Is it Really Better Than a Fender? - Playing the Sire S5!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Today I check out Sire's new mid-range guitar! Guitar info/link: sweetwater.sjv.io/Z6bB3z enjoy :)

[@kuriuzhakykr-z5560]

Sir, please give me a reference. Which is the best choice between "akama SC1" or "Bacchuss tac24 std-rsm/m"?

[@DesertRat332]

I love that tone. This is the golden age of electric guitars. So many good ones at affordable prices.

[@Knubben71]

@@DesertRat332 yes,you get an decent guitar round €300,00 these days.

[@Shogunai87]

I have a Sire S7 and it’s honestly the only guitar I’ve had that I am inspired to play daily. Sire is going to put a lot of these mainstream names down. They are showing the world it takes more than a name to make a quality product.

[@SeanDS89]

I always look forward to a new video from you! Thanks Darrell :)

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The think that really came across was the classic tone totally nailed. You have presented many guitars where I can not fault the tone. But few I could praise!

[@noahjoyravi6375]

Finally someone has bought this guitar and a review about it,been waiting for sooo long

[@Rpob]

Bought? I think Darrel gets them free from the vendors in exchange for a (positive) review… take his reviews with a grain of salt.

[@Eddian18]

@@Rpobhe might get them for free but he is objective and factual with his reviews.

[@Rpob]

@@Eddian18 in your opinion, that is. 😀 I don’t disagree, but it should be known when he gets guitars for free, which I am not sure he discloses, with all that it entails…

[@prmilly]

Really good to you back, it's been a while, guitar is great, Norfolk uk

[@tommykesterson416]

Beautiful guitar loves the contours and color. Awesome playing as usual. Glad to see you back on KZbin.

[@Roy_Gaber]

I have an S7 Tele and S7 Strat, I go to them often, my American/Mexican/Japanese/Indonesian models are jealous. Thanks for the great review.

[@PulauSwan]

Well, I'm bedazzeled !! DBG ,usually, doesn't say where a guitar is made.. My L7 was made in Indo by Cortek, which I suspect. Is where all the other Sires are produced. Pathetic review, compared to a PMcK, for example. No volume/tone/switch cavity inspection , no pickup readings, no fret edge stocking test. Proof of any guitar's quality is a basic review starting point. No way is a " take my word for it" review , of any value nor help.

[@Roy_Gaber]

@@PulauSwan Interesting perspective. Does it matter where a guitar is made? Yes, many Japanese models originate from the Cort factory. So do may other brands. I fail to see your dissension. Do you not appreciate the L7?

[@PulauSwan]

​@@Roy_Gaber, Does it matter where it is built. To some extent , but not totally. CNC technology works well anywhere. I support the Indo guitar industry, Cortek are one of the big players here. I used to distribute Bacchus/Deviser /Headway MIJ, in Australia, ended up with a few MIJ. The quality of Ibanez (Fujigen), Cort, Yamaha etc out of Indo is excellent. Some of the Indonesian boutique custom shop guitars are world class. TW's DIY kits are produced in India, ( I believe?) Labour hire, operating costs etc dictate where guitars are produced, but quality control, distribution, marketing & retailing is a colourful spectrum .

[@PulauSwan]

​@@Roy_Gaberre: appreciate L7 Failed the PMcK fret edge stocking test, miserably My Cort CR300 leaves it for dead in my humble opinion . It passed all tests with flying colours. The CR300 was 5.5juta The L7 goldtop 8.6 juta Bought these at the same time, ( October , 2021) as they're distributed by the same company in Indonesia. A significant difference in price, to say the least

[@Roy_Gaber]

@@PulauSwan Sire upped the game with the newer L7's, I have a gold top I purchased last year and it passed all the tests. Sire is much better than they used to be.

[@arthurguimaraes00]

I’ve bought one of these and the guitar is fantastic! I am amazed by the its sound and neck comfort. Holds tune very well, the bridge is awesome, the alnico V pickups are clear and articulate. I don’t have absolutely anything to complain. It is an excellent guitar, not only for the money. It is great. Period.

[@edwinstovall3334]

Darrell, I paused at 1:21 because I saw something on that Sire S5 that I want to point out: It has flat single coil pickups. I'm not in the market for a new axe (I know -- I don't believe me either!😆) , but my last acquisition taught me something. Leo Fender made his Strat pickups in ways that made them sound good to his ears -- but he also made them to match the Strat specs of the time. No problem there, obviously, but then the Strat changed, then changed more. Fender flattened their fretboard radii from the original 7.25 inches to 9.5 inches, which doesn't cause much of a mismatch, but if the manufacturer moves the fretboards to, say, a 12 inch radius -- THEN you have a problem that causes the B string to be WAY too quiet compared to the other strings. That's the sitch with my Bullfighter Dragon Gold guitar (nicknamed for its actual brand name, then its color) ... the flatter fretboard leaves the B string too far from the pickups for them to respond properly. I love the way the Bullfighter's stock pickups sound -- at least until I hear the dropout! Now I know that the guitar needs new single coils. That's a problem that that Sire won't have; I wouldn't be surprised to find that Fender's offerings of the same type have typical Strat pickups -- with the wrong radius!

[@simonwhitlock9189]

I recently purchased the Sire P bass and can say it walks all over anything that I tried from fender, better finish and quality control and a great sound, if I need another bass at any time Sire will be my choice.

[@daviddalziel884]

Great demo ! Been waiting for this model to arrive . Sire guitars don’t appear in stores around here so I’ve only ever played a Sire L7 second hand and found the rolled edges just too smooth . I have a few Strat style guitars but none have maple necks so at this price point and hearing the demo here it must be worth getting one !

[@samuelnieves2840]

Hello Darrell, Good to See you and always such a Pleasure to watch your Reviews ...

[@judih.8754]

Thanks Darrell!!

[@allanflippin2453]

It definitely IS a nice Strat with great value. Unfortunately, you solved my Strat problem quite some time ago with your review of the Schecter California Classic :D I love that thing to death!

[@norseman61]

Like Sire, Schecters are incredible. I also scratched my “Strat” itch with a Schecter. I got a Nick Johnston HSS (the Indonesian one) a couple years ago. Man that thing looks, sounds, and feels very high-end!

[@yanyan66818]

love the aesthetics of that guitar. Thank for the review.

[@StevenRoby]

Thanks Darrell for this video! I have a Sire S7 HSS, T7TV, H7 and L7V. Couldn't be happier with the guitars and the brand. The quality is just incredible! For a beginner (or not), this S5 is just really a no-brainer. P.S. Great to see you back!

[@williamowen9528]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@jonathanchaney6140]

Thanks for the review. Hope you are doing well Darrell

[@luigigetsu]

I'm not surprised by Sire, I always thought their instruments looked quite nice and I finally pulled the trigger on the new jazz master model J3. The neck is great, no sharp fret ends, silky smooth fingerboard edges and frets and I think Darrel also forgot to mention it comes with staggered tuners (no string trees) for only 370 euros!!!. Great value instruments!

[@Olegstuff21986]

I pulled the trigger on both the S5 and the J3 ... Larry Carlton sure isn't helping my GAS :)). And I've also ordered the L3 P90 .... I might have to return the first two, but man are they sick, especially for trhe price. With a pickup upgrade these are great guitars period. Not saying the pickups are bad, they are very solid (especially if considering the fact that these are budget guitars) but not on the level of the better pickup winders. But this is an issue that's not restricted to just Sire guitars, most "budget" guitars don't have fantastic pickups in them and they generally get swapped out. But the playability of the S5 is really something, the neck is smooth as butter, none of the frets get in the way at all, the thing sustains incredibly well. The J3's playability is pretty much on the same level.

[@ianrose5505]

Sounds fantastic, great looking guitar

[@ellesnyder942]

Bought one last year. Love it!

[@lostinspacecamp4245]

woah the tones

[@h-townsinner9053]

Priced more along the lines of the Squier Classic Vibe Sratocaster. Great review as always

[@barnettg66]

There's a reason the Fender Player is the reference point: It works for everything, every time, anywhere, and its bullet proof. Its as good as any guitar made, even the custom shop stuff costing 5-10 times as much. It is also easily modifiable with literally millions of off-the-shelf items. The Sire may be good....but try modding it or finding spare parts. I've got a dozen or so electrics of all makes....and I keep coming back to the trusty Player (and my Gibson LP). Everything else is just a diversion until I pick up one of those two.

[@maitrikashin3906]

That's an impressive guitar. Thanks for your review. Artist Guitars (an Australian Guitar Company) now have an outlet in America that you could probably access from Canada. Check out their STMVG Strat. It might be up there with this S5. It has great tone, great versatility, locking tuners... etc. Costs around CAD $425 Includes hard case, shipping, 3yr guarantee. I'm a customer, not an agent. But I figured you might be interested.

[@mbrady2329]

This particular Sire S5 sells for £349 at Andertons, here in the UK - excellent value for a S-style guitar of this spec. But the thing is, some colours of the S5 - Natural and Olympic White - sell for £299, which is actually cheaper than any of the S3 models!

[@jeromewagschal9485]

Very nice review Darrell, that made me want to get one, as a matter of fact I think I'll order one today 🙂 I also like the absence of string trees which no doubt help with tuning stability, I suppose the tuners have staggered posts which is cool but I'll definitely install locking tuners on mine anyway... Again thanks for the great review 👍👍

[@dragan4658]

Nice looking guitars the Sires! The black block cover does NOT go with the cream pickguard NOR the green! Quality guitars! Thanks Darrell!

[@RobertVeasquez]

Unbelievable price for this model. I don’t need another guitar but dang, this sure teases the fingers!

[@andrewbecker3700]

Just happen to be playing my Cutlass CT50 HSS from Sterling tonight. I still think it's the best S type on the market for the price. The Firemist Silver with roasted maple neck and fretboard is stellar. Sure it's totally hopped up now. But the guitar was way worth it just as a mod platform. Sire is nipping at the heels of some unsuspecting brands out there. Not everyone can afford customshop Fenders in order to get any modern specs. I'd put Sire right at the forefront of innovation on all our favorite classic guitar types. Seems like every new model they come out with. Has tons of cool new specs that they're experimenting with. Somebody is get'n good info to the brand about what players are after. Wish more of them would pay attention. Soon the day will be upon us, where Harley Benton has a customshop guitar line. What will the rest do when they start building sub $1k custom guitars for the masses? It's coming. It's true. Guitarmagedon!

[@googleboy7]

Hi Darrell, I made a recent discovery. I have long believed that one reason people sing in the shower is that the hard surfaces in a bathroom provide a natural acoustic reverb. Yesterday, I thumped my heal against the floor of my fiberglass shower stall. It sounded pretty good so I did it a few more times, setting off our 125 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback. Hmmmm. This got me to thinkin' it did. So, a little later I grabbed my acoustic guitar and sat on the edge of the stall. It sounded great as a kick bass. In fact the music sounded empty without it. I have an electronic "Porch Board" , but it takes time to set up and I don't also get reverb from it. Anyway, I just thought I'd pass this along in case anyone in your audience would like to try it. Shalom/gw

[@Patriot1777]

I own two other Sires, I want this one next!, wonderful guitars hands down 😊

[@dennishickey7194]

If it's made in the Xi dominated CCP China you're supporting the imprisonment of 1 million Uighars and occupation of Tibet.

[@dennishickey7194]

... this one's made in Indonesia

[@Olegstuff21986]

@@dennishickey7194 Aren't all Sires made there?

[@dennishickey7194]

@Olegstuff21986 This one's stamped "Indonesia" but the parent company is China based.

[@lordsong7]

Surf green metallic is a Fender color, found mostly on some Squire guitars but also on some FSR Fenders - Strat, Teles and Jazz Masters.

[@worthmoremusic]

Got the new T7TV vintage thin line Sire telecaster ($659) ...a lot of guitar for the price point.... Compensated brass saddles, staggered locking tuners, bone nut and of course their standard rolled fret edges....and it's 6lbs 6oz !!!

[@flyingstratosurfer6285]

All these guitars are no more marketed under the name "Sire" here in Germany They go now as "Larry Carlton" brand. This one is 399 Euros right now and I am pretty tempted to buy one although my Strat inventory is already pretty stuffed especially with fabulous Squier CVs. Thanks for the review!

[@Olegstuff21986]

The guitar is great to play, the neck is smooth as silk. It also sounds very good with the stock pickups right out of the box.

[@Han________]

The colour is out there already, Fender call it Mystic Surf Green and it's on the american pro ii models. but obviously they are 3x the price

[@kingstumble]

I bought a Sire S3 soon after they came out and I am more than happy with it. I have no idea what pickups they are---they could be ceramic, I don't know--but what I do know is that the sound really suits me--it's warm and full and not all spikey. In the past I have had a Fender American Strat and a Mexico Standard Strat and the Sire is better in every way. This S5 is nice but no better than the S3 in my opinion.

[@Olegstuff21986]

The S3 is probably comparable to it but you'd have to have tried both to be able to tell.

[@allenmitchell09]

Sire has done a lot right. From getting their own “Les Paul” in Marcus Miller and Larry Carlton to the value and quality. My opinion is based on what I’ve seen, I haven’t played one yet fyi.

[@bongcrosby5598]

Not a Fender fanboy by any means but what I love about their product is the interchangeability of necks to bodies and bodies to necks and all the second party suppliers for parts. I wonder what the specs are on the neck pocket for the Sire.

[@daddio307]

Would love to see this up against the Harley Benton ST Modern (not the plus). Better contours (heel) great finish, roasted maple neck, locking tuners, 2 point trem, truss wheel access at the base of the neck, alnico pickups, only $163. True. Sounds pretty nice, too.

[@shalomshalom735]

Loved this video. I have the Sire S7 - what a great guitar, but I may actually consider the S5 too. If makes sense I would hope you can do a side-by-side compare between S5 , the Player series and also PRS. By the way S7 has a humbucker, S5 a single bridge pickup, this may be the main reason I may want to get the S5 too.

[@marrow94]

There's the S7 Vintage with three single coils

[@Olegstuff21986]

Coincidentally, mine arrived today. I'm not exactly sure if I'll keep it (too many guitars syndrome) but man does this thing have playability through the roof! It is one of the most comfortable guitars I've played, on par with PRS or even more comfortable. These SIREs do have a downside though ... if you've got GAS, they won't make things any better :).

[@GuitarEternity]

This guitar is next on my list

[@zackcodso3628]

I would probably replace the bridge pickup with a Lace Sensor because I didn’t like how that one sounded, but the other two pickups chimed nicely & the overall craftsmanship is better than any Fender I’ve seen

[@stephennewlin]

😄Just found you and Sire guitars,very impressive and great reviews!I would like to see a review of the L5 with lipstick pickups.The only other review I can find is on Andertons !

[@TrickOrTreatAZ]

Competition has led to a golden age of options for those who want to play guitar. That said msrp/map isn't anything you should accept. Floor some reason I went on a fender buying spree mostly of player series for T and S styles. Never paid more than 500 and at that price you are being able to resell with no loss down the road. Guitars are like cars, going to keep until you offer it dies? Then pay whatever you want, unsure? Then always consider what resell might be when you choose

[@EverlastingDominion]

You should do a video about the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA

[@Kazwell111]

The price is very appealing for all it delivers!

[@audiophileman7047]

I'd buy a guitar like this, but I just bought a circa 1985 Fender American Standard Strat in a sunburst finish from a close friend who's the original owner. It was set-up by master luthier Hideo Kamimoto back in the day. It sounds fantastic and feels really good in my hands. 😻

[@davidpeters8328]

It nice! Looks very comfortable to play!

[@AndySouvlakis]

[@chadmitchell7648]

Damn, Darrel, did you try to cut off your left index finger recently? Or am I just that inobservant? I don't remember seeing that scar before. Anyhoo, good to have you back!

[@istimamrian5300]

Amazing playing. Especially way you use the tremolo

[@VintageRadius]

Cool guitar. Another consideration is for the price of the S5 you could upgrade pickups to Lollar or whatever else suits you and end up just about the same price as the Player II, maybe just a bit more all in

[@Olegstuff21986]

Indeed, and you would have a far better guitar because I think the S5 is more comfortable to play.

[@ValiRossi]

We love you Larry Carlton!

[@deeray2957]

I have now bought five guitars based on your recommendations. So far, five for five!

[@BlackGuardBilly]

Your videos are the best

[@davidestela2328]

Way too go sire once again moping the floor with fender great job

[@vaibanez17]

That's a nice guitar, it's definitely great for it's price point. I have a Classic Vibe 60s Strat, so no need for this guitar but I'd be looking at it if I didnt have the CV.

[@shockwave113]

Are these the same pickups as used on the Sire S7 vintage version? According to the Sire site they are but never heard an S7 having this much of a warm classic vintage strat tone

[@place_desjardins]

Nice review.

[@tnamjarern4083]

Waiting for the S10 review.

[@yippy327]

Great video. Certainly sold me on it. At least some time in the future. Peace!

[@buckshotjenkins]

Please do the Sire L5! It's so cool, and you turned me on to the lipstick sound a while back with the Dan's (also cool as heckfire)...

[@stevefielding8324]

Darrell, please bring back the one minute jam!

[@jonahtaylor2301]

Can you review the new Player series 2 please? Preferably a tele

[@norseman61]

Am I a Sire fanboy? Yup. One thing I’ve never done is jump on a bandwagon. I have to be convinced. I listened to the Sire hype and got a T7 a couple years ago. It was PERFECT when I got it, and somehow it is BETTER now. Then I recently got the new T7TM. Spectacular! It did have a couple minor cosmetic things at the f-hole (it’s not a Suhr, after all) but otherwise KILLER! All of these model levels are kind of turning Sire into their own competition. There is something for everyone.

[@Olegstuff21986]

I think they're the best bang for buck company out there right now, or at least one of the best. But it's not just "bang for buck", they make great guitars, period. Some of their stuff comes so well setup out of the box that many companies just can't keep up. And the quality for the price of around 360-380 Euros is the same as Fenders that are almost twice more expensive.

[@norseman61]

@@Olegstuff21986 Exactly. There are a lot of budget companies out there making good stuff with cheap materials. They look, sound, and feel pretty dang nice. But at some point, those cheap parts start to show their a**. That's what's different about Sire. It's not just the build quality. It's also the materials. The hardware is top-notch, the wood is beautiful, people (including me) rave about their pickups, and they're built like tanks. I've got a beautiful Schecter Nick Johnston "Strat" that is also a super-premium looking/feeling/sounding instrument that punches way above it's weight price-wise. BUT, it was over $200.00 more than my Sire T7 for the same level of excellence.

[@Anthony.quintana2642]

Still looking young my man👍

[@joermnyc]

The fact that Squier, and MIM Fender don't seem capable of modernizing the blocky neck heel is a real shame. Sure it's vintage spec, but I've played an MIM Tele, a Squire Tele, and a Sire T3... I bought the T3.

[@TheSekpong]

Greeting Darrell. Beautiful guitar

[@rickhill6277]

Darrell, I would be really interested in seeing you Demo and Review the Zack Myer's PRS SE Guitar. I'm considering purchasing one but I'd really respect your opinion on it! Thanks Sir!! Cheers from Salem, Oh. US.

[@eugenyfilimonov2114]

Great! 👋 😁

[@randrothify]

The upper horn is too exaggerated in size, angle, and proportion compared to the lower horn and the headstock is funny looking. But it sounds great and the quality is there. And the color is outstanding and very similar to Fender‘s surf green pearl metallic.

[@kaymobe]

Great video need more

[@godsinbox]

In my country, this new sire on release will be the same street price as the fender player 2. With no re sale value on the sire its a real no brainer. No brainer. Super No brainer.

[@troythompson1621]

Cool vid, great guitar, I like listening to you play until you grab the trem bar. It sounds like two separate things instead of accentuating what you're playing.

[@johnsikora6043]

I own an S 7. I like it more than my professional series Fender Strat.

[@dvp36]

Yeah fantastic value . Have s3 and s7 which are fantastic and maybe even prefer s3. Although for some reason I do get sore finger tips quite quickly . S3 tele is the same . Pity because they are very good.

[@jplew138]

Oh, those tones...

[@WilliamJOHNSONJR]

I really wish Sire would make some 24" scale length models... 7.25" fretboard radius ... That kinda thing, as opposed to having Fender the only Mfg of this platform ...

[@floatinganarchychannel3204]

You can upgrade 2 locking tuners, bone nut here not synthetic, roalled finger edges, contour, really wanna test this 1

[@birowosubroto8757]

Still waiting for yamaha pacifica standard plus 😊 review

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Greeting Darrell.

[@kevinsullivanTCR]

But the Player II Strats are way better than in the past, so I would like to ask that you include that in a comparison. The Player II Series from Fender is some of the best in awhile!

[@benoittanis9317]

Actually 400€ in France 😊 i have the same, wonderful guitar ❤

[@PatrickJohnsonGuitar]

Can't wait to win the free giveaway!

[@powerboon2k]

I bought a Sire S7 and an L7, they absolutely tool Fenders/Gibsons in every way.

[@dmock66]

... yeeeeeeeeeees... (sooo good!)

[@Smart-Alex]

Something to consider: A Fender will always get the highest resale value when a guitar player decides to move it along, especially in a down market. Sure, some people may keep their guitars forever but that’s not the majority.

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

I like the Sire guitars very much, but in some cases I would just change the pickups to get the sound I like. I'm very interested in the new X10 Larry Carlton series...but it's more expensive.

[@Olegstuff21986]

But you change the pickups in all "budget" guitars anyway and this is a "budget" guitar, although it's probably better built than most "high end lawyer Gibsons".

[@Padensperry]

Can you do the Shecter sun valley super shreder pls?

[@Mister.L598]

I have a Sire S7, and it's different from a Fender. It's neither better nor worse, just different. Honestly, Sire guitars are well-made, but I notice a slight lack of finish in some details, like the quality of the varnishes. For me, the only alternative that's different and with superior finish and quality compared to Fender are Yamaha guitars, especially the new Pacifica Professional. That's a whole different world

[@DougMen1]

You haven't seen Fender's Surf Pearl? It's pretty much the same finish.

[@ricardoespindola6161]

Made in Mexico fender Bodies and necks are made in Corona California and assembled in Ensenada

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Nope. The Mexico bodies have a telltale hole for locating the template for drilling the pickguard screwholes. The USA bodies don't. They use different CNC programs (oddly). Both have been observed in situ on factory tours. If anything, mexi bodies have very occasionally been found in Corona models when they're short of stock.

[@hakanaxlund4316]

Thanks Darrel, great video as usual. I wonder why Fender is still in business…

[@indigos290]

For me. It's the headstock. Sire and Suhr lost me on that. I know they're very great guitars. But something about the fender Strat.

[@lnugent1000]

Because fender invented the Strat! Everybody else is just copying them. That’s why! They are the measuring stick.

[@stsgabe]

are all the necks on sires the same? I have the t-3 it's really nice but the neck is pretty small

[@Allagi22]

It's a cool guitar but at $469, it's not a steal. For me, if I can get a standard Mexican player Fender Strat for $400-$500, which you can these days, I would have a hard time pulling a trigger on this guitar for the same price. If you compare this to the Fender Player II at $800 with all the extra features, yes this is way cheaper. I'm the first to say the Fender Player II, even the fact that Fender are trying a "Player II" the same way they do with their American series, is outrageous and a poor value. All that being said, I'm willing to bet the days of the $800-$1K+ Made in Mexico Fender Strats are numbered. We're still dealing with post covid inflation, and the guitar manufacturers are still putting some crazy price tags on sub premium guitars, but that's definitely not going to last forever. Paying close to $1K for a Mexican made Fender that isn't an artist signature series is insanity. We are already seeing prices drop. A standard MIM player strat, especially a used option have come way down in price from the days of the pandemic. You can get new options now in the $500 range and there are plenty of used options under $500. Those name brand guitars will hold their value, they can be modded just as easily as any other strat if you so desire and there will always be a demand for used MIM Fenders. While the Sires are certainly having a moment now, I doubt this brand will even exist in 10 years. If this same guitar was sub $350, I could see the appeal but at this price point it doesn't make sense to me.

[@stsgabe]

when you say player series that includes the new ones the player II ?

[@williammolina9792]

Would be perfect with looking tuners.

[@norseman61]

That’s where the S7 comes in.

[@cinnamongirl8158]

Looking tuners would be spooky af

[@norseman61]

@@cinnamongirl8158 It would be great for playing Michael Jackson: "I always feel like, somebody's watching me!"

[@steveconerocknroll]

Lots of options that are better than Strats. Mine (American made) with a non locking trem never stays in tune once I hit the bar. Unless its the ones with a Floyd (Mexican) on it.