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Sire V7 - are they really THAT good?

#161
dave_bass5 said:
Ive had my V7 5 sting since they were available from Thomanns. Everything was set up well and no issues as far as low action goes. I have the same action on all my basses. I really cant fault it, and to my ears it sounds much nicer as a Jazz bass than my old Lakland DJ5. The neck is a little chunky but comfortable. I dont really need all the EQ options, but they are nice to have.
My only issue is the weight. Its heavy, and a lot heavier than any other bass ive owned or played. Not a huge deal breaker, but its always nice to take it off after playing it for a while. I dont use it much, but its a bass ill never sell, due to how cheap it is and, well, everyone needs a 5 string at some point :)
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I have an early, heavier V7 fiver as well... I think they are lighter now on average, after some players expressed concern over that. Even so, I don't have any problems playing my 2015 Sire V7 five, though all things being equal a little lighter would be fine. Newer ones, I believe, are more weight-controlled.
 
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#163
Josh Randall said:
I own one.
I will only say that it is a good instrument for the price. I don't believe it compares well with most $2000 basses with a similar configuration.
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I understand that's your opinion but you have to speak for the one in your possession...I have 3 of them and each one is as good as ANY bass that I've owned or played...I currently own U.S. made Lakland jazz basses and U.S. made Lakland 55-94 basses and they sound just as good...the Laklands feel a little better but,they're supposed to!

Keep in mind each instrument is slightly different...even with more expensive instruments.I've yet to play a Fodera I actually liked(and it's not because I wouldn't spend $6000-$8000 on a bass) but there's no need for me to spend that kind of money.
 
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#164
SimonSays said:
Hi,

So I'm sure most us bass players have come across thread posts stating how the Marcus Miller Sire range are built/sound/play like something 3 times their price point. Forgive me for doubting just about every Sire owner, but are they really THAT good? Do they really stand up to the American built Fender basses? If not, can anyone pin point where exactly in the scale of things these V7's fit in comparison to other jazz basses?

I am only posting as I don't live anywhere near a guitar shop and can't get my hands on these basses unless I make a purchase.

Thanks
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They are that good...I have 3 of them! You can checkout some of my clips on my YouTube page when you have time...It's under my name.Good luck with finding the instrument best for you!!
 
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#166
interp said:
I've played a couple. They are very good basses and a good value for the price, but they don't compare with basses costing three times as much.

BTW, I've seen MM play one on stage. Didn't sound bad at all.
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I own a few basses that cost 3 times as much and my Sires really are just as good...the shortcomings on mine are the hardware but,it's functional and doesn't need to be replaced...More money doesn't guarantee a better sound. I tour and record with my cheaper Sires and I don't miss anything from my Lakland basses.I basically use the Laklands when I want a certain thing but,for jazz tone,I'm fortunate that mine really produce excellent tone.

I can't speak for everyone else's basses though...just my own.
 
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#167
Here's a clip of my V7 vintage on a TV taping from last week...this isn't even a good representation because I had old strings and I needed a setup(you can hear the strings buzzing a bit because action is too low) but,it still sounds decent! Imagine how great it would sound if in top playing shape...

 
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#174
Oh yes. They are that good.

I just got a 5 string V7 and it's absolutely amazing. The place we practice has a Hartke 12" bass amp that always sounded anemic with my Classic Series P Bass. The Sire made that amp sound fantastic. Such a authoritative tone out of this bass.

I've owned plenty of high end basses (MIA, Drake custom etc.) and this bass is on par with those.
IMG_3206.JPG
 
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#176
I would encourage you not to give up on the 5 string just yet. Give it a little more time. You will adjust. The 4 string will be that much easier.
Goodluck.
StudioGC said:
Edit from above post. After a week with a 5 string bass for the first time, my fretting hand is a wreck. Selling the 5 string Sire and getting a Sire V7 4 string (black and tort alder model already on order from Thomann.de).

The neck is pretty massive on the 5 string. Back to regular jazz bass neck width for me.
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#177
bobdabilder said:
I would encourage you not to give up on the 5 string just yet. Give it a little more time. You will adjust. The 4 string will be that much easier.
Goodluck.
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I hear ya, but I can barely move my fingers now in my left hand. I've gone down this road before with P basses and I should of gone with what I know, which is only jazz width or short scale basses work for my fretting hand.

The good news is that I now know what a fantastic bass the 4 string version will be!
 
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#178
socialleper said:
Beyond the neck, the brightness is something else that has steered me away from the V7. Miller is known for that bright, snappy tone. If you like that, it sounds like the v7 has that for days. If I was a decent slap player, I'd want that too. Sadly, I'm not, and prefer bigger, meatier tones. I would have hoped that the tone control on the passive mode (why don't all active basses have that?) or the sweep on the mids would help with that. Maybe not. I've seen a lot of demos of the v7 and have never seen someone dropping some brutality on them the way I like.
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Brittle? Harsh?
It's all in the preamp folks. Here's a live recording from my Zoom Q4N. My VV7 5 running through my Genzler MG800 + Fearless F112 without any FOH support.
 
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