Sire Bass Club!

[jmjames]

I don't think it's a Gen 2 issue. I have both 1st and 2nd Gen V7 models, and the tuners behave well enough — but there certainly are better tuners available. I think there are several aspects (mostly of what I have read here):

• The tuners on the entry level models (V3, M2/3) seem to have more issues, probably as part of being "cheaper".
  
• Tuners of most other models seem to be alright but might invite to improvements via lighter and/or generally better premium brand tuners. This is obviously more likely with 5ers.
• If someone likes to mod, tuners seem common targets...Bridges seem more difficult to replace... (I don't know, as I don't like to mod...)
  
• And some users (but I guess really a few) have told about real QC issues.

Just my 2 cents.

I have assumed... perhaps incorrectly... that Sire's been using the same tuners (and likely a lot of other common parts) on everything except maybe the newer super-premium models like the V10, like they just had a source of "cheap, good-enough" tuners, strap buttons, and other parts that they were just throwing on, and that maybe the vendor changed from time to time as they ran low and had to re-order.

I definitely agree with what you are saying though in terms of what gets modded. Tuners are definitely a common item, probably right after the knobs.

J.Ja

 

[Basslie]

On my M3, the tuners "gave up" after little to no use. On my P7, P5 and P5R necks, no problems whatsoever. Smooth as butter. I think they paid attention to people complaining and but decent tuners on.\

You wouldn't happen to know the tone cap rating on the P5R, would you? The standard P5 is .022, and the V5 is .047. Hoping the P5R is also .047. Thanks.

 

[dave84]

NBD
Sire V3P black satin… this bass is a beast!

here in action: https://youtu.be/w8HAfxMeT_4

 

[Jv-d]

I don't think it's a Gen 2 issue. I have both 1st and 2nd Gen V7 models, and the tuners behave well enough — but there certainly are better tuners available. I think there are several aspects (mostly of what I have read here):

• The tuners on the entry level models (V3, M2/3) seem to have more issues, probably as part of being "cheaper".
  
• Tuners of most other models seem to be alright but might invite to improvements via lighter and/or generally better premium brand tuners. This is obviously more likely with 5ers.
• If someone likes to mod, tuners seem common targets...Bridges seem more difficult to replace... (I don't know, as I don't like to mod...)
  
• And some users (but I guess really a few) have told about real QC issues.

Just my 2 cents.

Shark...
I think that's a pretty astute 2cents!!!
To bad our copper cents don't hold the value of your sense!!!

 

[oldmanp03]

Has anyone ever tried and had any luck getting new decals from Sire? I am going to have to get my headstock refinished, and want a decal on there....haven't gotten a response from Sire yet.

 

[Basslie]

Advice requested: I am about to make my most expensive instrument purchase, and the first time I'm buying new, rather than used. I am debating on whether to get a Sire P8 5 string, or both a P5R 4 string AND a V5 5 string.

The P8 (which I've already reserved but am waiting for it to be back in stock) would be the most premium bass I would have ever owned (been using Ibanez SR models but wanted wider string spacing and more traditional pick ups and look). I've never had a PJ but have heard there great. I've also factored in a tone cap upgrade for the P8 to make it more tonally versatile in passive mode.

My motivation for possibly opting to get the two lower tiered P5R and V5 over the more premium P8 is that I like the idea of keeping a four string P with flats and a five string jazz for slap and extended range. I've been playing 5 strings exclusively for years, but have been wanting a 4 again, but still need a 5. Also, having used active instruments for so long, I'm lured to passive simplicity.

Advice is appreciated on whether it's better to get the more premium PJ instrument, or two lower tiered P and J instruments that can be set up to fulfill more roles.

Thank you all

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Advice requested: I am about to make my most expensive instrument purchase, and the first time I'm buying new, rather than used. I am debating on whether to get a Sire P8 5 string, or both a P5R 4 string AND a V5 5 string.

The P8 (which I've already reserved but am waiting for it to be back in stock) would be the most premium bass I would have ever owned (been using Ibanez SR models but wanted wider string spacing and more traditional pick ups and look). I've never had a PJ but have heard there great. I've also factored in a tone cap upgrade for the P8 to make it more tonally versatile in passive mode.

My motivation for possibly opting to get the two lower tiered P5R and V5 over the more premium P8 is that I like the idea of keeping a four string P with flats and a five string jazz for slap and extended range. I've been playing 5 strings exclusively for years, but have been wanting a 4 again, but still need a 5. Also, having used active instruments for so long, I'm lured to passive simplicity.

Advice is appreciated on whether it's better to get the more premium PJ instrument, or two lower tiered P and J instruments that can be set up to fulfill more roles.

Thank you all

Both V8 & P8 5 strings has me gassing as well. Honestly I was sold on getting a V5 5 string in Champagne Gold until they released the new 8 series basses. My reasoning for the V5 the color the Roasted maple neck my new favorite, 70's pickup spacing & price. But also knew I would be upgrading the Bridge and adding a preamp. All of which lands me in the same price ball park of the 8 series. I do not own a 5 string Jazz or PJ, I have 4 strings of both. I also have a 5 string EBMMSRS 5H and fretless Ibanez 5er. For me I'm going to a local store and test drive a Sire 5 string bass again just to make sure the neck works for me. As well as I remembered from last summer. I just want to round out my collection and choices.

But in your case what do you want exactly at this point in time flexibility or quality? I have seen folks raving about 5 series basses for over a year. Thus I was all set on the V5 5 string sight unseen or touched.
So the perceived less quality may not be as much as you think. 8 series has a Ash not Alder body, new bridge, different pickups and a quality gig bag if that matters to you. If you know your funds won't be able to add another bass anytime soon. I vote Flexibility. Plus if fall you in love with the P-bass you'll now your next bass . The other dual option 5 string P5R & V5 since your already into 5 string basses.

 

[Basslie]

Both V8 & P8 5 strings has me gassing as well. Honestly I was sold on getting a V5 5 string in Champagne Gold until they released the new 8 series basses. My reasoning for the V5 the color the Roasted maple neck my new favorite & price. But also knew I would be upgrading the Bridge and adding a preamp. All of which lands me in the same price ball park of the 8 series. I do not own a 5 string Jazz or PJ, I have 4 strings of both. I also have a 5 string EBMMSRS 5H and fretless Ibanez 5er. For me I'm going to a local store and test drive a Sire 5 string bass again just to make sure the neck works for me. As well as I remembered from last summer. I just want to round out my collection and choices.

But in your case what do you want exactly at this point in time flexibility or quality? I have seen folks raving about 5 series basses for over a year. Thus I was all set on the V5 5 string sight unseen or touched.
So the perceived less quality may not be as much as you think. 8 series has an Ash not Alder, new bridge, different pickups and a quality gig bag if that matters to you. If you know your funds won't be able to add another bass anytime soon. I vote Flexibility. Plus if fall you in love with the P-bass you'll now your next bass . The other dual option 5 string P5R & V5 since your already into 5 string basses.

Thanks for the reply. I do consider the upgraded bridge and case, etc. doing those kinds of upgrades individually all add up. The P8 is a good deal as I priced out how much to do those upgrades and add the gig bag to a P5, comes out pretty much the same.

 

[waver]

Joining the Sire club. NBD!

 

[waver]

Joining the Sire club. NBD!

View attachment 4985087

 

[OldShark]

Advice is appreciated on whether it's better to get the more premium PJ instrument, or two lower tiered P and J instruments that can be set up to fulfill more roles.

Thank you all

I do not think the P8 is that much "more premium", it's basically the former Ash wood P7 with roasted neck, new bridge, metal knobs and included gigbag. So compared to V5/P5 it has an Ash body, better knobs and bridge, gigbag — and primarily the preamp.
So I would take my choice more based on features than "quality", as quality should be quite similar and fine with all three models...

 

[gimmeagig]

I have several J basses where the trussrod adjustment is effortless and smooth as silk. But the truss rod nut on my V7 vintage 5 2nd gen is really hard to turn. I was able to dial in the correct amount of relief but it took a lot of force to get it there. I was worried about stripping the wrench or the nut. Yes I loosened the strings while it made the adjustment. I completely unscrewed the nut just to see if there was anything wrong with the threading.But it seems OK. The wrench that the bass came with was stripped and the replacement they sent fits very loosely. I think it should be a lot tighter.
Is it possible that there is something wrong with the neck of my bass. Could that be the reason why it is so tight? Or is it because the bass is brand new? Could it get easier as the neck settles in a bit?
I have never owned a new bass before so I don't know if this is normal. I have not contacted Sire yet. I wanted to ask here first.

 

[Jv-d]

Advice requested: I am about to make my most expensive instrument purchase, and the first time I'm buying new, rather than used. I am debating on whether to get a Sire P8 5 string, or both a P5R 4 string AND a V5 5 string.

The P8 (which I've already reserved but am waiting for it to be back in stock) would be the most premium bass I would have ever owned (been using Ibanez SR models but wanted wider string spacing and more traditional pick ups and look). I've never had a PJ but have heard there great. I've also factored in a tone cap upgrade for the P8 to make it more tonally versatile in passive mode.

My motivation for possibly opting to get the two lower tiered P5R and V5 over the more premium P8 is that I like the idea of keeping a four string P with flats and a five string jazz for slap and extended range. I've been playing 5 strings exclusively for years, but have been wanting a 4 again, but still need a 5. Also, having used active instruments for so long, I'm lured to passive simplicity.

Advice is appreciated on whether it's better to get the more premium PJ instrument, or two lower tiered P and J instruments that can be set up to fulfill more roles.

Thank you all

Brother,
Your jumping the shark!!
Get your new P8, and play the crap out of it, enjoy it... Learn how to deal with the nuances of that particular instrument...
Unless you have a world tour coming up, just play the darn thing... Don't worry about cap upgrades, just because others have done so!!

You're getting a good quality bass, as you said, a jump up in quality... be comfortable with your decision... savor it, delve deeply into it, learn it, gig with it -- gig with it -- gig with it...
Bet it does you right, as it comes out of the box, and you'll make some jingle with it --as is!!
I bet you'll find it to be great and love it, save your $$$$!!!

 

[Jv-d]

I have several J basses where the trussrod adjustment is effortless and smooth as silk. But the truss rod nut on my V7 vintage 5 2nd gen is really hard to turn. I was able to dial in the correct amount of relief but it took a lot of force to get it there. I was worried about stripping the wrench or the nut. Yes I loosened the strings while it made the adjustment. I completely unscrewed the nut just to see if there was anything wrong with the threading.But it seems OK. The wrench that the bass came with was stripped and the replacement they sent fits very loosely. I think it should be a lot tighter.
Is it possible that there is something wrong with the neck of my bass. Could that be the reason why it is so tight? Or is it because the bass is brand new? Could it get easier as the neck settles in a bit?
I have never owned a new bass before so I don't know if this is normal. I have not contacted Sire yet. I wanted to ask here first.

Call Sire!!
They have great customer service from what I understand -- a lot of thumbs up in here...
Maybe the problem can be addressed in here, but with a new instrument, go to the manufacturer, in case it is a warranty issue...

 

[Rod Tension]

Advice requested: Advice is appreciated on whether it's better to get the more premium PJ instrument, or two lower tiered P and J instruments that can be set up to fulfill more roles.

Thank you all

I would like to echo all the comments that suggested not getting hung up on the perceived "quality" of the components, particularly since you are inclined to do upgrades in the future.

I would suggest getting the P5R and the V7, because then you have one bass to play with a roasted P neck, and one bass to play with a J neck thats also a 5 string. between the two bases you will have a lot more choices in terms of sounds than the P8, which, while delightful compromise, is nonetheless a compromise.

 

[gimmeagig]

Call Sire!!
They have great customer service from what I understand -- a lot of thumbs up in here...
Maybe the problem can be addressed in here, but with a new instrument, go to the manufacturer, in case it is a warranty issue...

I just sent Sire an E mail. I was hoping with 896 pages on this thread that this would be a good place to get some practical feedback on my questions about the trussrod issue.
But you are the only one who responded so far...I should have probably created a new separate thread about this issue.

 

[sailfinn]

Does the V5R have the same satin neck finish as the V5? Sire's website doesn't mention it on the V5R page like they do on the V5 page.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Does the V5R have the same satin neck finish as the V5? Sire's website doesn't mention it on the V5R page like they do on the V5 page.

yes they do

 

[dpbass66]

Is there a resource (either from Sire or otherwise) that summarizes the bass models. The different V series models are very confusing for someone just checking it out. On the site there is V3, V5, V7, V8, V10.. and various subtypes of those... Are those like software versions? V10 is the most recent update/newest version?

 

[OldShark]

Is there a resource (either from Sire or otherwise) that summarizes the bass models. The different V series models are very confusing for someone just checking it out. On the site there is V3, V5, V7, V8, V10.. and various subtypes of those... Are those like software versions? V10 is the most recent update/newest version?

No, it's not a version number. Sire's naming scheme is simple:
The letter pretty much tells the body style, whereas the number tells the "range", with a higher number means something "more expensive" aka more / better features.
An added R means rosewood fretboard, an added P means passive (only if the base model is active).

D5: vintage Precision bass with single coil, passive
M2-7: "modern" body with humbuckers, all active
P5-10: Precision bass body, P5/P5R passive with P-style neck, P7-10dx all active with PJ pickups and J-style neck
U5: short neck PJ passive
V3-10: Jazz bass body and neck, V3P and V5/V5R passive, all other active