When I took my U5 in for a setup, my luthier said the film does have a marginal damping effect on a pup’s output. The point is when comparing two or more instruments, compare them apples to apples. BTW, my U5’s pickups had great output out of the box. Even so, my luthier tweaked their heights to squeeze out every bit o’ juice. Mmmm…juice………
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New Sire U5 review and discussion thread
- Thread starter Plutonium244
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- 30" short scale sire u 5 u5
I can't imagine it has a noticeable effect, otherwise it would prevent a customer from truly checking a brand new instrument within a money back time frame...
I forgot to mention that he was duly impressed with the pots, wiring, pickups, fret work, neck, finish, and build quality of the U5. His ultimate (unintended) compliment was: “HOW much did this cost?”
Removing the plastic film from pickups never affected sound for me in the past, at least not in a noticable way. Just peeled it off and unfortunately it didn't increase the U5s output either.
Again, I’m no luthier, but I have a great one.
My U5 was a pistol right out of the gate. We ran it through the big rig in his shop (with the film on) and it barked strong. That was before the pup heights were tweaked. Afterwards, they had even more output, especially the J. A pro setup is worth the investment for peace of mind.
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Just saw that the seller I bought my U5 from now has it in stock again. At least the tabacco sunburst one, but I like that finish too. I asked for a replacement and will keep you updated on the matter of output once it's here.
The U5 really grew on me over the last week. Playability and sound are superb (except for the level of output of course), and I kinda learned to cope with the neck dive to a point where it doesn't even bother me anymore.
The U5 really grew on me over the last week. Playability and sound are superb (except for the level of output of course), and I kinda learned to cope with the neck dive to a point where it doesn't even bother me anymore.
I ordered a U5 before the holidays from Sweetwater. It showed up over the weekend. I like how it feels a lot. I have been playing seated mostly so did not notice neck drop. But the bridge pickup appeared to not be sending signal. I really liked what I heard from the neck pickup however. The rolled fret edges are very comfortable. Talked with the SW techs over the phone and have sent it back for evaluation. Bummer. I really like how it feels and plays. I hope there is no big issue and it gets returned in good order.
Gorgeous. Congrats! I hope you get her back soon.
Mine is a sunburst. Love it. Body shape, light weight, and neck playability are fantastic.
While stock hardware is very good, I’m swapping it out with an Albridge bridge and USA Hipshot Ultralite tuners. It’s a keeper.
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Thanks. I agree. When I placed the order, I indicated that I would like one with a nice tiger striping on the top so that the contrast with the neck is in pattern rather than color. I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of the sunburst patterns (although I do appreciate their iconic use), so I hoped for a striking body. This one fits that bill for me.
yep! I want the heaviest of the lightest basses around!
Actually, I assume it will help neckdive just a bit.I’m not sure what neck dive thing some guys are talking about. My bass is well balanced.
That said, Hipshot Ultralites are a lot lighter than stock tuners, so installing some would lighten up the headstock. Dunno. It’s hard to say what some other player will experience.
That said, Hipshot Ultralites are a lot lighter than stock tuners, so installing some would lighten up the headstock. Dunno. It’s hard to say what some other player will experience.
I guess it depends on what other bass guitars you are used to play. Before I got the U5, I mostly played my Gretsch junior with almost no neck dive. I can play that thing on the couch in the weirdest positions and always find it easy to balance. So when I picked up the U5 for the first time the pull was veeeery noticable and even interfering a bit with my play. But I seem to have adjusted my balancing as I kept playing because after a week the pull didn't feel that bad anymore.
I actually have a Gretsch Junior. Its body feels really small, like a vintage Les Paul Jr. I had back in the day, And, yep, no neck dive with it, but then again, there isn't anything of substance in the headstock to cause that.
I've also played a Danelectro Longhorn. Weird-ass body but minimal headstock. And the neck seems to go on forever. I sold it years ago, but I do miss it. It played well and was very balanced while standing and playing.
Before that, I had a Rickenbacker 4001. Beautiful axe and very substantial in the body. I don't recall any neck dive with it.
These days, and since playing the Danelectro, I prefer short scale basses. The ease of making stretches, the less weight, and the lower string tension are all pluses to me. I dig the tone, too. So, I've got a SBMM Stingray Short Scale incoming tomorrow and a Chowny SWB-1 coming in a few weeks. Yeah, I dig shorties.
I've also played a Danelectro Longhorn. Weird-ass body but minimal headstock. And the neck seems to go on forever. I sold it years ago, but I do miss it. It played well and was very balanced while standing and playing.
Before that, I had a Rickenbacker 4001. Beautiful axe and very substantial in the body. I don't recall any neck dive with it.
These days, and since playing the Danelectro, I prefer short scale basses. The ease of making stretches, the less weight, and the lower string tension are all pluses to me. I dig the tone, too. So, I've got a SBMM Stingray Short Scale incoming tomorrow and a Chowny SWB-1 coming in a few weeks. Yeah, I dig shorties.
Since you own both a Gretsch junior and a U5, would you mind comparing their level of output with the same amp settings and no pre-amp?
I wouldn’t mind at all except that I don’t have my U5 at the moment. It’s in the shop for a setup and some mods (new bridge and tuners). The bridge is shipping today.
Also, I have an impending sale of my Gretsch. While I really like it overall, its 12-inch C neck profile isn’t for me; I find a 9.5-inch neck profile ideal for my fretting hand. It is a boom stick, though. An entirely different tone than the U5. But with the entirely disparate types of pup’s used in each bass, that’s no surprise.
Has anyone found a case that fits the Sire U5? One that's not too long?
I've been having a hell of a time finding something that fits. I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with a Musician's Friend sales agent and HE couldn't find anything in his database that fits the U5's 42.5" overall length. Everything was either way long or short. Please recommend a good-fitting case or gig bag.
I've been having a hell of a time finding something that fits. I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with a Musician's Friend sales agent and HE couldn't find anything in his database that fits the U5's 42.5" overall length. Everything was either way long or short. Please recommend a good-fitting case or gig bag.
