Sire M7 5 String Bass - Modern Flexibility and Style with Vintage Tone - LowEndLobster Review

[@RoccoDylon69]

I'm a mad guy who bought the Sire M7 6 strings two years ago, in TBL, I modded it with expensive hipshot and Bartolini US stuffs, and ended up reselling it because I realized that the upper C string was not my thing, it made it more difficult to play the bass and mute the string properly,. And IMO 35" necks are not made to host a super thin C string , there was something wrong in the way it sounded. For some reason I started being missing that bass badly for the last several months and I pulled the trigger 1 week ago to buy the Sire M7 5 strings. Man, what a bass! I don't even know how I came to spend much money for expensive hardware and electronics. It plays better than some of my expensive basses. And the tones are just incredible. Before you lean towards 5 string boutique monsters like Elrick, MTD, F-Bass BN5 , I'de heavily suggest that you give a try to this Sire M7 5. It might likely end up your GAS (for a year or two at least) XD

[@emelle1283]

how thick is the neck on the m7 5 string?

[@RoccoDylon69]

@@emelle1283 heyyy. I would describe the neck as rather thin, super comfy and playable. They have kind of a modern thin shape between a C and a D shape. And the rolled/curved edges + the 18mm spacing definitely help achieve the comfort I describe. Hope it helps 😉

[@emelle1283]

@@RoccoDylon69 cheers

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

The M series are so underrated, great sounding instruments.

[@cedricjacobs4917]

All these KZbin experts are afraid to admit sire makes the best basses bang for your buçk currently period😊😊

[@deejay7339]

Been enjoying mine. Versatile bass. Still wrapping my head around the preamp system. It's complicated... but great sounds.

[@1silkfox]

Great review. I got an Black Ash body M7 5 strings and decided to change the strings to the E-C gauge and didn't need to adjust the nut. It works like a charm and has a wonderful tone on chords and honestly the E string at 35 scale gave me the lows I need. Love this one which is a great addition to my V7 2 Gen who is my main axe on gigs.

[@nuggers23]

I got the Gen2 m7 alder body 4-s after your m5 review and could not have gone better. The ash version at Thomann was only a tad more expensive but I went for the looks in the end (same color as your m7 from this video, stunning live experience). What an axe!❤

[@rodoherty1]

I took delivery of my one yesterday (same specs). Absolutely delighted!

[@BartFunkBass]

How was your fret work? Any sharp edges?

[@nuggers23]

@@BartFunkBass all perfect

[@Mike-li5uv]

Just got an M5 and can’t believe how good it sounds. This will be my third Sire bass and I have not been disappointed with any of them.

[@egroegmcdonald9870]

I picked up a M7 4 string from Sweetwater last year. Also in Alder & the blue finish. I love the look and execution of this bass. This is my 3rd Sire and the only one I've kept. The others were also very well made and sounded super but weightier than my Fenders. That is the only reason I let go of them. This M7 is pretty well suited for whatever you might need.

[@BartFunkBass]

Any sharp fret edges on yours?

[@brandonshea2053]

Thanks for posting such a thorough review, this was really helpful on my search for a new bass. Sire seems like they have some winners with the M7 and M5!

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

That thing sounds incredible!

[@tibi1687]

there is a reason for me the say screw you lobster!!! :)))) (in a funny way). I am scripting a series called Beyond the Review and i was gonna talk about this bass working with long scale strings if you put then through the bridge. You beat me to it! Great video dude! always a good watch! The M7 is by far my favourite bass in my stable due to its versatility. Jack of all trades, yes. But pretty masterful at all of those trades.

[@chuckblaisdell990]

parents gave me my first bass in 1964 . MIA Fender geek but also have mid-range 5's . for some reason . Went to see Marcus M. and felt obligated to buy a Sire afterwards later purchasing a M7 ash 5 string . A few years earlier I bought a Yama BB 735 . The M7 has some very sweet tones hidden away in the tangle but the neck is F'ing terrible compared to the BB 735 's . The last couple years I have been asking friends to compare the 2 basses , every single one has found the BB much easier to play . At 73 I still play for a few hours every day switching back and forth between the 14 bass guitars that I own , the only one that remains mostly untouched is the M7 , I give it another chance every few months and then quickly stash it back in the closet . for what it's worth ...

[@michisauer]

I own 2 of these 1 first gen with alder corpus 1 second gen with esh body. Both are great instrument. You can't go wrong with that bass ever.

[@panych3198]

Does the ash body worth additional premium vs alder? How much does the ash body bass weight? Thanks.

[@michisauer]

@panych the esh has a bit more rounded sound if played passive. If played mostly active just go with the alder one. The difference is minor in my opinion. My esh one is at 4.4kg (with wide leather strap). The alder one is 4.3kg (with lighter strap) So both are almost same weight overall.

[@panych3198]

@@michisauer many thanks for your reply.

[@WalterDiamond]

38 seconds ago! My new PR. The finish reminds me of Pedullas a bit. Looks great!

[@BartFunkBass]

I just bought this bass because of your video! It looks spectacular! I once had a first generation 4-string M7, so I knew what this preamp could do. My favorite pickup setting is both pickups in single coil mode. BUT I must say that fret work is terrible! So much so that I have to take it to a luthier because it's unplayable! I don't want to return it because I'm used to the fact that instruments at this price rage arrive in this condition. I never returned the instrument to the store for this reason. I like its sound and the way it feels in my hand. I will definitely buy the 4-string version too in a natural finish.

[@BartFunkBass]

I wanted to add that access to the truss rod is difficult due to the cover with screws. I like to have a quick access to it 😎

[@karunmozart]

Sire M7 much choose tone (tone control + single coil,series,parallel + low,mid-freqency,high). So look like MTD bass high-end // I used Sire M2 5 string because maple neck and low budget. Sire + Macus Miller that's great for bass player.

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

Great review of a great instrument at this price-scale! You nailed the versatility perfectly! Really nice MTD-looks ... never thought about this before! Thank you, Lobster!

[@latenight5865]

If anyone is interested in M7 because of the pickup selector, just buy one; you will not be disappointed. I guarantee.

[@BassMusician7]

My next Axe 🪓 I'll have it by Christmas hopefully

[@Chapusse]

Me too!

[@Ben-ic1ve]

Been waiting on this one! Thanks Lobster!!

[@bertilbroddeus8458]

Hello Yes I agree everything about this Sire M7 exept one thing ! I got the swamp ash and I think it’s worth the extra dollars ! Because the sound is more ”aggressive” and the black one is gorgeuos ! Soon V10dx 5str. ??!! 😀😃😀

[@Basslightning666]

Great review Lobster 👍. This Bass is a bit complex to navigate, but I am sure as you put the time in to become efficient, you won't get caught with your pants down on stage....lol Very versatile for sure!

[@chrismorris3897]

Awesome sauce! Very nice!

[@pjmuck]

Great review as always. Big time Sire fan here and I've been playing my V7s as my main gigging instruments since 2017. Really considering a M7 now.

[@Another_Broke_Musician]

I have the 4-string alder M7 strung with Thomastic flats. I am in love

[@Komoreeebi]

I wanna get the fiver with the thomastik jf365.. so close to pulling the trigger since i can't find one used

[@JCFelis]

FINALLY!!! 🎉❤thanks again for a great video

[@Jaa_kko]

I really recommend trying flats on these! I have a six string M7 with labella flats and the tone just sits super well and naturally in my mixes

[@tallguy3]

Was gonna get it, but I got a Marcus miller bass. Marcus pickups are so sweet

[@steffomca762]

I've been looking for a decent looking and versatile 5 string bass with a 35" scale for almost two years. Thanks also to your reviews, you convinced me to buy one of these basses even more and i've decided to pull the trigger! Bought a Sire M5 used at 600€. These basses sounds amazing and the quality is top notch! But yeah, the only downside tho is the truss rod access on the headstock, you have to remove the strings to adjust it or to get rid of the truss rod cover

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Awesome!! Also another amazing bass with 35” scale / string through is the Lakland 5502 I’ve had two and will never part with the 2nd one one of the most killer basses I have ever owned, and I’ve had some amazing basses!! I would definitely own one of these as well

[@steffomca762]

@@bassimprovjams3772 they're worth it, especially because of the rolled fretboard edges Btw Laklands are amazing basses too, but they'd cost a pair of kidneys for me

[@GonzaReformado]

LowEndLobster or whoever knows, can you suggest another jack of all trades bass that brings even higher value (even for a few hundreds more) or this is it?

[@oleran4569]

Based on your recommendations, I bought an M5 ash and have a U5 on order. I love the M5. The sound(s) are great in both passive and active. Thank you sir!

[@bertilbroddeus8458]

When do you test the new Sire v10 dx 5 str. I think they did some things you told them !😀 I think it’s a amazing bass now !

[@thomashaapalainen4108]

I may have to sell my fender Jbass and pick up one of these. This does what my jazz bass does but with far more options.

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

Thank you Lobster for another great rev. I'm a bit confused about the neck. I assumed that a 5-piece neck would be "fancier" than a 1-piece, since it costs more to manufacture and it should be more stable. And again, no roasted maple :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great comment. My guess is it's harder to get a single piece of maple with the right stuff to be a one piece neck vs the thinner pieces for a multi piece.

[@Josh_Herman]

Great review! Love it 👍🔥

[@sidbates3423]

I would like to hear this bass with some Bartolini pickups in it I bet the tone would be killer

[@momsgot5]

Please review the Ibanez BTB805MS!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Love these basses, the only thing I can’t get into are the long looking pointy horns on them I’m more of a Lakland/ stingray body kinda guy. I think that’s the only thing stopping me from buying one but I absolutely love everything else about them especially for the price, great video as always Lobster!

[@bertilbroddeus8458]

Nice review ! You are one of the best bass test persons !👍The only thing I think you really miss is when you test slappin’ at the Sire models and it’s a very important thing that the prea-amp from Sire is very very good at !! Boost bass and tremble pretty much and voala’ you have the best slap tone for the money in the bass buisness !!!! So show that to the people !!! 👍 Bertil from Sweden

[@joecasa85]

Oh, what a gorgeous blue maple top! That's the very same flamed maple top colour of my LTD EC-256FM guitar: I choose that beautiful guitar also for this colour, maybe my favourite ever when it comes to a flamed maple top on the body! 💙

[@stacyfields743]

Happy New Year Lobster! Where have you been ? This is first notice I have gotten in some time. Could be a user error.

[@LowEndLobster]

That'd odd... I've released a lot of videos lol

[@stacyfields743]

@@LowEndLobster well,loved the Sire review! Keep em coming

[@rhoodj]

The look of the Ibanez BTB846V vs The great sound of the Sire M7 6??? Which one would be the best choice?

[@Dingo01930]

Thank you for the great review. I've bought a 2nd hand Sire M7 2nd gen and love it so much. However, I found that the master tone knob seems has no function. As I turn the tone knob, I couldn't hear any tone change under passive and active mode. Is this only my M7's problem or is it a general known issue?

[@latenight5865]

Do you see any "tone" difference between M5 and M7?

[@LowEndLobster]

Not really, no.

[@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482]

Hey, Lobster,.......you need to review the Sire V10dx & P10dx basses.

[@alanthomas8706]

Lobster, you were $63 off on M7 5 st price $957 direct from Sire M7 4 st $850 Alder body versions.

[@charlieburns1385]

I just got a Sire ,P5 4 string The Allen key has too much play before it engages the truss rod nut I had 2 Sires years ago l had to send back Note in all 3 cases Sire sent the Allen keys What's up w Sire? Thanks

[@TirelessG]

Great video. What's the difference between 1st and 2nd gen? Would you recommend a 1st gen 6 string? Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@ramshaar2597]

Real beauty in each parameter dude i love this bass keep on making good stuff claw master 😃👍☕️

[@calvincurry8496]

Ps Lobster could you review a Michael Kelly Element 5R?

[@ka-bar5060]

Hey, Lobster are those tuners Gotoh models like on the M5? You only identify them as diecast whereas on the M5 reviewed you specifically described them as Gotoh tuners. Thanks!

[@LowEndLobster]

I described them as Gotoh styled. They're usually who I associate with this style of tuner as it's similar to the GB7, but both models are die cast

[@ka-bar5060]

@@LowEndLobster Ahh ok I gotcha. Thanks!

[@chriscockey7649]

Beautiful instrument, buti 's not one piece neck. It's a scarf joint 2 piece neck. I'd rather have thr 5 piece vertical neck. Hence I'd go for the m5.

[@rogersgonc]

Lobster really knows how to review a bass!

[@edruiz1202]

Sounds good but man that’s a lot of options and knobs for me. Wouldn’t mind a sire pbass though.

[@chrisjennings5680]

Just wondering what your thoughts are on a comparison between a Sire M7 and the Sterling line of Sub basses.

[@BartFunkBass]

Those basses sound completely different!

[@JollyJunkie]

Thanks for all the great vidoes Lobster! Do you plan on taking a look at the new Cort and Elrick collaboration? They look like very interesting instruments for the money imo.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jasper! I do!

[@eduardocaceres6062]

which would be your favourite? sir m5 or m7? Would you recommend the m7 six string?

[@madhatter7862]

Over the MTD Kingston Super B or AG5?

[@calvindoan3228]

I have a M7 for 6 years now, great bass for the money.

[@moafellixchannel1232]

Manakah yang terbaik menurut anda , sire m5 ash atau m7 ash

[@TheDinosaur82]

Lobster, I noticed you never touch upon the short upper horn in this or your M5 video. I was hoping to find out if it was exacerbated by the 35 inch scale, but realized you'd never notice without playing it on a strap.

[@rafaelaparicio9682]

Sorry, but why would that be a problem? Balance?

[@TheDinosaur82]

​@@rafaelaparicio9682 Mostly increased distance to the first frets. The headstock is small and the tuners are light, so I don't think neck dive is an issue on the M series Sires.

[@rafaelaparicio9682]

@@TheDinosaur82 Gotcha! Thanks

[@encrypt1165]

Sir how about headless of that shape

[@Rib13Bass]

I had one of the first M7s when they were introduced.....amazing G&L-like Swiss Army bass feature-wise...but, unlike my V7, it felt like a cheap bass in my hands: Not that its a bad thing but compared to my V7's feel of "great value" feel/fit, it left me a bit befuddled....Ive been wanting to revisit the M7 so hopefully it was just a fluke of me owning an early instrument, pilot error, or both

[@aswinvandongen5944]

Same here, owned 3 Sire's: V3,V7 and M2, the V's are pretty decent, but the M2 was cheap rubbish...

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey man! Love your videos (has anyone ever said you have an uncanny resemblance to Bas Rutten?). I'd agree that the V7 definitely feels more substantial, but I think the M series is targeting more of the Ibanez and budget MTD crowd, and I'd say the M series feels mostly on par in that regards.

[@Rib13Bass]

@@LowEndLobster I was actually going for the Chris Pine look but failed miserably...and youve actually seen my videos? Wow! That totally blew me away - put a smile on my face all day at work (Registered Nurse)...Thanks also for the response to the M7......

[@jacobayeni7834]

wish its a 5 piece neck like the M5. The scarf joint is a deal breaker for me..

[@coreyu4590]

Hey lobster I have a question about the pickups that I have in my bass now. It was an upgrade but they're a bit too hot.

[@blainemarquise]

What's the question?

[@calvincurry8496]

PS I love this Bass but they refuse to add a Maple Board option. There has been sooo many requests for a Maple Board option. Bummer. This and the MTD Super 5 s are just Plain Beast👹 Bass. Very similar Bass but Different execution.

[@emelle1283]

ive got about $700 budget. Know nothing about bass but been on guitar about 8 years. Havent got time to reserch the market - just want to get into it ASAP. Mainly play want to play pop and rock to slightly heavy classic rock songs. What should i get?

[@Komoreeebi]

Used fender jazz or p bass imo

[@emelle1283]

@@Komoreeebi i mean this Sire M7 or FGN Mighty Jazz ?

[@Komoreeebi]

@@emelle1283 Oh my that's a tough one. I am very biased towards MIJ basses.. they never go wrong imo but the sire m7 is a bit cheaper. Depends on your budgets, both those basses will excell in both genres with slight EQ / technique. The most important factor i think is: Do you like the sound and when you look at the bass, does it want to make you pick it up and play?

[@emelle1283]

@@Komoreeebi Thanks for the reply. i am in Japan - the Sire M7 and FGN Mghty Jazz are actually the same price here - can get either for $900. For the same price - is there are clear superior between the two? I have been on guitar for 8 years but new to bass

[@Komoreeebi]

​ @emelle1283 Well the FGN is double the price of the m7 at least in Norway lol. I don't know anything about that brand but they look nice. Can u try them both out maybe, see which one speaks to you?

[@alanthomas8706]

Overall nice info. Noob question. How does one know they are going for a P Bass sound? I as a noob I was going by pickup configuration. The M7 looks like most J Basses I've seen. Help a lost Padawan. As usual your information imparted was full and delivered with fun.

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! I plan on doing a "pillars of bass" discussing the classic bass tones and bands/players associated with them

[@SixteenVoice]

Sire sent M7 in January... I don't know but I'm always looking for any giveaways that the next line, say the M10, is around the corner. Just saying...

[@andreinicolae4787]

I need this bass … or the m5

[@tigerscott2966]

Killer B string...beautiful bass. Great tone too...thanks.

[@chriscuthbertson]

I would love them to make a even higher end M10 model with some fancy tuners and some exotic neck woods. Maybe even go neck through. Would probably mean a $1500+ price tag though.

[@indigosnow_]

Is there much difference between this version and the 6 string?

[@Watermelon_Man]

5-piece neck and an extra string. That’s it

[@50beowulf]

The M series are the only Sires that do anything for me. I played a used M7 at G-Center a while back that had an impeccable setup. It played like a much more expensive bass. The electronics package though offering a lot of tonal options just didn't off any really great tones. It sounded fairly generic. The used price was good enough to allow for a complete electronics swap but that was more effort than I was willing to put in. I think the M5 makes for a killerbmod platform especially with how low the used prices often go.

[@thesnapperkeeper]

The Low B sounds big

[@alperensozmen]

Is that flat sound ? I can hear compressor..

[@BartFunkBass]

KZbin compresses a lot! 😋

[@cagedoctaves]

As above. So below. Hey Lobster.

[@TheChrist117]

Thanks for this interesting review. Personally, I've not been attracted to the styling of these instruments. I did try an M5 several years ago and found the tones to be a little 'thin' sounding. However, this obviously is not the case here. I wonder if in the near future, you'll be looking at the Cort Modern 4/5 series? They are light weight basses that come with a Markbass preamp.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Just a minute or two in… and it’s 35 inch scale. Darn. Was seriously interested until that point.

[@calvincurry8496]

Great Great Bass. Just wish they would have included a a Maple Board. Also would you please revisit the MTD Super 5 with This M7?

[@sunn_bass]

I like everything about Sire basses from build quality, looks, sound and price, but the only thing that prevents me from getting one is the neck. Sires (at least the ones I've tried) have fairly thin necks. I like a little more thickness. The width it good, just too thin front to back. Hopefully they will make a model with a little beefier neck one day, I'd be all over that.

[@kpas22105]

I don't like the tone of that bass at all but I think that it is a gorgeous bass

[@daviddesmond2143]

Very nice bass and great review. I had a Sire V7 and found that it just had too many knobs and was awkward to change the tones in a live band situation. I went back to my Stingray 5 HH which has a 5 way switch. Lots of bang for the buck on this bass!

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

I just play the V7 in passive mode :) only use the preamp in live situations, when the soundman does a sloppy job on the bass sound.

[@ericplummer4089]

It is not a 1 piece neck. The neck is glued to the headstock via a scarf joint just like you find on cheap $100 and $200 guitars! Yuck! Maybe with graphite reinforcement rods the neck will seem more stable than my gen 1 m7 alder which l divorced lol. Oh, l listened to several youtoob reviews of this bass and enjoyed what l heard. Wished l could have test drove it before l dropped $800 on it🤷‍♂️

[@DolemiteSammich]

This sounds pretty weak to me.