Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $296
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp is a unique and robust musical instrument that delivers a heavy-hitting bass tone. This all-analog pedal is an indispensable piece of gear for any bassist who craves the iconic Iron Maiden sound. The SH1 Signature SansAmp is meticulously designed to mimic Steve Harris' full-sized rig, providing a powerful and expansive tone straight to the PA, without the need for an unwieldy stack of speaker cabs.
With its two separate channels, each equipped with individual Gain and Level controls, you can effortlessly dial in the grit and volume to achieve a rich, wooly distortion that would electrify any performance. This pedal doesn't just replicate the Iron Maiden sound - it offers a broad spectrum of bass tones with its 4-band active EQ. You can sculpt your sound with ±18dB of boost and cut, and even infuse your low-end attack with extra clank and clarity using the Bite switch.
The SH1 Signature SansAmp also features an innovative Blend control which allows you to mix in some of the unaffected DI signal for a more complex and coherent sound. Whether you want to feed your bass amp, or send your signal straight to the PA, the SH1 has got you covered with both 1/4" and XLR outputs.
Key Features:
- Replicates the heavy-hitting sound of Steve Harris’s bass rig
- Two separate channels with individual Gain and Level controls
- 4-band active EQ allows for near-unlimited sound sculpting
- Bite switch enhances low-end attack with extra clank and clarity
- Blend control mixes in unaffected signal for added clarity
- 1/4" instrument signal and XLR line-level outputs
- Parallel output enables sending clean signal to onstage amp
- Includes a chromatic tuner
- Rugged, all-metal housing
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Bass Preamp, DI, Emulation |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR (direct out) |
| Features | Chromatic Tuner, Active 4-band EQ |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 1.25" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Depth | 2.5" |
| Weight | 12 oz. |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp require?
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The Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp requires a 9V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal.
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Can the Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp be used as a direct input for recording?
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Yes, the Tech 21 SH1 features an XLR direct output, making it suitable for direct input into recording equipment or PA systems.
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What are the tonal shaping options available on the Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp?
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The pedal includes an active 4-band EQ, allowing for detailed tonal shaping to achieve the desired sound.
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Is the Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its robust construction, direct output options, and built-in chromatic tuner, the SH1 is well-suited for live performances.
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Does the Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp work with both guitar and bass?
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While primarily designed as a bass preamp, the SH1 can be used with electric guitars, though it is optimized for bass tones.
Videos
Chili Music TV
STEVE HARRIS SH1 SANSAMP TECH 21
Reviews
PROS
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Replicates Steve Harris' tone and other famous bassists' sounds accurately
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Offers a wide range of sound possibilities and customization
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Effective as both a pedal and DI box for live and studio use
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High-quality construction and durable design
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Includes a precise built-in tuner
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Enhances bass sound without needing to max out volume
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Two independent channels for versatile sound shaping
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Bite button and Marshall speaker simulator add unique sound features
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Compact size fits easily in gig bags
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Well-received by both fans of Iron Maiden and diverse bass players
CONS
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Some users find little difference in settings, feeling it's overpriced
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Long format may not be the most pedalboard-friendly
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Lacks a headphone jack, limiting private practice options
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Small knobs can be challenging to adjust quickly on stage
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Controls layout (HIGH, LOW, MID 1 and 2) considered odd by some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Steve Harris tone is versatile in band settings, effective for non-metal rock genres, and adaptable to blues and funk with EQ adjustments.
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The pedal is capable of emulating both P bass tones and can be EQ'd for J bass sounds, showing versatility in bass styles.
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Playing near the bridge significantly impacts tone, offering a sound closer to Steve Harris, especially when standing during performances.
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The Bass Driver DI is favored for its ability to spice up an Ampeg and P/J bass combo, especially effective for passive basses.
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The VT Bass DI is preferred by those seeking versatile Ampeg tones, while the Bass Driver DI is noted for its classic rock bass sound.
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User experience
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Owners find it essential to tweak the high frequencies to reduce string noise when using roundwound strings like "Sunbeams".
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The Laney RB2 amp's 10" driver may struggle with low-end frequencies, causing complaints about weak bass response and potential distortion when cranked.
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Some users mention that consistent fresh string changes are essential to maintain a bright tone, as Steve Harris reportedly changes strings daily.
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Owners report the VT Bass DI's "Bite" switch as similar to the Bass Driver DI's "Presence" knob, controlling upper-mids and high frequencies respectively.
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Comparisons
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Preset settings can replicate tones from artists like Cliff Burton and Phil Lynott, offering a range of classic rock sounds.
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The VT Bass is described as more of a pure dirt circuit, offering less color and flexibility compared to the Sansamp Bass Driver DI, which is seen as a one-trick amp simulator.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners highlight the importance of adjusting pickup height to ensure even string volume, especially if the E and A strings overpower the D and G.
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To refresh flatwound strings, it's suggested to temporarily down-tune, snap the string back, and repeat to regain some brightness without changing to new strings.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
157
For Most, It’s All You Need!
After all the “hoop-la” in the press died down, we sent off for one of these through Sweetwater(who we highly recommend-they’re fair, they love their job and more importantly, they have great quality control along with the BEST customer service-BARNONE).
As a rule, we are not into pedals, etc, just plug and play and let our fingers do the talking. However, we never heard one complaint about this unit, or ANYTHING at NYC Tech 21. Some say the $299 price tag was a little high, but in our honest opinion-it’s justified, we promise.
Not only can you dial in Steve Harris’ tone/sound EXACTLY like his, but you can also dial in Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynette, Lemmy of Motorhead and more, we’re not kidding. That being said, there’s so much more it can do! On top of what it does, it has a built in guitar tuner which has proven to be “Johnny on the spot.” The SH-1 does so much we simply do not have time to explain it all. For more, there’s plenty of footage on YouTube as well as an article in Bass Player magazine. It’s LEGIT!
Artist usage
Add artist
Steve Harris' Signature Tech 21 Pedal.
A link to the website can be found here.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tech 21 SH1 Steve Harris Signature SansAmp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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