Sire Bass Club!

[ErnieD]

Oh and I loved the necks on that 55-02D and later a '07 Skyline JoBo 5. So hoping the Sire's have that similar flat, wide type neck. I did read the P-7-5's have C style necks but many here seem to like the necks pretty well. And of course, looking forward to trying that Sire pre-amp too with the P5 pup, so many really rave about that feature. Here's hoping a get a good one out of the box.

 

[orik]

The concentric pots on my V7 got damaged and even though they work they got stuck and do not turn easily.
I guess the two options are either replace the pots or the electronics. I have seen a couple of posts of people with such issue who ended up getting a new Sire preamp.

But anyone with experience in replacing pots on their Sire bass?
Any thoughts on replacing the electronics on a Sire V7/P7 to passive VVT?

 

[Maxdusty]

Oh and I loved the necks on that 55-02D and later a '07 Skyline JoBo 5. So hoping the Sire's have that similar flat, wide type neck. I did read the P-7-5's have C style necks but many here seem to like the necks pretty well. And of course, looking forward to trying that Sire pre-amp too with the P5 pup, so many really rave about that feature. Here's hoping a get a good one out of the box.

I can't remember if it was mentioned on this particular thread or another one, but important to note if you're considering a V3, the neck radius was listed incorrectly on the Sire website and some of the store websites. It has since been corrected thanks to this thread.
Sire V3 ... wrong fret radius

The 4 string V3 has a radius of 9.5, the V7 is 7.25 ie. the V3 has a flatter fretboard if it makes a difference to you.

 

[orik]

WHEW!!! Three late nights straight and finally finished reading all 555 pages of this Sire Bass club thread. At first reading from page 1, 2015 thread start, I felt sure I'd be buying a new V7-5, still wasn't sure if alder or ash. Then as I read along and found some Utube videos, the V3 and M2 caught my interest. Esp at those prices.

But now after all this reading and video viewing, I'm thinking a P7-5 alder/rwd is gona be it. And still not sure on what color combo. Plus I also read here where a TBer said his SB5000 was just better than the V7-5. I have a very nice SB5000 that covers my jazz bass needs.

Now, while reading this long thread, seems some folks said the 5 stringers were 18mm or 19mm at bridge. I'm thinking this new P7-5 is gona be 18mm at bridge, correct?

I was very close to ordering a new 55-02D next week to replace my much missed '02 55-02D Cherryburst I sold here a couple years ago. I already have a '08 MIA P5, standard, Cola/Maple. But it's been parked in it's case a few months now after I went on a Ibby binge last year; bought new, SRSC805 and a Portamento FL-5. Those basses getting alot of use these days. Heck my Valenti J5 hasn't seen daylight in months, I know, that ain't right. But mostly doing lower volume, restaurant gigs with 4pc, semi-acoustic band lately. Either of the Ibby's or my kit built Carvin mahogany. fretless, J5 covers those gigs great.

I just took my '15 MIM J5 active,deluxe, Blonde/Rwd to new blues-rock-variety bands' practice to see if it'll stay around, it rarely gets played. I think the passive mode and mid-sweep of a Sire may be what I'm missing with that MIM ADJ5.
Haven't ever owned a PJ. I played a MIM PJ-5 in store many years ago, didn't love it. Bought a MIM Standard J5 that day.
But liking what I'm seeing/hearing of the Sire P7-5 alder/rwd. I know I'll be saving some bucks, always good, so here's hoping I don't regret not replacing my 55-02D with this Sire purchase. I've read of alot of happy customers here...so, we'll see. peace y'all, e.

I don't know if this will be of any help..YMMV.
I was in the dilemma of ash/maple vs alder/rosewood for a Sire V7. I wasn't much into one or the other based on the sound differences etc even though I generally prefer the warmth of the alder/rosewood.
But what made me decide for an alder/rosewood was that IME getting a really nice J or P or P/J bass with alder body you need to go way above the Sire price range.

Regarding the neck profile, I do not own a 5-string but the 4-string V7/P7 has a neck similar to an Am.Std. Jazz rather than a Skyline JO both in terms of neck profile and feel.

 

[ErnieD]

Thanks @orik. From all I've read here, at least the P7 have "jazz type necks". I like the neck ok, on my '08 MIA P5 standard. But once I held my first skyline, 55-01, then bought used 55-02D and JoBo5er here. I just can't get that feel out of my head, fantastic necks, IMO.

So for a P5, the P7, will at least have a jazz neck and not a full, chunky, P neck. But the specs do say C shape neck profile, so I kinda know what to expect. And again, if I read correctly, these basses are 18mm bridge spacing?

 

[orik]

Thanks @orik. From all I've read here, at least the P7 have "jazz type necks". I like the neck ok, on my '08 MIA P5 standard. But once I held my first skyline, 55-01, then bought used 55-02D and JoBo5er here. I just can't get that feel out of my head, fantastic necks, IMO.

So for a P5, the P7, will at least have a jazz neck and not a full, chunky, P neck. But the specs do say C shape neck profile, so I kinda know what to expect. And again, if I read correctly, these basses are 18mm bridge spacing?

As far as the P7-4 it has actually the same neck as the V7-4. I assume the same holds for 5ers?
I totally agree about the Lakland necks - hands down the best I have tried. But still the Sire have a really nice and comfortable neck. I don't have anymore my Am.Std. JB but I think the Sire has the same neck profile. Again from my experience with 4-strings.

I don't know anything about the bridge spacing unfortunately. Hopefully some folks with 5ers will chip in.
Good luck!

 

[Bassfreakz]

As far as the P7-4 it has actually the same neck as the V7-4. I assume the same holds for 5ers?
I totally agree about the Lakland necks - hands down the best I have tried. But still the Sire have a really nice and comfortable neck. I don't have anymore my Am.Std. JB but I think the Sire has the same neck profile. Again from my experience with 4-strings.

I don't know anything about the bridge spacing unfortunately. Hopefully some folks with 5ers will chip in.
Good luck!

Bridge spacing is 18mm for 5 strings!

 

[filler83]

In the P7 model, what is the sound of the p pick up like? Can it get the traditional p sound in passive mode or does it sound more modern/hi-fi?

Thanks

 

[Djadja]

So I've gotten mixed answers regarding whether the V7 can receive a standard Fender style neck... has anyone tried replacing their Sire neck with something else?

 

[orik]

In the P7 model, what is the sound of the p pick up like? Can it get the traditional p sound in passive mode or does it sound more modern/hi-fi?

Thanks

It depends on what do you mean by "traditional P".
It basically has a J neck so that makes some difference on how fat and deep tone you can get. But nevertheless it is a nice sounding P and depending on the setup it gives you a standard P bass sound IMO.

 

[orik]

On a completely different subject.. Any experience with a P7 fretless? I couldn't find much information on any Sire thread here.

 

[Asat77]

The concentric pots on my V7 got damaged and even though they work they got stuck and do not turn easily.
I guess the two options are either replace the pots or the electronics. I have seen a couple of posts of people with such issue who ended up getting a new Sire preamp.

But anyone with experience in replacing pots on their Sire bass?
Any thoughts on replacing the electronics on a Sire V7/P7 to passive VVT?

A luthier replaced my electronics (because they got stuck) with the ATC2.1 (ATC-2 Preamp) . It's another preamp but I like it.

 

[filler83]

It depends on what do you mean by "traditional P".
It basically has a J neck so that makes some difference on how fat and deep tone you can get. But nevertheless it is a nice sounding P and depending on the setup it gives you a standard P bass sound IMO.

Thanks. Yeah just seeing if it can sound similar to a traditional fender p sound given the pickup and electronics in it. Wasn't sure if it sounded completely different as more of a colorless hi-fi sound or if it could cop a typical fender p tone. Thanks for your insight

 

[BasEd]

So I've gotten mixed answers regarding whether the V7 can receive a standard Fender style neck... has anyone tried replacing their Sire neck with something else?

I have the Sire V7 Vintage and it has one of the best necks I've tried and I've owned various far more expensive boutique basses. The pickups and preamp are great too. I wouldn't replace a single thing on these fantastic basses.

 

[Djadja]

I have the Sire V7 Vintage and it has one of the best necks I've tried and I've owned various far more expensive boutique basses. The pickups and preamp are great too. I wouldn't replace a single thing on these fantastic basses.

Understood. They are amazing basses... in part that is my problem. I love the sound of my Sire but it is heavier than I like and I don't particularly care for the neck. I prefer a flatter fingerboard, no inlay, rolled edges, and usually - fretless. So, I have thought about pulling the pups, hardware, and preamp and putting them into a lighter weight body and getting a neck that more closely fits my criteria. And then I think about replacing just the neck. Of course, with all of that I worry how much impact any of those changes might have on the sound of a bass that clearly punches way, way above its price class. So, then I think about just learning to tolerate the weight and love the neck while maybe picking up an additional Sire fretless - everyone should have a fretted bass just in case, right?

 

[whamni]

Understood. They are amazing basses... in part that is my problem. I love the sound of my Sire but it is heavier than I like and I don't particularly care for the neck. I prefer a flatter fingerboard, no inlay, rolled edges, and usually - fretless. So, I have thought about pulling the pups, hardware, and preamp and putting them into a lighter weight body and getting a neck that more closely fits my criteria. And then I think about replacing just the neck. Of course, with all of that I worry how much impact any of those changes might have on the sound of a bass that clearly punches way, way above its price class. So, then I think about just learning to tolerate the weight and love the neck while maybe picking up an additional Sire fretless - everyone should have a fretted bass just in case, right?

If you haven't already got one, try a Neotech Mega Strap, I have back and shoulder problems and this strap helped me a lot.

 

[BasEd]

Understood. They are amazing basses... in part that is my problem. I love the sound of my Sire but it is heavier than I like and I don't particularly care for the neck. I prefer a flatter fingerboard, no inlay, rolled edges, and usually - fretless. So, I have thought about pulling the pups, hardware, and preamp and putting them into a lighter weight body and getting a neck that more closely fits my criteria. And then I think about replacing just the neck. Of course, with all of that I worry how much impact any of those changes might have on the sound of a bass that clearly punches way, way above its price class. So, then I think about just learning to tolerate the weight and love the neck while maybe picking up an additional Sire fretless - everyone should have a fretted bass just in case, right?

Sire are supposed to vet the woods to keep weight down. I've owned 3, a V7 swamp ash which weighed 9lbs 13oz, a V7 Vintage alder which was 9lbs 11ozs and a V7 Vintage swamp ash that is 8lbs 13ozs. The first two were too heavy so I sold them. The last one is perfect. If I ordered another I'd ask them to weigh it at the shop before I bought it.

 

[BasEd]

Sire are supposed to vet the woods to keep weight down. I've owned 3, a V7 swamp ash which weighed 9lbs 13oz, a V7 Vintage alder which was 9lbs 11ozs and a V7 Vintage swamp ash that is 8lbs 13ozs. The first two were too heavy so I sold them. The last one is perfect. If I ordered another I'd ask them to weigh it at the shop before I bought it.

Got mine from Thomann.

 

[bholder]

On a completely different subject.. Any experience with a P7 fretless? I couldn't find much information on any Sire thread here.

I have a P7 fretless 5 and love it - any specific questions? It's my 3rd Sire fretless (V7, M7, P7).

 

[orik]

I have a P7 fretless 5 and love it - any specific questions? It's my 3rd Sire fretless (V7, M7, P7).

All three! That must be great Which ones do you have? Alder/rw or ash/maple?
How do you find the P7 vs V7 fretless?