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Sire P5-4 vs Fender Player II Precision
- Thread starter J_Valentin
- Start date
Same width as all of my P's save my Nate Mendel which is slightly more narrow.
They're all very comfy and all Fenders. Two roasted as well FWIW.....
Good to know. Maybe I read something about the P7 having a J neck.
With my background in finance, I’m a firm believer in cost benefit ratios spread out over time. So that means not only means the purchasing price, cost of anticipated upgrades and repairs, it’s utility in what you are trying to accomplish, the length of time in use, and the return of any residual value at disposal.
To cut through that word salad to something useful, if you are just playing mostly at home, or in other words, light use, utility and time in service are not going to be issues, assuming both basses play well and play in tune.
If I was going to be out and about playing with other musicians at lot, the component guality of the instrument becomes more advantageous. But, I’m certain both are going to sound like an electric bass.
Neither bass is going to return much in the distribution phase other than a bass in demand will return more than one that isn’t and I would venture to a guess, a bass with Fender on the head stock would attract more buyers and a higher selling offer than a Sire.
One last consideration about swapping out pickups. If you are planning to swap out your pickups, and you have a specific pick up mine, I would measure the route to makes sure the new pickups will fit, width and available depth.
Years ago I had a MIM Fender JB and decided to replace the stock pickups with Fender “62s”. They had to route a good amount of material of the body to get the bridge pick up to fit.
Strange, since the EMG Geezer Butler is based on a 60's Fender P-bass pickup.
I own 2 of both the Sire P5 4 string and the Fender MIM P. I would say build quality on both is similar, but I would give a slight nod to Fender. Having said that, only one of the 4 is stock, one of the p5's. Stock Fender pickups are a clear winner for me as I find the stock Sire P pickup to be very bland. One of my Sires has a Geezer in it and I like that bass a lot other than it's roasted maple neck is the color of chocolate. One of my Fenders has an Aguilar Hot P which I like even more that the Geezer. My other Fender has the original pickup in it and it sounds pretty good. Pickups are an easy swap on either the Sire or the Fender. Hardware on the other hand is not so easy on the Sire. There is only one direct replacement bridge available and it is far from cost effective, it seems clear to me to have been done on purpose to prevent the easy swapping with Fender parts. There are no direct replacement tuners available that I am aware of, at least none that have matching mounting. Right now, when I grab a straight P to gig, 100 out of 100 times it is a fender.
I have owned multiples of both. Replaced pickups in all of them. Still have the Sires, have moved the Fenders along. YMMV
Thanks for your opinion — it’s really helpful. I think that in the long run the Fender will be better for me in many ways, but of course it costs almost twice as much as the Sire. The price is what makes me hesitate, because the Fender’s build quality and neck are already excellent
Would you recommend the Aguilar Hot P for indie rock? I’ve seen they’re expensive, but they might be a good option if I want a really great bass
Why’s that? Would you say it’s because of the neck comfort? And which pickups have you liked the most for the Sire?
It’s probably worth buying both from a place that has a good return policy and returning the one you don’t like as much. Take the hit on the shipping to be able to make the decision for yourself.
I don't know that I have a good recommendation based on type of music. The only bass that I own that gets more stage time than the P with the Aguilar is a PJ with Lollars. The Aguilar is definitely hotter than the Geezer and I think it has better highs and is easier to make it growl. Take that all for what you paid for it. But if it were me, I would go with the Aguilar.
Yes, primarily the necks, but also overall build quality from Sire has been better. My sample size is three Sires and three MIM Fenders. I put a Geezer pup in the 4 string and a Delano PMVC5 FE/M2-AS in the 5 string. Still have stock pups in the 5 string Jazz.
OTOH, my CiJ Geddy is a fantastically well built bass, but even there I have replace the pups with Tom Brantley’s.
I'd go with the Fender. I've returned or put back every Sire I've ever played. Something about them doesn't work for me.
There's a lot of crap MIM Fenders out there too though, so buy from a place with a decent return policy as you might have to try a few to find a good one.
There's a lot of crap MIM Fenders out there too though, so buy from a place with a decent return policy as you might have to try a few to find a good one.
Maybe a P width but it's a J-shaped neck, a C.
Attachments
A Fender Player MIM p bass with an Ampeg RB-210 is a match made in heaven. You might not even need to change the pickups IMO, at least give it a try before replacing them.
You could also use some Rotosond 66 stainless steel rounds to give it more rumble and bite.
You could also use some Rotosond 66 stainless steel rounds to give it more rumble and bite.
Thanks, man! And the Yamaha BB434? Have you tried it or do you have any references?
