dave_bass5

I'm halfway through a gig at the moment. The bass, along with my Darkglass sound soooo large. Half the set so far was in passive mode. I've got passive set slightly louder than active mode, so when I switch to active the levels remain pretty similar, just the tone changes. This gig was the first gig I did with my TRBX505, and the B string on that sounded ok, but nowhere near as punchy and clear as the V7. The B string on the TRBX sounds soft and squishy compared to the V7. Same strings, same rig, same stage. Love it.!!!!'

Ive got a TRBX505 and its much smaller and lighter than my 5 string V7. There is a huge difference. Amazing that they could fit 24 frets in to such a small bass ;-)

Yes, a nice box of chocolates and flowers. Also, screen shot Thomanns page and Photoshop in a 25% Easter discount price and leave it open on screen ;-).

Zero9. If the traditional looks/tone and logo etc are important why aren't you looking at the real deal, a proper Fender that has all the boxes ticked? For what it's worth I do agree, the Sire is almost a normal Jazz bass, but not quite. It feels big to me, and yes, the headstock is needless large. Saying that, maybe the size of the headstock is the reason i can't find any dead spots in places ive had the, before on other jazz basses. I'm also much more of a passive bass guy. Ive never really liked active basses. Saying that, I will use the active EQ as its there, and does sound good. If there was a passive version I would have got that though. Same with my TRBX.

And we need Ed to do it, so no one else feels bad about what they own ;-).

Agreed, definitly not sticky. I love my Squier necks, but although they are glossy as well they do get sticky. Not that this bothers me. In fact I prefer the finish on these to the Lakland JO maple neck I have.

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1427984594' post='2736703'] Oh, knickers to the lot of yez Yes I expect mine are nickels too, I just assumed that they were D'Add steels and didn't bother checking the hanging dooflip. I am a tit. I'll probably change them for my favoured Rotos anyway. [/quote] I must admit I thought they were steels as well. I've used these strings for a few years, but this bass sounded so bright and lively I had to go and double check. Funny though, they went dead after just one gig, they dont normally do this on my other bases. I'm looking forward to puttinb a set of balenced tension strings on though, I prefer the feel. I might leave the B sting on though, it's only there to support my thumb anyway :-)

Nice write up, glad you like it. These things are the real deal (as the Americans say). I too used to have a Lakland DJ5 and never felt it really cut it compare to my other Jazz basses. It always seemed too warm. I love useing the bridge pup. As you say it's a very stong pup and takes well to EQ. It's definitly better than any jazz bass ive owned. As far as the strings go they should be nickels. My V7 had a hang tag on it that stated this. Did yours? They are the same as the stings I have on my other basses which are all defintitly Nickles.

Hmmmm, wonder why Marcus never mentioned it to them during thier extensive research. Do you think they have to go and tell him he missed something ;-)

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1427885982' post='2735392'] How long are they here for? Perhaps we could all go out for a drink, or something..? [/quote] They are both called Marcus, it could get quite confusing 8-)

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1427897364' post='2735597'] It's here! It's arrived! And. Oh my god. Pics and thoughts later when I manage to actually put it down [/quote] Welcome to the club :-)

We are all kidding ourselves that these basses are worth the money. I sent mine back. So, if anyone doesn't like their bass....i told you so ;-)

Just a heads up to those getting these basses, they are long. This might not effect most people but i know it has been a slight inconvenience to some, including me. The bass is longer than my 35" Laklands, and any other bass ive owned. Ive had to get a new gig bag to fit my V7 in, it just wouldn't fit my usual bag. Luckily ive also got a couple of official bags coming from Sire as well soon :-)

Marcus only plays like that because he is rubbish with a pick

Mark. Here are the promised shots of my V7 5 string bridge. It looks like there is a lot more travel in the saddles than on the 4. Maybe that's why the 4 strings come top loaded. Chris. I dont play slap, but i aint giving it back :-)

For me smaller tuners would be great. Its only the size that i have a slight issue with, and that just when fitting it in a gig bag.

Haha, dont go there. One thing im happy with is that hopefully Sire have used non standard fittings. This will make it a hassle for me to [s]mess up[/s] mod the bass. Im happy with it as it is......although smaller tuners and a nicer looking bridge might be nice :-)

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1427724093' post='2733455'] I'm not clever enough to figure out if through-body stringing would alter the position of the saddle re intonation? Or would it be just the same? [/quote] No idea. ive read a few comments about it not being ideal but as its working for me im going to stick with it. I dont think my saddles are as close to the hole's as yours. In fact ive also read that the top loading holes are in the wrong position as they can interfere with the intonation screws. Each to his own i guess. EDIT. Looking on the Sire website there is a difference between the 4 and 5 sting bridges. The 5 sting seems a bit deeper, and the 4 sting is secured at each corner.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1427723815' post='2733450'] Oh God, NO!! Shall I send it back?? Taking the plate off and replacing it has made it fit a lot better. The screw still holds firm at the bell point so I'm not going to worry about it. That will be the first and last time the bell plate gets removed, at least as long as the bass is in my possession. [/quote] Haha, no, i wasn't saying its an issue, i'd live with it as well.

I see what you mean, at least in that image. ill check mine out later and see if its any different. It did come strung through body, although im sure all the images/reviews ive seen of the 4 string they have been top loaded. Maybe the bridges are different (other than the extra saddle).

Your shot looks a lot clearer than mine. I was holding the camera with one hand while trying to keep the bass from falling off a chair lol. i see what you mean about the screw hole, but maybe its just the angle of the shot. This is mine face on. EDIT. Actually, looking at your first shot on in the review it seems your bell plate doesn't quite fit. there seems like a gap between the plate and the PG, and yes, the whole does look a bit closer than mine.

Good idea about lowering the height of the knobs. This is a shot i took when i had my bell plate off :-) As far as stringing through body. Mine is and ive not noticed any issues with tuning or intonation so far.

Yep. I took mine to a 2 1/2 hour gig and never had any tuning issues. I tuned it up at the start (actually just two stings that had gone out due to the gig bag), and never needed to touch them again. I will replace the stings with balanced tension, as i too prefer those. Just need to decide what size B string to purchase as well.

[quote name='zero9' timestamp='1427647312' post='2732664'] Wow, thanks for the review. I was considering getting a 5-string Squier VM Jazz, but this changes everything. More colour / fretboard options with the Sire as well. Brilliant! [/quote] Better get in quick. Ive heard the next shipment of these basses wont be until May.

The B string is very nice. It's solid and clear, at least on mine. Compared to my TRBX (both 34") it's like night and day. In fact I would say, from memory, that's it's better than my old Fender MIA P5 B string. Mine is the same colour as Marks, and I love it.