Sire Bass Club!

[LoveThatBass]

I like my V7 in passive mode so much that I just paid guy to make a custom wiring harness for it. It's going to be 100% passive with a Fender four hole plate. V/T/V/T, .47 cap on the Neck and .22 on the Bridge. I'm really excited. I think @waver nailed it with "...as good as any other...". I was really gassing for a 'Nice' jazz bass.

I watched a lot of comparison videos on the Empire Music(mostly Fender shop) YouTube channel. I decided that I needed to have blocks with binding, and rounded fretboard edges... since my 2023 V7 sounds as good as anything he played, I made the decision to make it permanently passive.

To each his own. I have to ask why didn't you just buy a Sire V5? I have a P7 and love it. I bought a V5 and made it active/passive so therefore I should have just bought a V7. Sounds like we both bought something we were not happy with. I suspect you bought the V7 for the reasons I bought the P7 to get a neck with inlays. I then bought the V5 because I loved the roasted maple neck.

 

[Auer]

To each his own. I have to ask why didn't you just buy a Sire V5? I have a P7 and love it. I bought a V5 and made it active/passive so therefore I should have just bought a V7. Sounds like we both bought something we were not happy with. I suspect you bought the V7 for the reasons I bought the P7 to get a neck with inlays. I then bought the V5 because I loved the roasted maple neck.

I think I would have done just that, add a V5 to the mix and leave the 7 active.

V5's are dirt cheap and absolutely great to play.

 

[Jon Draffan]

To each his own. I have to ask why didn't you just buy a Sire V5? I have a P7 and love it. I bought a V5 and made it active/passive so therefore I should have just bought a V7. Sounds like we both bought something we were not happy with. I suspect you bought the V7 for the reasons I bought the P7 to get a neck with inlays. I then bought the V5 because I loved the roasted maple neck.

Ha ha, yeah we did the opposite!
Actually I posted about this when I got the V7... My personal Sire path goes like this...
•P7-added a .47 mfd capacitor and changed the 'high mass' bridge to an Alpert's 19mm which wouldn't intonate on the G string 'cuz the saddle would not go forward enough. Also, I was an Ash one and the bass didn't feel "responsive" to my playing
•Got an M5, added a capacitor again. The 4 string M series necks are too small for me and I felt like I was playing a toy (as a 'bedroom rockstar' I don't get the joy of an audience or bandmates, and since i play sitting, a bass feeling 'just right' is the pinnacle of my experience).
•Got a V9 - tried to install an Alparts bridge which turned out to be not "drop in" at all. The screws got pinned, and then stripped an 1/8" above the surface. I definitely accept my responsibility for that f up. As sharp corners of the body didn't work for my playing style anyway.
•got a V5-felt like it sounded bland so I installed an EMGVX system. Sounded incredibly sterile, and I switched out the pick ups for a "Kwik-plug" set and harness from Guitar Fetish. These pick ups are 30 bucks a pop, and they sound amazing! In fact I like those pickups so much I put the same system in a Harley Benton MV4-J Gotoh.
•got a P5-I made the mistake of putting hipshots on it before I spent much time playing it. That bass was already sooo light, it wouldn't sit still if if I moved off a four fret block. Loved the feel of the neck, unfortunately it was so rounded that without blocks and binding, I couldn't shake that feeling that it came from a home workshop.


... Finally got a V7.
I am shocked! The bass is everything I have been looking for! The neck profile feels like no other Sire, the alder body responds to me perfectly, the pickups have the depth and the 'ping' that I want. The tuners worked great but it was a little neck divey, so I put the go to GB528 on it. I don't know how many changes happened to the pickups or manufacturing style of the V7 in the last couple of years (all of the above happened since lockdown), but if I had started with the 2023 version of the V7, I would never have purchased any of the basses above, or the Corts, the ANB205, or the Ray34... or the 44-01.

I am a bit ashamed of how much money and research time has been wasted, but I can tell you that all of this effort has finally shown me (after 30 years) that a well-made jazz bass is what I've always wanted, and I can honestly say that the last few weeks are the first time in decades that I can play music without spending any time wondering what a different instrument would be like.

So sorry this was this long. If you read this whole thing, thank you for your time and letting me explore my own history. Time to change my profile picture.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Ha ha, yeah we did the opposite!
Actually I posted about this when I got the V7... My personal Sire path goes like this...
•P7-added a .47 mfd capacitor and changed the 'high mass' bridge to an Alpert's 19mm which wouldn't intonate on the G string 'cuz the saddle would not go forward enough. Also, I was an Ash one and the bass didn't feel "responsive" to my playing
•Got an M5, added a capacitor again. The 4 string M series necks are too small for me and I felt like I was playing a toy (as a 'bedroom rockstar' I don't get the joy of an audience or bandmates, and since i play sitting, a bass feeling 'just right' is the pinnacle of my experience).
•Got a V9 - tried to install an Alparts bridge which turned out to be not "drop in" at all. The screws got pinned, and then stripped an 1/8" above the surface. I definitely accept my responsibility for that f up. As sharp corners of the body didn't work for my playing style anyway.
•got a V5-felt like it sounded bland so I installed an EMGVX system. Sounded incredibly sterile, and I switched out the pick ups for a "Kwik-plug" set and harness from Guitar Fetish. These pick ups are 30 bucks a pop, and they sound amazing! In fact I like those pickups so much I put the same system in a Harley Benton MV4-J Gotoh.
•got a P5-I made the mistake of putting hipshots on it before I spent much time playing it. That bass was already sooo light, it wouldn't sit still if if I moved off a four fret block. Loved the feel of the neck, unfortunately it was so rounded that without blocks and binding, I couldn't shake that feeling that it came from a home workshop.


... Finally got a V7.
I am shocked! The bass is everything I have been looking for! The neck profile feels like no other Sire, the alder body responds to me perfectly, the pickups have the depth and the 'ping' that I want. The tuners worked great but it was a little neck divey, so I put the go to GB528 on it. I don't know how many changes happened to the pickups or manufacturing style of the V7 in the last couple of years (all of the above happened since lockdown), but if I had started with the 2023 version of the V7, I would never have purchased any of the basses above, or the Corts, the ANB205, or the Ray34... or the 44-01.

I am a bit ashamed of how much money and research time has been wasted, but I can tell you that all of this effort has finally shown me (after 30 years) that a well-made jazz bass is what I've always wanted, and I can honestly say that the last few weeks are the first time in decades that I can play music without spending any time wondering what a different instrument would be like.

So sorry this was this long. If you read this whole thing, thank you for your time and letting me explore my own history. Time to change my profile picture.

View attachment 5115129

When I got my P7 around Jan-Feb 2023 I measured the Cap at .50uf. Was surprised after reading other previous ones were .022uf.
We all make mistakes and yes I read the entire read. There is only one bridge being made that replaces the stock and they have so many waiting good luck getting one. I chose to leave the bridge on the P7 and V5 for the very reason you have found out. Tooo much trouble and it does work well, just not that great looking. When I found out even the Gotoh requires more than just different screw placement as the holes in the "Through hole's" do not match up so I stopped looking.
For what it's worth the EMG preamp I put in the V5 does sound good. Very natural. In fact if I put the Bass/Treble controls at mid position it sounds identical to the passive but I now have other settings if needed.

 

[Jon Draffan]

When I got my P7 around Jan-Feb 2023 I measured the Cap at .50uf. Was surprised after reading other previous ones were .022uf.
We all make mistakes and yes I read the entire read. There is only one bridge being made that replaces the stock and they have so many waiting good luck getting one. I chose to leave the bridge on the P7 and V5 for the very reason you have found out. Tooo much trouble and it does work well, just not that great looking. When I found out even the Gotoh requires more than just different screw placement as the holes in the "Through hole's" do not match up so I stopped looking.
For what it's worth the EMG preamp I put in the V5 does sound good. Very natural. In fact if I put the Bass/Treble controls at mid position it sounds identical to the passive but I now have other settings if needed.

I love the S2 bridge that Sire came out with in... '22(?). I think it's well machined, looks good, and it's easy to set up.
Maybe where I messed up with the EMGs, I had no bass/treble control on mine I kept the X-series tone knob. EMG made a bid deal out of it...?

On the plus side, those GTOH tuning machines are really nice, and drop-in. An upgrade worth considering.

 

[LoveThatBass]

I love the S2 bridge that Sire came out with in... '22(?). I think it's well machined, looks good, and it's easy to set up.
Maybe where I messed up with the EMGs, I had no bass/treble control on mine I kept the X-series tone knob. EMG made a bid deal out of it...?

On the plus side, those GTOH tuning machines are really nice, and drop-in. An upgrade worth considering.

I put Gotoh 528's on my P7

 

[TheBass]

When I got my P7 around Jan-Feb 2023 I measured the Cap at .50uf.

Are you sure it was .50uF or may be .050uF ? .50 uF would cut off all mids and highs.

 

[Loepie]

Here a link to part of an instrumental song on the festival, playing on my V9

I wanted to change the tuners for some GB528's. Had to wait 11 to 13 weeks for the chrome ones. So I ordered the black ones instead. Turned out to be really really nice. Looks great and the weight is about 160 gr less. Original tuners were about 400 gr, Gotoh 528 about 240 gr. Total weight of my V9 is now 3.5 kg!!!. I had 6 Sire's before but sold them all because of weight, bad electronics or bad pots. But this one is a keeper.

 

[LowEndLobster]

I wanted to change the tuners for some GB528's. Had to wait 11 to 13 weeks for the chrome ones. So I ordered the black ones instead. Turned out to be really really nice. Looks great and the weight is about 160 gr less. Original tuners were about 400 gr, Gotoh 528 about 240 gr. Total weight of my V9 is now 3.5 kg!!!. I had 6 Sire's before but sold them all because of weight, bad electronics or bad pots. But this one is a keeper.

A black Gotoh 404BO-4 would look killer!

You can use allen wrenches to align the bridge with the ferrule holes and then drill away!

 

[waver]

Ha ha, yeah we did the opposite!
Actually I posted about this when I got the V7... My personal Sire path goes like this...
•P7-added a .47 mfd capacitor and changed the 'high mass' bridge to an Alpert's 19mm which wouldn't intonate on the G string 'cuz the saddle would not go forward enough. Also, I was an Ash one and the bass didn't feel "responsive" to my playing
•Got an M5, added a capacitor again. The 4 string M series necks are too small for me and I felt like I was playing a toy (as a 'bedroom rockstar' I don't get the joy of an audience or bandmates, and since i play sitting, a bass feeling 'just right' is the pinnacle of my experience).
•Got a V9 - tried to install an Alparts bridge which turned out to be not "drop in" at all. The screws got pinned, and then stripped an 1/8" above the surface. I definitely accept my responsibility for that f up. As sharp corners of the body didn't work for my playing style anyway.
•got a V5-felt like it sounded bland so I installed an EMGVX system. Sounded incredibly sterile, and I switched out the pick ups for a "Kwik-plug" set and harness from Guitar Fetish. These pick ups are 30 bucks a pop, and they sound amazing! In fact I like those pickups so much I put the same system in a Harley Benton MV4-J Gotoh.
•got a P5-I made the mistake of putting hipshots on it before I spent much time playing it. That bass was already sooo light, it wouldn't sit still if if I moved off a four fret block. Loved the feel of the neck, unfortunately it was so rounded that without blocks and binding, I couldn't shake that feeling that it came from a home workshop.


... Finally got a V7.
I am shocked! The bass is everything I have been looking for! The neck profile feels like no other Sire, the alder body responds to me perfectly, the pickups have the depth and the 'ping' that I want. The tuners worked great but it was a little neck divey, so I put the go to GB528 on it. I don't know how many changes happened to the pickups or manufacturing style of the V7 in the last couple of years (all of the above happened since lockdown), but if I had started with the 2023 version of the V7, I would never have purchased any of the basses above, or the Corts, the ANB205, or the Ray34... or the 44-01.

I am a bit ashamed of how much money and research time has been wasted, but I can tell you that all of this effort has finally shown me (after 30 years) that a well-made jazz bass is what I've always wanted, and I can honestly say that the last few weeks are the first time in decades that I can play music without spending any time wondering what a different instrument would be like.

So sorry this was this long. If you read this whole thing, thank you for your time and letting me explore my own history. Time to change my profile picture.

View attachment 5115129

Yes, sometimes it just takes going through some equipment before you find the thing that clicks for you. I did it with saxophones: bought and sold several vintage and modern horns before I ended up with the two that I love to play. Have done the same thing with saxophone mouthpieces. And with basses: The U5 was my first short scale; the Gotoh tuner mod increased the comfort; then went on to a Sandberg shortie which is my #1 hbut I love playing the U5 as well).

Of course before the Interwebs I just happily played what I had, didn't even think about the gear . . . hmmm . . .

 

[Loepie]

A black Gotoh 404BO-4 would look killer!

View attachment 5115312

View attachment 5115314

View attachment 5115315

You can use allen wrenches to align the bridge with the ferrule holes and then drill away!

View attachment 5115316

Thomann sells them, but they also have Gotoh 201B-4 B

 

[LowEndLobster]

Thomann sells them, but they also have Gotoh 201B-4 B

Just know that bridge doesn't support string thru body or quick release

 

[five7]

Are the necks on the V5 and V7 similar feeling to a P5 or they thin like a fender jazz neck.

 

[TheBass]

Does someone already own a V10DX and compared it vs. the V10, preferably the 5 string version ?

 

[One Way]

Are the necks on the V5 and V7 similar feeling to a P5 or they thin like a fender jazz neck.

I have a 1st generation V7. It replaced my Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz bass. The Squier had a much thinner neck than my V7, the width is about the same. My V7's neck is the same or just slightly thicker than my G&L JB Tribute. The Sire neck feels and plays wonderfully! Hope this info helps.

 

[five7]

I should have mentioned I have a 5 string. Thanks though!

 

[OldShark]

Are the necks on the V5 and V7 similar feeling to a P5 or they thin like a fender jazz neck.

AFAIK, all V models and the P7/P10 have thinner, jazz style necks, only the D5/P5 have chunkier necks.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Are you sure it was .50uF or may be .050uF ? .50 uF would cut off all mids and highs.

Yeah .50uf would cut off highs and mids. I meant .050uf is what it shows on my Capacitance Meter. Sorry

 

[Glazenn]

… I chose to leave the bridge on the P7 and V5 for the very reason you have found out. Tooo much trouble and it does work well, just not that great looking. When I found out even the Gotoh requires more than just different screw placement as the holes in the "Through hole's" do not match up so I stopped looking...

The Göldo HW50C bridge (Thomann) perfectly fits the (useless to me, as La Bella LTFs must NOT be bent at an angle) string-through holes on my P7 Fretless:

 

[Auer]

Been playing my Nash all week, switching to the V5 for the weekend.

I try to get 30 minutes or so in each day.