@@airworthy777 ask Kyle about that when LEL interviews him. That's actually regarding the future of the company which he probably wants to talk about and get input on.
Thank you for the shoutout! :) You were the one who pointed me in the right direction, what was wrong with my D5. I am as good in electronics as I am in holding my breath for 20 minutes ;) So I would never have seen that it was soldered the wrong way. Many greetings from germany!
Mine came from Thomann with single coil pickups. It screams like crazy with my setup. Had to order a new pickup. I am in the process of swapping it out for a Fralin Split 51 +5%. The volume and tone was correct. I will be shielding it when I get it back from the luthier. The neck is perfect. Finally out of the jazzneck limbo.
I have been eyeing the Lindy Fralin as well (I see Bossanova is sold out, did you buy the last one?). How did the bass turn out, did you get the Fralin Split?
@@EirikHasselberg I am playing on it as we speak. Love it very much. Great tone, lots of punch and no noise. Will be in my forever lineup of basses. I got the pickup from Bass Direct UK, but got Bassanova.no to install it for me. The cavity is very tight according to the tech so do it on your own risk.
I know this is 2 years later but I wanted to say your review is what convinced me to go with the D5 instead of Squire's classic 50's vibe. I own several higher end Squires and although they are nice, I was super impressed with the D5 and love it. It played good right out of the box with little effort. I ended up putting some Rotosound 77 flats on it, even better but I might end up switching them out for the Labella flats i have on my Squire PJ. Excellent review!
Update: I wound up doing a similar mod as your video except i used the regular seymour duncan (not Dusty Hill) and the heavier 1954 Labellas. Wow is all I have to say!
Disappointing and unacceptable wiring and fret quality control issues in my book. For about the same money, I'll take a G&L JB-2 or LB-100 Tribute. Thanks for the review Lobster! 🦞
Thanks Sparks! Disappointing, yes. IMO, I think the slightly high frets were cause by wood shifting during the change in climate. Not abnormal for mass produced instruments in this price point. The LB-100 that I reviewed also had some similar QC issues as well and earned the same rating for basically the same reasons (didn't remember any high frets, but had some gashes in the neck and rough finish in some areas).
Thanks Lobster Man, wanted to love it, but not with the QC issues. I don't have the technical acumen nor tools as you, need my axes to work right out of the box. I'll wait for Sire to fix these issues.
Hi lobster, thanks for the excellent review! My vintage white d5 is just arrived and i must say i'm quite satisfied with it. No wiring issue nor electronic buzz. The action is a little on the high side, otherwise a perfect little bass. Very good value for the money, definitely recommended!
I want it. Or a bass like this. I had a Harley Benton PB-50 and liked it a lot. Those 50s-style P-basses definitely have something going on for them. And yes, flats will be a perfect fit here. Dead sounding flatwound strings will paradoxically make it come alive :D Oh, and Bebe definitely doesn't like being ignored ;-)
Beautiful bass and excellent neck. And way better tone then the p5. Makes you wonder why they produce the p5 at all. Edit: of course all those productions issues are not speaking for the d5
It seems like the QC issues are becoming a more serious issues for Sire. My friend was forced to send back a newest model of P7 due to some really noisy (high) frets.....damn! Then, he decided to change it for a FGN: now he's absolutely happy!
@@LowEndLobster just think about this: as a prove of what a FGN instrument can do, I've shared your video to my friend, before the purchase. So, your review was very influencial for his choice! :D
OMG, OMG, the NECK 😍 My local music shop just got in a P5 and D5. They play like BUTTA! I'm feeling terrible GAS for the tobacco burst D5... and the non-hideous headstock. But did I mention the neck???
Lobster told them in every review that the bridge let's say is not so great(sucks) Especially the screw hole placing. And here we go. I am sure they follow your advise Lobster you the man.
Just taken delivery of a discounted B stock D5 and apart from a small blemish on the very bottom it’s fine. No wiring issues. Flatwounds going on soon...
I have five basses: two Sires, two Fenders and a Steinberger. My D5 is my favourite; the one I keep going back to. I added flatwounds. I might upgrade the pickup someday, but I don't have a burning need to.
I am frustrated by the fact that the better bridge is easily swappable, but the bridge I want to swap is tougher. Nice review. May have to pick one up and put a seymour duncan quarter pounder in it. Cool looking bass. As usual, great review!
LobsterDude you are without a doubt the #1 100% USDA Gov't Inspected best bass reviewer not only on TH-cam, on the entire planet. You are so honest and up front. Your analysis/reviews/ratings are totally bankable. Don't ever "Sellout" just to get free stuff!!!!!!!!!!! Rock On Lobster
@@LowEndLobster you can do a 9 way stratocaster wiring of guitar on bass ,find someone helping you for routing ,get 3 pickup and a 5 way switch and a on/on/on toggle switch ,i have done a 9 way guitar mod for my friend , should be ok for bass ,
Love your reviews Lobster! I'm not familiar with the Sire brand, but I kind of find it shocking that a $500 instrument could have such significant flaws.
Thank you! Honestly, QC flaws aren't that shocking at the price point. Squier classic vibes are creeping close to $500 new for the four strings, and those are definitely a lot more inconsistent (and sometimes troublesome). I've always found Sire to be pretty consistent when it comes to QC. This bass definitely has its pros and cons (at least the one I got), but overall is a solid instrument with great bones.
@@LowEndLobster Sorry, I can't agree with that summation. Money is getting tighter for a lot of people and there is no excuse for shoddy workmanship at that price. A dose of realism needed i think.
@@thewomble1509 Thanks Womble. My reviews aren't really based on how some folks view $500. I look at the other basses at the price point and try to make an (opinionated) evaluation based on build quality, electronics, hardware, playability, ergonomics, design, tonal flexibility, and the 'value' as it sits with the current price. The reality is, QC flaws happen on $500 basses and I'd hardly call the workmanship here 'shoddy'... A dose of realism is needed indeed :).
I have a Sire M2 that just isn't for me. There is nothing wrong with it, but it was just a poor choice for my playing style. But my Sire U5 is an absolute dream. I just love it.
The design is a cool '60sification of the original p-bass design. Kind of an alternate route from the direction Fender took it. I wish they took that further with a metal flake finish. You could probably put a '51 Fender metal pickup cover over the pickup and help with some of that noise issue?
When the 2004 Fender American jazz with S-1 switch came out it sounded really bad in one position because they miswired the S-1 Switch. I corrected 2 or 3 of them, mentioned it here on here back then. Also called Fender and notified them (easy move on one wire). It is very clearly shown on the Fender wiring diagrams and do not see how they made this mistake but the shouldn’t have put the S-1 on their P bass. Not a good fit. I think between all the complaints about the P bass S-1 and the J bass S-1 (due to misswire) they decided to just cancel it rather than fix the Jazz.
Indeed. Compared to the mess that was the Charvel San Dimas, I'd say the issues here are mentionable but definitely don't detract enough from the instrument to make me not like it. As with the other Sires I've reviewed, the bones are stellar.
definitely one of my next basses! i would put a Seymour Duncan quarter pounder in it and put Fender Flats on it! maybe play it without the pickguard🤔 string through body option would also be nice....but overall an amazing Bass!
I had many quality control problems in a Kiloton tribute: twisted neck, frets, wiring, on the contrary I have a P5 that arrived perfect. Thank for the review.
8:25 when your tone is affecting your noise directly, check to make sure you don't have a defective cap somewhere. When you twist that knob you're modifying the RLC circuit directly instead of simply master attenuating the whole mess. Anyhow, if noise is affected or effected by something you do, then the noise is clearly connected to that circuit. #capnobvious
Great review Lobster - keep up the great work, thanks! There seem to a few people on here that can't quite understand that the man is reviewing the bass. Its up to you to decide if the QC flaws are a problem for you or not. I solder and work on instruments, so the QC flaws are no big deal to me. But to someone that doesn't have the tools or the knowledge to work on an instrument, it could be a deal breaker. This is an individual call, Lobster just provides the info, you decide how it affects you! Anyway it looks and sounds great and I've been wanting a Tele style bass for a long time. This looks like a good option. Couple questions for the Lobster . . . (1) Have you heard anything on availability? They're still out of stock everywhere I looked. (2) I've heard that Sire addressed the QC issues. Have you heard the same?
Thank you Bottle! 1. I know they're pushing for more stock in early 2022, but don't know anything for sure. Demand is HIGH. 2. Yes! Kyle runs a tight ship and did a great job addressing the issue in a timely and professional manner. Very well done!
Very nice test riff. Sire is on Fire! I liked mid tone best. Have you done any amp videos? Would love your opinion on the Vox 50ba if you ever review practice amps or have played one.
Thanks Cat! The bones are REALLY good. Neck is killer, price is right, overall feel and construction is top notch, plus the fender bridge! It will take a bit more than the P5 to achieve its 'perfect' state for this particular example, but we'll get it there. Don't get me wrong though, QC dropped the ball hard here in regards to the electronics, but as it stands for the $500 price point I'd call it on par with other competing models in the price range given the list of pros and cons here.
I'm thinking it would benefit from a better quality tone pot too. There's something I'm not liking at the backed off settings. Seems too thick or pillowy.
Got one... the neck dive was ridiculous... many screws not properly perpendicular to body... two bridge saddles that look like they were chewed on. QC? Right. Back to seller.
Can you be a little more specific about the "improperly placed pickup wire on the volume pot" thanks! P.S. I have one of these on order with Sweetwater, just want to know what to look for when I get it, regarding your comment about the wiring .maybe they'll have fixed it by then . thx again!.
So Lobster what gives you the 50s experience better this D5 OR the Squier 50s bass? Before you mod it I'd like to see a comparison between this and the squier
Greetings! I love your bass content and videos. Question, I own a P5R and a D5. After replacing the bridges with an Albridge, what is your recommendation for lightweight drop-in tuners without mods? Thank you for answering. 😊
Heyo Carmine! I like the HIpshot Ultralites, but they require a bushing or the painters tape trick as well as the drilling of a new hole (which would be covered by the stock tuners). Honestly, I think the hipshot upgrade is worth it as you'll save 1/4 lb off the headstock and improve the balance significantly.
Thank you so much for the prompt reply. I will consider. If you every consider selling your SD pickup you removed from the D5, please let me know. Be well.
Cheers Lobster . I just got a D5 and since the very first time I plugged it I can hear something strange while playing: it sounds as if there's a very light chorus or flanger in my chain! Never heard something like that before! What could that be? In your experience this is the way this bass sounds or it can be a problem with the pickup or the strings?
Sorry can't get down with the 3 claw rating. I get the pros & cons, comparative instruments at this price point etc BUT if you're going to present a bass with roasted Maple & brass saddles I'd be expecting correct wiring, ESPECIALLY in such a basic electronics package. It's not like an active bass with mid freq selection etc etc. I'd much prefer standard steel saddles & have that $ spent on proper wiring as I cant solder to save my life.
Thanks Brett! I agree to an extent, however the wiring issues here were hardly detrimental to the functionality of the instrument. For the price, I'd consider this on par with other instruments in the range like the Squier (they are not immune to QC issues either). The occasional high fret is not uncommon on basses at this price point either as the wood in the neck can shift with changes in humidity and push a fret out a smidge. That's why I'd call this average instead of below-average. Very high quality construction and materials, but QC issues and low-ish output of the pickup make the 3 score appropriate in my mind, but alas the ratings are just my opinion. I also appreciate the 'newness' of the instrument. Nothing is being 'upcycled' from lower models. Great comment!
@@LowEndLobster I'd have probably gone 2.5. Love the look of the bass & it sounded pretty good too. I guess for me it's like if you are going to do things like roasted Maple etc, at least get the electronics right. Also the way you described the issue prior you fixing it definitely sounds like a functionality issue, especially if Thomann are getting returns for the same reasons. You're right though in at that price point you can't expect perfection, totally get that. In other news your channel convinced me to get a Stingray & I couldn't be happier! Although my Fender Jazz is kinda jealous now lol
I guess this is more of a general question, but I keep coming across noisy P bases. Can someone explain to me why a base with a humbucking pick up is still noisy if you’re not touching the metal? Is it that any bass without shielding paint or tape will be noisy? Do most bases come without any shielding?
Hello Lobster! :) for my first bass and therefore to endanger Marcus Miller's career I was thinking of getting a bass Sire :) Question: on the American site all or almost all of them are declared "sold out". Being interested in the "low" range, such as the various D5 / V5-7 / P7 etc, which if I am not mistaken were produced in 2018 (so-called "second generation") I wanted to understand: "what" I buy today by taking it in an ecommerce where is it available? Capable that they have had it in stock for four years or is there something that escapes me? Are there any models in that price range that are still produced today? Thank you very much, bye!
@@LowEndLobster yes I find these basses in several stores... but then why "out of stock" is declared on the website? Is the beginning of a "third generation"? thanks
@@warburgaby Sire's can also be purchased directly through the manufacturer. They're out of stock direct from Sire. Retailers will order X amount of basses and will have their own stock separate to that of Sire.
@@LowEndLobster Ok man! My doubt was just trying to figure out "how old will the bass I buy in the online store be, since the manufacturer no longer produces it"?
This bass looks like a bat with this pickguard, and I like that, as well as its simple look and deep tone. That being said, this lack of QC is absolutely not acceptable. A deal breaker in my book. I think this habit of expecting the customers to finish the job is getting a little out of hand. I hope Sire will address that issue very soon, I was not expecting that from them.
Got a question, man. On a bass with 2 volume, 2 tone, what would make the tone knobs effect both pickups? The j tone should only effect the j pickup, same with the p, but I've got a bass where they're effecting each other.
The wiring issue should never have passed QC. If the same fault is present on multiple instruments, that suggests that somebody was under pressure to get a batch of control plate modules completed. Haste is never good for QC - but it should have been caught. Disappointing from Sire. The bass sounds fine now, but not everybody has the skills to diagnose electronics faults with not even a schematic to follow.
If there’s a mfg date for that sub step, I bet it was done at a time where Covid was impacting labor Substantially. Pressure in pandemic times, or bad training.
@@Grousicle You might be right. It depends where the work was done. As far as I know, this is a Far East instrument. I don't think those countries were anything like as badly affected by Covid as we were in the West. In those factories, pressure tends to come from management. Poor training might be an answer: but it might be something as simple as misreading the wiring schematic. It should have been caught by QC regardless, either on inspection or on playthrough.
@@LowEndLobster you mean coppet wire connection to each cable? One from left side and other from right? I just replaced stock pickup to lollar original and lollar is single and has this connections too.
@@LowEndLobsterthat would be very cool! I have a D5 I'm totally in love with - that neck! - and a HB JB-40FL which I really like - thanks for the recommendation - but would one day like to replace with a D5 or V5 fretless. Just for the weight and that awesome neck.
I see some unfavorable remarks on this bass. I think that a person has to remember. You're spending 500 bucks. In the Guitar and bass world - that's peanuts. O.K. Needs a little TLC. Well what do you want for 500 bucks ? O.K. we'll address a few fret heights and edges and fix up the shielding . (I know that EHX makes a pedal that will quiet things down). All I know is -you never say never. A long time ago some one handed me a "Hondo" bass. Of course, I looked at this person like "Are you kidding me ?" I plugged it in - and was BLOWN AWAY !!! A person came in to the studio and said "What are you playing ? / "A Hondo bass". / "Very nice bass !!!"
Firstly, a lot of people would consider $500 to be a fairly large sum of money. Secondly, If Sire are serious about moving forwards and increasing their profile, asking that amount of cash for a bass that seems to pose more questions than it answers is NOT the way to do it. Thirdly, shame on Lobster man for not being slightly harsher in his criticism of the faults with this model. We don't all get them for free....................
@@thewomble1509 Thanks Womble! My reviews aren't based on how different people view $500. $500 is a lot to some people, it's not to others. I'm reviewing the bass, not your income. How does this pose more questions than answers? It's not a complex instrument. It's a $500 bass... Specs are stellar, execution is average, electronics need a little love. Shame on me? Ok.... You know I pay for my basses right? What other faults did I fail to mention? The volume knob issue, slight electronics noise, and a couple slightly high frets (corrected with a couple taps of a fret hammer)... The neck is straight and comfortable, the construction is very solid, hardware is nice, the bridge design shows that they listened to criticism of the 'standard' Sire bridge. Plus, we're going to address the electronics in another video... I'd say overall my rating is warranted and justified clearly in the video :). It's a $500 mass produced import bass, not a custom built $5000 bass... For the money, I'd say you get what you pay for here. There are better values at the price point, and those basses have earned a higher rating for that.....
@@LowEndLobster I thought your review was very informative and completely fair. I don't understand the previous commenter's complaints when you were completely upfront about the issues with this bass (issues, as you said, that aren't particularly uncommon in this price range). Because of these issues, you didn't give it a stellar rating. I don't see the problem here (or why you need to be "shamed").
That's a great observation! Indeed, the MIC Paranormals (and the other Chinese Squiers) are surprisingly solid and well put together. I'd love this neck on the Paranormal body, that'd be a KILLER bass. If the QC issues weren't present, I'd put this on par with the Paranormal. I'd say the paranormal and the P5/D5 share the same 'weak point' of the electronics not having enough booty/output.
I’ve heard 54’s had body contours, and I gotta say for me, after trying a slab body vs contoured, the contoured is much more comfortable. To each their own.
![WARNING: Not Your Average Vintage Copy | Sire D5 [Review/Demo]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U8daVfF65JY/mqdefault.jpg)
I was not expecting this kind of tone and good tonal options from one pickup.
Bummer with the QC issues. I normally really dislike the aesthetics of the Sire headstocks but this one kind of works for me.
Thanks Justin! Yeah I agree, the QC issues were indeed a bummer but I also agree about the headstock. Sire's best yet
LowEndLobster: Gives 3 claws out of 5.
Sire: *Sweats*
Thanks Mark :)
@@LowEndLobster Sire is slowly becoming like Squier.
@@airworthy777 ask Kyle about that when LEL interviews him. That's actually regarding the future of the company which he probably wants to talk about and get input on.
7:00 I always love this moment :)
:) Thank you
Thank you for the shoutout! :)
You were the one who pointed me in the right direction, what was wrong with my D5. I am as good in electronics as I am in holding my breath for 20 minutes ;) So I would never have seen that it was soldered the wrong way.
Many greetings from germany!
Of course! Thank you for your videos as well. Your comparison is excellent!
Mine came from Thomann with single coil pickups. It screams like crazy with my setup. Had to order a new pickup. I am in the process of swapping it out for a Fralin Split 51 +5%. The volume and tone was correct. I will be shielding it when I get it back from the luthier. The neck is perfect. Finally out of the jazzneck limbo.
NICE !!!
I have been eyeing the Lindy Fralin as well (I see Bossanova is sold out, did you buy the last one?). How did the bass turn out, did you get the Fralin Split?
@@EirikHasselberg I am playing on it as we speak. Love it very much. Great tone, lots of punch and no noise. Will be in my forever lineup of basses. I got the pickup from Bass Direct UK, but got Bassanova.no to install it for me. The cavity is very tight according to the tech so do it on your own risk.
I know this is 2 years later but I wanted to say your review is what convinced me to go with the D5 instead of Squire's classic 50's vibe. I own several higher end Squires and although they are nice, I was super impressed with the D5 and love it. It played good right out of the box with little effort. I ended up putting some Rotosound 77 flats on it, even better but I might end up switching them out for the Labella flats i have on my Squire PJ. Excellent review!
:) enjoy
Update: I wound up doing a similar mod as your video except i used the regular seymour duncan (not Dusty Hill) and the heavier 1954 Labellas. Wow is all I have to say!
Disappointing and unacceptable wiring and fret quality control issues in my book. For about the same money, I'll take a G&L JB-2 or LB-100 Tribute. Thanks for the review Lobster! 🦞
I think you could put a G&L in it, but I would think this is a great spot for a Serek pickup too...
Thanks Sparks! Disappointing, yes. IMO, I think the slightly high frets were cause by wood shifting during the change in climate. Not abnormal for mass produced instruments in this price point. The LB-100 that I reviewed also had some similar QC issues as well and earned the same rating for basically the same reasons (didn't remember any high frets, but had some gashes in the neck and rough finish in some areas).
You're not getting a G&L bass for 500 bucks
G&L resale is terrible
@@aldito7586second hand you are easy
The split coil p bass pickup was designed bc of the noise of the 51 style single.
I argue the 51 sounds much brighter.
Is the pickup split coil? Specifications says it is single
Got mine on order, plus a Fralin pick up. Can't wait!
Nice! I just ordered a pickup for mine, you shall see soon!
Screams 70s cop show. Oh,the bass nice features. Transparent review. Hoping Sire is listening.
Thanks Stacy! I think they are :)
Thanks Lobster Man, wanted to love it, but not with the QC issues. I don't have the technical acumen nor tools as you, need my axes to work right out of the box. I'll wait for Sire to fix these issues.
Thanks Ox!
Another awesome video and still very honest on a promotion review.
Thanks for keeping it real LowendLobster👍🏽
Thanks Sumbi Sumbi!
Hi lobster, thanks for the excellent review! My vintage white d5 is just arrived and i must say i'm quite satisfied with it. No wiring issue nor electronic buzz. The action is a little on the high side, otherwise a perfect little bass. Very good value for the money, definitely recommended!
Great to hear Carlo! Sire addressed the wiring issues from the early batch and made an announcement. Very good on them for handling it like they did.
👍
I want it. Or a bass like this. I had a Harley Benton PB-50 and liked it a lot. Those 50s-style P-basses definitely have something going on for them.
And yes, flats will be a perfect fit here. Dead sounding flatwound strings will paradoxically make it come alive :D
Oh, and Bebe definitely doesn't like being ignored ;-)
Thanks BD!
Beautiful bass and excellent neck. And way better tone then the p5. Makes you wonder why they produce the p5 at all. Edit: of course all those productions issues are not speaking for the d5
It seems like the QC issues are becoming a more serious issues for Sire.
My friend was forced to send back a newest model of P7 due to some really noisy (high) frets.....damn!
Then, he decided to change it for a FGN: now he's absolutely happy!
Thanks for sharing Joe! I hope they can correct the course. Bummer to hear about the P7 but I'm glad they found solace in a FGN!
@@LowEndLobster just think about this: as a prove of what a FGN instrument can do, I've shared your video to my friend, before the purchase.
So, your review was very influencial for his choice! :D
Hey thanks for being one of the only bass channels that addresses wiring issues....lookin at you Solar customer service.....not happy lol!
OMG, OMG, the NECK 😍 My local music shop just got in a P5 and D5. They play like BUTTA! I'm feeling terrible GAS for the tobacco burst D5... and the non-hideous headstock. But did I mention the neck???
Lobster told them in every review that the bridge let's say is not so great(sucks)
Especially the screw hole placing.
And here we go. I am sure they follow your advise Lobster you the man.
Indeed! It seems like they did listen!
Thanks excellent walkthrough Lobster 🦞 🎸🎸👍
Just taken delivery of a discounted B stock D5 and apart from a small blemish on the very bottom it’s fine. No wiring issues.
Flatwounds going on soon...
Congrats!
I have five basses: two Sires, two Fenders and a Steinberger. My D5 is my favourite; the one I keep going back to. I added flatwounds. I might upgrade the pickup someday, but I don't have a burning need to.
Great reviews 🦞...and more of that fluffy 🐈
Thanks Perry!
I must say I like the body shape of the Sire p style basses a lot and I like the headstock shape of this D5 over the standard they use.
Yeah.. I'm getting one of these...
Great video.
Thanks Minugs!
Love your reviews...and also your hobo depot shirt, love this guy, too!
Keep it up, huge regards from germany!
Thank you Basstank!
I am frustrated by the fact that the better bridge is easily swappable, but the bridge I want to swap is tougher. Nice review. May have to pick one up and put a seymour duncan quarter pounder in it. Cool looking bass. As usual, great review!
Thanks Mark!
I put a Jerry Seintel dual coil pickup in my 51 p style bass. That pickup sounds fantastic and is paired with a varitone and flatts
Sweet! Thanks for sharing, Jared!
LobsterDude you are without a doubt the #1 100% USDA Gov't Inspected best bass reviewer not only on TH-cam, on the entire planet. You are so honest and up front. Your analysis/reviews/ratings are totally bankable. Don't ever "Sellout" just to get free stuff!!!!!!!!!!! Rock On Lobster
I was able to pick one of these up after the wiring issue was corrected. I dig it. Though I did modify mine considerably.
i would route a large cavity and make it a sire grabber ,or make it a 3 pickup sire stratocaster ,
That's an interesting idea!
@@LowEndLobster you can do a 9 way stratocaster wiring of guitar on bass ,find someone helping you for routing ,get 3 pickup and a 5 way switch and a on/on/on toggle switch ,i have done a 9 way guitar mod for my friend , should be ok for bass ,
Love your reviews Lobster! I'm not familiar with the Sire brand, but I kind of find it shocking that a $500 instrument could have such significant flaws.
Thank you! Honestly, QC flaws aren't that shocking at the price point. Squier classic vibes are creeping close to $500 new for the four strings, and those are definitely a lot more inconsistent (and sometimes troublesome). I've always found Sire to be pretty consistent when it comes to QC. This bass definitely has its pros and cons (at least the one I got), but overall is a solid instrument with great bones.
@@LowEndLobster Well said Lobster.
@@LowEndLobster Sorry, I can't agree with that summation. Money is getting tighter for a lot of people and there is no excuse for shoddy workmanship at that price. A dose of realism needed i think.
@@thewomble1509 Thanks Womble. My reviews aren't really based on how some folks view $500. I look at the other basses at the price point and try to make an (opinionated) evaluation based on build quality, electronics, hardware, playability, ergonomics, design, tonal flexibility, and the 'value' as it sits with the current price. The reality is, QC flaws happen on $500 basses and I'd hardly call the workmanship here 'shoddy'... A dose of realism is needed indeed :).
I have a Sire M2 that just isn't for me. There is nothing wrong with it, but it was just a poor choice for my playing style. But my Sire U5 is an absolute dream. I just love it.
The design is a cool '60sification of the original p-bass design. Kind of an alternate route from the direction Fender took it. I wish they took that further with a metal flake finish. You could probably put a '51 Fender metal pickup cover over the pickup and help with some of that noise issue?
When the 2004 Fender American jazz with S-1 switch came out it sounded really bad in one position because they miswired the S-1 Switch. I corrected 2 or 3 of them, mentioned it here on here back then. Also called Fender and notified them (easy move on one wire). It is very clearly shown on the Fender wiring diagrams and do not see how they made this mistake but the shouldn’t have put the S-1 on their P bass. Not a good fit. I think between all the complaints about the P bass S-1 and the J bass S-1 (due to misswire) they decided to just cancel it rather than fix the Jazz.
It's crazy that QC didn't catch those wiring issues. I do really want one of those though.
Indeed. Compared to the mess that was the Charvel San Dimas, I'd say the issues here are mentionable but definitely don't detract enough from the instrument to make me not like it. As with the other Sires I've reviewed, the bones are stellar.
definitely one of my next basses! i would put a Seymour Duncan quarter pounder in it and put Fender Flats on it!
maybe play it without the pickguard🤔
string through body option would also be nice....but overall an amazing Bass!
Thanks Crusader!
It will make a good match w/my Paranormal Jazz '54.
I had many quality control problems in a Kiloton tribute: twisted neck, frets, wiring, on the contrary I have a P5 that arrived perfect. Thank for the review.
0:00 the unholy butterscotch cowboy reish
nice
2:15 "absolutely no single coil hum whatsoever"
how often is that heard on this channel, and especially at this cost tier?
4:20 [insert obligatory comment about taking notes for your eventual Kyle Kim interview]
It's interesting that the pickup is listed as a single coil when it is very much a split
8:25 when your tone is affecting your noise directly, check to make sure you don't have a defective cap somewhere. When you twist that knob you're modifying the RLC circuit directly instead of simply master attenuating the whole mess. Anyhow, if noise is affected or effected by something you do, then the noise is clearly connected to that circuit. #capnobvious
Serek with flats or a Lollar. With flats lol
scatter wound gang represent ha ha ha
Lets Gooooooo
WOOO!
Nice Hobo Depot shirt! You ever did something with Johnny Lee Long?
We did an early 'Lobster Chat' with him and had a great time. I'd love to visit the Depot in person sometime
Props on the Hobo Depot shirt! #shadacaca
Shadakaka!
i actually forgot my sire had a trus rod nut ;..; never need to adjust 4 years !
Nice! That's some stability
Great review Lobster - keep up the great work, thanks! There seem to a few people on here that can't quite understand that the man is reviewing the bass. Its up to you to decide if the QC flaws are a problem for you or not. I solder and work on instruments, so the QC flaws are no big deal to me. But to someone that doesn't have the tools or the knowledge to work on an instrument, it could be a deal breaker. This is an individual call, Lobster just provides the info, you decide how it affects you!
Anyway it looks and sounds great and I've been wanting a Tele style bass for a long time. This looks like a good option. Couple questions for the Lobster . . . (1) Have you heard anything on availability? They're still out of stock everywhere I looked. (2) I've heard that Sire addressed the QC issues. Have you heard the same?
Thank you Bottle! 1. I know they're pushing for more stock in early 2022, but don't know anything for sure. Demand is HIGH. 2. Yes! Kyle runs a tight ship and did a great job addressing the issue in a timely and professional manner. Very well done!
Very nice test riff. Sire is on Fire! I liked mid tone best. Have you done any amp videos? Would love your opinion on the Vox 50ba if you ever review practice amps or have played one.
Thanks Iggy! Haven't really done any amp videos yet
A before and after wiring photo would have helped. Thanks for the review.
Hello Lobster
Sire made a post to apologize et solve this problem of QC (see on their facebook site)
Exactly as you said, problem of wiring ;)
I just saw! A most excellent response from the Sire team. Will release a short video and also update the video description here.
Beautiful Bass and Lovely "tonability"
Oh Yeah slaps decent. Magnetic field of your hand or claw? Looking forward to the mod.
Thanks Stacy!
Sire certainly have some great basses out.
I feel like this might be the one time Squier out does Sire with their '51 Paranormal Jazz Bass.
I normally don’t like fender clones but that thing is sweet head to toe
Aye!
:)
Three claws seems a bit generous for this one.
Thanks Cat! The bones are REALLY good. Neck is killer, price is right, overall feel and construction is top notch, plus the fender bridge! It will take a bit more than the P5 to achieve its 'perfect' state for this particular example, but we'll get it there. Don't get me wrong though, QC dropped the ball hard here in regards to the electronics, but as it stands for the $500 price point I'd call it on par with other competing models in the price range given the list of pros and cons here.
my D5 has a working volume control (wired correctly) but no tone control - seems to be wired correctly too
There's no D4 basses on the Sire website, neither on Thomann. But there's a D5 bass that looks exactly the same. WTF?
Ahaha thanks for catching that. Fixed!
I see... it's just a typo in the video title ;-)
Looking around for the frethammer video?
I'm thinking it would benefit from a better quality tone pot too. There's something I'm not liking at the backed off settings. Seems too thick or pillowy.
I'm hoping sire gets the word and corrects the wiring!!!
Got one... the neck dive was ridiculous... many screws not properly perpendicular to body... two bridge saddles that look like they were chewed on. QC? Right. Back to seller.
Sire is the modern day Fender and affordable....
Truth!
Can you be a little more specific about the "improperly placed pickup wire on the volume pot" thanks! P.S. I have one of these on order with Sweetwater, just want to know what to look for when I get it, regarding your comment about the wiring .maybe they'll have fixed it by then . thx again!.
The issue was addressed by Sire and you have nothing to worry about now.
As far as I know, this is the only 50's P bass for leftys (not counting Harley Benton of course)
Great info Roberto!
So Lobster what gives you the 50s experience better this D5 OR the Squier 50s bass?
Before you mod it I'd like to see a comparison between this and the squier
Thanks Michael and Insoma! Insoma does a great job in his video :)
@Lobster:
I hope you don't mind me helping out here! :)
@Michael:
th-cam.com/video/3GmMTBDEZ0A/w-d-xo.html
Enjoy! :)
Greetings! I love your bass content and videos. Question, I own a P5R and a D5. After replacing the bridges with an Albridge, what is your recommendation for lightweight drop-in tuners without mods? Thank you for answering. 😊
Heyo Carmine! I like the HIpshot Ultralites, but they require a bushing or the painters tape trick as well as the drilling of a new hole (which would be covered by the stock tuners). Honestly, I think the hipshot upgrade is worth it as you'll save 1/4 lb off the headstock and improve the balance significantly.
Thank you so much for the prompt reply. I will consider. If you every consider selling your SD pickup you removed from the D5, please let me know. Be well.
Cheers Lobster . I just got a D5 and since the very first time I plugged it I can hear something strange while playing: it sounds as if there's a very light chorus or flanger in my chain! Never heard something like that before! What could that be? In your experience this is the way this bass sounds or it can be a problem with the pickup or the strings?
I'd change the strings as it could be a twist in em. If it persists, check your pickup height too. Good luck!
Sorry can't get down with the 3 claw rating. I get the pros & cons, comparative instruments at this price point etc BUT if you're going to present a bass with roasted Maple & brass saddles I'd be expecting correct wiring, ESPECIALLY in such a basic electronics package. It's not like an active bass with mid freq selection etc etc.
I'd much prefer standard steel saddles & have that $ spent on proper wiring as I cant solder to save my life.
Thanks Brett! I agree to an extent, however the wiring issues here were hardly detrimental to the functionality of the instrument. For the price, I'd consider this on par with other instruments in the range like the Squier (they are not immune to QC issues either). The occasional high fret is not uncommon on basses at this price point either as the wood in the neck can shift with changes in humidity and push a fret out a smidge. That's why I'd call this average instead of below-average. Very high quality construction and materials, but QC issues and low-ish output of the pickup make the 3 score appropriate in my mind, but alas the ratings are just my opinion. I also appreciate the 'newness' of the instrument. Nothing is being 'upcycled' from lower models. Great comment!
@@LowEndLobster I'd have probably gone 2.5. Love the look of the bass & it sounded pretty good too. I guess for me it's like if you are going to do things like roasted Maple etc, at least get the electronics right. Also the way you described the issue prior you fixing it definitely sounds like a functionality issue, especially if Thomann are getting returns for the same reasons. You're right though in at that price point you can't expect perfection, totally get that. In other news your channel convinced me to get a Stingray & I couldn't be happier! Although my Fender Jazz is kinda jealous now lol
Hey LEL, you don’t seem to have any problems getting your MJC Ironworks orders fulfilled, do you?
Going to be making a video on this soon. ;)
@@LowEndLobster Thanks. I've already written off my order as a loss.
@@mark-onthedl3890 Send me an email with your order details and I'll see if I can help. lowendlobster at gmail :)
I guess this is more of a general question, but I keep coming across noisy P bases. Can someone explain to me why a base with a humbucking pick up is still noisy if you’re not touching the metal? Is it that any bass without shielding paint or tape will be noisy? Do most bases come without any shielding?
@low end lobster is your discord server still up and running ?
Very much so
@@LowEndLobster could you post a new link I tried joining and it said the link had expired
@@robinhaag7918 Weird, I copied and pasted the link into my browser and it worked- discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Sounds better than the P5
Hello Lobster! :) for my first bass and therefore to endanger Marcus Miller's career I was thinking of getting a bass Sire :)
Question: on the American site all or almost all of them are declared "sold out". Being interested in the "low" range, such as the various D5 / V5-7 / P7 etc, which if I am not mistaken were produced in 2018 (so-called "second generation") I wanted to understand: "what" I buy today by taking it in an ecommerce where is it available? Capable that they have had it in stock for four years or is there something that escapes me? Are there any models in that price range that are still produced today?
Thank you very much, bye!
Second generation Sires are still being produced, they're not all from 2018. International shops like Andertons and Thomann might have some in stock.
@@LowEndLobster yes I find these basses in several stores... but then why "out of stock" is declared on the website? Is the beginning of a "third generation"? thanks
@@warburgaby Sire's can also be purchased directly through the manufacturer. They're out of stock direct from Sire. Retailers will order X amount of basses and will have their own stock separate to that of Sire.
@@LowEndLobster Ok man! My doubt was just trying to figure out "how old will the bass I buy in the online store be, since the manufacturer no longer produces it"?
How would you (or anyone) compare this to the Squier CV50s?
How was the action out of the box?
LEL, which bass of yours do you find yourself reaching for the most?
Great question Matthew! TBH with this many, I like to reach for as many as I can and truly appreciate all their differences.
Nasty humm on that!
This bass looks like a bat with this pickguard, and I like that, as well as its simple look and deep tone.
That being said, this lack of QC is absolutely not acceptable. A deal breaker in my book. I think this habit of expecting the customers to finish the job is getting a little out of hand. I hope Sire will address that issue very soon, I was not expecting that from them.
Thanks! Sire had already addressed the issue and made a statement on their socials. Great response from them
@@LowEndLobster Oh thank you for sharing that good news! the appropriate reaction indeed!
What's that brown Ric clone to the right of your head?
It's no clone, that's "Wally" my Rickenbacker 4003SW with Joe Barden pickups. An epic bass.
I love this coloure looking good sounds okay .keep on playing bibi style lol 🤫😸
Thanks Ram!
@@LowEndLobster you are welcome please go wilder .🙂
Got a question, man. On a bass with 2 volume, 2 tone, what would make the tone knobs effect both pickups? The j tone should only effect the j pickup, same with the p, but I've got a bass where they're effecting each other.
The standard Sire headstock shape makes me think of a giraffe’s head……is that weird?
It's a matter of time when Sire is going to copy MM basses.
I can't wait
Eesh. Nightmare QC issues. Someone should not have to deal with that bs on a new bass, $500 or not.
Thanks Joshua!
Is it split or stacked pickup?
The wiring issue should never have passed QC. If the same fault is present on multiple instruments, that suggests that somebody was under pressure to get a batch of control plate modules completed. Haste is never good for QC - but it should have been caught. Disappointing from Sire. The bass sounds fine now, but not everybody has the skills to diagnose electronics faults with not even a schematic to follow.
If there’s a mfg date for that sub step, I bet it was done at a time where Covid was impacting labor Substantially. Pressure in pandemic times, or bad training.
@@Grousicle You might be right. It depends where the work was done. As far as I know, this is a Far East instrument. I don't think those countries were anything like as badly affected by Covid as we were in the West. In those factories, pressure tends to come from management. Poor training might be an answer: but it might be something as simple as misreading the wiring schematic. It should have been caught by QC regardless, either on inspection or on playthrough.
Or a Friday afternoon ?
@@darrenwales1092 Or back-to-back 8 hour shifts.
to my ear this bass have better tone than P5
Is the pickup split coil? Specifications says it is single
It's split. You can tell because there's two halves and you can see the wire connection between the two on one side of the pickup.
@@LowEndLobster you mean coppet wire connection to each cable? One from left side and other from right? I just replaced stock pickup to lollar original and lollar is single and has this connections too.
@@boogie404 The sire has an additional pair of connections. It's hard to describe over comments lol
For the price I’ll are 3 of them
I liked the headstock. They should put this headstock in the other Fender clones Sire basses... they are so ugly, like alien's flip flops.
Me too. Glad they changed it up for this
😂
Anyone tried the fretless?
I haven't, but I'm super tempted to swap my V5 fretless neck onto my P5 and D5 for fun.
@@LowEndLobsterthat would be very cool! I have a D5 I'm totally in love with - that neck! - and a HB JB-40FL which I really like - thanks for the recommendation - but would one day like to replace with a D5 or V5 fretless. Just for the weight and that awesome neck.
Are the Side Dots Black or White on the Neck? Thank you Sir.
White
💙👊😎
I see some unfavorable remarks on this bass. I think that a person has to remember. You're spending 500 bucks. In the Guitar and bass world - that's peanuts. O.K. Needs a little TLC. Well what do you want for 500 bucks ? O.K. we'll address a few fret heights and edges and fix up the shielding . (I know that EHX makes a pedal that will quiet things down). All I know is -you never say never. A long time ago some one handed me a "Hondo" bass. Of course, I looked at this person like "Are you kidding me ?" I plugged it in - and was BLOWN AWAY !!! A person came in to the studio and said "What are you playing ? / "A Hondo bass". / "Very nice bass !!!"
Thanks Al! I agree.
Firstly, a lot of people would consider $500 to be a fairly large sum of money.
Secondly, If Sire are serious about moving forwards and increasing their profile, asking that amount of cash for a bass that seems to pose more questions than it answers is NOT the way to do it.
Thirdly, shame on Lobster man for not being slightly harsher in his criticism of the faults with this model. We don't all get them for free....................
@@thewomble1509 Thanks Womble! My reviews aren't based on how different people view $500. $500 is a lot to some people, it's not to others. I'm reviewing the bass, not your income.
How does this pose more questions than answers? It's not a complex instrument. It's a $500 bass... Specs are stellar, execution is average, electronics need a little love.
Shame on me? Ok.... You know I pay for my basses right? What other faults did I fail to mention? The volume knob issue, slight electronics noise, and a couple slightly high frets (corrected with a couple taps of a fret hammer)... The neck is straight and comfortable, the construction is very solid, hardware is nice, the bridge design shows that they listened to criticism of the 'standard' Sire bridge. Plus, we're going to address the electronics in another video... I'd say overall my rating is warranted and justified clearly in the video :). It's a $500 mass produced import bass, not a custom built $5000 bass... For the money, I'd say you get what you pay for here. There are better values at the price point, and those basses have earned a higher rating for that.....
@@LowEndLobster I thought your review was very informative and completely fair. I don't understand the previous commenter's complaints when you were completely upfront about the issues with this bass (issues, as you said, that aren't particularly uncommon in this price range). Because of these issues, you didn't give it a stellar rating. I don't see the problem here (or why you need to be "shamed").
It seems like a direct response to the Squier Paranormal. Just not as good.
That's a great observation! Indeed, the MIC Paranormals (and the other Chinese Squiers) are surprisingly solid and well put together. I'd love this neck on the Paranormal body, that'd be a KILLER bass. If the QC issues weren't present, I'd put this on par with the Paranormal. I'd say the paranormal and the P5/D5 share the same 'weak point' of the electronics not having enough booty/output.
Ok until it goes wrong spares for this dont think so
Sire D5 or Sire P5?
P5!
@@LowEndLobster thank . I have a order. Arrived in Two month . I cant wait more.
Im sure people will pay a bit more for better pots ect abit tacky i think
This or the paranormal squire?
Both, then put the neck from this on the Squier! XD
@@LowEndLobster And then put area J pickups in?
@@bryanmoseley6533 That's an option ;)
Wrong body real 51 has no cut outs.contours for that get a p or jazz bass.npt worth that much for a copy
I’ve heard 54’s had body contours, and I gotta say for me, after trying a slab body vs contoured, the contoured is much more comfortable. To each their own.