and sustain. To certify its authenticity, the back of the headstock features Steve Harris's signature.

Sonic Character

The combination of the all-maple construction and the high-output split-coil pickup results in a highly percussive and authoritative sound. The instrument is voiced to highlight the 'clack' and 'ping' associated with the 'galloping' bass technique, ensuring that every note is articulate even at high speeds and volumes. It delivers a punchy low-end without sacrificing the treble presence needed for metal.

Target Audience and Comparison

This bass is primarily aimed at enthusiasts of Iron Maiden and players seeking a high-performance rock bass. Its specific specifications, such as the maple body and 7.25" radius, make it a niche alternative to the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass or the Player II Modified Active Precision Bass. While standard P-basses often aim for a warmer, more rounded tone, this model is explicitly tuned for brightness and aggression.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the Steve Harris 50th Anniversary model unique?: It features a unique Satin Black finish and all-maple body construction to celebrate Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary. Unlike standard P-basses, it includes a mirrored pickguard and Harris's signature on the headstock.
What is the body material of this bass?: The body is made entirely of maple. This provides a brighter attack and more presence compared to traditional alder or ash bodies.
What type of neck profile does it have?: It features a 'U' shape neck profile. This is a thicker, more substantial neck that offers a classic feel and added stability for heavy playing styles.
What pickup is used in this model?: It is equipped with a powerful Fender Split P Bass pickup. This pickup is voiced for punch, midrange growl, and clarity in heavy music settings.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 7.25" radius. This is a vintage-spec curve that many players find comfortable for traditional hand positions.
Is this a limited edition instrument?: Yes, it is a limited edition model created specifically to mark the 50th anniversary of Iron Maiden. It is not part of the permanent standard production line.
Does it include any visual artist identifiers?: Yes, it features a mirrored pickguard and Steve Harris's signature on the back of the headstock. The Satin Black finish also distinguishes it from his previous signature models.
How does the all-maple construction affect the sound?: The maple body and neck combination increases the brightness and 'snap' of the attack. This helps the bass frequencies remain defined and audible when playing fast 'gallop' rhythms.
What kind of bridge is installed?: The bass uses a 4-saddle vintage bridge. This hardware ensures solid string stability and maintains the classic Precision Bass aesthetic.
How does it compare to a Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass?: The Steve Harris model is a Precision Bass with a wider nut and a chunkier 'U' neck, whereas the Jazz Bass has a slimmer neck and two single-coil pickups. The Harris model is significantly more focused on midrange punch and high-end attack.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for this limited edition bass is approximately £1,699. This reflects its status as a specialized, artist-signature instrument.
Is the finish gloss or matte?: The finish is Satin Black, which has a smooth, non-reflective matte appearance. This contrast is further highlighted by the reflective mirrored pickguard.