Why would you choose a Fender over a Sire?

[the federalist]

I had a Sire a few years ago and it was nice, but I sold it right away. Here's why: if you have the bread you can buy the Fender equivalent of a Lexus. With a Sire, you're getting a Kia/Hyundai. The Sire had a lot of bells and whistles and sounded fine but upon close inspection it looked and felt a bit insubstantial compared to a high end Fender.

Please note I realize people have different and valid perspectives, experiences and needs. This is merely one person's observation, and should someone have a different perspective I won't argue.

 

[LBS-bass]

The Sire had a lot of bells and whistles and sounded fine but upon close inspection it looked and felt a bit insubstantial compared to a high end Fender.

The concept of getting what you pay for springs to mind. I can't compare my Sires to comparable Fenders in a similar price range, because I don't own one. I would agree that in order to bring anything in at that price point, there will be corners cut. Not sure it's worth triple the money for a high-end Fender just to upgrade in the areas where the Sire falls a bit short, though. My bridge can be replaced for a lot less money than I'd spend if I bought an expensive Fender just to get the upgraded parts. Same for the knobs, which is another area where the Sire seems a little cheap. But in the places where it counts, it punches above its weight, in my estimation.

Will it replace my Elite? Nope. But it's a very solid second choice.

 

[kmon]

Fenders the classic, sires the copy. If you care.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

I've always been a Fender guy. No matter what I try, I always seem to end up back playing a Fender. Recently I briefly played a friend's Sire and was really impressed. It played great.
Now in searching for a new P, I'm considering a Sire because of the lower cost. However, I'm wondering what I won't be getting that would Come with a Fender P.

Feeling like you are getting more from a Sire (more what? Control knobs for sure ahah)? Buy a Sirs then, why asking?
It's what you feel that counts; however, remember, the resale value will also be much lower …

 

[Low_NF]

Personally, Fender's modularity and aftermarket parts availability put it above any other brand.

 

[xbr]

I used to own the first gen Sire V7. After a year of very gentle use, most of the knobs are super hard to find the center point. Never happend on any of my other basses.

 

[Steve Fox]

I have 2 Fenders (a P and a Mustang) that I bought before I knew Sire was a thing. That said I adore my P bass and feel all my Fender-y bass needs are covered.

 

[Hawk256]

4)There are no seminal records made with a Sire to my knowledge

You said seminal.

 

[Gizmot]

We can connaisseur all day here on TB, but the Fender brand is very strong and has its own magnetism and widespread recognition that may impact purchase decisions.

I think a big part of the "magnetism" of the Fender brand is that many people simply see a lot of others playing one and decide that's what they should have too. After all, many people find thinking difficult or painful. I'm not saying that Fender makes a bad product but there are lots of choices available, some of which might be a better fit for certain players. In my own case, after playing a Fender for 10 years and switched to Rickenbacker my playing and sound improved. I own several basses but no Fenders

 

[Odinbass]

Its the name. I wish I were immune to marketing but I'm not. Fender inspires happy-happy joy-joy feelings whereas Sire doesn't. Thus I choose Fender over Sire or whatever the current FSO-of-the-moment is.

 

[mambo4]

Resale value, all things being equal.

 

[RVRSCO]

You definitely get more with the Sire for less money, but if you just want that classic Fender look and feel then Fender is the way to go. The only thing I dislike about Sire is the headstock and the fact that they use the artists name of the headstock instead of using the brand name.

 

[Al Rivera]

I have both,the Sire has the same type of hardware as a Mexican fender,I updated mine with better hardware and now it's as good as my American fenders.

 

[JC BASS 91]

Having just recently purchased a Sire V7 and playing some of the other models in the store, I am more than just a little impressed with them. However, I have noticed that almost all of them have active electronics. That said, there is something to be said for the classic, passive Fender Precision basses (especially with flats!). So if I wanted a Precision Bass, I would definitely be going with Fender. Also, I know there are people who just hate active electronics in a bass, so the options are a lot fewer when it comes to Sire. Only their low end V3 basses appear to have the passive electronics in them. And the difference in price to an active V3 is $50.

I will say that I am actually toying with the idea of trading my MIM Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V in for a 5-string Sire V7. Why? They feel better for one thing, and the electronics are active/passive on the Sire, while the Fender is active only. My other option is to replace the preamp in the Fender...which would be cheaper. I'm not likely to actually do either, but it HAS crossed my mind!

 

[danster]

Maybe this has been said, but Fender needs to up their game. Sire quality plus those necks are great.

 

[brianrost]

However, I'm wondering what I won't be getting that would Come with a Fender P.

A bigger credit card bill and "Fender" on the headstock.

Amazing that we live in a world where people desire FSOs but hesitate to buy actual Fenders because they percieve them as too expensive or poorly made or they aren't gluten free or Leo didn't make them all by hand

 

[bobbybass85]

This was posted in response to someone asking for opinions on Sire basses in the Nashville bassist group on FB. I agree with it 100%

 

[JRA]

Why would you choose a Fender over a Sire?
i wouldn't --- unless the fender had some 'feel' or quality(s) that struck me as 'made for me'. but i wouldn't choose a sire based solely on price/savings --- if they don't play/feel right = brands and prices don't mean much. YMMV


also: "resale" is for folks who aren't sure. duh.

 

[mrperkolator]

just to clarify.... Sire has 100% passive options for their V series and the P5 is passive. Even if you get an active V series used you can pull the preamp and rewire. I get it on the P series that don't have a pickguard. hard to hide extra holes. Otherwise pots are cheap.

my V3 plays better than the Fender P at my house. rolled fretboards are nice. Fender has the name and approval of close-minded brand loyalists.

Play both. Get what feels better. A bass is a tool meant to be used.

 

[Hounddog409]

SIRE is in MY opinion the BEST production bass on the market in the classic bass FSO market. I just learned that stands for Fender Shaped Object, so I'm a little late the table.

A SIRE does everything better. It has dead silent electronics, a 3 1/2 band active EQ (mid sweep) and passive mode, and the old fashioned tone knob works in both settings. I haven't found a more versatile, comfortable bass. I've used it on more recordings lately than other basses.

The SIRE is not one of those "once you replace the pickups, bridge, and tuners you'll be good" basses. The ONLY common complaint I see on the Sire Club are the 5 string players who put ultra light tuners on. Otherwise, the bass needs nothing.

If you don't like preamps, use the toggle that goes to true bypass passive.

Well, sounds like someone never tried a G&L, Lakeland, etc etc etc.

Sire as "the best"? Maybe best in that price range. Sire is just one of many Fender clones. I doubt they are the best at it. I would take a G&L over Sire any day of the week. Regardless of cost