Other than what you've already mentioned, the pickups are different. It's really comes down to, 2 shades of awesome. My gen 1 can't be topped so it's staying.
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I was changing the strings on my 1st gen M7 5-string bass today and found that the nut was not glued in place. I did not try to remove it from its slot but I bet I could easily remove it. Do you think I should glue it down? Have you noticed this on other Sires?
For now, I am going to leave it as since I need to get the bass back in action for this week. Thanks!
For now, I am going to leave it as since I need to get the bass back in action for this week. Thanks!
If you found it in good condition and at a good price, I’d say go for it and don’t turn back. 2nd gen has improved pickups and tuners but it’s a matter of taste only. Gen 1 already has fantastic sound. My tuners haven’t broken yet. Rolled edges? If you really want it, that’s OK but 1st Gen neck is already super easy to play. My concern would be the tuners, battery covers, screws, pickguard, nut, truss rod and cabling. If they are in good condition there’s not much to think about. You can always buy a 2nd gen Sire later anyhow.
I was changing out my strings on my 1st gen M7 5-string and on of the tuning posts broke off from the tuner. Fortunately, I had saved a post from this forum with someone replacing their M2 tuners and a lot of those measurements were the same for my M7. The tuners in that post were for the Grover 144BC for the 9/16" hole (they come in several sizes). Now I just have to find 5 tuners for a 9/16" hole. Seems like no problem to find 4 but the trick is to get a 5th one. I am still looking but wonder if I will have to buy two sets of 4 to get enough tuners. I am still looking around to see what other options I can find. I am hoping for a drop in replacement with no modification. Let me know if you have a particular website you like for parts or have other suggestions for drop in replacements for the M7 tuners. Thanks!
I haven't noticed such a thing, but then I haven't even changed the stock strings on mine yet (getting to that point though). Mine does look glued.
There is some debate about what's better. Gluing the nut in place keeps it in one place, of course, and some say it makes the whole instrument more solid. However, I've also heard that the glue can be used to hide sins. Cut the nut too shallow, or at the wrong contour for the groove? Just build the bottom of the groove up a bit with more PLA. Too thin? Bed it in there.
The luthiers I've seen at work and whose work I trust do glue the nut, but very sparingly. On most designs, it should fit in its groove as a loose friction fit, so you just need a little dab smeared around the bottom and lower front and back, and if you do it right you should need a hacksaw to get it back out.
I believe Sire made improvements during the 1st generation production run. For example, I own a late 1st generation V7 and the string tree is the updated 2nd generation type. Some of the 1st generation owners mentioned tuner issues. I haven’t had any tuning machine issues (yet). Makes me wonder if they were upgraded during the production run?
The tone and pan control center detents of my preamp no longer have the on center feel they had when new however this is not an issue for me as this bass plays and sounds so good I can overlook that issue.
Knowing this bass is a keeper, I took it to a local shop to have the neck pleck’d. Not because there was a problem, I’m just one of those people who are always looking for improvement. That work was done 2 years ago by Righteousness Guitars and the neck has remained very stable. I interpret the stable neck to wood quality used during manufacturing.
I’m very happy with my V7 and wish you the best of luck with yours
Now I’m super happy. Never liked Chromes before now. Wow does this bad boy bring it
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They are warm like they should be with no fart, gauge is good. The B is a bridge cable in the good sense of the word. I turned the treble up and now the mids really rock.
the 132 - 45, yep they're Chromes. Gotta say I liked them last night. Can't wait to get home with fresher ears today and give them a run through. Fell wise I'm super happy. The tension on the B is great, no flab, zero, nada
Nope, I do have the OG versions of those on another bass. I wish they made Blue labels in a five set for this, I'd buy them in a heart beat
Hey people. Just wanted to share my first recording with my first gen. P7, all stock except for Rotosound flatwounds. Recorded this on full P pickup, passive and tone halfway down. Hope you'll like it.
Finally joined the party. V7 version1. Serial number 15350912. 2015? Later run I think. Has the larger string guide. 5 string, unsigned, tapered and bound fretboard. PO upgraded pups and preamp to Bart. Only unfortunate thing is he installed small pickguard covers around the pickups. They are a bit smaller in width. I didn't see a detrimate to the gaps. Better than 8 small holes in beautiful wood... Not sure of color name Bugundy back with nice fade on front. Plays beautifully. Did try the rounds that were on it. But had to put Roto flats on. Been using them for 35 years....but boy does the tonal quality blow me away. Looking to get a version 2 P next.
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Dialed in the bridge. Lowered the action and man o man I’m so happy. The strings feel great and sound great. The B is tight and has zero flab, nada.
Just low thunder. Yessir
Just low thunder. Yessir
U5 has arrived. Love it out of the box, WAY more than the Mustang PJ I've put a ton of work into.
Finish is excellent. P pickups need some adjustment, output is low and uneven, prob going to raise with additional foam beneath the pickup to get it much closer. Took 1/8th truss rod turn and minimal bridge work to get action and neck dialed. Neck fit, electronics (cover is fully coated on inside), pot smoothness, fret ends, tuner alignments and gear ratios are all on point. Fitted with DR Hi-Beams for max snappy growl but the stock D'Addarios were probably fine. Neck is really great.. smooth and those rolled edges are legit. Side dots are appreciated. If you are considering a short scale or even moreso a short PJ, this is the affordable axe.
Finish is excellent. P pickups need some adjustment, output is low and uneven, prob going to raise with additional foam beneath the pickup to get it much closer. Took 1/8th truss rod turn and minimal bridge work to get action and neck dialed. Neck fit, electronics (cover is fully coated on inside), pot smoothness, fret ends, tuner alignments and gear ratios are all on point. Fitted with DR Hi-Beams for max snappy growl but the stock D'Addarios were probably fine. Neck is really great.. smooth and those rolled edges are legit. Side dots are appreciated. If you are considering a short scale or even moreso a short PJ, this is the affordable axe.
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Gosh, I hadn't realized the U5s had body binding and premium maple tops! VERY nice.
The one for sale in my area is a 2016 model, do you have an idea where it stands regarding improvements?
Sorry for asking again, but I'm seriously wondering if I should get it, because I'd trade it with an amp and I'm not trading it light-heartedly.
The song price is 260€ , which looks on the cheaper side, but I don't know if that's just ok for the bass. The seller says it's in great condition. Does anyone have an inkling about the asking price?
What are the features that separate the 1st and second generation (like the tree you mentioned)?
