New Sire U5 review and discussion thread

[Grufolo]

Question...
I have one such bass (mint colour, for the records).

I used to have it strung with tapewound strings, but the E string got weirdly ruined and so I decided to restring with some rounds that I had already.

I wanted to change strings again with half-rounds or tapewound but I thought about asking here, have you tried some that adapt nicely to this one specific bass or to short scale in general?

 

[waver]

NBD!

Came perfectly setup with low action. Plays great!

 

[BassPilot]

NBD!
View attachment 4985012
Came perfectly setup with low action. Plays great!

Excellent instrument! Mine is my main player now.

 

[BassPilot]

Question...
I have one such bass (mint colour, for the records).

I used to have it strung with tapewound strings, but the E string got weirdly ruined and so I decided to restring with some rounds that I had already.

I wanted to change strings again with half-rounds or tapewound but I thought about asking here, have you tried some that adapt nicely to this one specific bass or to short scale in general?

Sorry for the late reply.
Try GHS Balanced Nickels for short scale. They're on many of my basses.

 

[lug]

Sorry for the late reply.
Try GHS Balanced Nickels for short scale. They're on many of my basses.

2nd this, just put a set on mine last week, great sounding strings!

 

[waver]

Question...
I have one such bass (mint colour, for the records).

I used to have it strung with tapewound strings, but the E string got weirdly ruined and so I decided to restring with some rounds that I had already.

I wanted to change strings again with half-rounds or tapewound but I thought about asking here, have you tried some that adapt nicely to this one specific bass or to short scale in general?

I just put D’Addario Chrome flats on my new u5. Completely changed the feel and the sound of the bass. Liked the bass before, LOVE it now. The Chromes have a very full sound, and there's plenty of variety of tone from the VVT controls.

I've been using TIs and and Sadowsky Blue Label on my 34" P-type bass and really like the sound. However, I thought those (especially the TIs) might be too floppy on the short scale bass. This is my first time using Chromes, and so far I really like them.

I know many others have their favorites, and I'd especially like to try those that are in the hybrid territory.

The Sire with its older big sibling:

 

[waver]

Um, not the right photo - please take pity on an old guy.

 

[Grufolo]

I just put D’Addario Chrome flats on my new u5. Completely changed the feel and the sound of the bass. Liked the bass before, LOVE it now. The Chromes have a very full sound, and there's plenty of variety of tone from the VVT controls.

I've been using TIs and and Sadowsky Blue Label on my 34" P-type bass and really like the sound. However, I thought those (especially the TIs) might be too floppy on the short scale bass. This is my first time using Chromes, and so far I really like them.

I know many others have their favorites, and I'd especially like to try those that are in the hybrid territory.

The Sire with its older big sibling:

Awesome.
I actually ended up putting chromes myself

 

[HoHumbucker]

I just put D’Addario Chrome flats on my new u5. Completely changed the feel and the sound of the bass. Liked the bass before, LOVE it now. The Chromes have a very full sound, and there's plenty of variety of tone from the VVT controls.

I've been using TIs and and Sadowsky Blue Label on my 34" P-type bass and really like the sound. However, I thought those (especially the TIs) might be too floppy on the short scale bass. This is my first time using Chromes, and so far I really like them.

I know many others have their favorites, and I'd especially like to try those that are in the hybrid territory.

The Sire with its older big sibling:

May I ask which specific model of the flats you put on the U5? I put a set of LaBellas on my G2220 and love them on that horn. Was curious what might go on my U5. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dub51]

Check out post #62 in this very thread...

Seems the Sire U bags are even harder to get than the bass itself. I have had one on order since January and the ETA keeps moving to the right.

in the interim I ordered a Gator GB-4G Jmaster bag from Sweetwater (79.99) and it fits quite well for a non-manufacturer bag. The bass is 42.5 long and the bag’s internal length is 43.9. There is an inch or two of space between the bouts and the walls of the case, easily remedied with foam, but the bass doesn’t move around too much without it.

You can find all the specs on the Gator site.

i will still get the Sire bag if and when it comes in for comparison, but if not I can live happily with the Gator.

Good luck!

 

[peekypoo]

View attachment 3918855 View attachment 3918856 View attachment 3918857 View attachment 3918859 View attachment 3918861 View attachment 3918863 View attachment 3918869 View attachment 3918871

View attachment 3918855 View attachment 3918856 View attachment 3918857 View attachment 3918859 View attachment 3918861 View attachment 3918863 View attachment 3918869 View attachment 3918871

Did you have issues with the Pbass pickups?
I had to raise the pickup, to far from the strings.
Output volume is subpar, compared to my PJ Mach I shortie with cheapie electronics.
Just searching for similar problems, with other U5 owners..

 

[zuton]

Yeah, the pickups are lower in output than what you are used to. I also own a Sire P7 which uses the same pickups and it's the same there. The P7 has an active pre amp though, which negates the output issue.

 

[lug]

My P pickup doesn't have the same level of output as the J. The J pup is frankly one of the best I've heard. I plan on a P pickup swap at some point in the future.

 

[peekypoo]

I knew I wasn't losing my mind !!, when it comes to the output of these pickups!!
Here is my dilemma:
My tech told me: " If you gut the electronics, and throw in a set of Dimarzio pups, you might ruin Sires secret sauce?"
I'm not the greatest slap&pop type of player, but this bass just shines in that genre..
LET'S HEAR IT, FROM ALL THE U5 owners..

 

[peekypoo]

I have a pair of D'addario short scale, nickel rounds . I'm thinking maybe run the strings through the body?
Thanks for everyone's help!!

 

[lug]

I have a pair of D'addario short scale, nickel rounds . I'm thinking maybe run the strings through the body?
Thanks for everyone's help!!

I used a set of GHS Short Scale Balanced Nickels through body just fine, not sure about D'Addario's yet.

 

[peekypoo]

Lug,
Have you decided on which Pbass pickups ?
My tech suggested SB3 Seymore Duncan..
Thanks,
Paul,

 

[lug]

Lug,
Have you decided on which Pbass pickups ?
My tech suggested SB3 Seymore Duncan..
Thanks,
Paul,

I'm probably going with an SPB3 as well. Remember though, it's not a direct Pbass sound but more of a "hot" Pbass kinda thing (I already use one in my Frankenbass). If you want a more "true" P bass sound, go with the Fender Custom Shop "62 or a Seymour Dunkan SBP-1.

 

[BassPilot]

I’ve been playing my U5 for a couple of years and have the original GHS Balanced Nickels on it.
Lately I’ve found it to sound quite “woody” with just the P pickup, a bit like an upright. I’ve had nice comments from some seasoned players on how it sounds. Quite interesting. Anyone else experience this?

 

[Jim C]

Finally found a U5 and it will be here shortly!
Anybody try DR Sunbeams on these?
They are my go to long scale string but haven't played a short scale bass in over 30 years.