I like what you did on trying the band situation which actually is what matters the most, I think Squier by itself sounds very nice but in mix Sire fits better. So I think we are lucky to have lots of good options to choose and have fun.
as you can see listening to the A / B test the result was exactly the opposite that you are thinking: the Squier in the mix was better and more present because of its medium and high-ends, very weak on the Sire
I recently picked up the Squire 40th anniversary jazz bass Gold Edition. I'm more than satisfied with it. They play and sound great. Easy to set up and super sleek.
Based solely on this video, tonally I have to go with Squire. Has that true grit and girth I'd want from a precision bass. Aesthetically I prefer the Squire as well. The Sire is very nice don't get me wrong. However to my ears the Sire had more of a condensed sound. More of what I'd expect from a Jazz Bass.
I really might add both to my collection. They seem like great options for situations when I don’t want to bring an expensive, high end bass! Thanks for posting this.
I agree. I think the same way man. I recently got the new squier 40th anniversary precision bass. Its such an awesome bass. I use it for small gigs. Then take out fender pro 2 for good gigs.
Tbh I think the squires sound better then most of the fenders Iv heard . Their midrange is not too bright or too dark. It’s got a nice thick and present sound
Yet another brilliantly put together review. So informal straight forward and the viewer really gets a display of what’s being reviewed. I really wish more review videos were like this. You must review more pedals Jonny☺️ As for choosing A/B I honestly can’t decided!!!
I like the sound of the Squier, I have the gold edition witch has different body wood with heavy body paint. The neck has binding with block inlays. Like the bone nut but not the gloss on neck. But it sounds even better then the vintage Squier, give it a test drive.
I've tried the gold in a shop, I actually wasn't too impressed with the feel of it compared to the vintage one. Can't really say about the spund though, plugging into a tiny amp on the shop floor isn't always the best indicator! 🥲
Hey make sure you try to listen to both sounds *in a mix* . I thought the Sire was a better sound but when I played them both in my band the 40TH Anniversary sounded SO much better with all of the instruments together.
Good review my friend! I have a Squire and a Sire. I feel like the Squire has too much bass and the sound ends up being an uncontrollable mass. On the other hand, the Sire is more balanced and easier to sculpt, adding or subtracting frequencies according to need.
@@Ralferator of course I can! but it is not the same, because the signal is already "contaminated" with that extra bass, which makes everything a little blurry.
I own a Vintage Squire, it's Definition makes it my pick..the Sire has a little Much tone&lack of def.. Which could be eq'd, but the squires are a Plug in and play, like Fender use to be
The sire has a more mid forward sound , I think that’s why it stays composed as the tone level drops. The squire seems more scooped , it’s got that heavier yet brighter sound but has less midrange to hold it together . I prefer the squire off the bat for pic and tone up, in the track it had more presence. Both basses were probably mixed too loudly in the track either way at times . I wonder if it were to be mixed more like most songs, the sire might be just fine? A compressor and top end boost and slight distortion may be enough? Also character of the sire was nice, it’s top end grind is somewhat rounded and has a nice character that seems it would blend well in a mix without getting in the way of guitar or vocals . I liked its mellow gutteral rumble in the song and hammer on spongey note clarity. The hammer on with the squire seemed less clear but more clanky. The squire was more brash but if it were to be leveled in a mix quieter , I wonder what would be heard most, just high end bite? Unlike the sire who’s main sound is mid fundamental tone, it may actually sound clearer than the squire and stay in its lane . I thought that song in the end sounded pretty cool, was it yours? Really cool vibe .
Was having to decide between these 2 exact models (except for the Squier in red color), and this just made my choice clear. I know sound can be subjective, but the attack on the Squier is the win for me. Both are great instruments at their price point.
I have been thinking for months which P bass to buy if the sire or the squier, in the end I bought the sire. If I could, I would have bought both, both basses are beautiful and I would like to use both. I love the sire, every day that I play it is incredible, it has a very good sound, something fatter than the squier in my opinion and maybe something more versatile, but I think that both are a 100% successful purchase, they are basses that can be used professionally with no problem.
Sire all the way... And I am an Fender Precision Bass Preacher... I have a 1966 P, 1982 P, a 2021 Performer P, a Squer 40th rw. P, But the P5R I have....damn it hurts to say that it is my second best bass.
I've got Sire Jazz Basses and a Squier CV late 50s p bass with la Bella flats and has a good tone but I think I'd go with the Sire . I'd actually like to get the 5 string P7.
I got the P7 5 string and the P5 5 string. I love them both, but the P7 has gloss finish on the neck, and the P5 has got the satin finish...therefore the P5 has become my favourite.
In the mix I'd choose "B" for warmness and it really brings out the gain of the amp. "A" sounds great but as if the recording had been tweaked.Almost too balanced.
I ve been been playing for close to 45 five years and my opinion is that for finger and slap the Squier has the clear advantage while the Sire pick style clearly is more defined and bolder than the Squier. I would highly recommend the squier since most bassist play finger style. Although I myself play metal usually with a pick I would still prefer the Squier for the warmer bottom sound.
Listening through headphones i felt the Squier was less boomy then the sire and it didn't had that suby low end that the sire had... although it might just be the preset ou were using on your pedal. I know it's the same for both but it might've been less flatering to the sire. My vote goes to the squier on this particular tone test. Anyways. Cool review Keep em coming
I agree with you that Sire should release it in black :) It's such a classic color and very suitable for pickguard swap. Cream, yellow, anodized gold...they'd build up their own market for that too. My experience with Squier is that the QC can really let you down while the feedback from shop owners I know is that they virtually never got any issue with Sire. I'm probably gonna give them a chance.
Squier, all the way... looks, sound, brand image. I would much rather have a brighter tone and back it off as opposed to boosting it, which might add undesirable noise. BTW, superb review, bass mate!
The Squier lost a lot when the tone was rolled off. The Sire was more even perhaps across the tone control range, though wasn’t actually that keen on the sounds, felt it was perhaps a bit too modern. In the Band mix, tbh there wasn’t really that much in it. And either would be fine. As regards the tone control issues of the Squier, changing pots and tinkering with the wiring would solve that. On sheer looks the Squier has it for me.
I tried out both basses at Andertons in Guildford. Out of all the Squiers and the Fender Player P bass, the Squier was by far the best. Sire was better though.
Just finally ordered a P5. I'm a stingray and jazz bass guy, but some situations just flat out REQUIRE a P bass and I haven't had one in rotation for a while. Actually got it cheaper ordering from Thomann with shipping to US than I could find it stateside, lol!
Thanks for this video mate !! You can clearly appreciate the invasive and out-of-plane bass that all the Sire have (hate that) The Squier's sound is much gentler and sweeter.
The best budget bass rotation at this moment in the market is: Squier 40th Anni P bass (either model) Sterling by EBMM Stingray 24. Both a bit under 500 bucks and both of them punch waaayyyy above their weight. The sire isn't worth getting over the p bass, in my opinion, because it doesn't do anything different or better enough to justify not getting a legit, classic style p bass. The stingray24 gives you the preamp capability but with a far and away superior sound and versatility to the Sire. With those two basses you can take on any track, any genre and sound perfect.
Nice vid again! I think the Squier just edges it for me. The looks and extra aggy zing make it a winner. Do you still have the SB2 Tribute? They're only £50ish more than the Squier and those MFD pups are pretty amazing. The LB100 Tribute is just under £400 too, so it'd be cool to see those 2 in a comparison (if you can get your mitts on them)
Thanks mate 😊 Yeah although the Sire technically wins, the Squier steals my heart haha. I don't I'm afraid! I'd love to get an LB100 though, especially the blue one!
Hi Jonny. I’m looking at getting a P bass but as a leftie it’s a bit more challenging. Squier don’t even offer a left handed P bass anymore! Right now it’s between the Harley Benton MV-4P and the Sire P5. I have’t seen any reviews of the MV-4P yet, (non gotoh, non- PJ version) So if you’re stuck for an idea for a video, it would be great if you could review the Harley Benton MV 4P! Keep up the excellent work!
Nice video. Based on the audio, I like the Squier with tone at 100% with a pick and the sire with tone rolled off and fingerstyle. I guess I'll get both. If I had to get one bass, it would be the sire because I think the Squier sounds a bit too bright for my preferred P Bass sound.
Sire is more balanced, but it's bland. Squier has more flaws, but it has character, and I prefer that. Nothing a pickup change wouldn't fix though. Squier also comes in a gorgeous black, Sire colors leave a bit to be desired in my book. I haven't owned a P5, because you really can't get them here, but I have owned Sires before. I own a couple of Squiers now, and they are more fun to play for some reason.
The vintage just comes in red and blonde, the black and blue are the "gold" editions whoch have slightly different specs. LOVE that they did 2 releases! I think complicated active preamps can suck away a guitars character sometimes. That's why I absolutely love a passive P bass 😁
The thing I noticed about the Sire basses is that their pickups were made to go with their preamps, but when you take the preamp out you are left with some bland-sounding pickups that lack the lower mids that we are used to hearing in a P-bass. But a simple pickup change would be an easy fix.
@@JonnyDibble I tend to swap pickups to suit my taste anyway, even in legit Fenders...pickups and strings are the best ways to change a bass to your preference, and sometimes it's not fair to judge a bass till you do...same thing often applies to amps and speakers
I got 2 m7 here, 1 first gen and 1 second gen. Almost everything has improved. What I think about tone is, that sire has designed their pickups rather conservative. They do have a bit of all trades and are good clean pickups. If you are looking for that typical fender p sound they lack the bottom end and the crispy highs but have more mids to them.
Thank you very much. I have that exact fender I was looking to get the sire for back up I play in a church band that's kinda Southern Rock. It sounds great. I think the sire can fit in with us 😊
I tried £430 Squire against an £1750 Fender today and i honestly could hardly tell any difference if any. I will add im not a fender guy and this was my 1st time playing one i wanted to see what all the fuss is about. The guy in the shop is a fender p bass nut and great player and he reckons the difference is 5% max if that. I would definitely get the squire over the fender. So i guess for me the squire must be a touch closer to the fender than the sire
The Harley Benton is incredible value. But I'd say in the long run its better to get one of these. Particularly for lots of gigging, if you're just playing in a studio, the Harley Benton is a great option though
Both are very very nice. Which one is best ....erm I'm thinking ...still thinking, both look great too, so still thinking. Possibly the squire by a gnats whisker on tone but I'd be happy with either. A + B but probably a teeny more B.
I've been drooling over the P5 since I saw Lobsters review. Maybe I'll buy one for my 61 birthday next April. BTW Thomann has these right now for $400 + shipping.
Damn Johnny. This is the second time you get me into dilemma. I was about to order D5, then you got me with P5 and now this....this squier seem that produces the sound I like, and It's hard to admit it. And it's beautiful on top of everything..
Hi Jonny! That Squire looks so nice! (I'm sure that a tortoise pickguard would make it "waouuu"). Are the specs the same as they are on the CV 60's PBass? Or is this one better?
Dude thank you so much! After seeing this video I confidently bought the squire p bass. Honestly in my opinion the p bass is a little bit better because it brings character to it. Awesome video!
Squire is mine! It’s a p bass and authentic and tame😑 sire looks great except annoying headstock but boomy for my taste. Thanks for the video comprehensive and high quality work. Keep it up 👍🏼
Hey Jonny dont know if you ever said this on a vid. I've got the same sire bass and those cream pickup covers are sweet! Where did you get them? I want to make sure I get the right ones to fit the bass! Thanks and cheers!
I recently got the new squier precision bass 40th anniversary. In lake placid blue with all gold hardware. It's such an awesome bass. 👌🏼 💯 however I'm looking into a sire bass soon.
Awesome video thanks man! Good comparison! Looking forward to more. Btw, moving the pickups closer to the strings gave my Sire more bottom end and roundness. Did have to put thicker foam under there though. Keep putting out great videos man!
It's custom made from gig.ink 😊 Not expensive though! If you get in touch with them, they'll have the P5 on file because of mine so it'll be super easy 😊
Sire are very well built but I dislike their new medium jumbo frets. Wish they had built these P and D models w/ vintage fret wire. Likewise the Squier w/ the fender ubiquitous vintage TALL frets. UGH. How about actual vintage frets # 6230?
You feel you should give it to the sire when the two most important things were won by the Squire? surely if it feels best to play and it sounds best, who cares which has the better hardware - you can upgrade the saddles and tuners later on the squire if you want to but it will still always feel better to play and still always sound better....
As much as Sire is nice and gives a lot of value just doesn't have that sound. Recently I went to buy new Jazz since I sold CV 70s cause of some miscalculations. Tried V5 and Player Series. While Sire is nice overall it again just doesnt have that sound I look for in these classic basses. Yeah got Fender. Btw B was better to me :D
B was better in the mix. Love your videos man... But your slap position makes my wrist hurt from a distance. Have you tried bringing your elbow down and have your thumb kind of along the strings rather than crossing them?
It’s funny that you mention it, I always notice when I see anybody using that alternative thumbs-down slap technique. It seems less efficient plus you can’t double-thump using that technique but like the old saying “To each is own”. He was probably influenced by Flee
I don’t like sire squire definitely wins. You could mod the squire out. Hipshot vintage bridge. Schaller gold knobs. New passive wiring harnesses. Copper to ensure silence of the electronics. EVO gold jescar 6150 frets. You do this. You will have an instrument worth way more than it’s retail price.
Sounds interesting. I love customizing my squier basses. I put fender original pickups and cream/vintage colored pickup covers On my new squier 40th anniversary precision bass. Sounds and feels so awesome.
![ค้าง (STILL) - GEMINI [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ftxx3hk5vkU/mqdefault.jpg)
I like what you did on trying the band situation which actually is what matters the most, I think Squier by itself sounds very nice but in mix Sire fits better. So I think we are lucky to have lots of good options to choose and have fun.
We live in a great age for affordable instruments!
as you can see listening to the A / B test the result was exactly the opposite that you are thinking: the Squier in the mix was better and more present because of its medium and high-ends, very weak on the Sire
Have a Sire V7 and P7, the Squier 40th anniversary I purchased 6months back and cant stop playing it, sensational.
I recently picked up the Squire 40th anniversary jazz bass Gold Edition. I'm more than satisfied with it. They play and sound great. Easy to set up and super sleek.
Based solely on this video, tonally I have to go with Squire. Has that true grit and girth I'd want from a precision bass. Aesthetically I prefer the Squire as well. The Sire is very nice don't get me wrong. However to my ears the Sire had more of a condensed sound. More of what I'd expect from a Jazz Bass.
Same. Sire sounds a little hollow like a Jazz bass which I don’t want in a P
FLATS sound:
SQUIER
pick 100% 10:37
pick 50% 11:24
pick 0% 12:13
finger 100% 13:01
finger 50% 13:49
finger 0% 14:36
slap 100% 15:24
slap 50% 15:52
slap 0% 16:19
SIRE
pick 100% 11:00
pick 50% 11:49
pick 0% 12:37
finger 100% 13:25
finger 50% 14:12
finger 0% 15:00
slap 100% 15:38
slap 50% 16:05
slap 0% 16:32
I really might add both to my collection. They seem like great options for situations when I don’t want to bring an expensive, high end bass! Thanks for posting this.
I agree. I think the same way man. I recently got the new squier 40th anniversary precision bass. Its such an awesome bass. I use it for small gigs. Then take out fender pro 2 for good gigs.
Tbh I think the squires sound better then most of the fenders Iv heard . Their midrange is not too bright or too dark. It’s got a nice thick and present sound
oh fuck you, its 300 qid and thats quite expensive
I'd definitely go for the Squier to get me that JJ Burnel sound. Rounds played with a pick full of attack is all I need.
I too am a lover of attack!
For bass that is
Hahaha that is so interesting! I think the P sounds so *SEXY* with flats.
Trying to decide between these two myself at the moment and this comment may have swung it to the squier. Cheers!
@@hamishsummers8585 Good! Whatever it's going to be: have fun playing it! And also: pedals and amps can shape tone a lot too.
I liked more the Squier and I tried B in the blind test. To me it sounds more like the real thing, more natural. Great comparison!
Think it might be active verses passive that your hearing.
Both are passive. I ended up catching a 40th. Unbelievable playability. @@nikkicartee879
@@nikkicartee879 P5 doesn't have active circuit
@@onimusha13 did not know that. Thought all the SIRE basses was active.
Loved how the sire sounded when slapped .
Yet another brilliantly put together review. So informal straight forward and the viewer really gets a display of what’s being reviewed. I really wish more review videos were like this.
You must review more pedals Jonny☺️
As for choosing A/B I honestly can’t decided!!!
Thanks so much!!
Well, Johny boy, I'll go with Squire. There is a something about the Sire sound I just can't stand. The Squire sounds just really great.
I like the sound of the Squier, I have the gold edition witch has different body wood with heavy body paint. The neck has binding with block inlays. Like the bone nut but not the gloss on neck. But it sounds even better then the vintage Squier, give it a test drive.
I've tried the gold in a shop, I actually wasn't too impressed with the feel of it compared to the vintage one. Can't really say about the spund though, plugging into a tiny amp on the shop floor isn't always the best indicator! 🥲
Tone wise, I preferred the Sire - it kept its definition through the tone range, whereas the Squier got a it muddy and my ears didn’t like it.
I think with a preamp in the mix the Sire could REALLY shine in terms of presence
Tried both and Sire are mid focus for me ! More bass on Fender
Hey make sure you try to listen to both sounds *in a mix* . I thought the Sire was a better sound but when I played them both in my band the 40TH Anniversary sounded SO much better with all of the instruments together.
Good review my friend!
I have a Squire and a Sire.
I feel like the Squire has too much bass and the sound ends up being an uncontrollable mass. On the other hand, the Sire is more balanced and easier to sculpt, adding or subtracting frequencies according to need.
can't you just roll down the bass a notch at your amp to tighten it up?
@@Ralferator of course I can! but it is not the same, because the signal is already "contaminated" with that extra bass, which makes everything a little blurry.
@@charcastanmusica5796 you could also experiment with pickup height
I agree that your Squire is better than the Sire, which surprised me. It looks and sounds better
I own a Vintage Squire, it's Definition makes it my pick..the Sire has a little Much tone&lack of def..
Which could be eq'd, but the squires are a Plug in and play, like Fender use to be
The sire has a more mid forward sound , I think that’s why it stays composed as the tone level drops. The squire seems more scooped , it’s got that heavier yet brighter sound but has less midrange to hold it together .
I prefer the squire off the bat for pic and tone up, in the track it had more presence. Both basses were probably mixed too loudly in the track either way at times . I wonder if it were to be mixed more like most songs, the sire might be just fine? A compressor and top end boost and slight distortion may be enough? Also character of the sire was nice, it’s top end grind is somewhat rounded and has a nice character that seems it would blend well in a mix without getting in the way of guitar or vocals .
I liked its mellow gutteral rumble in the song and hammer on spongey note clarity. The hammer on with the squire seemed less clear but more clanky.
The squire was more brash but if it were to be leveled in a mix quieter , I wonder what would be heard most, just high end bite? Unlike the sire who’s main sound is mid fundamental tone, it may actually sound clearer than the squire and stay in its lane .
I thought that song in the end sounded pretty cool, was it yours? Really cool vibe .
Was having to decide between these 2 exact models (except for the Squier in red color), and this just made my choice clear. I know sound can be subjective, but the attack on the Squier is the win for me. Both are great instruments at their price point.
I have been thinking for months which P bass to buy if the sire or the squier, in the end I bought the sire. If I could, I would have bought both, both basses are beautiful and I would like to use both. I love the sire, every day that I play it is incredible, it has a very good sound, something fatter than the squier in my opinion and maybe something more versatile, but I think that both are a 100% successful purchase, they are basses that can be used professionally with no problem.
Definitely! I'm glad you're enjoying your choice 😁
Sire all the way... And I am an Fender Precision Bass Preacher... I have a 1966 P, 1982 P, a 2021 Performer P, a Squer 40th rw. P, But the P5R I have....damn it hurts to say that it is my second best bass.
Thank you for a great and incredible comparison 👏 ❤️
I've got Sire Jazz Basses and a Squier CV late 50s p bass with la Bella flats and has a good tone but I think I'd go with the Sire .
I'd actually like to get the 5 string P7.
Quality control is definitely superior for Sires I think, but if you get a good Squier, you get a GOOD one 😝
I got the P7 5 string and the P5 5 string. I love them both, but the P7 has gloss finish on the neck, and the P5 has got the satin finish...therefore the P5 has become my favourite.
In the mix I'd choose "B" for warmness and it really brings out the gain of the amp. "A" sounds great but as if the recording had been tweaked.Almost too balanced.
It's definitely a more balanced sound to that bass, almost to its discredit
I ve been been playing for close to 45 five years and my opinion is that for finger and slap the Squier has the clear advantage while the Sire pick style clearly is more defined and bolder than the Squier. I would highly recommend the squier since most bassist play finger style. Although I myself play metal usually with a pick I would still prefer the Squier for the warmer bottom sound.
Listening through headphones i felt the Squier was less boomy then the sire and it didn't had that suby low end that the sire had... although it might just be the preset ou were using on your pedal. I know it's the same for both but it might've been less flatering to the sire. My vote goes to the squier on this particular tone test. Anyways. Cool review Keep em coming
To me the Squier has more balls and I do love me a ballsy bass! Thanks!
I agree with you that Sire should release it in black :)
It's such a classic color and very suitable for pickguard swap. Cream, yellow, anodized gold...they'd build up their own market for that too.
My experience with Squier is that the QC can really let you down while the feedback from shop owners I know is that they virtually never got any issue with Sire. I'm probably gonna give them a chance.
Squier, all the way... looks, sound, brand image.
I would much rather have a brighter tone and back it off as opposed to boosting it, which might add undesirable noise.
BTW, superb review, bass mate!
The Squier lost a lot when the tone was rolled off. The Sire was more even perhaps across the tone control range, though wasn’t actually that keen on the sounds, felt it was perhaps a bit too modern.
In the Band mix, tbh there wasn’t really that much in it. And either would be fine.
As regards the tone control issues of the Squier, changing pots and tinkering with the wiring would solve that.
On sheer looks the Squier has it for me.
I tried out both basses at Andertons in Guildford. Out of all the Squiers and the Fender Player P bass, the Squier was by far the best. Sire was better though.
Just finally ordered a P5. I'm a stingray and jazz bass guy, but some situations just flat out REQUIRE a P bass and I haven't had one in rotation for a while. Actually got it cheaper ordering from Thomann with shipping to US than I could find it stateside, lol!
That's surprising. VAT is higher in Europe than sales tax in US.
Thanks for this video mate !! You can clearly appreciate the invasive and out-of-plane bass that all the Sire have (hate that) The Squier's sound is much gentler and sweeter.
Excellent thorough review: You've given us everything we could want in a short video.
I just bought that same squire (I found it like-new for a killer price), and I completely love it, FWIW.
Great video, found it after doing research on both basses. Planning to get the Squier, and the 5 string version of the Sire soon.
Great choices! Thanks very much 😊
The 40th Anniversary Gold Edition is 349 euros at Thoman at moment. Does that change things up?
I liked the sire with flats , and squire with rounds the best . 😊
Squier for me! It has that Fender vibe. Sire sounds like a totally different animal.
Prefiero el Sire, pero creo que en la etapa de mezcla se puede llegar al mismo resultado con ambos instrumentos.
2 y.a. I tryed two Squier P basses, a 40th anniversary and a CV. The CV one was cheaper and had better fretwork so I bought that.
nice! what is your opinion on the squier 60s Classic vibe p bass vs the sire?
I really liked my CV60s P bass! I think the Sire is better overall though. The 40th anniversary Squier is better than the CV60s in my opinion
I agree Sire needs to work on their colors. I don’t like any of the options for this bass. I love the roasted maple neck though.
An acquired taste!
The best budget bass rotation at this moment in the market is:
Squier 40th Anni P bass (either model)
Sterling by EBMM Stingray 24.
Both a bit under 500 bucks and both of them punch waaayyyy above their weight. The sire isn't worth getting over the p bass, in my opinion, because it doesn't do anything different or better enough to justify not getting a legit, classic style p bass. The stingray24 gives you the preamp capability but with a far and away superior sound and versatility to the Sire.
With those two basses you can take on any track, any genre and sound perfect.
As you roll off the tone I prefer the Squier one
It's a raspier with more low end!
Nice vid again! I think the Squier just edges it for me. The looks and extra aggy zing make it a winner. Do you still have the SB2 Tribute? They're only £50ish more than the Squier and those MFD pups are pretty amazing. The LB100 Tribute is just under £400 too, so it'd be cool to see those 2 in a comparison (if you can get your mitts on them)
Thanks mate 😊 Yeah although the Sire technically wins, the Squier steals my heart haha. I don't I'm afraid! I'd love to get an LB100 though, especially the blue one!
The blue.....the blocks.....swoon =)
Squier wins in terms of sound and it looks much better!
Man, after revisiting this I gotta say, the Squier pickup sounds similar to a Seymour Duncan quarter pounder but not as scooped?
It does! Super powerful 🙌
good tones for both, compared to price they sounds really good. Probably Sire a bit dark/low end but no way to gues who is who in a blind test for me
Hi Jonny. I’m looking at getting a P bass but as a leftie it’s a bit more challenging. Squier don’t even offer a left handed P bass anymore! Right now it’s between the Harley Benton MV-4P and the Sire P5. I have’t seen any reviews of the MV-4P yet, (non gotoh, non- PJ version) So if you’re stuck for an idea for a video, it would be great if you could review the Harley Benton MV 4P! Keep up the excellent work!
Man that sire sounds phenomenal
Nice video. Based on the audio, I like the Squier with tone at 100% with a pick and the sire with tone rolled off and fingerstyle. I guess I'll get both. If I had to get one bass, it would be the sire because I think the Squier sounds a bit too bright for my preferred P Bass sound.
Sire is more balanced, but it's bland. Squier has more flaws, but it has character, and I prefer that. Nothing a pickup change wouldn't fix though. Squier also comes in a gorgeous black, Sire colors leave a bit to be desired in my book. I haven't owned a P5, because you really can't get them here, but I have owned Sires before. I own a couple of Squiers now, and they are more fun to play for some reason.
The vintage just comes in red and blonde, the black and blue are the "gold" editions whoch have slightly different specs. LOVE that they did 2 releases! I think complicated active preamps can suck away a guitars character sometimes. That's why I absolutely love a passive P bass 😁
Awesome video!! So glad you used flats and round wounds for both basses. Could you share where you got your black pickguard for the P5?
The thing I noticed about the Sire basses is that their pickups were made to go with their preamps, but when you take the preamp out you are left with some bland-sounding pickups that lack the lower mids that we are used to hearing in a P-bass. But a simple pickup change would be an easy fix.
These pickups are designed to ve passive I believe, but the preamps are usually the shining stars of most Sires! Although too many knobs for me
@@JonnyDibble Do you think these pickups are different than the pickups that are in the Sire P7 basses?
@@JonnyDibble I tend to swap pickups to suit my taste anyway, even in legit Fenders...pickups and strings are the best ways to change a bass to your preference, and sometimes it's not fair to judge a bass till you do...same thing often applies to amps and speakers
I got 2 m7 here, 1 first gen and 1 second gen.
Almost everything has improved.
What I think about tone is, that sire has designed their pickups rather conservative. They do have a bit of all trades and are good clean pickups. If you are looking for that typical fender p sound they lack the bottom end and the crispy highs but have more mids to them.
@@michisauer First Sire I had was an M7! SO crisp!
Thank you very much. I have that exact fender I was looking to get the sire for back up I play in a church band that's kinda Southern Rock. It sounds great. I think the sire can fit in with us 😊
What about a comparison between 40th jazz and v5 ?
If I can get my hands on either, definitely! 😄
Squier looks and sounds better for me. I also hate the Sire headstock.
Really comprehensive video Jonny. Good stuff.
Cheers Dave! Yeah they really split the crowd with that one
I don't think the sire headstock is that bad, and it's definitely not enough to keep me from buying one.
Through laptop speakers(!) the Squier had more presence and depth and cut through more in the band setting.
just bought a sire p5R - QUALITY!!!! buy one, you will not be disappointed
the sire was just a tad brighter, but pots and tone caps can affect tone also. I am impressed with both, irregardless of prices.
I make fun of my wife so hard when she uses that ridiculous non-word... "irregardlessly!!" lol🤣😉
Its the squier for me too, it just has more of that P-bass growl! Its Johny "Dribble" Dibble🥵
Definitely more raspy, in a good way!
That butterscotch is amazing!!!!!!
Johnny very good comparison. I think the or at least I have heard that the sour bases are kind of on the heavy side which I can't handle anymore.
I tried £430 Squire against an £1750 Fender today and i honestly could hardly tell any difference if any. I will add im not a fender guy and this was my 1st time playing one i wanted to see what all the fuss is about. The guy in the shop is a fender p bass nut and great player and he reckons the difference is 5% max if that. I would definitely get the squire over the fender. So i guess for me the squire must be a touch closer to the fender than the sire
Hey Johnny! Where do you stack the Harley Benton PJ 74 against these two?
The Harley Benton is incredible value. But I'd say in the long run its better to get one of these. Particularly for lots of gigging, if you're just playing in a studio, the Harley Benton is a great option though
@@JonnyDibble How come though? Is it the not so professional neck on the HB bass?
@@fredgonzalez6619 Necks on these feel nicer and they're much lighter!
@@JonnyDibble Ok thank you man, God bless!
@Johnny: Isnt Playability rather a point for the sire? At least i heard often the neck is fantastic & super easy to play
It's fantastic! But I just, for some reason, find the Squier more fun to play
The black pick guard on the Sire looks amazing, do you remember where you got it from?
Love your videos man 👍
Squier All the way When it comes to Sound And the Slap on the Squier P Bass Sounded 🔊 Better
Bit more punchy!
I like more the crunchy tone of the squier in my opinion altho they are both incredible basses
Both are very very nice. Which one is best ....erm I'm thinking ...still thinking, both look great too, so still thinking. Possibly the squire by a gnats whisker on tone but I'd be happy with either. A + B but probably a teeny more B.
It's a tough one!
I couldn't see a link where you got the black pickguard for the Sire P5
I've been drooling over the P5 since I saw Lobsters review. Maybe I'll buy one for my 61 birthday next April.
BTW Thomann has these right now for $400 + shipping.
Great video Jonny! Soundwise, I would say Squier! But I have to say that your Sire P5 looks beautiful and it plays really good!
Thanks very much! 😄
Damn Johnny. This is the second time you get me into dilemma. I was about to order D5, then you got me with P5 and now this....this squier seem that produces the sound I like, and It's hard to admit it. And it's beautiful on top of everything..
Hi Jonny! That Squire looks so nice! (I'm sure that a tortoise pickguard would make it "waouuu"). Are the specs the same as they are on the CV 60's PBass? Or is this one better?
Dude thank you so much! After seeing this video I confidently bought the squire p bass. Honestly in my opinion the p bass is a little bit better because it brings character to it. Awesome video!
Congrats! Glad it helped in some way 😊 Thanks so much
Looking forward to the 14 of September. Looking forward to the PBass giveaway. BTW...The Squire hands down...
Where did you get the cream colored pick up covers for the Sire?
Yeah B definitely sounded better. Thanks for this.
Interestingly i like the Sire better with the rounds, but the Squire better with the flats.
Squire is mine! It’s a p bass and authentic and tame😑 sire looks great except annoying headstock but boomy for my taste. Thanks for the video comprehensive and high quality work. Keep it up 👍🏼
Thanks very much! ☺️
Hey Jonny dont know if you ever said this on a vid. I've got the same sire bass and those cream pickup covers are sweet! Where did you get them? I want to make sure I get the right ones to fit the bass! Thanks and cheers!
Hi! The pickup covers are just cheap knock offs from eBay 🤪 However, they did require a bit of filing to fit. Cheers!
Thanks brother!!!!
I recently got the new squier precision bass 40th anniversary. In lake placid blue with all gold hardware. It's such an awesome bass. 👌🏼 💯 however I'm looking into a sire bass soon.
Awesome video thanks man! Good comparison! Looking forward to more.
Btw, moving the pickups closer to the strings gave my Sire more bottom end and roundness. Did have to put thicker foam under there though.
Keep putting out great videos man!
Thanks very much 😄 Yeah that'll increase the output for sure. Cheers!
Where is the black pickguard from for the sire. I bought the green p5 because of you and I want it too
It's custom made from gig.ink 😊 Not expensive though! If you get in touch with them, they'll have the P5 on file because of mine so it'll be super easy 😊
Sire are very well built but I dislike their new medium jumbo frets. Wish they had built these P and D models w/ vintage fret wire. Likewise the Squier w/ the fender ubiquitous vintage TALL frets. UGH. How about actual vintage frets # 6230?
Is this squire supposed to sound the same as the gold hardware version? Same build etc?
I prefer how the Sire sounds with a pick but Squier wins it for fingerstyle
You feel you should give it to the sire when the two most important things were won by the Squire? surely if it feels best to play and it sounds best, who cares which has the better hardware - you can upgrade the saddles and tuners later on the squire if you want to but it will still always feel better to play and still always sound better....
True!
A sounded more balanced , while b had a nice performance , but might be stepping on the other instruments imo .
I really like your review
I still think they are the same bass the Sire being a rebranded version with some changes in the pick ups.
Great review. Both Sire and Squire have sounds and looks fantastic. I will go with the A over the B.
Cheers! 😄
As much as Sire is nice and gives a lot of value just doesn't have that sound. Recently I went to buy new Jazz since I sold CV 70s cause of some miscalculations. Tried V5 and Player Series. While Sire is nice overall it again just doesnt have that sound I look for in these classic basses. Yeah got Fender.
Btw B was better to me :D
It's indescribable sometimes those differences, but ai know what you mean. B punches through that mix a bit more!
B was better in the mix. Love your videos man... But your slap position makes my wrist hurt from a distance. Have you tried bringing your elbow down and have your thumb kind of along the strings rather than crossing them?
It’s funny that you mention it, I always notice when I see anybody using that alternative thumbs-down slap technique. It seems less efficient plus you can’t double-thump using that technique but like the old saying “To each is own”. He was probably influenced by Flee
Thanks Nathan! Yeah thats just how I naturally have always slapped! It's a tough habit to break so now I find the other position really unnatural 🥲
Squier for sure for me
What about the neck comparisons?
On the Sire P5 did you change the pickups? Do I get the same sound if I buy a P5 without having to modify it?
Pickups are stock, just changed the covers 😊
I think the "B" was the Sire, more top ends than the squire
I don’t like sire squire definitely wins. You could mod the squire out. Hipshot vintage bridge. Schaller gold knobs. New passive wiring harnesses. Copper to ensure silence of the electronics. EVO gold jescar 6150 frets. You do this. You will have an instrument worth way more than it’s retail price.
Sounds interesting. I love customizing my squier basses. I put fender original pickups and cream/vintage colored pickup covers On my new squier 40th anniversary precision bass. Sounds and feels so awesome.
@@Livemusic1800 that sounds like that’s awesome
The Sire has a slight edge on the Squire. The tone is more controlled while retaining character. IMHO