Sire M5/M7 Pickup Settings - Looking at all 15 DIFFERENT pickup settings! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

[@davidvitale9338]

You really went the extra mile on this demo Lobster. I feel very informed and well heeled on knowing what I bought and why. I think a review like this is worth its weight in gold. Thank you and outstanding job.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you David!

[@steele581]

I love you reviews on every single base that you do! But I do have one small constructive criticism! I am blind completely, so therefore, when you do some of these side-by-side demos of different base guitars, I would wish that you would add which one you’re doing first and what you’re doing as far as changing the tone controls of the EQ, etc. etc. Such as this video when you did all nine pick up comparisons. You went from one to another which is great! But I got lost after a while, and I couldn’t figure out which one was which, and what you were switching to. If you mentioned which one you were switching to every time you did it, that would then help me out as to what I’m listening to! I know there’s other blind base musicians that would benefit from this video as well as all your other reviews! Thank you again for doing what you do! 7:37

[@tothag84]

I like both in parallel but I always have active on with a little mid sweep. Love this bass

[@latenight5865]

Wow, this is it! This is the only video that shows every single different pickup sound on M5/M7 on youtube. Thanks a lot! Personally I like.... both single on both pickup, series on neck pickup and ... on bridge pickup... not quite sure but I seem to prefer parallel mode.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Late Night! I like Parallel as well, you get a lot of character and definition without the added kick of series.

[@ejjacinto5014]

The single coil mode sounds so lovely on this bass 💙💙

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks EJ!

[@MotoMarios]

There's been many and great government subsidies for this bass :) Great video man, comprehensive, concise and totally to the point, thanks.

[@VideoPrens]

Even Mr Armstrenght would love this bass

[@LowEndLobster]

XD Thank you Marios!

[@neilcarlonolasco1813]

Thanks for this video! Now i have a clearer understanding on what are the functions of those switches. Kinda drowned on what are those and what they do 😅

[@1silkfox]

I have the M7 5 string Ash Body and my favourite combination is bridge on Parallel and neck on Single Coil.

[@tracychappell2029]

I just bought used alder 4-string M7 today and I absolutely love it! I just ordered a a Sire V5 4 string from Sweetwater.

[@Bassiturra]

Hey man, amazing review of all the pickup combinations on this bass. I use an M7 and it sounds almost the same. Really clear and useful explanation of all the mixes!

[@lasteffect]

Thats a punchy tone there. Sire truly has upped their game.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed, their 5 series is killer

[@alacajun007]

I recently acquired one of the Gen 2 M7 F-less 4 strings. Holy crap! I'd put it up against my previous G&L ASAT f-less any day. The engineering on these basses is phenomenal!

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Congrats on your bass :)

[@makkitozea4245]

LOBSTER IS ALWAYS THE BEST !!!

[@matthewlunsford4351]

Thanks, for going through this. It answered some questions I had in my mind. The pickup switches are sort of like the old Ibanez tri-sound switches.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Matthew!

[@KozmykJ]

I got the V7 J type 4-string four years ago. It's a lovely bass for not a lot of money. I quite fancy the 5-string M5/M7 with it's 35" scale. It's a long time since I had humbuckers on a bass (not counting P type pickups).

[@neeet7273]

M5 great sound, thanks 4 review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for watching! Full review coming in 3 Sundays :)

[@bizibetiko9778]

That has a few more configurations than my P bass. They all sound good. I really dig both pickups as single coils, or the neck pickup solo'd in series mode. Gets in the ballpark of a jazz bass, and a P bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bizi! Indeed, Sire put together a really nice flexible instrument in which all the tones you get sound quite solid. There really wasn't one that I would turn my nose at or thing sounded bad or gross.

[@NeiloNeil]

I've been eyeing these basses for a while now. The value for money seems to be insane, especially if the differences with the M7 are mainly cosmetic. I really hope to get my hands on an M5 before the end of the year.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Neil! You're absolutely right, they were able to tone down the cosmetics and leave the meat to make a great value.

[@latenight5865]

I think M5 is a definitely good choice; I gurantee the tonal differences are not just a gimmick but real.

[@Tull1996]

Have you had any hands/claws on experience with the Yamaha TRBX604? Just curious how you feel the two compare, as the M5 and 604 are at the same price point, both have active/passive capabilities, and 2 humbucking pickups.

[@LowEndLobster]

That is a great question! I have not checked out that Yamaha yet, but that is a GREAT idea for a comparison.

[@SrChalice]

I have one of the last TRB 6, that was made in Japan. And I have yet to find a bass on the market that beat that basses power and tone. It can't be played through nothing less than a 15" and once you turn the bass on the auditorium is vibrating. When I play in auditoriums I only turn the bass nob 1/4 way. Anything else and it's just vibrating the chairs. I would never let go of this Bass. I don't know if the TRBX follows the same quality but man, I just can't go back after picking up a Yamaha. THE POWAAA.

[@jasonhendon2022]

great versatility this one has, love the shirt I do. Badass on many levels is this.😁😁😁

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jason!

[@alanwadey2848]

That seems like a really versatile bass, good demo. Thanks.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Alan!

[@alanwadey2848]

@@LowEndLobster No problem , Lobster.

[@48streetrat]

Sire's pick- up configurations remind me of the G&L- L 2000- L- 2500 basses

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed, though don't those have the 'OMG" or is just that the L1k and fallout? That'd be interesting to have an OMG mode in a Sire hahaha (Leo would rise from the dead lol)

[@48streetrat]

@@LowEndLobster 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Finally got to play a G&L last month the setup was shit but it was still a killer bass I would love one, so many basses to buy,,lol

[@richshields6692]

Love the versatility of it. A of great useful sounds. I really like the neck pickup in single mode. I was hoping that you can get a Ricky sound out it with both pickups. Really nice bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rich! That's one tone this bass (and most others) really don't nail. Definitely hits the J and P notes real nice though!

[@richshields6692]

@@LowEndLobster that's true. Hey I bought a 1005 ms in foam green and I was wondering what to clean the finish with. I have some light smudges on it

[@michaelblaney4461]

I'll have to check one out

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael!

[@PushSueAside]

The Sire Chubby Gargoyle, I’d be willing to bet the average bass player (not professional) would rather have 6-12 real cool basses, over 1 that does everything. You are awesome lobster, if I haven’t said so in a while. Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Tommy :). I can't wait to show my latest SUB mod with a Ray4HH... we gutted it entirely to make something incredible. Pic on my instagram and vid coming somewhat soon lol

[@PushSueAside]

@@LowEndLobster Merlins beard!!!!!! That sounds amazing!!!! Can’t wait to see it. I’ll have to wait for the video as I don’t use fb or Instagram....(it’s just best I stay away from social media, except YT...at least for now). I know I’m probably missing out on great stuff. Anyway way looking forward to it. I still don’t have a MM or any or any MM inspired bass. Still haven’t made up my mind on what one I want. Since your Ibanez roadster video. I’ve been OBSESSED with it and waiting for one to go for sale..... (I know....Ibanez....i don’t believe it either)

[@giordanodifloridi2616]

Your favourite configuration? Mine is neck series and bridge single coil.

[@Thanawolf]

This is like the swiss army knife of basses. I personally like the bridge PU in single coil and the neck PU in series. Never thought that configuration would ever work.

[@dahnger]

Love your videos Lobster 🦞💛

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dahnger!

[@barondavis5692]

You are person with a lot of experience with sire basses. How does the neck of the M’s compare to the V’s? The v7 is slim and easy to move around on. Is the m5 as nice. I’d try it myself but there are none to try. Thanks

[@ericvassy2849]

I’ve been looking at the tribe wizard for but I also have a sire V7 and V7 Vintage and I love them both… Do you think for the price this is just as flexible as the tribe? I saw your video on the 3P pick up tried Bass but that’s not my jam… Lol

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

If you ever wanted to replace the pickups, what would you recommend swapping them with especially with emg's preferably?

[@LowEndLobster]

We'll be answering that in an upcoming video... And yes ;)

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

@@LowEndLobster cool because I think I will want more of a simplistic control layout. I'm fine with the switches but a 3 band eq may be fine plus a volume and tone control. I wonder if Fishmans would fit lol.

[@aramsimon9849]

How about changing pickups?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Aram! I actually did this on Bully's Sire M2. We swapped in an EMG preamp and pickup set. The pickup size is a hair under EMG size, so we needed to mod the pickup cavity slightly - but the result was KILLER!

[@aramsimon9849]

Is it possible to change to EMG pickups without changing the preamp?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@aramsimon9849 yes

[@thebassbuilder]

Neck in series. Sounded like a sweet ass p bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Meyers!

[@diegoplaysrequinto]

So what’s the biggest difference between this and the M7?

[@danbuckholz9228]

Nobdody’s ever done a proper demo of one of the new Schecter Ultras. That Pelham Blue is screaming at me.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dan! Those Ultras look awesome and we will DEFINITELY be checking one out this year :).... maybe even mod it too ;P

[@danbuckholz9228]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks for the reply! Will definitely be looking forward to it. Your reviews are top notch quality.

[@frankyb602]

Do they fit in a regular jazz/precision bag?

[@LowEndLobster]

I believe so, these are not huge basses. The M5 4 string is about the length of a G&L Fallout short scale

[@frankyb602]

Thanks! In the market for a new gig bag and i am looking for one that will fit an m7 that santa will bring me! :)

[@LowEndLobster]

@@frankyb602 the Sire gig bag is very solid (but not included)

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Great versatile tones. Do you prefer small pole humbucker like this or the larger mm style ones?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks James! For the M series, I like these pickups. That being said, I don't discriminate on pole piece size

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@LowEndLobster thats what she said😆🤘

[@jdmarino]

Sooo many options. I think if this were my bass, I would keep both pickups in the same mode (series, parallel, single coil) for the sake of simplicity.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John!

[@Bassiturra]

That`s what I do with my M7, it`s better to keep it simple and clear!

[@emelle1283]

Sire or FGN Mighty Jazz?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Is it possible to do series, single, and parallel on a HH stingray?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes, we got something similar (only two settings per pickup) with upcoming Project Code Red ;)

[@mauriciomarchant8206]

Q: What soldering station do you have or better, which one would you like to have?

[@russellzauner]

*whispers in JBC Tools and Metcal*

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question Mauricio! This is the one I use and it's worked great for me- www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RZV2DW8/

[@ramshaar2597]

Bright cool sound warm colour .she is looking good !🙂👍

[@latenight5865]

Actually now I have P10 and I am thinking 'bout ordering either M5 or Yamaha BB434 as the second bass or to substitute P10. When it comes to neck pickup sounds, which one do you personally prefer P10, M5 or Yamaha BB(735 or whatever)?

[@LowEndLobster]

I like both my P10 and M5 neck pickup. I love the flexibility of the M5, but the P10 P pickup sounds great as well. My biggest criticism of the P10 in general is that it's a P7 in a fancy suit, and the P7 is no slouch by any means.

[@latenight5865]

@@LowEndLobster I do agree with you. In comparison with the difference of V7 and V10, I think, P10 and P7 don't have that much tonal difference.

[@latenight5865]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks to your video and written advice, today I bought M7 ash. Actually I went to buy an M5 in the local shop, but there was a special offer of M7 today at $700, used to be displayed on the show window but still new; then I got it!. This is so~ versatile; I think it can copy 70% of Musicman stingray with both parallel pickup, 60% of Jazz bass with single both pickup and 50% of Precision bass with neck pickup series. Neither can be that much good as the original but the sounds of each mode are not bad at all :) The weak point of this bass to me seems to be a little bit lacking in the sound of clarity; a little bit unclear, or muffled... But I can handle it with changing EQ in my amp. This a great bass, though. Once again, thank you so much for your thorough review, which helped me a lot!

[@HarraCinco]

A question ...you prefer.....yamaha 605fm or sire m5?

[@makkitozea4245]

LOBSTER,When’s your Tshirt coming out ? Seriously!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! We're going to try and do merch for the holiday season or for next year. I can't believe how fast we're growing!

[@johnbob2698]

hey, so I've got a pretty good offer for a ray35 and am currently researching a couple of basses. Is the ray THAT heavy? I've read something from 4.9 kg which is pretty heave for me, coming from an Ibby sr505. I want something with a nice thicc B and character but without neck-breaking weight or cost. Could you help me maybe?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey John Bob, weight can vary from example to example of the same instrument. My Ray34 was 11 lbs, and my buddy has one in the same wood/finish that's 9 lbs. I have no doubt it'll sound great, however the Sire V5 5-er will have a 35" scale neck, 24 frets, and more pickup options. It depends on what you're after but both are great options.

[@rockereivanivan]

Lobster I'm in a position where I need to buy either the m5 or the m7, I've seen all the KZbin videos but both sound so similar and it might be the tone myth talking here but I can't seem to choose one. Which one would you recommend?

[@rodoherty1]

Which one did you choose?

[@frankyb602]

You sound great!

[@Revengeur72]

Help please! My M7 v2 bridge pickup doesn't output anything when in series mode, otherwise everything else is fine! Can anyone tell me what wires i need to check? I have and know how to use a voltmeter and check resistance Edit : it's a brand new bass but I can't send it back!

[@LowEndLobster]

Heyo! I'd check the wires on the switch. The top or bottom pair of lugs should be connected to each other (one of the pairs, not both!). Join our discord channel and the folks on there will do their best to help (myself included)

[@Revengeur72]

@@LowEndLobster thank you so much! I'll look into it with your advice and join de discord.

[@claudi0barragan]

There is a way You can add : inner single coil ,outter single coil switching option. Requires the schematics and some know how to. If You ever feel you are short of choices😉

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! Great suggestion :)

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

LET’S GOOOOOOOOO

[@LowEndLobster]

WOOOOOO!

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

Awesome

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Coolaxe!

[@charliebigred]

Ok, but where did you get your T-shirt??!?!?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! My girlfriend got it for me for xmas. She has a matching AT-AT one from (the inferior) Star Wars ;P

[@aspyr5681]

This is pretty much the same as M7, right? I can't find your video on M7 to compare, do you have one?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Aspyr! Same electronics as M7 in the M5, so this video can apply to both. I don't own and haven't reviewed an M7 yet but I'm hoping to snag one at some point :)

[@aspyr5681]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks, I am gonna try it out and maybe even make a review of my own, since there aren't many reviews of M7

[@aspyr5681]

@@LowEndLobster Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I tried the M7, however even at 40% discount, I find it to be lacking. The body and the finish is good, pots seem good, neck is kind of difficult, to be honest, I've played Fenders that are more comfortable than that, it feels stiff and it's not fast like, say, Cort B4 is for example. I am not impressed by tonal versatility, however it does cut nicely in the mix, I played Jamiroquai and Iron Maiden, as well as some slap and tapping, the electronics are good, however in passive mode it's just SO QUIET, it's such a tiny sound that even when I maxed volume on my interface, it was nearly whisper quiet, which I'm not a fan of because I kinda wanted to rely on passive, rather than active mode. Neck is satin, which I'm not a fan of, tuners feel comfortable, they seem to be more lightweight than the ones one might find on an Ibanez, but at first glance they seemed okay! The finish of the bass is good, no imperfections, top notch quality control, out-of-the-box tuning experience wasn't too terrible, slight adjustment was necessary, however the truss rod lid with 3 screws made that a very unpleasant and slow experience. All in all, I'm writing this to let you know that you didn't miss anything and that you shouldn't bother trying the M7, it's definitely not worth the money, it's a $350-ish bass, the fact that they ask $900 for it begs only one question - WHY? Frankly, after examining it closely, I can't see why, the wood was a high cut, it was light, therefore not expensive, and frankly the name alone isn't worth the extra money, not by a long shot. However, IF people at Sire listen to what the customers have to say, I think 3rd generation could be the real deal, they really need to go easy with those prices though, it's a bit ridiculous. To compare the M7 to a V7, I'd say V7 takes the win, it's more comfortable and it has a much bigger sound, however I do remember it being body-heavy, really stopped the blood flow in my leg that one, LOL! Hope that helps you, Lobster! Cheers

[@jasonbenford3427]

That Bass sounds really nice!! 🎸🔊)))🎶🎶....😺 Punchy!🥊💥😴

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@ridorona]

In ur opinion.. which one the best ?? M5 or M7 ??

[@LowEndLobster]

Value wise, I think the M5 is better - but the M7 has the same electronics and a flamed top, so if you want something flashier - M7

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I think I want some sire basses

[@LowEndLobster]

I got a FEVAH, and the only cure... more Sires. XD

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

This is the type of electronics package that I feel would actually be more confusing than beneficial to a new player. Sounds great though

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed 100%. It's almost like the Apocalypse paired with the cluttered Sire preamp. I think it works better in this package and form factor as opposed to something like a J bass.

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

@@LowEndLobster for sure.

[@peanutman314]

It's ok. I bought the M5 as first guitar. I basically keep the knobs in their default position, and I use the switches to switch between "jbass" and "pbass" kind of sounds. You're right that I don't understand half of the settings, but it also doesn't bother me. As a newbie I have the benefit that it also doesn't really matter. At my level of play, there is no "wrong" configuration, the M5 sounds amazing in any mode.

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

@@peanutman314 great points

[@sherlock4791]

Sorry lobster How tall are you? 6'3? Why do all basses looks so small

[@LowEndLobster]

6'2" heh

[@oskarus3]

Both in series sounded best IMO

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@russellzauner]

Take a shot every time lobby sez 15

[@LowEndLobster]

XD

[@nigellacey559]

I notice the M7 has a scarf joint, the M5 does not.

[@LowEndLobster]

Interesting, I didn't notice that! Thanks for pointing this out

[@Bass.Player]

I like this better than the M7, it looks better to me...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP!

[@revlewisrees9880]

First comment!! Woo

[@LowEndLobster]

WOOO!

[@sherlock4791]

My friend was asking if its actually make sense to pay extra $150 for just aesthetics I then replied with simple "no, i dont think so" then he bought the M5 and happy about it Then 2months later i bought my M7 and he then ask again why, i said "yes it does" and left

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

Agreed...single-coil or parallel would be my choice...series for when the guitar player won't turn down! The headstock is kinda meh; hdstox should compliment the shape of the body, no matter what bass it is IMO. Curious: does it say Marcus Miller or Sire on it? I couldn't tell for sure...I'd rather they ALL say Sire instead of MM, but that's just me but I get why they do. I am, of course, a fan of Marcus and my name is Mark but, anyhoo! Edit: I see now, MM with the S in the middle, right?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BCC! Yup! It says Sire Marcus Miller and M5 (the text layout is ATROCIOUS). I call that out in my upcoming full review :)

[@ObraBass]

Nice sounding versatile bass, but they must fire the person who designed that headstock (In fact, this applies to all their series)! The only thing at the design of Sire basses that is not "borrowed" from other companies is the headstock, and they did a terrible job. However, basses sound good.

[@timseitz199]

"Not bad."

[@LowEndLobster]

XD

[@edgarmatias]

There is such a thing as too many options.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! This definitely has em... at least they're good options haha

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

sometimes...there's too many options..lol

[@LowEndLobster]

There are a lot. Luckily the options here are all great sounding. I've definitely had basses with a lot of options and half of them being useless

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

@@LowEndLobster i totally agree...the sire does sound amazing...and youre right a lot do have options that are useless. Im glad Sire is putting forth options that actually have a positive affect on tone..even if you need a cheat sheet taped to the back of the bass lol jk

[@latenight5865]

I think... Neck pickup Series, Both pickup single + single, single + series, bridge pickup parallel tones are fine and useful.

[@Redridge07]

Good but you should have spent 1 min explaining series, parallel, and single-coil modes.

[@Shitsurei-ib2no]

This bass sounds awesome. Is it now your favorite Sire bass up to date? Or do you stil prefer the V5?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! I have a hard time deciding between my Sires hahaha. I LOOOOVE my P10, V5 fretless, and V7 'Siredowsky' (Sadowsky preamp, V7 vintage pickups). The M5 is a great and super flexible instrument too. I actually liked this one so much I'm snagging a 5 string M7 :)

[@Shitsurei-ib2no]

@@LowEndLobster Then I have to check your P10 review too-:) Just to give you a harder time, what would be your 5 best picks among all the basses under 1000$ you reviewed until now?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@Shitsurei-ib2no You're not the only one who has asked me to do a vid like that. I definitely will!

[@Shitsurei-ib2no]

@@LowEndLobster Cool!