Sire v7 vs MTD Kingston Zx 5

[rlagusrn123]

Hello I've played bass about 8 years and currently own MTD Kingston ZX 5 (made in 2006).

But the thing is I sometime feel uncomfortable when I play it... so I'm thinking selling MTD and buying 5 string Sire v7 instead.

I've heard soooo many positive reviews about the Sire bass...And I'm actually into and missing the jazz bass tone...

Since Sire bass is around $500, I probably invest the rest of money from selling the MTD to buying other musical products such as audio interface, decent bass amp, or I might just save it since I'm college student lol.

Do you guys think this is a good idea? Or is this a stupid idea? Need you guys' feedbacks thanks!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

MTD is my favorite . I own 2 of the Kingston models , a CRB5 and the Andrew Gouche 5. But I'm also one that doesn't really like the Jazz bass bridge pickup tone.
However I voted Sire because you said you desire the Jazz bass tone and the Kingston was uncomfortable for you.

If a bass doesn't feel good and isn't giving you the desires tone your ears desire , sell it and move on.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

 

[ebozzz]

I guess that I would ask, what is it that's making you feel uncomfortable? Is it the feel (neck & etc.) of the instrument? Don't like the tone or prefer a Jazz? If it is one of those cases, the Sire may work better for you. If it's simply that you think you could use the extra money from the sale....

 

[rlagusrn123]

I guess that I would ask, what is it that's making you feel uncomfortable? Is it the feel (neck & etc.) of the instrument? Don't like the tone or prefer a Jazz? If it is one of those cases, the Sire may work better for you. If it's simply that you think you could use the extra money from the sale....

I think my hands are not big enough for 35 inch scale MTD...

 

[rlagusrn123]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

Actually that's a great idea! thanks!

 

[ebozzz]

I think my hands are not big enough for 35 inch scale MTD...

I hear you. Some basses are like that for me. Personally, it's been less of an issue with 35" scale MTDs I have owned than some others I have tried with the same scale length. Then again, I have used some 34" scale basses that made me feel like I had to REALLY stretch when going down the fretboard....

 

[Sav'nBass]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

This.I have had the Kingston.. And I still have one. They are very nice basses but if aI were in the OPs shoes I would just save up and get the Sire instead of selling off the KZ to get it. This is one reason why it is good to nhave more than one bass and depending on if the Sire was new or not you could flip it here with about maybe a 20% loss but you will have your answer and sometimes finding out these kinds of things is worth the money... It will always cost in one way or another.

 

[Jamarvic]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

You were on point until that last sentence. Sire's are great and all the love they're getting is absolutely deserved.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

You were on point until that last sentence. Sire's are great and all the love they're getting is absolutely deserved.

I did say they were very good basses, I just think the Sadowsky or Lakland comparisons are a little over the top. The $4 bridge and $6 set of tuners are part of the reason they are priced well, but would never fly on a high end instrument.

Sires are much more Vintage Modified than Skyline, aside from the preamp.

 

[Jamarvic]

I did say they were very good basses, I just think the Sadowsky or Lakland comparisons are a little over the top. The $4 bridge and $6 set of tuners are part of the reason they are priced well, but would never fly on a high end instrument.

Sires are much more Vintage Modified than Skyline, aside from the preamp.

If expensive hardware is what make a Sadowsky $3k then I'll pass. Now after getting my Sire and being able to compare it to a Skyline I can say that they are definitely on par with the Lakland in every way except maybe the tuners. Sound wise there are a few videos with comparisons to a few other high end more expensive basses and has pretty much confirmed all the hype.
To the OP, if you know you want a jazz type bass, then the Sires are great j basses.

 

[rlagusrn123]

I did say they were very good basses, I just think the Sadowsky or Lakland comparisons are a little over the top. The $4 bridge and $6 set of tuners are part of the reason they are priced well, but would never fly on a high end instrument.

Sires are much more Vintage Modified than Skyline, aside from the preamp.

So there's no big difference between Sire and high-end basses such as Lakland and Sadowsky except their hardware? I heard Sire has great preamp and electronics.
I would like to have high-end basses but my wallet is too thin for them lol

 

[rlagusrn123]

I'm just little worried whether Sire bass could be sound great in recording or not. I know other high-end basses are also great sounding in recording too.
Since the price is really low, I'm worrying what if Sire bass would have hidden one or two "low quality"sides...
Btw, anybody using alder, antique white color 5 string v7?

 

[woody357]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

I did say they were very good basses, I just think the Sadowsky or Lakland comparisons are a little over the top. The $4 bridge and $6 set of tuners are part of the reason they are priced well, but would never fly on a high end instrument.

Sires are much more Vintage Modified than Skyline, aside from the preamp.

I own a MusicMan Bongo HH 5er, and Ibanez SR1206E. I brought a Sire V7 5 ER not expecting much, and was prepared to take a small loss to sell it if I didn't like it. I took the bass in for a set up, and I have to say it is more than worth the money, yes I would compare it to a American Fender Deluxe. The V7 has become my go to bass, and that says a lot to make me put down my Bongo. I do have to say I don't like where the bypass switch is located, I don't think that was well thought out, and the battery compartment is cheap, but other than that this bass holds it's own with basses price 2-3 times more.

 

[bholder]

As long as you understand that you're downgrading, and spreading value to other gear, then do what feels right.

As long as you don't think you might regret moving the MTD, that is. Personally, I would pick up the Sire *before* selling the Kingston, and make decisions from there if the Sire was in fact the preferable instrument of the two... as it might not be. They're good basses for the money, but presently getting a little more love than might genuinely be deserved (IMO).

Agreed with the first part - that last part - said like someone who actually hasn't tried one yet - have you?

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Agreed with the first part - that last part - said like someone who actually hasn't tried one yet - have you?

I don't own a Sire, but spent some time on one (next to a Metro and Lakland and G&L), and have been researching the various offshore factories.

I don't look at instruments solely through the eyes of a player, though, as I can't help but look at products of any kind through the eyes of a manufacturer as well. That I actually know a few things about mass production instrument manufacturing informs my opinion, and the price point of the products backs it up.

These are great instruments for the money, but you're not getting a $1500 instrument for 70% off just because they have a direct sale model - you're getting exactly what you're paying for. This is a very good thing, of course, but there has been a wee bit of over-hype them as being better than they are and this is the only thing I really questioned. If these had no connection to Marcus Miller, the market perception of the product would fall somewhere between Indo Squier and MIM Fender, because that is exactly what it is.

IMO, of course.

 

[bholder]

I don't own a Sire, but spent some time on one (next to a Metro and Lakland and G&L), and have been researching the various offshore factories.

I don't look at instruments solely through the eyes of a player, though, as I can't help but look at products of any kind through the eyes of a manufacturer as well. That I actually know a few things about mass production instrument manufacturing informs my opinion, and the price point of the products backs it up.

These are great instruments for the money, but you're not getting a $1500 instrument for 70% off just because they have a direct sale model - you're getting exactly what you're paying for. This is a very good thing, of course, but there has been a wee bit of over-hype them as being better than they are and this is the only thing I really questioned. If these had no connection to Marcus Miller, the market perception of the product would fall somewhere between Indo Squier and MIM Fender, because that is exactly what it is.

IMO, of course.

Having both, I'd have to rank the V7 way above a MIM J, both in quality and especially the preamp. Imho and all that.

 

[aproud1]

I would take the MTD over the Sire for the neck mainly. The V7's sound great and are well put together but I really like the necks on the MTD's. If the 35" scale really is a problem for you then the Sire might be the ticket. The V7's tend to run heavy too if that is an issue for you.

The import MTD's weak spot to me would be the electronics. The Sire is weight and the hardware. Normal cheap tuners and I don't care for the bridge.

The MTD wins for ergonomics and balance, good B string too.

The Sire wins for sounding like a jazz bass, and amazing b string.

All IMO of course.

 

[bholder]

Don't get me wrong, I might take the MTD as well, just sayin', hangin' with good competition, is all. It's a good thing.

 

[aproud1]

Don't get me wrong, I might take the MTD as well, just sayin', hangin' with good competition, is all. It's a good thing.

I agree. I think it's a personal preference thing at this point.