Tech 21 Steve Harris SH-1 SansAmp review

The New York-based pedal company delivers a stompbox that faithfully recreates the Iron Maiden legend's sound

(Image: © Guitar Guitar)

Guitar World Verdict

Fulfilling its claims admirably, the SH-1 is ‘Maiden’ heaven.

Pros

  • +

    Accurate Steve Harris tone.

  • +

    Loads of useful features.

Cons

  • -

    It’s expensive, although the cost is justified.

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We’re self-confessed SansAmp champions here, having been consistently impressed by the range over the years, but that doesn’t mean we let their makers, the veteran amp-modelers Tech 21 NYC, get away with anything less than the very best. After all, they’re charging a fair chunk of change for their units, and they also make some pretty big claims - not least, in the last year or two, promising to make your bass tone resemble that of Dug Pinnick and Geddy Lee. 

The fact that these claims have proven to be entirely true (see our blown minds in the relevant reviews) have only made us more stringent when we come to their latest product, the signature SansAmp belonging to our cover star Steve Harris of Iron Maiden.

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Bass Player Staff

Bass Player is the world’s most comprehensive, trusted and insightful bass publication for passionate bassists and active musicians of all ages. Whatever your ability, BP has the interviews, reviews and lessons that will make you a better bass player. We go behind the scenes with bass manufacturers, ask a stellar crew of bass players for their advice, and bring you insights into pretty much every style of bass playing that exists, from reggae to jazz to metal and beyond. The gear we review ranges from the affordable to the upmarket and we maximise the opportunity to evolve our playing with the best teachers on the planet.