Sire Marcus Miller V5 Alder 4-string Review

Great Bass

The Sire V5 has exceeded my expectations, and there are very few things I would change about it. I was in the market for a J-Bass. Research had brought the Sire line to my attention and I went with the V5 because it is passive like a standard Fender. I had tried several different J-style basses: Squire, Fender, PRS, Sadowsky MetroExpress, etc.. I took a chance on the Sire because… read more I was not able to try one out, but it has several features that I thought I would like as compared to something like a Squier Classic Vibe or a Fender Player. The option for string through body, the rolled fretboard edges, and the roasted maple neck, among other things. Having received the bass and used it on some rehearsals and several gigs. I have to say, I am very impressed. The build quality is on par with the Fenders I have tried out. It feels very comfortable in my hands and it has a very wide range of tones available. It is exactly what I was looking for. My gripes are few, but worth mentioning. I wish the bridge was compatible with the Fender 3 screw mount. I would like to experiment with different bridges and that would open up options. I know I could measure and drill to mount the Fender style bridges, but the ability to pop on and pop off would be better. The balance of the Sire V5 (the one I got is 9lbs even) is solid, and it tends to sit perpendicular to my body. I wish it was a little skewed to the body side. I tend to play my basses at more of a 45 degree angle with the neck up. Pretty minor, but I noticed it. That's really it. Overall, I feel like this purchase is a fantastic value. This is a solid instrument that stands toe to toe with my Fender P basses and has a wider tonal palette. I don't own a Fender J, but I have played many of them and the Sire V5 holds it's own respectably.

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Just got my new Bass. After toiling with the buzz I finally got it adjusted to my liking. Action is slow. It plays just like my Squires, except my Squires play better. The finish is superb. It looks fantastic. Intonation, great. I am just trying to be honest as I can be but this guitar is just a glorified Squire! Sorry. Not as sorry as I am for purchasing it. I expected… read more more. It was made in Korea so it is my fault. I will adjust some more after I play it for a while...don't think it will help. If I can't lower the action without the buzz it will go on consignment next week! This thing looks and sounds great just not my cup of tea. I am almost sick to my stomach. Oh well, we all live and learn.

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