Sire U5 string comparison June 2021

[@roberteugenemiller9499]

I have this bass and rate it a 10 out of 10… It’s awesome

[@petelamontmusic]

Couldn't agree more!

[@superduperj1202]

Thanks for the comparison! I am still debating on getting the U5. I also have a Squier Jaguar 3/4 length, but it neck dives and is heavy on the old back.

[@petelamontmusic]

Thanks for watching! I love my U5, but the store I got it from had two and the other one had a bit of neck dive. Definitely try and play it first if you can.

[@LeftiBassist]

Really enjoyed this review. Being a lefty, there are few short scales to choose from, I really like this bass.

[@petelamontmusic]

I was curious, because a lot of manufacturers only offer their lefties in limited colours, but it looks like you can get the U5 in any of the options, so which finish did you get? And thanks, I really like the bass. I have a Mustang set of Labellas that are going to go on it soon.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

@@petelamontmusic They work really well, as other players recommended. Mine has a little neck dive, but I have a wide suede strap that holds it in place, and plan to change the tuners to Hipshot light weight tuners which should remedy the neck dive. The tuners work well, so I haven't bothered to change them yet, and I usually play sitting down anyways.

[@petelamontmusic]

@@pharmerdavid1432 I was able to try two different U5's in the store when I bought mine, I liked the other finish better, but it had neck dive where mine thankfully didn't. I've been happy with the tuners as well.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I put those LaBella flat-wound Mustang strings on it, sounds and plays better than the stock rounds, haven't tried half-rounds yet.

[@petelamontmusic]

Agreed, I'm quite happy with my string choice for this instrument.

[@greadore]

Thanks for the video(s) with the Sire U5. I gave a cheap entry level Squier Jaguar Short Scale Bass, and I like the feel and the sound but it is somewhat heavy and has real bad neck dive. I am thinking of getting something better because of the bad neck dive. How is the balance on the Sire? The weight? Thanks!

[@petelamontmusic]

Thanks for watching. The weight, according to my bathroom scale is 6-7lbs. The store I bought it from had two U5s in stock. I liked the finish on the other one better, but it had a bit of neck dive to it. Mine doesn't. I like the Jaguar, but the body of that seems pretty small compared to the massive headstock and tuners. I did also play the Sterling short scale and really liked the physicality and sound of it. I'm also partial to Mustang basses, though sometimes their bodies can be too small as well to balance.

[@greadore]

@@petelamontmusic thanks for the reply and information.

[@petelamontmusic]

@@greadore The Sire is a thicker neck than the Sterling but both have nice pickups.

[@usvideowatcher]

I tested here in Germany the U5 NT MN and liked the sound. However I agree that it was somewhat heavy (I measured 4.0 kg) and also had neck diving problems. I did send it back, however having experienced a special elastic strap ("Nobels No1 Stretch Strap L BKShort") ordered by Thomann that might compensate the neck diving challenge I think I will order the U5 again with the other "colour". I also realized from reading a lot of tests for guitars in general that even the "same" guitar might differ around 200 grams in the weight. So let`s wait and see if the new one is less heavy and the informatio for the strap is correct. It says: "distribue the weight of your guitar", "takes away the pressure from your shoulder" and "no bouncing even with a heavy instrument". Although elastic, it has solid top grain leather ends. First trials with a 4.3 kg Epiphone Les Paul really proved what the ad said. The stretch strap cost 27 Euros at Thomann. Hope this information helped a little bit...

[@greadore]

@@usvideowatcher thanks, will check out the stretch strap

[@Arcade1959]

What type of strings are original on the Sire U5 ? Gauge and brand.

[@petelamontmusic]

I don't know what brand, and their web site doesn't list it. They felt like standard 45-100, but they could actually be thinner too.

[@Arcade1959]

@@petelamontmusic Thanks

[@willyplaysbass]

de addario 45/100 with the factory setup it sounds great. mine is neck heavy n the sharp body edges hurts when playing. i ordered online 😢

[@kijekuyo9494]

@@willyplaysbass I just ordered one online too, and I'm worried about both of your issues. The beauty of the body and reports of good tone tempted me.