Cornwall Steve

I'm interested to read this topic. I'm saving up for a 55-02 myself. Does any other 55-01 (or even a 55-02) owner have or had issues with their B strings - or any other issue for that matter. I'd be interested to know 🤔 Thanks

I too have seen this very bass advertised with Bass Bros and have been very tempted myself. I've moved from 4's to 5's and I'm a bit of a sucker for the colour scheme for this particular model. I already own 4 Sire's (1x5 string M2, 2x4 string V7, 1x5 string fretless V7). The fretless 5 string weighs a ton. As fretless basses go (and I own 5) my V7 is rubbish which is a lot for me to confess as otherwise I'm impressed by what sire have to offer. I would whole heartedly agree with anyone who tells you the quality - especially the electronics and the materials - vary so much. My two V7 4 strings for instance have so much difference between them, you wouldn't think they were the same model/year ! And that's the thing with Sire's IMO. It's also the reason I held back on ordering that green V7 with Bass Bros - I simply didn't want another lemon like I have with my 5 string V7 fretless. In the end I went with a 5 string Yamaha BB415. Again, Yammies too are not without their issues but I'd say they're more consistent than Sire. Good luck with whichever 5 you go through (and be sure on your choice of string spacing too - some 5's have fretboards as wide as the deck on an aircraft carrier!😂)

Great advice. And many thanks for replying 👍

Thank you very much for replying and sharing your experiences - especially your comments regarding the low B. Its one of the main reasons the BTB appeals to me 👍

Interesting thought Ed 🤔 Thank you for taking the time to write and share your thoughts and experiences 👍 Much appreciated

I take it you're not 70 years old, registered disabled, and unable to drive - like me 😔 In my condition I have to rely on others to help me out.These folk have their own lives and a 'day out' is a bit much to ask. It's why I rely on on-line shopping and websites like basschat for much appreciated information. Returns Policies in Blighty like everywhere else vary. And quite often the bass I have my mind is being sold privately and not by a shop. Playing the bass (and keyboards) is what gets me through my day.

That's the problem! No music store within 200 miles of where I live has a BTB in stock

What year is your 406QM? My Post refers to post 2010 versions

Thank you once again for your much appreciated help and guidance. I'm very pleased you've now received your SRMS806 it's a very fine looking instrument 😍👍

Thank you Crazy Cloud for responding and sharing your experience with the BTB. Frankly, I'm starting to wonder why Low End Lobster (plus a couple of other not so well known 'Reviewers') had a moan about how uncomfortable the BTB he was reviewing (the BTB745 - one of the BTB's on my hit list). Is it really as bad as he says it is. I'm beginning to think maybe he's making something out of nothing? My problem is when there is no BTB for sale in any store within a couple of hundred miles I could just go visit and try out I don't want to fork out hundreds of £ ordering a white elephant !😂 Thank goodness for basschat ☺️

Many thanks for your views, Russ. Some food for thought. I have thought about one of the more premium SR's however I bought a 4 string one a few years back. I couldn't get on with it so moved it on. That's why I thought I might try a BTB

Thanks for that and the link, something I'd researched long ago. It has a lot of useful info on it. I learned quite a bit about the BTB after I stumbled upon it earlier this year. I'd still like to hear from any owners of BTB models - in particular if you have one made after 2010 And if so do you get a sore forearm from playing it ?🤕

Thanks for your reply. I'm wondering if the 'culprits' (so to speak) are the more recent models of the last decade Personally I can't say I've ever studied the body edges when watching reviews or looking at photos. It's just hearing what reviewers like Low End have commented and others have echoed on line

So far as I know there are 137 different BTB models that have been produced the very vast majority have come and gone over the years however despite this there aren't that many up for sale in the secondhand market (unless you opt to import one) and only a handful available brand new. I'm after a secondhand 5 string Post 2010 era ideally with 19mm string spacing

I've had my eyes on getting myself a 5 string BTB (but not one of the older, standard models) however I've seen and heard several comments from various reviews (notably Low End Lobster) about the edge of the body 'digging in' to the forearm rendering the bass uncomfortable to play. Does anyone who plays/has played one of these suffered this experience ? I'd appreciate your thoughts please Thanks

So many of the stores have gone. And I bet still more will fall. Soon everything will be on-line only. No more will be able to look, touch, hold and play before buying. Perish the thought !😥

I thought Dawsons closed in Dec 2022 after going into administration. Have they re-opened again ?

Doesn't surprise to hear you say that. Not when you see so many big names that have disappeared since Covid. The last time I journeyed up to Bristol (last May) was to pay a visit to PMT for the sole purpose of viewing a Schector fretless they were advertising. I checked with the store before travelling, explained where I was journeying from and gave them my phone number. When I turned up (the following day). I was told the bass hadn't been in store for a month. Another wasted trip 😥 Can't say I was too sorry to learn PMT had gone under. But as @neepheid said it's tough going when it comes to needing gear and living in the sticks !🙄

I have nothing but empathy. In fact I've had the same moan myself here on basschat more than once over the past months. Living in rural Cornwall, it's a 240 mile round trip to Bristol before you get to any half decent outlets with any choice. Even then I've made the pilgrimage only to return empty handed. Locally, we have a handful of small music shops stocking a disappointingly low range of basses mostly comprising the usual uninspiring budget brands with the occasional more premium instrument nearly always at inflated RRP £. I often return home feeling I've got more basses resting in my guitar racks than the local, regional shops have on display on their walls. Sure, they're willing to order in anything you want to buy. But who wants to commit to placing an order without first seeing or trying the instrument first.

In 2023 I bought the very same bass. Initially it was fine and I enjoyed it for what it was. After a year I noticed the volume output was diminishing. Tried to rectify it in the only way I knew how. I changed the battery, changed the amp, changed the guitar lead, checked volume settings on guitar and amp, and fiddled with the other amp controls (like the Gain). All to no avail. I began to suspect wiring or jack socket so off it went to the Luthier. Came back with no defects found. I hung on to it through the past few months but eventually gave up and decided to move it on. It sold a few days ago. Nice enough bass in many ways (I especially enjoyed the smooth neck coupled with the maple fretboard) but I wouldn't buy another.

I think that's a very valid point !👍 Mind you, I still can't get my hands on a reasonably priced Indonesian 5 string Cirrus. Been looking for 6 months now 😢

I share your frustration Dave. I've found myself in a similar position earlier in the year. But looking back, I have no regrets - indeed I may well have dodged a bullet. Perhaps you may have too! P.S. I own 5 Yamaha basses. I love 'em though in my experience the pick ups can be disappointing.

Greetings from the Third World (aka Cornwall!)😂 Does anyone out there know if these strings are any good for Slap? I've got them on several of my 4 and 5 string fretless but wondered if they produced a half decent slap tone on a fretted (based on whatever type of bass you have them on). I was thinking of giving them a go on a couple of my 5 string Yamahas but thought I'd consult you guys first 🙏☺️ Many thanks

Point taken 👍