New Sire GB5 Fretless 4

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Ok, I've decided - I'm getting one of these and slapping in a thinline humbucker mag, AND I'm getting an Epi JC fretless and adding in Graphtech Ghost piezos!!

hehe. I shouldn't be serious about that, but I think I actually may be.,

Did you ever get this?

I did, however, get the Epi JC fretless, and yeah, it's all I expected and more! Haven't started converting it for piezos yet though, having too much fun just playing it!

 

[DigMe]

Has anyone here played one of these? Can't find anything here. I'm aware there are some YT vids.

 

[LowEndLobster]

I have a review of the GB-5 5 string fretless string coming up soon. It's a fabulous bass, especially for the money. There are a couple quality of life/ownership issues that are worth consideration, but overall it's a stellar instrument. The biggest issue which I think only will pertain to the 5 string is that the piezo might be a smidge too short and results in the B string output being noticeably lower than the other strings. It's not unusable, but the B string is about 70% of the volume of the other 4 strings. I tried taking the bridge apart (I removed the saddle piece) to check out the piezo and saw that it should probably extend a few more mm under the B string. Keep in mind, I'm speculating at this point but based on some testing that I did with the stock strings and La Bella 760FS-B-TB strings, I think my hypothesis is correct.

I also wish we had a piezo cavity behind the bass to access the piezo/make maintenance easier. There are no accessible cavities anywhere on the instrument. The IDEAL solution for the bridge would be individual piezos per string with individual gain controls for each (like on the Ibanez SR505HF, portamento, and sardine), but that's not the case here. The Sire has great tone though and the EQ is powerful, effective and flexible. It undercuts the ibanez by about $50, but again we do have some compromises on both sides. The Ibanez doesn't have an EQ, only Vol/Tone. The Sire also has a phase switch which has a significant impact on the tonal characteristics of the instrument. I hope that Sire addresses some of these items for a second generation, but TBH I wouldn't look away from the current gen either if you're a 4 string player. The B string on the 5 isn't TERRIBLE but I would definitely keep that in mind and try before you by.

 

[DigMe]

Thanks a lot for the feedback, @LowEndLobster!

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

but TBH I wouldn't look away from the current gen either if you're a 4 string player.

i have and love the SRH500.

Still, seriously considering the Sire 4 string GB model to scratch my long gone Godin A4 fretless itch.

 

[DigMe]

i have and love the SRH500.

Still, seriously considering the Sire 4 string GB model to scratch my long gone Godin A4 fretless itch.

I'm interested in both of these in fretless.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

I'm interested in both of these in fretless.

Which both?

 

[DigMe]

Which both?

SRH500 and the Sire. Interested in getting something A4ish but cheaper

 

[bholder]

Can't wait for mine!

 

[BigBluez]

I ended up cancelling my order. Taking way too long.

 

[bholder]

I ended up cancelling my order. Taking way too long.

Sad. I agree the wait is frustrating, but I was expecting it to be this long. Next month, I'm hoping.

 

[bholder]

Not yet. still waiting. Expected early December, if I recall correctly.

Sad. I agree the wait is frustrating, but I was expecting it to be this long. Next month, I'm hoping.

I asked for an update, now they're estimating mid-January.

 

[DigMe]

I asked for an update, now they're estimating mid-January.

Where'd you order it from?

 

[bholder]

Where'd you order it from?

Sweetwater

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

So, Lobster says in the video they don't think these bodies are chambered. Anyone else have one in their hands to confirm? Sure did seem to be advertised as chambered, but sure didn't pass the tap test in the demo.
So chambered or not?
Any second opinions?

 

[bholder]

So, Lobster says in the video they don't think these bodies are chambered. Anyone else have one in their hands to confirm? Sure did seem to be advertised as chambered, but sure didn't pass the tap test in the demo.
So chambered or not?
Any second opinions?

I'll let you know in a few weeks.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I'll let you know in a few weeks.

Sire weeks or calendar weeks?

 

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Sire weeks or calendar weeks?

 

[antfarm]

It looks like Sire changed the headstock.

The GB5 4-string used to have a 3+1 tuner layout, but now it's four in a row.

It looks even more like the Godin A4 now.

 

[MarsWantsFlesh]

Just received probably the only fretless four string GB5 available in North America. Being a previous owner of a fretless Godin A4, I have to say that this entry from Sire certainly gives Godin a run for their money. Great balance, nice feel and sounds comparable to my recollection. It's also a third of the price and available in black which Godin doesn't offer unless you can find one of the rare black versions on the used market. I'm pretty jazzed about this score!