Sire v7 vs MTD Kingston Zx 5

[DWBass]

I wouldn't consider the Sire a downgrade. It's just a more affordable instrument with a different flavor. The MTD is a known brand name although the bass itself is not the American made version. Scale length is different. Neck profile is different. I'd venture to say the stock electronics on the Sire are better. If you desire the Jazz bass sound, try out the Sire. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Nothing negative.

 

[LowLife350]

It should be noted that the OP is not talking about the standard MTD Kingston models (the Z, Artist, Saratoga, CRB or Heir) but the ZX5 which has Bartolini electronics and pickups. As opposed to the general opinion about the Kingston models, the electronics are not a weak point on the ZX5. I do not know of anyone who has swapped anything out, though I have heard of a few people who have converted from 9 volts to 18 volts. The bass retails for just under $2,000 and though I am not sure, I think it is the same as the Gouche model except for the woods.

Edit: Actually, I am pretty sure the Gouche model has different EQ points and is available as a six string. There may be other differences as well.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Agreed. The ZX and the AG5 lack nothing in the electronics department .

I am very pleased both of my Kingston AG5 and my CRB5. I wouldn't trade either of them for a Sire MM. But I'm not into the Marcus Miller tone at all.

 

[bholder]

But I'm not into the Marcus Miller tone at all.

Funny, neither am I, though I do often happen to find my tone using his equipment suggestions.

 

[Soundchaser11460]

It should be noted that the OP is not talking about the standard MTD Kingston models (the Z, Artist, Saratoga, CRB or Heir) but the ZX5 which has Bartolini electronics and pickups. As opposed to the general opinion about the Kingston models, the electronics are not a weak point on the ZX5. I do not know of anyone who has swapped anything out, though I have heard of a few people who have converted from 9 volts to 18 volts. The bass retails for just under $2,000 and though I am not sure, I think it is the same as the Gouche model except for the woods.

Edit: Actually, I am pretty sure the Gouche model has different EQ points and is available as a six string. There may be other differences as well.

 

[Soundchaser11460]

Great points. These basses have special Bart pickups and electronics only available to Mike Tobias as per his specs for this bass only.

 

[phillybass101]

One thing I have observed is that a Jazz Bass Player will only be satisfied with a Jazz Bass. If that's you, you know what to do. What I don't get is why do JB players always compare apples to oranges. Nothing is going to sound like a Jazz but a Jazz. While I am not a certified Jazz Bass Player I own a SX Jazz, a Geddy Lee Jazz, and a MTD Saratoga Deluxe 5. Still I don't even make comparisons between the three. They're all different. But if you require what a Jazz Bass does you would not be disappointed getting a Sire.

 

[rice128]

I have an older kingston (35" scale, passive) and Sire V7. I also have a fairly small hands. For me, MTD Kingston feels better on my hand because it has more frets than V7. I believe kingston has 24 frets while V7 has 20 or 21. Because kingston has more frets, even though it is longer scale, distance between each fret is shorter than that of V7 so it feels better on my hand.

Just as someone already suggested, try out both instruments. I love both my kingston and V7. They both sound great.

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

I would suggest to keep both. They are different enough to offer a wide range of "tones" for your playing and are reasonably priced w/good build quality+parts.