Sire V7 - are they really THAT good?

[dave_bass5]

Yeah, mine came from Thomanns as well. I also got two free gig bags direct from Sire, so all in all it was a very happy time. Mine didn’t have the signature in it, but that was just a very minor negative.
I don’t use mine anymore, or at least I have need for it at the moment, but it’s not going anywhere.

 

[mojacko]

I used to owned V7 alder for at least one month,

IMO finish & built quality feels like MIJ fender, geddy lee or marcus miller,

hardware on par with squier

sounds good, workinh musician will love them.

but since I prefer simple thing, I wasn’t get along with the preamp, to complicated for me. too much knob and I hate mid freq option, because I’m too lazy to learn it.

so I let it go, and back to passive fender, then now a sadowsky, now I’m happy man

 

[joellay]

Considering a V7, but no one around has one in stock to play. I want a traditional Jazz as all my current basses are more modern design. The passive switch is a plus.
A little apprehensive to order without having played. It sounds like a great bass, but i haven't seen a lot on the neck feel. Is it like a traditional Jazz? I have smaller hands and prefer a smaller neck, but want something with a little better string spacing for Slap. My SR505 feels great, but string spacing is tight. Any feedback from owners would be appreciated.

 

[Maxdusty]

Considering a V7, but no one around has one in stock to play. I want a traditional Jazz as all my current basses are more modern design. The passive switch is a plus.
A little apprehensive to order without having played. It sounds like a great bass, but i haven't seen a lot on the neck feel. Is it like a traditional Jazz? I have smaller hands and prefer a smaller neck, but want something with a little better string spacing for Slap. My SR505 feels great, but string spacing is tight. Any feedback from owners would be appreciated.

Yes, it does feel like a traditional Jazz. In fact my V3 essentially replaced one of my MIM Fender Jazz basses- if you play the Sire passive, it's just like your typical Jazz bass, but flip the switch on, it offers so many other options.
My V3 is about on par with the MIM Fender in terms of quality imo, a V7 exceeds that with the better pickups, tuners and bridge.
Also my hands are small, I'm used to playing Ibanez four string basses or similar narrow ones, and have no problem with the Sire basses- jazz bass necks are narrow-yet the spacing seems more ideal for slapping, easier than on Ibanez basses for sure. I do play a lot of funk, easier to really thump away on a fender jazz neck. However, if you plan on getting a five string, I don't know how the V7 width will be like, or if it will be too wide for you - I've owned a Fender Jazz bass V and found that one a tad wide

 

[joellay]

Yes, it does feel like a traditional Jazz. In fact my V3 essentially replaced one of my MIM Fender Jazz basses- if you play the Sire passive, it's just like your typical Jazz bass, but flip the switch on, it offers so many other options.
My V3 is about on par with the MIM Fender in terms of quality imo, a V7 exceeds that with the better pickups, tuners and bridge.
Also my hands are small, I'm used to playing Ibanez four string basses or similar narrow ones, and have no problem with the Sire basses- jazz bass necks are narrow-yet the spacing seems more ideal for slapping, easier than on Ibanez basses for sure. I do play a lot of funk, easier to really thump away on a fender jazz neck. However, if you plan on getting a five string, I don't know how the V7 width will be like, or if it will be too wide for you - I've owned a Fender Jazz bass V and found that one a tad wide

Thank you for the excellent feedback. Going with a 4 string. I've been debating on this or a Cort GB74.

 

[Maxdusty]

Thank you for the excellent feedback. Going with a 4 string. I've been debating on this or a Cort GB74.

No problem...I think the SR505 is a very nice bass, I used to play on a similar SR700 - necks are sweet on the Ibanez basses, but the Jazz bass necks just seem more comfortable for slapping. It's not that one can't slap on the Ibanez- but that little bit of room goes a long way in making it even easier on a jazz style bass -also the two single coils are more suited for the percussive tone you usually look for in funk than the dual humbuckers. It has the "sound" for lack of a better word, it's got the proper voice for it- it picks up the subtleties that aren't easily picked up on humbuckers . The EQ system on the Ibanez Soundgear basses are good, always been impressed and used to them, but imo the one on the Sire basses is even better and really seems to have better control and more variance - and you don't even have to use that if you choose to and just go passive.
I'm not particular to any brand or model, I really do love all basses and have owned quite a number of them throughout the years-but have to say the Sire basses are incredible basses especially given what they sell for. I have to mention before I bought the V3, I too didn't have an opportunity to try one beforehand as no store carried one for me to try. I admit I was more curious and a tad bit skeptical of all the hoopla these Sire basses were receiving, but I ordered one and well, let's just say, a week later, I bought a second one, the M3 in my user pic- it replaced a modern bass I had, I wanted one with the Sire preamp.
Not everyone is going to like the Sire, we all have different things we look for in a bass, those with more expensive boutique Jazz bass alternatives may not be impressed by the bass in comparison to what they already have or it may not have the specific features they're looking for but given the low price point and features, Sire basses will really appeal to a good number of people out there- it certainly checks a lot of boxes.

 

[musicbass-man]

I know I'm late to this thread, but yes that are that good!

I just bought a V7 from Andertons in the UK for just over £300. Can't believe the quality and the sound for so little money.

Here are my observations:

• They are equivalent to MIA Standard/Professional in terms of build quality.
• They are superior to MIM interns of build and playability. Vastly superior in terms of eq/electronics.
• They neck is thicker than modern C shape Fenders but equivalent to 1980 - 2000 Fenders (I like it)

My usual 'gig' basses are:

• Fender MIA Precision Deluxe 2012
• Lakland DJ4
• Stingray HH 2008
• Fender MIA 1972 Precision
• Fender MIA 1963 Precision
• Rickenbacker CS 4001

I bough the Sire to play in my Hotel room whilst on tour (if it got nicked, I wouldn't be gutted at the price). However I feel that the Sire is going to end up on the Gigs somewhere down the line.

For the price it's a no-brainer.

 

[Jackie Clark]

Your Skyline has graphite rods in the neck (Sire's don't) and are setup in house after they arrive from Indonesia.
They are put on a Plek machine to give it a precision fret dressing that give you the lowest action possible.
The Sire's arrive "as is" from the factory.
To make a Sire compare to a Lakland, a Plek job will cost $260.00 plus $100.00 shipping to the Plek shop's location and back. A good setup can cost $100.00. With the Sire's I've played ALL need to have the nut lowered.
So, if you want the Sire to be truly comparable you'd need to add another $460 or so to the Sire's base cost.
Your Daryl Jones Lakland has a thinner and faster neck. I own 2 Lakland 5 strings (a 5502 Skyline and a Scheff USA) and have played several Sire basses... Sire's have a thick, chunkier neck profile than I prefer.
Lakland's hardware is far better than what is found on the Sire.
You can order the Sire and send it back if you don't like it but to compare it equally to the Lakland, you have to consider their extensive setup and high, out of the box, quality.

I'm super late but,my experience is quite the opposite of yours...I used to endorse Lakland and I've owned 8 at one time...I sold 4 to furnish my home studio and kept the others...I've since become an artist with Sire and I've had nothing but great times with all 3 of my Sire basses. The only complaints I had were the tuners on the 1st one being a little stiff,the string inserts on the bridge being slightly off and the high gloss finish on the neck. The other 2 are perfect! I had my tech sand the necks down to a satin finish kinda like my 55-94 and Joe Osborn basses and the problem was solved. Fortunately,I didn't have to invest another $260 or so to get mine comparable to my Laklands. Tonally,they're actually very close to my Joe Osborn bass...of course the overall quality of my Laklands are better...they're supposed to be! Sires weren't meant to be a high end instrument but, the Sires I have can hold their own against any bass I've ever played...maybe I got lucky and they sent me some of the best Sires ever made I still have my Lakland fretted and fretless 55-94 basses and my Bob Glaub P...As much as I love my fretted 55-94,I still play the Sires 85-90% of the time and it has nothing to do with me being an artist.They don't pay me a dime to play them,I play em cause they sound really good and, I don't have to worry about losing a more expensive instrument on a plane or something

 

[BluesFunk]

I own a Sire P7 5 string. Tobacco Sunburst Ash body, Maple neck and fret board. I've done open air concerts, pub gigs, private gigs etc...Totally satisfied, it cuts through nicely, and now my Fender Jazz, Fender Precision and Ibanez Soundgear 5 are all having a long rest, as the P7 covers what I need. For the price I couldn't be any happier, be nice to own a Roscoe, Sadowsky, Sandberg etc etc, but to be honest, I dont need them, the Sire is good enough at way less the cost....Next purchase will be a M7...In the very near future, I can buy one now because they are so affordable, but I'm teasing myself for a bit, but that wont last long because I may just order one after this post lol

 

[Maxdusty]

I own a Sire P7 5 string. Tobacco Sunburst Ash body, Maple neck and fret board. I've done open air concerts, pub gigs, private gigs etc...Totally satisfied, it cuts through nicely, and now my Fender Jazz, Fender Precision and Ibanez Soundgear 5 are all having a long rest, as the P7 covers what I need. For the price I couldn't be any happier, be nice to own a Roscoe, Sadowsky, Sandberg etc etc, but to be honest, I dont need them, the Sire is good enough at way less the cost....Next purchase will be a M7...In the very near future, I can buy one now because they are so affordable, but I'm teasing myself for a bit, but that wont last long because I may just order one after this post lol

I waited a little too long to get an M3...they no longer make or sell them. Sure it's essentially the M2 but with nicer finish, actually had to buy a used one on Reverb. I don't see the M7 being phased out though, however perhaps some of the finishes may be.

 

[BluesFunk]

Thanks for the input guys! Any of you own one of these?
My main reason for this thread post was more to distinguish whether to go for the active MIM Fender Jazz or settle for a Sire and save £400+ in the process?

o
Gidday from Oz...I currently own a Sire P7, and I am totally satisfied with the sound and build quality. It is one of my Go to basses when I gig (every weekend). I currently have 5 basses with my 2nd Sire on its way (V7 2nd Generation 5 ). I've owned a 70's Fender Jazz and I can say these Sires are up with the best. There are a lot of great basses on the market, but the price range is variable and some are ridiculous in comparison. If you want Boutique, then get the M range of Sires, for the price you cant go wrong. If you want a good reliable and sounding workhorse, the P7 or V range wont let you down. I will be getting the complete Sire range for my own personal collection...Cheers

 

[BluesFunk]

I waited a little too long to get an M3...they no longer make or sell them. Sure it's essentially the M2 but with nicer finish, actually had to buy a used one on Reverb. I don't see the M7 being phased out though, however perhaps some of the finishes may be.

Yes I agree...Unfortunately here in Australia we dont have much of a finish option as the models we get here are standard...I've seen nice finishes from the American artists, but yes we miss out. Plus our dollar value is disgusting. An M7 over the States is $600.00 cheaper in currency value

 

[joellay]

Received my V7 and really impressed for $499 delivered, which includes a quality gig bag. It is as good as any $1200 Fender I’ve played.

Regarding Lakeland, I would expect the extra wow if I’m paying $1300 versus $500. I’m not familiar with the Plek job?

 

[sharkbait130]

Yes , they really are that good. Gatorbait (my son) ordered one a few years ago. He was out of town when it arrived so I opened it up and started playing it. The thing played like a dream right out of the box. This is coming from a long standing P Bass man. I have been setting up my basses for years and I didn't have to touch this thing as far as set up went. The sound was great through my SVT rig and it was definitely more versatile than my P Basses. I was very impressed with it so I sent Gatorbait a text. I told him MY new bass had arrived and thanked him very much for the gift. He texted back asking if I had a death wish. lol. He said he couldn't wait to get home and try it. A few days later he got home and I told him the bass was downstairs in its case. He was very excited and headed on down to try it out. Upon opening the case he found some shards of wood , a couple of cut up strings , some miscellaneous hardware and a note saying OOPS , SORRY , I DROPPED IT. I was loudly called several names that I can't repeat on TB. When he came back up the stairs , I was sitting on the couch playing his bass. He gently took it away from me , went back down the stairs and plugged it into the SVT. I didn't see him again for several hours.
He absolutely loves the thing and has been playing it professionally for a few years now. If I ever get the chance , I'm going to steal it from him.

 

[Plutonium244]

If you want Boutique, then get the M range of Sires, for the price you cant go wrong. If you want a good reliable and sounding workhorse, the P7 or V range wont let you down. I will be getting the complete Sire range for my own personal collection...Cheers

Nice! I'd be fun to have one of each, and at various times, I've thought about getting a P7, or a 2nd gen V7 vintage, or a V7 fretless, but I need to stand pat with the 3 I have: M7 five-string with a finish they don't make anymore, V7 alder/rosewood, and V7 five-string ash/maple.

I hadn't been playing the M7 much in the last 6-12 months --sometimes you kind of "forget" that they're awesome and wander on to play others more, then you play them again and remember how great they are and wonder how you could ever have moved it out of the rotation. That's me, in the last 2-3 weeks.

A lot of people compare their V7's to American Fenders, and that's a valid comparison (though not everyone concurs of course). I'll compare the M7 5 to the MTD Z5, which is $1400 retail. I have a Z6 and thus can do a fairly direct comparison, and the similarities are many, including scale length, pickup selection, tone, options, etc. The MTD Z5 or Z6 are fine instruments... so's the Sire M7. Sires aren't perfect and there are always small compromises to be made to keep the price low, but dollar-for-dollar, there's no better value in basses than Sire.

Side note: would be nice to have a maple board as an option on an M7. Maybe since the M3 is gone, maybe they can give the M7 the board option available on the less-expensive M2. That would require extra tooling for them since they can't just use M2 necks-- M2's arr 34" scale, M7's are 35".

 

[Plutonium244]

Side note: seems peculiar somehow that you can buy a brand new Sire bass on Amazon, with Prime for 2 day free shipping.

 

[bholder]

Side note: seems peculiar somehow that you can buy a brand new Sire bass on Amazon, with Prime for 2 day free shipping.

Wow did not know.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Yes , they really are that good. Gatorbait (my son) ordered one a few years ago. He was out of town when it arrived so I opened it up and started playing it. The thing played like a dream right out of the box. This is coming from a long standing P Bass man. I have been setting up my basses for years and I didn't have to touch this thing as far as set up went. The sound was great through my SVT rig and it was definitely more versatile than my P Basses. I was very impressed with it so I sent Gatorbait a text. I told him MY new bass had arrived and thanked him very much for the gift. He texted back asking if I had a death wish. lol. He said he couldn't wait to get home and try it. A few days later he got home and I told him the bass was downstairs in its case. He was very excited and headed on down to try it out. Upon opening the case he found some shards of wood , a couple of cut up strings , some miscellaneous hardware and a note saying OOPS , SORRY , I DROPPED IT. I was loudly called several names that I can't repeat on TB. When he came back up the stairs , I was sitting on the couch playing his bass. He gently took it away from me , went back down the stairs and plugged it into the SVT. I didn't see him again for several hours.
He absolutely loves the thing and has been playing it professionally for a few years now. If I ever get the chance , I'm going to steal it from him.

Sounds like you need to add something to your Christmas list.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Nice! I'd be fun to have one of each, and at various times, I've thought about getting a P7, or a 2nd gen V7 vintage, or a V7 fretless, but I need to stand pat with the 3 I have: M7 five-string with a finish they don't make anymore, V7 alder/rosewood, and V7 five-string ash/maple.

I hadn't been playing the M7 much in the last 6-12 months --sometimes you kind of "forget" that they're awesome and wander on to play others more, then you play them again and remember how great they are and wonder how you could ever have moved it out of the rotation. That's me, in the last 2-3 weeks.

A lot of people compare their V7's to American Fenders, and that's a valid comparison (though not everyone concurs of course). I'll compare the M7 5 to the MTD Z5, which is $1400 retail. I have a Z6 and thus can do a fairly direct comparison, and the similarities are many, including scale length, pickup selection, tone, options, etc. The MTD Z5 or Z6 are fine instruments... so's the Sire M7. Sires aren't perfect and there are always small compromises to be made to keep the price low, but dollar-for-dollar, there's no better value in basses than Sire.

Side note: would be nice to have a maple board as an option on an M7. Maybe since the M3 is gone, maybe they can give the M7 the board option available on the less-expensive M2. That would require extra tooling for them since they can't just use M2 necks-- M2's arr 34" scale, M7's are 35".

M7 discontinued finish? Which one?

 

[bholder]

Sounds like you need to add something to your Christmas list.

Yeah, I was going to say, sounds like there's a P7 in sharkbait's future that would solve the dilemma - Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Son's Bass!