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Sire M7 VS Yamaha TRBX604 build quality?

DuluthDank

DuluthDank

May 11, 2008
2,125
3,372
Minneapolis, MN
#1
I'm looking at a 24 fret bass with both active and passive, and these are the two final candidates. Based on sound and electronic flexibility alone, I'd go with the Sire. However I hear that there might be some issues with build quality on the Sire, and while the Yamaha is about 250 dollars less, people universally praise the build quality.

Any opinions?
 
#3
DuluthDank said:
I'm looking at a 24 fret bass with both active and passive, and these are the two final candidates. Based on sound and electronic flexibility alone, I'd go with the Sire. However I hear that there might be some issues with build quality on the Sire, and while the Yamaha is about 250 dollars less, people universally praise the build quality.

Any opinions?
Click to expand...
Duluth
In exactly the same quandary
Think I'm leaning towards the Yamaha 604
Anymore thoughts since you posted this thread?
 
#4
Yamahas have the weight in control and are on the lighter side, the Sires (M7) are heavy. Yamahas also have better ergonomics, for example how the neck is attached to the body is a lot slender design with the Yamaha than with the Sire. Also, the 5-string Sire has a super long scale whereas the Yamaha the regular long scale.
 
#5
Pugosaurus said:
Yamahas have the weight in control and are on the lighter side, the Sires (M7) are heavy. Yamahas also have better ergonomics, for example how the neck is attached to the body is a lot slender design with the Yamaha than with the Sire. Also, the 5-string Sire has a super long scale whereas the Yamaha the regular long scale.
Click to expand...
Thanx for the Info!
 
#6
Jv-d said:
Duluth
In exactly the same quandary
Think I'm leaning towards the Yamaha 604
Anymore thoughts since you posted this thread?
Click to expand...
I went with the Sire M5, and think it was the right decision. It's cheaper and lighter than the M7, but with the same electronics and build quality. I searched high and low for sound samples, and think the sire M5/M7 beats out anything else under a grand in terms of being a flexible active/passive bass sound. I can dial in some awesome tones on the Sire, and to me, the Yamaha was more middle of the road/generic sounding, with less tonal flexibility. Build quality on the Sire is overall good for the money, but the tuners and dials aren't great. I might upgrade the tuners someday.
 
#10
Yamaha's TRBX line build quality is fenomenal - on par with anything double or triple it's price. It sounds and looks a bit bland/generic as mentioned before (I have the trbx505, so trbx605 looks a bit better), so I'd probably go with the Sire M7 if I had to start over.
 
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#11
All I can say is that the Yamaha rivals or exceeds my American made basses in quality, is awesomely light and, to me, can cover pretty much any tone I need. The only bass that has really beat it is a Japanese made Yamaha BBP. I haven't played the Sire to provide a comparison.
 
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#12
gg22 said:
Yamaha's TRBX line build quality is fenomenal - on par with anything double or triple it's price. It sounds and looks a bit bland/generic as mentioned before (I have the trbx505, so trbx605 looks a bit better)
Click to expand...
I've the 604, dark red burst over flame maple, it looks fantastic. Yes the build quality is wonderful, the neck is dream to play, the whole instrument is very comfortable.

But definitely check the tonal range is right for you. The 3 band eq does a lot but can't alter the basic character of the pickups. My ears want me to sell it, my hands want me to keep it (and my eyes are very pleased with the stalemate)
 
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#13
Ricky Rioli said:
I've the 604, dark red burst over flame maple, it looks fantastic. Yes the build quality is wonderful, the neck is dream to play, the whole instrument is very comfortable.

But definitely check the tonal range is right for you. The 3 band eq does a lot but can't alter the basic character of the pickups. My ears want me to sell it, my hands want me to keep it (and my eyes are very pleased with the stalemate)
Click to expand...

How about Pickups or Preamp swap ?
 
#15
This is an interesting thread regarding the build quality aspect. I'm a bass newbie (turned on to bass by a Mikro bought on a whim), but have played guitar for 45+ years. I first fell in love with Yamaha guitars back in the 70's when I picked up a Yamaha hollow body in a trade. I recently decided to get a normal size bass and yamaha was at the top of my list, especially since my son's TRBX seemed to feel as good or better than anything else I could get my hands on here in Atlanta. Unfortunately Yamahas of all non-signature models seem to be pretty much sold out, so I went with a G&L short scale. Going to have to look at Yamahas again once they are restocked. I really like the BB 434 model.
 
#17
Jv-d said:
I think that m going insane trying to figure out what to buy
My last new bass was a RIC in '92
Not on internet then, easy choice
Click to expand...

Do you prefer 34" or 35" scale length?
What's more important to you - build quality or tonal variety?
9V preamp or 18V preamp?
Which one looks better to you aesthetically?

One of the reasons I went with the trbx is truss rod adjustment at the neck heel, very quick and convenient (although I didn't have to touch it for almost a year since I asjusted it - the neck is that stable).
On the Sire M7 you'd have to unscrew the truss rod nut cover on the headstock each time you adjust it.
 

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