Sire Bass Club!

[LowEndLobster]

Odd, I think the pickups sound great and have plenty of output. I have a very recent one though. Maybe they changed the design at some point.

Yeah my sentiments as well. I found myself having to raise them a bit to get the desired output, but I just finished editing my revisit (got a new one, I wish I kept that gorgeous sunburst one I had!) and definitely didn't have any issues with output.

 

[Rod Barchetta]

Hi Mister Lobster, I going to mount the Gotoh 404SJ bridge on my new U5. Its the same as the Gotoh bridge you used except it has steel saddles and I was wondering how many screws you used to mount it. Thinking of just fixing it with 3 at the bottom and 2 at the top. Did you you use all 5 screws at the bottom?

IMO, the better the connection between the bridge and body, the better the sustain. Use every connection point possible. As the vibrations transfer into the body it creates a feedback loop between the string, providing sustain.

 

[neil|lien]

It's more than just a bad solder joint.
All U5 basses have the PJ pickups from the P7 model .
Sire sent me a brand new pair of pickups, due to the low output.. My tech installed them, and low and behold ,P7 stamped on the back.
New pickups right in the trash.
If you buy a U5 ,expect to shell out over $150 for new pickups. That is why the P7 has active electronics, to make up for the weak pickups..

I have a 2018/2019 Gen 2 P7 that i use passive most of the time with no issues at all in terms of output. And there is little to no volume difference, when the preamp is set flat, between the active and passive modes, so i don´t know... Maybe it´s a set up issue?

 

[klattman]

Yeah my sentiments as well. I found myself having to raise them a bit to get the desired output, but I just finished editing my revisit (got a new one, I wish I kept that gorgeous sunburst one I had!) and definitely didn't have any issues with output.

At Chicago music exchange, they have the U5s listed as (2nd generation). maybe 1st gen had issues?

I actually bought mine expecting to mod the crap out of it and all I ended up doing was installing lighter tuners and a tug bar. My U5 (probably latest gen only a few months old) pickups sound great.

 

[Auer]

I have a 2018/2019 Gen 2 P7 that i use passive most of the time with no issues at all in terms of output. And there is little to no volume difference, when the preamp is set flat, between the active and passive modes, so i don´t know... Maybe it´s a set up issue?

Setup issue sounds plausible.

My Sire's are as loud as my Nash, and if active on then way louder than that.

 

[neil|lien]

Guys..

I miss that P5 i used to own... the green one... that neck was fantastic.
They have changed the pick-ups on those right? I mean compared to when they first came out?

 

[Auer]

Guys..

I miss that P5 i used to own... the green one... that neck was fantastic.

They have changed the pick-ups on those right? I mean compared to when they first came out?

Some are on second gen pickups, not sure about P5.

"Sire Guitars has announced several major upgrades to their Marcus Miller line of bass guitars ranging from the pickups to the serial number system. Nearly every bass they make has been upgraded in some way.


The biggest change is in the second generation pickups, which applies to the V7, V7 Vintage, V9, P7, M7, and V3 models. Sire writes that the pickups are completely redesigned.

"The 2nd Gen Marcus Miller pickups are made with different magnets and coils for higher resolution and clearer sound," they write. "We have been collaborating with Marcus Miller to tailor the best sound balance and it will be introduced in the 2nd Gen series. The exterior of the pickup has also been upgraded as it is now printed with a logo."

The V7, P7, and M7 models will now have ebony fingerboards instead of rosewood. Every model will now have a satin neck finish and rolled fretboard edges that Sire says gives a firmer and more natural grasp. More miscellaneous changes include an ash wood battery cover, a pickup cover for the five-string V7, and a 2N added to the serial number to identify the second generation."

Sire Guitars Unveils 2nd Generation Marcus Miller Basses

 

[OldShark]

Some are on second gen pickups, not sure about P5.

"Sire Guitars has announced several major upgrades to their Marcus Miller line of bass guitars ranging from the pickups to the serial number system. Nearly every bass they make has been upgraded in some way.


The biggest change is in the second generation pickups, which applies to the V7, V7 Vintage, V9, P7, M7, and V3 models. Sire writes that the pickups are completely redesigned.

"The 2nd Gen Marcus Miller pickups are made with different magnets and coils for higher resolution and clearer sound," they write. "We have been collaborating with Marcus Miller to tailor the best sound balance and it will be introduced in the 2nd Gen series. The exterior of the pickup has also been upgraded as it is now printed with a logo."

The V7, P7, and M7 models will now have ebony fingerboards instead of rosewood. Every model will now have a satin neck finish and rolled fretboard edges that Sire says gives a firmer and more natural grasp. More miscellaneous changes include an ash wood battery cover, a pickup cover for the five-string V7, and a 2N added to the serial number to identify the second generation."

Sire Guitars Unveils 2nd Generation Marcus Miller Basses

I'm sure 2nd gen was introduced long before any of the D5/M5/P5/U5/V5 models were announced so for the latter, there is no 1st gen.

That being said, AFAIK the current P5 has the same "fat vintage" PU as the P5R whereas it originally had somewhat less low end. The modifications in the last two years are not really "labeled" by a generation/version name AFAIK.

 

[lug]

Hey, quick question about the U5 short scale Sire.

I'm loving the instrument playability and feel, but the output is really low as compared to every other bass I own or have owned. To have some real noise I really have to crank everything up to the highest setting, and even then it won't reach the output from my other passive instruments

Is anyone else experiencing the same issue?
K

I had this problem with the P pup only. I pulled the P Pup and it measured 9.6 K so right in line with what I would expect (unlike what Peekypoo has exprerienced). After resweating the joint it worked fine. Seems to be some variation on these guys. If you can, just remove one side and check with an ohm meter.

 

[five7]

So a 2N P5 with maple fb has the newer pickups?

 

[Holdsg]

I don't know if I have newer pickups or not, but I am enjoying this new passive P5R 5-string that was just delivered by the big brown truck.
I love my active P8, so I was wanting a passive version to try, and so far so good, definitely hits bigger than it's weight class.
This one weighs under 9 lbs, and so there's some neck dive, but I intend to play this standing with a good strap so I am not concerned about neck dive.
I will have a happy weekend putting it thru some paces. Very happy with how these come already set up from Sire (when you buy direct), just needs a few tweaks to get the action where I like it. Pickups sound just like I'd expect a P bass to sound.

 

[Auer]

I don't know if I have newer pickups or not, but I am enjoying this new passive P5R 5-string that was just delivered by the big brown truck.
I love my active P8, so I was wanting a passive version to try, and so far so good, definitely hits bigger than it's weight class.
This one weighs under 9 lbs, and so there's some neck dive, but I intend to play this standing with a good strap so I am not concerned about neck dive.
I will have a happy weekend putting it thru some paces. Very happy with how these come already set up from Sire (when you buy direct), just needs a few tweaks to get the action where I like it. Pickups sound just like I'd expect a P bass to sound.
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It would seem they are updated pickups if the info I posted earlier is accurate.

"The 2nd Gen Marcus Miller pickups are made with different magnets and coils for higher resolution and clearer sound," they write. "We have been collaborating with Marcus Miller to tailor the best sound balance and it will be introduced in the 2nd Gen series. The exterior of the pickup has also been upgraded as it is now printed with a logo."

Great looking PB too

 

[dave64o]

I don't know if I have newer pickups or not, but I am enjoying this new passive P5R 5-string that was just delivered by the big brown truck.
I love my active P8, so I was wanting a passive version to try, and so far so good, definitely hits bigger than it's weight class.
This one weighs under 9 lbs, and so there's some neck dive, but I intend to play this standing with a good strap so I am not concerned about neck dive.
I will have a happy weekend putting it thru some paces. Very happy with how these come already set up from Sire (when you buy direct), just needs a few tweaks to get the action where I like it. Pickups sound just like I'd expect a P bass to sound.
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Oof, that's nice. I had a tough time deciding begtween a P5 and a V5 but went the opposite way and bought a V5. But I certainly wouldn't be surprised if I also ended up with a P5 at some point in the future.

Hopefully your first "put it through some paces" test goes as well for you as mine did for me. If you want to see just how well that first test went, check out the smile on my face in my avatar (from a festival we played two weeks ago, the first time I gigged the V5).

 

[kevinpmajka]

Later on if you want to reduce weight check out Gotoh GB528. There is limited supply currently depending on the color. Looks sweet.

I don't know if I have newer pickups or not, but I am enjoying this new passive P5R 5-string that was just delivered by the big brown truck.
I love my active P8, so I was wanting a passive version to try, and so far so good, definitely hits bigger than it's weight class.
This one weighs under 9 lbs, and so there's some neck dive, but I intend to play this standing with a good strap so I am not concerned about neck dive.
I will have a happy weekend putting it thru some paces. Very happy with how these come already set up from Sire (when you buy direct), just needs a few tweaks to get the action where I like it. Pickups sound just like I'd expect a P bass to sound.
View attachment 5110675 View attachment 5110676 View attachment 5110677 View attachment 5110678 View attachment 5110679

 

[dave64o]

I think i must have gotten the last 4+1 set in Nickel that's out there. Unfortunately, at some point during shipment, the USPS ran over the envelope with a truck (as evidenced by the tire track that went across the envelope ) and broke a couple of the tuners. Luckily the USPS did accept my claim and I just got the claim settlement check today. I haven't been able to find replacements yet.

That being said, I don't think the neck dive is so bad with a good strap on the bass that I can't play the bass while I'm waiting for the tuners to become available again. But I will look forward to putting the Gotohs on it.

 

[peekypoo]

So glad I traded this 80s MIJ jazz bass, with Dimarzio 60s noiseless pickups, Babicz bridge.
Wipes the floor with that U5 I had.

 

[jmjames]

So glad I traded this 80s MIJ jazz bass, with Dimarzio 60s noiseless pickups, Babicz bridge.
Wipes the floor with that U5 I had.

We get it. You had a bad experience with the Sire bass you bought. A few other folks have too, and, like you, they posted their negative experience about it here. But none of them keep coming back to post about it over, and over, and over again.

Do you go into the Burger King and scream at the other diners there multiple times a day about how much Whoppers stink, because you got a bad Whopper once? Do you send angry letters to the post office every day for a year because your Amazon package was a day late?

Like... what have we done to you that we deserve to be dumped on by you? We're not even the ones who did anything to you, but you are just this endless source of negativity for no good reason. Go direct your irritation at the folks who you beleive wronged you... please.

J.Ja

 

[neil|lien]

I'm sure 2nd gen was introduced long before any of the D5/M5/P5/U5/V5 models were announced so for the latter, there is no 1st gen.

That being said, AFAIK the current P5 has the same "fat vintage" PU as the P5R whereas it originally had somewhat less low end. The modifications in the last two years are not really "labeled" by a generation/version name AFAIK.

Yes!
Okay so i obviously didn't express myself clearly enough:
The question was not about a change between Gen1 & Gen2, and the P5 was indeed introduced after Gen2 was launched. But i kinda remember seeing reviews on YT complaining about the lack of low end of those early P5 (that had, IIRC a pick-up named "Revolution" something) & i believe i read somewhere that the pick-ups were different in the P5R ("Fat Vintage" mentioned above).
What i wanted to know is if newer P5 (not R) had also benefited from a change in PU...
Does anyone know for sure?

 

[tieftonmusiker]

What i wanted to know is if newer P5 (not R) had also benefited from a change in PU...
Does anyone know for sure?

 

[kevinpmajka]

That is rough. I think there is a 4 string Left Set on ebay and right tuners on the Philadelphia Luthier shop. (If you are right handed and it looks like you are in California.)

If you end up buying any weird combos where you have an extra I'll buy one as far as the goofy sets.

(like a 5 in line Mexican jazz bass set. You would have an extra left side. If you bought a 3x2 - the extra right tuner. I can get the rest.) Message me, happy to join in and cash app you or whatever. It is tough for folks who are right handed with 5 strings.

I think i must have gotten the last 4+1 set in Nickel that's out there. Unfortunately, at some point during shipment, the USPS ran over the envelope with a truck (as evidenced by the tire track that went across the envelope :no: :eyeroll and broke a couple of the tuners. Luckily the USPS did accept my claim and I just got the claim settlement check today. I haven't been able to find replacements yet.

That being said, I don't think the neck dive is so bad with a good strap on the bass that I can't play the bass while I'm waiting for the tuners to become available again. But I will look forward to putting the Gotohs on it.