Installed some FretFX on my Sire M7...
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Happy new year bass family! This club surely blew up after I created it a few years back. I stepped away from bass for a few years due to life priorities but my resolution is to get back in the pocket (and also acquire a P7) this year!
I reached out to them today. I'm having similar issues on my G1 P7 preamp- the volume pot gave out. Honestly, I'm not optimistic. I've had problems with this preamp since I bought it (like popping when switching from active to passive), and have reached out to Sire USA in the past. Every time, I'm told that they will have someone at Sire USA reach out to me regarding a replacement. They've never done so.
I've been content to play the bass in passive mode since I got it. However, even that is having problems- low output, scratchy blend and tone pots. I'm considering removing the preamp and just running it in passive only.
Yep, I reached out to some admins a while ago requesting to delete the poll since it is dated, but don't think I got a response. If anyone knows how I can do this by myself please let me know!
My vote if I get one is keep the thread (lots of great info) but lose the silly poll.
After experimenting with pickup heights, strings and set up, I don't think the underwound pickups thing is for me. The bass is great in every other way and it was the only way to get the Alder/maple bass I've been wanting.
It sounds to me like the output on the B and E strings from both pickups is noticeably lower then the other 3 strings. Even when I tap the poles with metal, to me it sounds lower. Under wound pickups may work well on a 4 string bass but certainly do not do the B string any favors. The E string becomes boomy after the 7th fret and the B sounds like a different bass.
I contacted Sire and told them I would send them this vintage set and also purchase a set of 2nd generation normal pickups.
So, while I'm waiting for a reply, I will ask what pickups would you guys put in your Sire bass that may be the closest to the 2nd generation sound?
It sounds to me like the output on the B and E strings from both pickups is noticeably lower then the other 3 strings. Even when I tap the poles with metal, to me it sounds lower. Under wound pickups may work well on a 4 string bass but certainly do not do the B string any favors. The E string becomes boomy after the 7th fret and the B sounds like a different bass.
I contacted Sire and told them I would send them this vintage set and also purchase a set of 2nd generation normal pickups.
So, while I'm waiting for a reply, I will ask what pickups would you guys put in your Sire bass that may be the closest to the 2nd generation sound?
I would expect the John East J-Retro Deluxe would fit, but I can't guarantee that. It's designed as a drop-in for the Fender Jazz Deluxe. All same functions though the knob layout is different. Mid freq range is 150-3000 Hz. Slightly different added functions on some of the controls, plus a "both pickups full" switch. Might not even need the Sire's battery chamber, as it's designed with enough room for the 9V battery in the Fender control cavity. Even comes with metal knobs! These should be readily available in Italy as the mfr is in the UK.
No commercial interest etc etc but here's a description with the mfr's documentation: John East - J Retro Deluxe - Best Bass Gear .
Noll also makes a similar pre, though it doesn't come prewired on a plate. Again, slight layout changes (like the active/passive is on a push/pull on the volume knob, and there's no passive tone). NOLL TCM 3PM Vpp - Bl - T/B - M/M - Best Bass Gear
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Thought I'd follow up on this- I received a PHONE CALL from Sire USA (phone number was out of Ontario, Canada) today. Given that I had originally reached out to Sire support back when the bass was still under warranty, they are sending me a replacement P7 preamp.
This is VERY cool to hear! I guess you have to persist but at least they eventually come through. Hope you enjoy it when it's finally working -- there's a whole HECK of a lot more in that bass than the passive mode!
So it turns out, I should've checked the bass more thoroughly. I never bothered to check the battery compartment or look under the hood on my own. Long story short, the bass is working much better now. Much better than I was expecting actually. Still curious to see what Sire will say but if someone could delete my earlier post, that'd be great. Thanks.
You could edit your earlier post yourself, and add "see post #12819" so nobody reading is misled. very curious, what exactly did you find and change to make it work now?
Thank you. I tried to edit or delete but After a while I did not see the option come up in the lower left control icon. I certainly do not want to mislead anyone about the instrument.
As to what I did. I opened the battery compartment and cleaned up after a slightly corroded battery. I changed that lead. All I did inside was turn the trim pot up and them back down to where it was. I'm still not 100% sure what did it but I'm all even now and the punch has returned. Strange thing is, I did not have the bass that long so the battery thing must have been happening anyway. Maybe I bumped something on the pre while I was poking around. I also got help with the final set up. I was setting up as if it was a Gen 1 V7 but the pickups are more like the ones in my MM, MIJ 4 string. We set up like that bass.
The bass now plays better than when I first got it. I record all of my practice sessions and I know this for sure.
