I think roasted maple is one of the greatest things that has happened to basses lately. My Sterling Ray 34 has a roasted maple neck and fretboard and it just looks and feels so great.
Both are nice. I’m in a similar but different boat. I have a Ray34 and like it a lot. Now I’m waiting on the v5R to come back in stock. You can’t go wrong with either.
I ordered one to day, in this natural wood finish. First i ordered a Harley Benton PJ bass, but after thinking some more, i added two hundred $ and changed my order. I think it will be two hundred $ well spent. I'm a new learner of the bass, and this is one that i will be happy with a long time. Thank you for the nice video. I think the bass sounded good👍
Well, after much thought as well as watching and reading a bunch of reviews (the top being yours) I pulled the trigger on a Tobacco Sunburst V5R from Sweetwater. Thanks for all the work you do with all your reviews and content. It is helpful and appreciated.
I have been waiting for this. When things get to where things are available, I plan on upgrading my bass. I want to be able to play several in person. This is one of the basses I intend to play. Thanks.
I love when you talk about things that we can’t see...”up at the headstock we have....” what headstock??? I don’t se a headstock???? It makes you seem like a complete lunatic.. and I suddenly feel comfortable and quite at home....(I am at home, but you know what I mean) That bass is absolutely beautiful and sounds wonderful. Ive recently played a couple Sterling by MM basses with the “roasted maple” neck and fretboard (that always look amazing and classy when you review them) but in person i was so disappointed, i thought they look cheap and weird, but with the lacquer on the fretboard (That I always prefer) looks a little classier??? But I haven’t seen one up close... Oh damn I forgot to look at the headstock.... Oh you’re right... i like that a lot too. You’re the best, Cheers
LOL Thanks Tommy! Sometimes I film something with the intent of having B roll but then never make the B roll (instead I make a B-line for the lobster rolls!)
I just bought one of these - the 5 string version. Beautiful bass in all senses of the word. I love all the sounds it gives me. Thanks for the detailed review
Trying to decide between V5 and P5. I'm really impressed with what Sire is offering, especially since they make left handed models of everything! I mostly enjoy punk and other rock, which would lean towards P5, but the V5 sounds so good and I mostly play with guys playing folkish acoustic music these days.
Rocking the hobo depot Tee !! Awesome lobster 🦞 I absolutely love Johnny ! You and him are my two favorite channels! Great review, I love how the 70s bridge pickup is further back! Very nice! I’d take this any day! I may pick one up soon
The first thing I notice right off the bat is how fantastic that piece (or the pieces) of body wood look, SO much better than every Squier CV I see in the stores. I think they almost always look hideous, and the one I used to own did too. The grains on this one are nice and tight and the tint is just right; compliments the roasted maple neck so nicely!
@@LowEndLobster I spoke too soon. Someone at Sweetwater said the V7 wasn't expected till February now. I found a P7 4=string new at GC I can pick up today, so I canceled the V7 order. I had also found a used Schecter Research Model T-5 that I thought might be comparable for a little less money. Any thoughts on those? EMG pick ups and a 2 band preamp and very cool looking. They also have a used alder M7 4-string at the same store.
Thank you Lobster! Excellent review, as always. I have been jones-ing for a V5, 5-string for a while now. Everything I have heard or read about the V5 basses are in line with your take on the excellent work Sire is doing. Time to sell some gear and pull the trigger on one. Cheers!
Thanks Chris! They're hard to get ahold of now, but if you have the opportunity I'd definitely recommend it. The new white finish looks pretty sweet too with the tort guard.
Been waiting for this review since you reviewed the fretless V5, saw this one available online, and after watching this I'm now convinced that Sire is way better than Squier nit just by its looks but also its sound and build quality. Always been dreaming of owning a Squier one day but this review changed my views and aspirations of getting a better brand. Thank you so much Lobster for this awesome review.
Thank you for great review! I was thinking about buying a Squier CV, but I was pleasantly suprised by the quality of Sire V5, so your review about it helped me a lot!
Aaahhh. Nice! I can see a 5 string V5 (fretted & fretless) in my collection. They just added a white finish to the arsenal. Love it! A nice break from the active preamps!😌🎶👍🏾
Hey Lobster I've got that v5 too , one of my favorite basses. I love the rolled edges. I've got the v5 tobacco sunburst 5 string . on the way. Great review! I do have the V3 5string I'm thinking of Flatwounds for it.
Great video Lobster. I almost bought a Squier CV but just before I pressed the button, I happened to spot this. In the Uk the Sire is only £20 more than the CV but the Sire has a much higher spec. I don`t need the fancy pre amp and the neck looks great. Should be here in a few days! Thanks again Lobby!
Thanks for the review. I have a Carvin LB20 passive bass built for me in 1995. I'm in the market for a 5 string now and am intrigued by the 5 string V5. I prefer passive basses too.
Wow been looking around and have enjoyed tones from different basses but listening to this hit the highest mark for me! The price range is rocks! I hope they have Black Friday deals!
I'm sold on Sire!!! I am still enjoying my 1st generation V7 5. The only issue I had were the tuners, which I replaced with newer Sire tuners(a big improvement). For the money, it's really hard to beat the quality of a Sire. Nice plug for Johnny Lee Long's Hobo Depot!
Thanks for the review! Just pre-ordered a D5 based on reviews of their other models (like this one). Great shirt by the way! Need to get myself one (Shadakaka!😂).
I tried one of these basses a few days ago (the 5-string version), and I don't know if it was the amp I played it through or the bass itself, but I found it lacked a lot of punch in the low end. It sounded WAY too bright in the highs and the mids. Now, that's just MY opinion, it didn't work for me personally; I know some people like that kind of sound. However, I agree that the construction of the bass was PHENOMENAL. The rounded fretboard edges made it super comfortable, it was solidly made, and the playability of it was astonishing. It's just the sound that I didn't like (and, as I said, that MAY be because of the amp I tested it with, not the bass itself). I'd like to know if anyone else that has tried a Sire V5 experienced that or if it was just me.
Thanks Jack! Yeah I found the same along with the P5 and D5. They just lack a little bit of 'booty'. Nothing a good pickup swap won't solve though! I think they're similar style pickups wo the V7, but now it can't leverage the preamp to bring up the low end.
I have a V5 and to be honest, while its no P-bass ( or should it technically be- they are different instruments with different characteristics) mine has plenty of bottom end especially once dialed mine in at the amp- I have a Orange 4x10 and a OB1-500.
Bought mine for $450, I know you were comparing with 70s Squires. I compared it to the MIM jazz bass's before buying. The Sire V5 had a better neck and overall tone was better. I'll be changing the bridge on mine neck, I appreciate your hard work.👍
Thanks ! I’m testing now a V5 5 strings … and it’s super comfortable… looks great … I’m just thinking swapping the pickups … to get another sound that Sound the way a want … the body looks great
The Squiers are indeed less consistent, but if you get a good one, they're outstanding. My issue with Sire is threefold -- they tend to be very heavy. The headstock is ugly as hell and gives it a bit of neck dive. And frankly, I don't think they sound all that special. If you want the classic J sound, I think the Squier gets closer. But they're a fine bass for the money. It all comes down to what feels good in your hands.
I’ve always disliked Sire until today after trying to source for a 70s Style Jazz bass after coming from the Squier/Fender lineup. This V5 will surely do the job for a heck of a price compared to Squier CV price tag in 2022!!!
Did a few reviews on my channel. I would say "Step aside Fender". Sold 2 Fenders after getting this one. Heck even sold the all new P10 (though it's fantastic).
Hell yeah! I'll check em out! I think I checked out your P10 video a while ago before I got mine hahaha. Join our discord channel if you haven't yet! :) (in the description)
Just pressed buy in the Reverb cart for one of these (using the affiliate link of course). Started looking for my first bass back when you had 4,500 +/- subscribers. Lots of videos and absorbing of low end lobster knowledge, I finally made the call that this was the right bass. Thanks! Now I need to find an amp...
Thanks Lobster for another great review. A big bit of information that I would like to see in your videos is how much the basses weigh. I know different Sire V5's and other basses can vary a bit in weight but you don't comment on how heavy or lite the basses are. No matter how good, I would not consider buying a bass over a certain weight. Again, love your videos and your great knowledge of basses and mods.
Thanks David! Great point! I always forget to mention the weight, I even have a scale under the display table where the bass is standing hahahaha! I believe this one was in the mid-high 9's, a little heavier than the fretless version I have.
I’d choose this over a Fender Geddy Lee MIM Jazz Bass any day. In fact, I would choose this over a lot of active Jazz Bass style instruments of other brands in this price range. Sire sometimes produces some misses, but most of their basses have been hits. I say this and I have a V7 four string, V7 five string and M7 four string. This V5 is a home run! It sounds great and I really need to try that roasted maple neck. It’s on the wish list!
Me too on the bridge! Other than that, period blocks and standardized pick guards so you can swap them out. Other than that, I think it's really pretty much perfect. Which is saying a lot, because I can be really picky.
Thanks Mark! Great points and I agree, though the black ones definitely don't look bad. The roast here was much more even vs. the Cort GB64JJ which I appreciate
Should have been acrylic pearl. Spellcheck! Nice review and it really is a great bass for the money. I wonder if the roasted maple makes inlay markers more difficult? Anyway, the black ones aren't bad. The bridge is a much bigger deal. Personally, I can't wait for the P5's. Those look awesome.
Hey, Lobster. I read on talkbass that the Fender Geddy Lee basses have the inlays painted on too. I think the binding is painted as well, but I'm not 100% sure on that.
I would personally say that the price is in the ball park of a squire but it seems that the quality is near a fender player jazz bass, when I played the two I was torn but it's all up to personal preference. Keep up the good work lobster!
Good review. I don’t much care for the headstock shape, personally and I don’t like the Marcus Miller logo. It would feel too much like I’ve stolen Marcus’ bass from him. I find I agree with your other observations. This bass is tough to beat at $499. It sounds really good. How is the weight?
I'll be honest getting a Sire was not a thought until I saw the champagne metallic gold v5 where the color, roasted maple and black pickguard just fit perfectly. Also it was a first in my life that I liked pink when I saw the metallic pink v7. They are killing with the looks. I am wondering if they would do a 60's positioning sometime in the future despite the 70's position being Marcus' thing.
I grabbed a V7 4-String early on. I like the option to go passive. I Do like the Active though. My main is a Modulus Q5 but I felt that I needed a P and a J back in my toolbox. The P is a Fender but my J is my Sire V7 and it rocks ... and swings 😉
Awesome review as usual lobster, I asked you to check this out couple months ago, thanks bro, I bought the V7 2nd gen ash/maple body and then this came out the next month 😥 I really could do without the complicated preamp, however I'll buy one later....there is not much difference between the tone of the Alder and Ash, a difference yes but it's kind of suttle though somewhat🤔
Thanks Stephen! Congrats! Don't fret - I highly recommend snagging one of the Sadowsky onboard preamps to drop into your V7. Simple controls and does the right things for a J bass. I am running mine using the 18v battery harness at the full 18v, it's been almost a year in fact and no issues. Check out my video on that (with the stock sire pickups!)-ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mjvnoxiAjaI.html. I eventually put in DiMarzio Area J pickups and it got even better!
Got my v7 fretless 5 last week for 320$. Incredible for the price, and incredible in general. Selling my Warwick corvette proseries fretless and godin a4 thats way much expensive, but I just think the sire is way more useful and even better feelwise.
Hello. Very good review. Which bass would you choose? Sire v5 or FGN Boundary Mighty Jazz Bass. In my country they have a similar value. I am in doubt. Thanks
Question. Is there volume deep with V5 compared to V7? Is there a huge hum noise? Or just a normal jazz bass hum 🤔? How well do you think it will fit in a live band mix and recording 🤔? Thanks 😊 sounds great. PS your a lil picky but I respect your input. 😆 🤣 😂
Hi man!!! Thanks. After your very useful reviews, i'm undecided whether to get a v5 (5 strings) or a vintage v7 (5 strings) with the preamp modification you made (siredowsky is a great customization). Honestly, is a v7 vintage (unmodified) much better than a v5 for just over $ 120? or is a v7 with the modification really a bass to take, compared to the v5? Thanks in advance
Hey Pepe! Thank you so much :). I think the Sire preamp works better in the M series applications in my opinion. With the V series, I think it's a little overkill for a Jazz bass. I like the Sadowsky preamp because it accentuates the Jazz bass character excellently with simple controls. I think the V5 is a better value, but I don't think there's really a 'better' bass overall if you're comparing the V5 and V7 modified. They're both great sounding and cohesive instruments that are great examples of Jazz basses.
I too prefere that passive V5 rather than the other Sire active models.. I wanna hear the pickup you know, I’ll adjust eq, or whatever, on the amp if needed :)
Hey Butch here, this seems like a really excellent bass! I don't see where you done any mods on this bass. How do you think it compares to the Fender MIM Player Jazz bass? Thanks!
Heyo! I modded my V5 fretless instead. I will be revisiting this bass and checking out some new sire models in the spring! I'd go Sire over Fender all day.
@@LowEndLobster Hey Butch here (aka one of the Crustaceans). I pulled the trigger and bought a Sire V5 in the tobacco sunburst finish! You were right on in your review, the neck is super smooth! The parts and build quality is excellent. It exceeds my expectations! I've owned five Squiers and currently have two, a 2003 PJ special, and an Affinity Jazz. All of these basses have the same problems you've discussed; rough fret ends and misaligned bridges. Overall the parts and build quality doesn't match the Sires. Thanks for your excellent reviews, keep doing what you're doing, you're appreciated!
@@LowEndLobster i need a v7 5er in “burgundy” pink. Then I’ll replace the tuners with gold lollipop ultralites and try to be satisfied before i go swapping to a gold bridge to match lol
That’s a great Bass! I am going to buy one! Couple of questions; If I were to upgrade pickups, what do you recommend? 2. Do this bass fit any pickup for Jazz Bass, or would I have to modify and work with the wood? Thanks! I just found your channel and I like your reviews.
Thanks Ledzoe! Great questions. For pickups, I really like the DiMarzio Area J's for the 'classic' jazz sound, but there are a LOT of great options out there. I'm going to be doing a J pickup guide in the future to help. In regards to fitment, no modification is required. :)
That depends on your skills and experience working with hardwoods, with woodworking tools, and with various finishing products, as well. ... oh, and sanding. You'll likely be doing more sanding than you planned on.
When I got my first Sire 4 years ago, other bassists would come up to me and ask me what it was. At first I did not care for the headstock but now see it as distinctive. Now I see bassists live and in videos using them and it is cool to be able to tell it is a Sire rather than your boring Fender or even worse, a Fender knock off. Those are the basses you might hack up the headstock.
Lobster, What you think about one Jretro 01 on this bass? I have one JRetro, and i would like to buy this, this rostead maple is very beatiful, i am text to you from Portugal and the price off this bass and V3 is the some. Whats is better for you? Tks, I Love your reviews!!
Hey Lobster, love your videos :) Was wondering what you thought of perhaps a 5 string fretless version of it, yay or nay? I've heard the neck dive is a bit problematic on the 5 string but maybe the lack of frets would do the trick? Maybe the ultralite hipshot tuners too? And what do you think of Natural vs Sunburst? Usually not a fan of sunbursts but this one stands out to me. Natural is a classic, but I noticed that for the v5 the natural finish looks quite bad in a lot of lighting/photos. Looks fine in your video though.
Apparently the 5 string fretted sits at 4.38kg and the 4 string fretted at 4.30kg. Doesn't seem like too much of a difference. Not sure about the credibility of this though, seems sketchy.
Thanks Joshua! I have a 5 string P5 coming (fretted). It's all about the weight at the end of the headstock. Hipshots will be a BIG improvement, especially on a 5 string. I really like the burst on my fretless, but the natural look on the fretted one here is great too. These generally weigh around 9-10 lbs, but ymmv as weight can differ a lot between examples
woww..nice review..playing and bass..thank you! i want to buy a sire bass for my son..22 year but very thin fingers..is there a different of playability between the u5 or this v5? whats your advice?! thank you! sorry for my english!
Thank you! The difference in regards to playability between this and the U5 is the scale length. The U5 will be a little easier to play for folks with smaller hands. Both are great!
Do you prefer these p/us to the sire p5 precision style? You had said the p5 wasn't as "bassy" as you would prefer I'm hearing "very nice" alot😃 Thanks
Great question! I'd probably choose the V5 for the roasted neck, blocks, 70's pickup spacing, and higher quality materials. Paranormals are sweet too, but the V5 is a killer package.
This is a good, honest to Flying Spaghetti Monster, lovely sounding Jazz Bass. I wish they made a black one. Black finish and a black pickguard combined with that roasted maple neck would look gorgeous. Shame about that hideous headstock though - but that's the problem with all fenderoid Sire basses ;-)
Hey, Lobster! Another convert here, reporting in to tell you I dig your channel, and to ask you a question: I’m preparing to upgrade my affinity j bass to either a paranormal or this beautiful roasted maple sire you reviewed. Can you compare them, maybe offer some guidance? I’m trending toward the sire, but I can’t entirely shake the pull of the superior (?) pickups and cheaper price of the paranormal. Also, the sire v5 is never in stock. What would you recommend?
Great bass for the money! , That being said , I just bought one recently , however in less than a month both volume pots crapped out! I emailed sire 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard back! So I went and ordered cts pots and installed them myself, problem fixed! This is my 3rd Sire and I've had issues with all 3 so far! In spite of all the problems Sire in the past has been great with customer support... So this latest request for support from Sire has not been anything close to the past customer service, Still waiting on your response , even though I've fixed the issue at my cost Sire! You can do better Sire and you have in the past , get with it!
Hi Lobster,i just want to ask which one is better overall if you compare this to the fujigen mighty jazz with emg pickups?thanks and more power to you.
Hey lobster, I have the 5 string V5 and I love it more than my V9 5 string. The V5 string spacing is perfect. I love the 70s spacing. The only thing is with the 5string there’s neck diving. Someone said, they change them out for Gotoh GB538 light weight tuners . When I checked them out there’s only two screws and the sire has four screws on their vintage tuners. The person say’s it’s a drop in replacement and the screws lineup perfect. Can you help me out with that. Thanks, PEACE!
