BassApprentice

So...I've been trying out new basses recently and realised I like humbuckers at the bridge - just the tight focused are over the bridge works for me. Enter my Electra, I really like it but it is just a solo P pickup but could I add a Humbucker to it to make it a budget VM4? I've dropped Sandberg an email to see if I can buy some bits from them to make this a reality. Would also like to reverse the P pickup so it is really like a VM4 compared to it's more standard set up currently. Could be fun

Going to bump this up as I have some gear that has sold so now have the monies for a Sire. Tried emailing Sire - no good. Dropped Andertons a message to will see if they can answer.

@P-Belly Evans do you (or anyone) know if the bridge pickup is in the sweet spot? Or does it need shunted back to get it there?

Most Vintage stuff is very good value I totally agree, but the Ray copies just look off. I think @ped meant that something that looks EXACTLY like the real deal but isn't. It's always the headstock that doesn't work on Ray copies IMO

I've just seen this on Facebook. Always liked this shape and wonder if a Status neck would fit on this....its cheap so could be worth a punt?

I asked someone one here if their has was still for sale - said it was in the Bass Gallery. Not on the we website so I emailed them.....silence.

Noted...that's a bit of a pain.

Very nice - currently much want for a natural jazz here too - preferably with cream pickups... Enjoy!

Shell Pink Or Natural But probably Shell Pink

Can the pickup cover be changed or are they epoxied in there? I was looking to pick up one of the new Natural passive Sires which would look great with some cream pickup covers and want to know if they can be changed? I'm basically asking as I want to buy @Beedster lovely looking Jazz but something will have to go first, so a backup bass plan is always needed 😬

It depends how quickly you want to get started and finished? A kit gives you in the instant gratification and you will have a playable bass at the end. The best bass for the money...maybe not. Looking for parts is fun and gives you time to consider what you want and allows you to maybe build something less standard. Checking charity shops and Gumtree for cheap basses and broken basses which sometimes aren't broken at all and just need a little cleaning up. It really depends on the end goal and you can get some great bargains and plenty people on here have parts they might want rid of 😁 Enjoy the process, whichever route you take.

Since you seem to be tinkering with your Sire - are the pickups epoxied in or can you remove the covers? Formulating a plan if I get one.

Interesting, what have you changed on the 01? I did prefer the colour of the vintage white 01 over the cherry burst 02

I've always thought that, even when I first looked at the website years ago it seemed poor. Weird for a company that specialises in cutting edge graphite basses has a crap website, wonder if you could trade them a new Web design for a bass 😁

Liking the Mark King vibes off this one, good job!

They've finally realised how print money. Whilst most signature models are divisive, it's enough to push some fans of said artists over the edge and pay the premium for the model. That's a pretty one though!

I really liked it, don't get me wrong the Ibanez has its place but it didn't feel *complete* It's between a Lakland 55-01 and a Reverend Mercalli 5 for the next bass.

Now, you might say it's hard to compare these two as they go about the same task in a completely different way. But for tone perspective they are actually quite close. For some reason, I've never tried a Lakland until today. Still speculatively looking for a new 5 string so thought I would see what was in stock in Guitar Guitar. I think I've always been put off by the 35" scale of the Lakland stuff, just seemed imposing. Turns out it's not a big deal actually. What a great bass, the satin neck is really nice and smooth and quick felt pretty at home at once. Big ol sound too, after a bit of tinkering I got a really good sound, slightly favoured the bridge pickup with the bass and treble boosted. The Ibanez, almost but not quite for me. I had previously tried a fan fret of the non Nord version, this was the standard fret EHB1505. Very light, nice finish flat fast neck and after tinkering I did get a decent sound but I just don't think the Ibanez preamp set up is for me. 3 band layed out with a knob for each cut/boost is what I seem to favour as it far more clear where you're settings are. I really appreciate the innovation in the Ibanez but I think I'm a bit more traditional in my tastes and a Lakland would win this one. Just random Friday evening ramblings 😅

If they do a lefty, buy both and switch the necks 😅

Indeed, all at the price range are very good value and will give you a wide variety of tones. I am very close to buying a Sire V5 (passive) as they get such great reviews from lots of players. Wouldn't necessarily say just because they are jazz they sound thin, apparently the Active Preamp is very powerful. At the end of the day, nothing will be beat trying them out before buying. Appreciate that might not be easy but maybe buy and return if you can't get to a shop that stocks them

Since there's a discussion elsewhere about it. Why don't you mix the strings? DR B string and then use Super Brights for the other 4?