Sire V7 or V8 questions

[Saxomafone]

So I've been GASsing for a long time for a 70's funk machine: Ash body, 70's pickup spacing. I'm thinking of getting a Sire, because Fender just does not make a 70's pickup spacing bass in Ash, unless it's a reissue with a 3 bolt neck (NO THANKS) and I think the Sire looks like my best choice.

Here are a few questions if you have some experience with either or both:

If you have one or both, would you recommend them, or should I just go to Warmoth and do it all custom?

Is it worth the extra money for the v8? I think I would like the roasted maple neck, however I don't really need the extra gig big, and other than the roasted maple, I don't see other advantages over the V7.

I have a pick guard for a Jazz Bass with a notch for truss rod at the bottom of the neck, however it is not as large as the notch on the Sire basses. Plus the sire is 9 hole vs. the Fender type which is 10 hole. Has anyway tried to switch the pick guard for the 10 whole type and it worked? It looks like the control plate may be bigger than the Fender.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Maestro29]

I’m in a very similar situation. I have yet to get my hands on a V8, but I did own a V7 for quite a while. It was a great bass.

If you shop around Reverb you can find some USA Fender 70’s reissues without the 3 bolt necks, the Geddy Lee’s (both USA and Japan) are also an option. Stay away from MIJ 70’s reissues. They are great quality and look amazing, but have 60’s spacing for some odd reason.

If you have your heart set on Sire I would go with the V8. Again I have not personally played one, but based on my experience with the V7 and given the upgrades there doesn’t seem to be any reason you would be disappointed. Aside from the roasted neck it also has a BadAss II style bridge. My V7 was a little quieter than my USA Fender in passive mode, but once the preamp was engaged it was game over for the Fender. A lot of folks on here dismiss the idea that the upper end Sire’s are on par with USA Fenders and I disagree. They’re pretty darn close and from the looks of things the V8 is as close as you’ll get. Actually more appealing IMO.

You also mentioned Warmoth. I have a Warmoth P bass. Ash body, roasted maple neck with steel stiffening bars, gotoh bridge, schaller tuners and EMG Geezer Butler pickup. Currently strung with well worn Rotosound flats. My fav p bass ever. Building one will run you a little more money, and also the resale will be poor to non existent. However, it’s the best sounding/playing P bass I’ve owned and the only time I’ve adjusted the truss rod was when it was first put together.

Fender reissue will be in the $2k range, Warmoth will most likely run you $1,500ish depending, and the V8 will be under $1,000. It’s a no brainer for me, I’m not too worried about the name on the headstock these days.

 

[rogerbmiller]

When Sires came out and everyone was raving about them, I was highly skeptical. Then my friend who is a touring bassist with a few international bands and artists told me to trust the hype and get one. I am very glad I did as they are every bit as good as their highest praise and more. Needless to say I would highly recommend one.

As far as I know, the primary difference between the V7 and the V8 is that the latter has a roasted maple neck whereas the former just has a maple neck. That is a personal preference thing. For me personally, I don't need the roasted neck.

As for the pickguard, I wouldn't bother to try retrofitting the Fender guard onto the Sire. The Sire has a 5 knob plate so there is no way everything will line up let alone the screw holes. Sire can set you up with a replacement guard if you don't like the one that comes stock on your bass.

 

[SonicMaximus]

I bought a used Sire V8 a few months ago for a “fly bass” that I wouldn’t worry about throwing in a flight case under a plane. I now play it on most of my gigs that require a 5 string bass. This thing has the juice!!!