Sire U5 Short Scale Review - All hail the KING of budget short scales! - LowEndLobster Review

[@Metalbass1979]

That thing sounds phenomenal! Some people overlook the great tones that can be had from a passive bass. While active can do a lot of things, I prefer to keep it simple and like to do all the knob fiddling on my amp.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Metalbass! I agree, love me some passive bass!

[@Joetime90]

I avoid active if I can, it's too many knobs and I never used the boosts. I'd rather, like you use the amp. I'm also heavy handed. I went to a music store and had a conversation with a bass rep finding a bass, and he said active wasn't my style. I agree. Short scale string tension is weird though. I put light gauges on my Mustang and I took them off shortly after.

[@longdongbongchong]

They do? P basses are notoriously passive and the most popular bass type and sound on the planet.

[@simom813]

I got to get one of those.

[@ignaciomeyerp]

Man! I really think you should get more subscribers soon, your reviews are one of the best out there, if not the best! Really honest and I see you can appreciate BASS and all of its details! cheers!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Ignacio! Spread the word :)

[@redhotchilipepperslego2529]

After searching for months, my daughter and I finally found a U5 for her. We really liked her Ibanez Mikro, but right out of the box it was clear how much of an upgrade the U5 was. Your review was dead on. This thing feels high quality and playing is so effortless compared to before.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Have u played the gsrm25 and is the single buckers pickup any better then the old mikro?

[@thomashaapalainen4108]

My daughter is a total daddy's girl and wants to play bass (she also loves marceline from adventure time) and this is going to be the bass for her.

[@jimsuber6784]

Bought one as a result of this review. I absolutely love it. I walk right by my P and J basses these days.

[@arthurnotteboom6915]

Thanks man! I was juggling between buying this Marcus Miller U5 and the Gibson Les Paul Junior bass. Played this one, bought this one, still loving this one! String through body is an absolute killer sound on this bass! Much love from Belgium.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Congratulations on your bass :) Enjoy!

[@stevepethel6843]

Your favorite short scale bass 5 of 5. That was my favorite Lobster review...the celebration 5 of 5 was hilarious loved it man

[@Sumbibebe]

I was in the market for a short scale bass and because your opinion is so believable and I really trust what you review, I has a Sterling Short Scale on the waiting list for the new Red color but I canceled my order and bought the Sire U-5 Bass and I’m really happy with it. 5 Claws did it and Sire owes you a commission. I am a big Music Man fan, I own a US made Special 5 string and a Rey 25 so that also made me accept a different flavor. I Love your show!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Sumbi Sumbi for sharing your experience :)

[@phoenixses]

I'm so glad you mentioned that you can use long scale strings on it, you simply need to make sure the gauge is right.

[@allenmitchell09]

I had 3 basses narrowed down to get for Christmas. This bass was one of them. Although I guess I didn’t realize it was a short scale. Ended up getting a music man sterling. I’m having trouble remembering the third. I know none of them were typical precision of jazz basses. But, I’m completely happy with what I ended up getting.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Allen! Congrats on your new bass :)

[@pepezoomba]

The best u5 review, in my humble opinion. Thank you

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@MrCalifornia0]

Every time I search for a bass I want your review pops up as the first video 🤔. Another great review. I am going to pick one of these up based on your review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Mr. California! That's what I'm going for ;P

[@josephjordan2883]

Being almost 6'4", I've stayed away from short scales. But, since Serek basses became a big player, and have some Lakland history, I've become interested! I may just have to wet my whistle with a Sire! Great review... I mean "Not bad! Not... bad... at... all!" ;-)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Joseph! XD

[@dismentei]

Great review as usual, barbe, thanx a lot! 👍 I've bought the green one and it's an excellent bass from all points of view, apart from: 1) the neck is pleasantly satiny and smooth, but I would have preferred it less fat, like the Lakland JO for example; 2) the bass weighs about 3.5 kg. and when seated it is a bit unbalanced because the body is thin, but the neck is indeed a bit thick, the tuners are not ultra-light and the headstock is the usual MM; however with a good shoulder strap there are no big problems; but it is still perceived that it is not perfectly balanced. 3) the body is flared like the Aerodyne but it is not rounded in the area where the forearm is placed, so after a while it bothers the forearm; 4) the tuners don't seem very precise to me, so I'll change them with the Hipshots. Regarding the transport, being about 108 cm. long fits perfect in an Ultimate guitar case.

[@legrandgroves8560]

Yes, i find that many issues you mentioned are true on many of the sire basses

[@dbeez8317]

Just ordered one of these great review cheers . This will be my first short scale bass so looking forward to adding it to my collection

[@LowEndLobster]

Enjoy! They're really spectacular, especially for the price. Just like all Sires, great mod platforms as well (though this like the V5 and other '5' series basses are VERY well equipped for their price points).

[@Olivier_Debats]

Well you know what? You totally convinced me about this instrument. She's going to be my first bass on which I'm going to start practicing and taking lessons 👌🎸 Marcus Miller, watch out I'm coming 😉✨

[@luckydougfergus]

Cool, Olivier, I've been playing since 1981 and this video convinced me to buy one of these. I've played "them all" and I no longer see the point of having a huge, long necked bass. I think it's a ego thing for most people.. they want to be seen with a big instrument so as to look, "cool" and "important" etc.. :-))

[@Olivier_Debats]

@@luckydougfergus Your words reassure me! I scour the forums and I see that more and more people are migrating to short scales 🎸. In addition, I have small hands so it will be all the easier to learn on this type of bass 👌 Normally I receive it tomorrow! The Bassbuzz site seems pretty good to me for learning and if you have any advice for learning from scratch, I'm a taker ✨😉👍

[@Olivier_Debats]

@@luckydougfergus Greetings from Paris 👍

[@erik2446]

Great and thorough review! Thanks! It would be interesting to see you review the current short scale Jazz bass made in Japan.

[@williamgwillam3908]

As usual the best review of this bass, well done Sir.😎👍

[@johndavidson3818]

Thanks for the great review, best I've seen. Was looking for a bass in this price range and was leaning towards this brand and model. Now... I'm convinced that my choice is good one. Can't say how much help you have given me very grateful.wow great presentation and your one hell of a bass player.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you John!

[@ingegnerevolante]

Hey Lobster, you did it again. Another great review. I only with this was full scale 😃. It's official, you are now my go to channel for bass guitars reviews. 😃

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Gianluigi!

[@TheMlvswoll]

Agreed. Great review as always. I haven’t pulled the trigger on a short scale yet but this in a 34 scale would be fantastic.

[@MegaMartico]

Your first 5 stars review I saw wow! Thanks for always been honest with us. Great as always 👍🏿

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Martico! It's not the first, but they are rare :)

[@shannenvdb]

Wow, that P pickup sounds sooo good! Another excellent video! Thanks for checking it out.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Shannen!

[@PhillipAlcock]

Thanks for a great review. Because of your review, and a few other demos, I bought a U5 a few months ago (identical to the demo one). Really pleased with it. For me the only downside was the strings that came on it. Sire said they are D’Addario EXL220S which are 40/60/75/95 ‘bright round wounds’. I changed them for the La Bella 760FLS Flat wound (43/60/82/104), which sound great (but then I like flats!). Great customer service from Sire - had a couple of questions which they answered promptly. Short scales aren’t just for people with small hands or beginners and my bands love the sounds I can get from it.

[@starship510]

Hi Phillip, I just ordered one as well and am a huge fan of flat wound strings. I looked up the ones you suggested - La Bella 760FLS Flat wound (43/60/82/104) - and just wanted to double check since the listing on Sweetwater for these strings say “Not suitable for string through body designs”. I’m a newb all around, but isn’t the U5 a through body? Thanks so much for your help!

[@darkgladiator27]

That slap tone on the E string is something amazing

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks dGladiator! Right?! Tone for days.

[@1okanaganguy]

mad funk

[@simom813]

You ain't never lied.

[@mistamovegas]

GAS!!! Amazing tones! So versatile. Great review! Did I add enough exclamations?! Blown away. Gotta check one out when CME gets them back in stock. Wow. Might ditch my JMJ for this one.

[@mistamovegas]

I should add.. I came here thinking I'd buy one and route some Novak BS-DS in there.. but maybe not. Still blown away by how it sounds.

[@LowEndLobster]

They made some back in the mid-late 2000's with the 'darkstars' they were putting in everything. Still GAS for those!

[@thefid89]

Lobster! A review of the higher end sire line would be killer. Especially the M7! Love the content.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Fidel! We'll def be checking out higher end sires and the M series (starting with M2) soon :)

[@basementmidi]

Nice to see affordable "signature" basses. Great demo, thanks for posting!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Paul!

[@JimHawkins808]

I ordered this bass last October thanks to your review. Arrived 8 months later. Awesome bass, I love it!!

[@dirkidentification]

got my hands on one and Yeah!! After playing pj's for 30 years I can say my word; its tone is great !! The way a PJ pu's cooperate is always kinda magic. Lots of pj's give a kinda hollow sound. Not this one. And the bridge pu gives this p some midtone grunt. For P lovers; the P alone does have a lot of tone but low gruntfactor. (a touch of overdrive helps) Its a friendly sweet sounding P and putting in a another pu might spoil the overall sound of the whole bass which is great.

[@dwightwithers5816]

Great review! I am purchasing online, and was asked which strings do I want as a string through. Wasn't sure of the response, so just checking to see what you did. Thanks again for an excellent review! Double D

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dwight! I put on long scale strings here, but some medium or shorts should work fine (mine didn't have any wrapping, so I didn't have to worry about that too much)

[@FlowJunkie65]

LEL, this was a fantastic review and demo - thank you so much! Liked and subscribed!

[@jeffjones1143]

Yes! Those are nice! I hope they make a 5 string soon! And a fretless! Thanks Low! Great stuff!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeff! That'd be cool!

[@jasonhendon2022]

Damn that's a nice sounding short scale. Great review as always brother.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jason :)

[@vi8799]

It's good to hear that the regular length strings worked, it's hard to find short ones in my area.

[@bassdrivercovers3305]

Boy, is this thing punchy! I've never been a fan of short scale basses, they feel weird, look weird and usually sound... well, not weird but weak but this has an absolutely awesome tone! More than makes up for the weird proportions (because I think the Jazz Bass shape doesn't work with short scale at all). If my 6 years old son decides to follow his dad's footsteps, this is what I'd love to get him. Great bass and great review as always!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bassdriver! Yeah the stock light gauge strings were not well suited for this bass, but putting on a 45-105 set made this thing feel awesome. This would be a great bass for a growing human, though I'd be afraid their dad may steal it too often ;P

[@michaelblaney4461]

Lobster how did I miss this review for 5 days , You are having too much fun with that bass. Now I want one too. I know it's better then the Squier mustang but what about the Fender mustang. WOW 5 claws too.

[@LowEndLobster]

I want to check out the Fender. We'll be doing some short scale comparisons in the future ;)

[@markyurick6699]

Another thoughtful and helpful review. I have two and really like them. The only small nit- you guessed it- I totally agree on the bridge. Sure would be nice to swap out the bridge with a high mass model without drilling holes. Again, would love it if Sire came out with a P style with roasted maple and these passive noiseless pick ups for around $500. I could even live with the bridge! I agree that the tuners are a big improvement over the early generation tuners. Thanks for the great reviews.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mark! I completely agree, a passive P5 with a roasted neck would be BUTTAH!

[@markgreen950]

There are P5s listed on the Anderton's website, not sure what the release date is though.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Another incredible review .. Again even without the drum machine the playing was grooving . My only problem with it was yeah... There’s definitely a sonic difference between short and standard scale basses . The lower notes don’t open up and breath as much. Even the night breath as much . I’m 68 so I really wanna love the short scale as my left shoulder gets tired of reaching down but gee.. My saving grace here is that one could compensate through the amp . But as a main bass ? I dunno. Lobster , could you review that new Jackson CBX David Ellefson bass? It looks sweet , especially the fiver .

[@marks5s603]

Getting more interested in a short scale bass. I think this is the best Sire bass I have heard yet! I look forward to more short scale reviews.👍

[@kirtfulcher6288]

We often put heavier gauge strings on shorties to compensate for the flop. If you maybe go "one step up" in gauge, it will still fell pretty close to full scale and sound close to one too...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Charles! We'll be checking out some Jacksons at some point soon :). I did put the 45-105 gauge full scale MJCs on here and were much better IMO than the stock lighter gauge that seemed a bit floppy in comparison.

[@VictorLombardi]

Great review. I bought this as my first bass (after playing guitar for many years) and love it, so nice to be validated.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Victor! I always enjoy hearing from owners of the instruments I review. Glad you're enjoying yours :)

[@somchaichai597]

ถาม ครับระหว่างu5 กับ stering short scaleน่าจะเล่นตัวไหนครับฟอร์มไทยแลนด์ผมติดตามช่องของคุณตลอดขอบคุณครับ

[@teleespantoso]

Holy seacows and landeels! This seems to be the greatest bass of this kind ever. Speachless. Super awesome review Sir, as usual! Very vivid. How you feel about the lowends? Regarding the size? Could it rumble enough if needed?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Indeed, for the $500 price point - these things hit all the right points and still leave some room for some customization (though no room for a battery sadly). I think this would have no problem rumbling paired with a good amp :), small bass does not mean small sound!

[@PhillipAlcock]

I put flats on mine - it CAN rumble!

[@njtguy]

Yes I agree that Sire did a nice job on this one.Only thing was the bridge not having the drill holes for an upgrade.You had recently reviewed Jackson’s Minion Short Scale,how do feel about comparison to that and the Sire ? Great review 👍👍👍👍👍

[@LowEndLobster]

The Jackson is shorter scale than that and is much cheaper in every dimension. It's a good bass for the price, especially for a starter or travel bass. The sire is much more premium in every regard, and honestly feels more premium than the $500 price tag would suggest. I'd take the Sire because it really doesn't need anything, where the Jackson would be a better mod platform.

[@carlogarneri7873]

Yours is one of the reviews made me buy it. I'm really loving it and I use to play boutique custom shop basses. My best buy for the money for sure

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! So glad you're enjoying it. Thank you for sharing!

[@b1d1s]

Wow, this thing is a killer indeed!! And you man..you are awesome!! Full of positive energy!! Thanks for the review, keep up the good work!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you B1d1s :)

[@garlandlabat4922]

Thanks Mr. Lobster... Great review. I have had an "inkling" for a short scale for a long time, and I must say... this is the best short scale tone I have heard. Wonder (wish) if Sire makes it in a 5 string?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Garland! I believe this is only a 4, but a 5 would be awesome!

[@leviaguonie1383]

Great review brother.. seriously thinking of getting 1 of these... been wanting to get into playing bass 4 awhile now.. love the tones n looks..

[@fabiolimadesiqueira]

Congratulations for another amazing review ! My best regards

[@rhinovandriver]

Omg lobster! Have you seen the new sire range..... finally we get the P5, the one we wanted! Plus the D5, 50's style Pbass 🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

Duuuuuuuuuude! Yes

[@samlelowitch]

I’m glad you liked this bass as much as you did, Lobster! I cannot recall you ever giving a bass five stars, so that’s kind of a big deal. Have you had a chance to try the G&L Tribute Fallout Bass?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Sam! G&L Tributes will be in the coming months, but they're a comin :)

[@bflo1000]

The Fallouts sound KILLER!

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

He gave 5 stars to the FGN (Fujigen) Power something...the one with 2 P pickups. But yeah it is a big deal!

[@scottnickerson2]

Lobster! Since seeing your review I've seen a couple of other reviews that rated the Sire U5 extremely high like you did. The question is... Where did you find yours?!?!? Every dealer I've been in touch with seems to think they won't have them in stock until sometimes in April or May. I'm partial to short scale basses, so I want this one! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge & opinion of a bass guitar & brand I knew virtually nothing about. Cheers!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Scott! I found mine on Reverb and snatched it up! It seems my videos have the unintended effect of making basses go out of stock.. ;P

[@michaelblaney4461]

Try The Chicago Music Exchange , I bought all my Sire basses there.

[@scottnickerson2]

@@michaelblaney4461 Thanks for the reference! I'll call them.

[@RamaNatan]

@@scottnickerson2 If you're willing to pay the $300 shipping from Indonesia I have one in mint colour of U5 brand new. :)

[@DavyoInVegas]

Great bass review as always Mr Lobster,, Im seriously thinking about buying this bass based on your review. I already own 2 SBMM short scale stingrays and really love them a lot. A question, what is the weight of this Sire short scale ? And looking forward to your review of the Ibanez Mezzo med scale 32” bass, I love and own 2 of those as well but would definitely be interested in your options on the Mezzo bass’s. A friendly suggestion, you should start telling the weight of bass’s you review, that’s definitely something that everyone wants to know. Cheers, Davyo

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Davyo! I do try and mention it but I forget a lot haha. None of my reviews are scripted and I just go off the cuff, sometimes I forget stuff. I believe this was in the 7-8 lb range. It wasn't the lightest weight short scale, but not as heavy as my all mahogany Gibson LP Jr. Tribute either. I will definitely check out the Mezzo!

[@ka-bar5060]

Been looking into buying a short scale and this looks to be the winner. Thanks for the unbiased review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video. We'll be revisiting this bass in a few months. It's been a couple years since we've reviewed it and have tested many more basses since them. A fresh look and maybe some comparisons are due :)

[@ka-bar5060]

@@LowEndLobster Right on looking forward to it. Have a great New Year!

[@dave.chk.youtube]

@@LowEndLobster a comparison on short scale basses would really be interesting, maybe affordable ones like this one or the sterling and who knows what else! Looking forward to that!

[@ka-bar5060]

@@LowEndLobster when is the follow-up video coming out?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@ka-bar5060 Whenever I get my new U5 ;P. Probably will be around or after NAMM

[@kirillukin2222]

Still waiting on the m series review! Your content is great as always :)

[@LowEndLobster]

M series videos coming soon! We'll be checking out 1st and 2nd gen M2s in the coming couple of weeks and then hopefully an M5 shortly after :)

[@The_Book_Of_M]

@@LowEndLobster I know you can't accommodate everyone, but I'd be interested in the M7 in 4-string (34-inch) or 5-string (35-inch) flavors.

[@kirillukin2222]

Michael, i have the m7 5 , hit me up with any question you have :)

[@kirillukin2222]

Also, the m5 is pretty much the same as m7 without the top

[@kirillukin2222]

Thanks for the reply lobster! After playing both the m7 and m2 ( and walking out with the m7) i gotta say that while the m2 felt nice, the m7 really blew me away. I owned several fenders yamahas ( deluxe american an ne signature respectively) and a tobias classic by gibson ( american, not the imports) i gotta say the m7 was the best bass i ever held comfort wise, and is the most versatile bass i played to this day.

[@erezk2170]

hi Lobster! yet another excellent review - thank you for putting the time and effort to put it up. This Sire sounds awesome. I think I am partial to short scale sound, because the lower tension and the woody (double bass like?) sound. How would you compare it to a Gibson Les Paul JR?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Erez! So glad you enjoyed the video! This and the Gibson are VERY different. The Gibson is heavier, a bit better balanced (no balance issues with the Sire, but the Gibson balances PERFECTLY on the lap), and only has one pickup that can get some fat tones - but that's what you get. The Sire IMO is a lot more of a 'traditional' bass. You get the PJ pickup combo, and overall is it VERY well rounded. At the price point, I don't think you can get a better short scale.

[@rhinovandriver]

Think I'm in love !! Great review

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ryan!

[@swperry04039]

Got mine in March from Thomann…$388 plus shipping, which was $$108 for my whole order that included another bass and a GL hard case. Fantastic instrument: the neck is stupid fast/ comfortable, pickups are dead quiet with all the tone and punch. Love it on EB Slinky Cobalt flats.

[@BriggsBackingTracks]

Crazy! I did the same exact thing and used the same strings!!

[@swperry04039]

@@BriggsBackingTracks Love the slinky flats!

[@leeasbury7273]

Just ordered that same finish...I'm a guitar tech so I'm kinda particular and this Sire is how they'll stand out. Trust your judgment lobster 🦞 👍🤘

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Lee! Let me know what you think :)

[@ChipsA17]

Ok it's official this will be my second bass. Forget squier and the mim fender. The u5 is an absolute beauty and it's a short scale which. I wanted a jazz style. And this has both p and j pickups. And I wanted a short scale. And it has a flamed maple look. For under $500. Ya let's go. Thank you lobster.

[@chrisb48907]

great review...i was saving to get a Squier Mustang...think you just changed my mind !! cheers from Canada bud !

[@virginiacamper]

AAAARRRRRRGGGGG! It sounds so good! Now I want one...thanks Lobster!🙄🤣

[@davelock3166]

Great review man, I need one!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dave :)

[@garrettjarrard]

Great review LoB... Thank You!

[@NoiserToo]

Great review! I own the U5 fretless and I absolutely love it!

[@LowEndLobster]

A fretless one!? Awesome! Thank you Ian :)

[@andynelson2340]

That's a nice P pickup! I think this and the Mustang PJ maybe the best shortscales.

[@bflo1000]

They're very similar...2 SS basses w PJ pups.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Andy! I will be doing a comparo with a Fender Mustang and other short scales soon :).

[@marunikusbakufu]

Mark Smith at TalkingBass just reviewed this one a few days ago. You guys must be on the same wavelength! He liked it too (and he doesn't generally like short-scale basses). Is it weird that I actually like the look of the Sire headstock?!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Yeah I saw that the day I shot this hahaha. Honestly, I think these Gen 3's (V5 and U5) have much more attractive headstocks. I don't know what it is.

[@thefool2007]

Looks and sounds awesome. A lot of great features for modest money. Surprising how lively and even it sounds. Nasal bite J and a warm round P sound. Sire got it right. What do you think of this bass versus a Sterling short scale Ray?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rick! I think the Sterling is an excellent bass, but this one feels higher quality overall. They nailed it with this.

[@The_Book_Of_M]

In addition to the Ibanezes I just mentioned, I'd be curious to hear your opinion of the Schecter Banshee short-scale bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm curious about those as well. Hoping to snag one at some point.

[@The_Book_Of_M]

Please do a review of the short-scale EHB1000S and short/medium/multi-scale ENB1005SMS when they become available.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Oh we will be, don't worry :)

[@differentdrummer6162]

Not bad! Seriously, a very comprehensive demo of a lovely bass - that might replace the Ibanez GSRM20, Chowny SWB-1 and Sterling Stingray short-scale as my next instrument. Thank you.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@daviddesmond2143]

Great Review as usual. So Mr Lobster, what modifications are you going to do to this little monster? I think I will buy one.

[@LowEndLobster]

I ended up not modding it, gotta say I also regret that. I was going to throw in the new DCB pickup set for fun.

[@daviddesmond2143]

@@LowEndLobster I tried to buy one but they never became available.

[@tomdessaint6521]

Hey lobster. Love your reviews! I have a Sire U5 bought a little over a year ago. Your review helped a lot with my decision. Love it. I was thinking about dropping another bridge on it. Maybe High mass. But wanted to stay with a string through and not change or drill any new holes. Any suggestions from the master?

[@LowEndLobster]

Though Albridge is pretty much the only 'drop in' replacement for Sire, you can use the string ferrule holes through the body to align any Fender style bridge with the string-thru-body option. I did this on my V5 with great success. I just stuck a couple appropriately sized allen wrenches through the bridge string-thru holes and into the body to keep it lined up and started drilling.

[@tomdessaint6521]

Thank you very much!!

[@kamilchosta5526]

Thanks, you make best bass reviews on KZbin! Could you review Gretsch g2220 Jet Junior ii?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I plan on checking that out!

[@kamilchosta5526]

@@LowEndLobster Great! Can't wait then ;)

[@MtoTheBtoThe70s]

Great review! I'm curious: would you recommend using flatwounds on this bass?

[@WAMilyFamily]

What have I been waiting for!? Why don't I own this yet??? Now just to choose a colour. The natural and the burst have that gorgeous flame maple but the seafoam is also pretty cute. The natural and the burst also show off the difference of wood on the back. I'll have to go see in person and see which one speaks to me on the day

[@peteburger1]

Yep, wonderful review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks IrishPete!

[@unclepumpkin4171]

Sounds great! Thanks for the in-depth review. Do you know what it weighs?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

What a great bass for a killer price!! I love the string through, them pickups sound great!! Like johnny lee long said, everyone should own a passive bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeremy! Indeed this is killer for the 5 bills. JLL knows!

[@FretLevelMidnight]

I really enjoy your channel, thank you. I wish this bass came with the option of a Rosewood, Pau Ferro, Walnut, Roasted Maple, or Indian Laurel fretboard.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Midnight! I feel you, but I understand the limited options to keep costs down.

[@MonsterCreepInTheDeep]

Thanks for the review! I’m sold on it

[@davemack7740]

On your recommendation I bought a U5 and you were so right . . . a great bass, I love it 👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dave! Congrats!

[@bassnyc1]

It's interesting that I first saw this bass in another bass related video 2 days ago and I thought it looked interesting. So your timing is great for me to post this review. This might be the first bass I buy due to one of your (as always) excellent reviews. I've been considering a short scale for a while but transitioning from the Fender style of bass that I'm used to has always been an issue for me. Question: does the G string have a much thicker sound all the way up the neck like a lot of semi hollow and hollow bodied short scales do?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bassnyc! I think flatwounds may give you the thicker sound you're looking for, though it won't be exactly like a hollow/semi hollow bass. P pickup, tone down, flats, and you're gonna nail the warm vintage tone nicely.

[@dirkidentification]

yep, typical shortscale effect, lots of low end on the E but thin on the G. (the low tension does that.........it's usually not the bass, so flat or roundwound makes a big difference yep) Most shortscale players put the tone down, specially in a walking base line a thin G sounds odd. I even have a shortscale with great roundwoundsound and I totally ignore the g string except for playing chords........then this odd g string brings an extra!

[@countzero1972]

$869 CAD here in Canada in Jan 2023 ($984 total with taxes in Ontario).. A little too much dough for my liking.! I'd sooner spend the extra hundred or three on a Cort Artisan A4 or a Schecter Studio Elite 4 or something like that. We get screwed on the duty or something with many products imported, and even with the exchange rates it doesn't always add up. Even Reverb is asking 'new' prices for used models of the Sire U5. Forget that! I will wait until short scaled basses are out of fashion gain.. lol Nice video Lobster!

[@czguy3045]

I have a U5 in Mint Green on order, largely based on the opening jam in the Anderton's review. I can't wait though the expected ship date keeps getting pushed back. First it was mid January then early February. Now they are saying mid May. This video is not making my wait any easier.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats on the order! Hope you don't have to wait until May

[@joamon559]

My first visit to your channel. You had me at 'salutations crustaceans' then lost me almost straight away at cats.

[@LowEndLobster]

Welcome Joa :)

[@gr8mcguffinmcguffin92]

Hi. I bought this bass on you're recommendation. I'm not disappointed at all. I like it. But ... I decided to string it with flat wound strings and use the "through the body" holes. Here's what I found. The intonation could not be adjusted to any satisfactory degree with that method ... so I ended putting the flat wounds on through the bridge and the intonation adjustment began to work again. I ended up kinking the strings, because the brake angle was so acute over the saddle rollers. So my verdict is great bass but the "through the body" string holes are a gimmick. I enjoy all your reviews thanks 👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I plan on revisiting this bass this year in more detail :)

[@gr8mcguffinmcguffin92]

Hi Lobster. If I were to upgrade to a new bridge and some new tuners, can you recommend which ones to get? Thank you.

[@LowEndLobster]

A video is dropping today to answer your question on the tuners. Bridge wise, Albridge is the only drop on replacement

[@gr8mcguffinmcguffin92]

​@@LowEndLobster Thank you 👍

[@bizibetiko9778]

That bass is very nice. I'll go so far as to say, not bad!

[@LowEndLobster]

XD Thanks Bizi!

[@MsRich118]

Woah I didn’t realise bob brozman played bass?!. Haha great review mate, big help for me

[@LowEndLobster]

XD Thank you Aku Aku! You're actually only the second person ever to say that. The similarities are a bit jarring ahahahaha.

[@MsRich118]

@@LowEndLobster brothers from other mothers dude haha, I think your beard is a bit better though but don’t tell bob I said that mate😂

[@rasmillion]

Thanks lobster, I think I asked for this review a while ago. I want a short scale

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad you liked this one, Ras :)

[@anbyeastbank319]

Thank you sir for you knowledgeable review!

[@tsuibrandon7055]

Nice video 👍👍As a guitarist who finds basses too big and been looking into getting a bass this short scale looks super mega appealing, Unfortunately where I live Sires are still pretty rare but a shop here is trying to bring them in this month but there have been delays due to the pandemic... About what you mentioned with the tuners feeling loose on some other Sires, you can actually adjust the screws on the top of the tuning keys to adjust the resistance of each tuner and I think that should solve it! Just be careful because they’re very sensitive and a half turn can make a ton of difference

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks GT BT! It wasn't really the 'loose' feeling that I had an issue with as much as the inaccuracy. The V3 tuners are really bad from the ones I've tried. However, it seems the 3rd gens (V5, U5, etc) have stepped things up.

[@kdwinkler4]

Thank you for this review! I would love for you to do a comparison video between the Sire U5 bass and a Fender Mustang PJ Bass!

[@cskeise]

Lobster you've made me very happy, so glad I brought the mint green one looks nice next to my Orange O Bass... what pick ups would you recommend for the O Bass ?... 💙👊😎

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Great question, we'll be doing a P pickup roundup very soon :) - already planning!

[@cskeise]

@@LowEndLobster Excellent, can`t wait and thank you for all your help... 💙👊😎

[@lexdecs8294]

@@LowEndLobster finally!!! Dream’s do come true!

[@MrSparks54]

That has some sweet bottom end! What to buy next (as if my 8 basses weren't enough) Thanks Lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks MrSparks! Glad you liked this :)

[@MrSparks54]

@@LowEndLobster Can't find anyone who has these in stock. Did you get a pre-order sample?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@MrSparks54 No, snagged this on Reverb for full price from a random shop. Was delivered within a few days. If you're in the USA, there's one left in Natural from this shop- reverb.com/item/36079413-sire-u5-marcus-miller-short-scale-4-string-electric-bass-natural Good luck!

[@MrSparks54]

@@LowEndLobster That one is a natural finish, I don't particularly like. So I decided to get a NOS Fender Dimension IV cherry sunburst. Can't wait to get it!

[@geraldbusbysr639]

Gorgeous and great sounding bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Gerald!

[@RamaNatan]

Great review! You have 10 lobsters? ;) U5 rocks indeed!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rama!

[@rubenriverarojas7910]

Im falling in love with Sire basses

[@LowEndLobster]

They're really starting to impress me. It's been a journey, but they've gone from "look how much stuff this cheap bass has" to, "look how good of a value this is!". Each generation seems to be more and more refined.

[@karinjahn-walter5846]

Thanks this helped me lot to decide to buy one. You did a great job too.

[@revlewisrees9880]

That has all the tones I love... and need!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rev! Indeed this one definitely hits the mark tonally. Very impressed!

[@fredoltmanns214]

Hi, looking for a SC now heading from Squire to Sire, thanks for the reviews!

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad you're enjoying them Fred!

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

Thanks, Lobster for a great review! Would this bass work well with a hipshot bass xtender on the low E?

[@etpslick100]

I have the SS stingray and love it! I WILL add this to my collection. Sire covered everything! DON’T NEED NO PREAMP!! Nice PJSS bass!😌🎶👍🏾

[@LowEndLobster]

Suhweet :) Thanks!