Sire V5R Upgraded - EMG X JVX Pickups & Gotoh X-Nickel Hardware! -LowEndLobster Builds

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EMG JVX Pickups: www.emgpickups.com/jvxset.html
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Hey Everyone! Today we're modifying our Sire V5R with a set of killer EMG JVX pickups along with Gotoh hardware all around! We're going to improve the balance, overall user experience, tone, and vibe of this bass dramatically with these upgrades! Let's do this!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • Lobster's Filming & Re...
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[@michaelkeefer4293]

I'm going to go against the flow here and say that I like the stock pickups better, the EMGs are definitely brighter and clearer but I am a big fan of that old school Jazz bass sound, which seems to be getting lost with those EMGs. The Gotoh hardware upgrade is very nice though and, as always, thanks for doing these upgrade videos! Upgrades, especially pickups, are always a crap shoot and Its nice to have you do these videos to help us make a more informed decisions.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed it was definitely a major change in character with the new pickups. You lose the classic jazz tone a bit (though not entirely) in place of that modern clarity and active punch. So glad you dig the videos!

[@TheRainmanBachelor]

The consensus in the bass community is that EMGs slap and record better. I love that old school sound.

[@jocelinoribeiroweizenmann874]

agree w you. In time: I have a fender with EMG JVXs for 2yrs and still feel the same, not the same kind of sounding pickups(not bad at all, but moddernish) ... prefer old beefiness of single coils and can even put an external pre(sansamp or other)

[@daltonbell2907]

I prefer the stock pickups 💯

[@LowEndLobster]

They're definitely different. The stock sounds like a solid classic jazz bass, the EMGs definitely sound more modern and punchy for sure but also loses the classic jazz tone aspect

[@randombassplayer_07]

Awesome upgrade! Love the clarity and growl 😫 Those emg's are sick!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@glenndjubilee]

It sounds a lot different than the stock pickups. Having a V5 I, I prefer the stock pickups as I like the vintage tone they create. I wouldn't do this to mine but maybe a Squire. Now the tuners and bridge are a different story. I am going to put Gotoh tuners and an Albridge on mine.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed, I was surprised by how different they were. The vintage tone of the stock pickups is really solid, these EMGs are definitely way less vintage sounding for sure. Best of luck with your upgrades!

[@greyfoxzero]

The great thing with these EMG X series is the preamp options are modular. One option is VVT. Its all active, but its just volume knobs and a tone control. Great for those wanting a vintage option but still keep clarity.

[@Rondoggy67]

I much prefer the EMGs, but it's a testament to Sire that the original pickups have such a nice character of their own.

[@KyleConnors413]

Those new pickups are ridiculously bright lol

[@LowEndLobster]

Yeah I was surprised too haha. The new strings definitely helped as I had been playing the snot out of the V5 in stock form previously haha

[@d-studio.productions]

What a night and day difference! Sounds dope!

[@randygomez9595]

The top end on those EMG's is crispier than Japanese katsu!

[@danroberts3585]

Excellent upgrade on all components!

[@senjo44]

This is the exact video I've needed. Thank you!

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

This is a great improvement for this bass! And it’s not to expensive! So you get a valuable funk machine which can rock too! EMGs rule! Great job, lobster! And thanks for showing us how it is done 😊 with all the obstacles 😅

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@MB57]

Great stuff as always! In my V3P I did the Gotoh upgrade & Nordstrand NJ4s, but I like the sound of those EMGs too.

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

That's the best bass sound that I've heard in more years than I can remember. Reminds me of a Travis Bean that I got to play 40 something years ago ago.

[@sylvaingagnon3211]

Oh Lobster, you had so many occasions to be specific. You do so many wonderful things.

[@Farbocaster]

Hi Lobster. Thanks for doing the upgrade. The EMGs definitely sound brighter and more clear. I am a big fan of the bright bass sound. Another way to remove the tuner bushings is to slide a screw driver into the hole, then gently press it to one side, then the other. By gently rocking the screw driver back and forth (being sure not to turn the hole into an oval) you can work the bushing up and out of the hole. Be sure not to use too much force on the screw driver since you can dent the wood. I've changed tuners a few times using this method, and it works!

[@12to3Guitars]

Brilliant allen wrench trick!

[@mgr_1138]

I love that bridge. Just used a Gotoh 404BO-5 on a Harley Benton JJ-55OP recently and it has everything I want in a bridge.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! I put the 404BO-5 on my Sire P10 replacing the albridge. I like it a lot too. It's becoming one of my favorites for its features, great build, and availability.

[@bartwitek9526]

Nothing wrong with stock pickups . In fact they sound more natural and more classic

[@iamgribs]

The ping from the slap tone is Glorious.

[@thenightlifezero9154]

The Emg's sound great!

[@LowEndLobster]

I agree, I dig em. I was surprised with how different they sound. I used JVs like 15 years ago in a project but never the JVX. I dig em!

[@cliffords2315]

I think thats the best sounding bass you have moded yet! i think ill buy some of those EMGs and replace the Ultra Noiseless pickups i have on my Fender Ultra,

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 😎

[@seanflannery777]

Your shirt is awesome!!!

[@KevinMajka]

Nice to see a bridge mod that works well. I would recommend taping off your pickups at the minimum if you are doing any Dremel work. Future me wants a P8 5 string with a rosewood fretboard and add the Sadowsky pre.

[@TwangThang57]

Quite the improvement! Those cream pickups would look great with a tort pickguard.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Oooh, absolutely!

[@daviddesmond2143]

I thought stock pickups sounded great. Enjoyed the video and your comments.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

EMGs rule for bass! you made that Jazz Bass sound like a Spector in the bridge :)

[@zyxwfish]

Sounds way better!

[@ramshaar2597]

You take a real good jazz bass and you wake up the beast with this 2 pick ups sound much diffrent must say

[@Facu_Roldan]

Night and day difference with those emgs! Very noticeable improvement

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks!

[@WildWildWeasel]

I'm gonna get some JVXs for my own cus dam...that sounds crazy clear

[@braddietzmusic2429]

The EMGs sound fantastic. It’s like a thick blanket was taken off the amp with that upgrade. The Sire pickups sound decent. All the sounds you’d expect from a Jazz Bass in every position, and also the blurriness-even with the cleanest and newest of strings. The EMGs totally eliminate that. Outstanding definition and clarity. The A/B section that has the slap parts continue to demonstrate and bear out the greatest tonal differences in the pickups, and on that slap A/B basis alone, I’d buy the pickups. I always forward to the slap section first. It tells me what I need to know very quickly and clearly. Then I go back and watch the rest. But those cream/creme pickup covers…

[@xMTLKx]

Wow that's pretty surprising, I gotta say I prefer the stock pickups because the EMGs just... don't sound like a jazz bass anymore ahah really interesting

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Yeah they definitely lose that classic jazz character. It's my first time using the JVX and and I didn't know what to expect. I still like them, but it's definitely kind of a 'different' style jazz now. My champagne gold V5 is staying stock :)

[@alantheberge3639]

The EMG's sound way too brittle, too much treble whereas the original pickups sound just right to me

[@MooreBass]

Definitely more mid-range growl! Really nice!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@MooreBass]

@@LowEndLobster Oh, one other thing. I have a set of Tom Brantley Geddy Lee pickups, and they are supposed to be wound to a 1972 Jazz bass specification. So, I'm going to put those in my Sire V5 at some point and see how they sound.

[@SoyMayoral]

IMO the bass sounds scooped. Lots of bass and highs, sacrificing mids.

[@ironblast5]

Finally a company properly shields their stuff

[@rustyshackelford4503]

The emg’s sound alot more neck pickup dominant than the stock (and most jazz basses to my ears). It has more midrange honk and less of that scooped jazz sound. For better or worse. They certainly have a lot more zing when slapped

[@darikas3325]

As you have completely different tone settings on the bass in the comparisons between old and new pickups, this video does not help too much, but I appreciate the idea ;)

[@ka-bar5060]

I prefer the stock pickups. They have a more vintage tone. The EMGs are ok, but sounded way too bright for my taste. The tuners and the bridge are on point.

[@marketguy2]

What did I think? Well. I just ordered the V5 (after watching several Lobster Sire videos). I opted for a set of Kloppmann JB61 pickups. I will consider new tuners and bridge after I get my new bass in hand. So yeah. I loved the video and found it really helpful as I was already looking for an inexpensive but good quality bass to put them on. Thanks so much Lobster.

[@tonemoreno763]

I’d be interested if n knowing what you think of those Kloppmans after you put them on. I was eyeing those too.

[@marketguy2]

@@tonemoreno763 I’ll have to get to you next week on that. Only my neck Kloppmann is working. Bridge is not. My tech guy will be back on Monday. Great support btw from Max at Fat Tone Bass, the distributor. The neck sounds great but I want to hold judgement until both pups are working.

[@tonemoreno763]

@@marketguy2 👍

[@marketguy2]

Turns out the coil on the Bridge pickup was broken. Max at Fat Bass Tone jumped right on it and send out a new bridge pickup. Got it put in on Friday. To cut to the chase, I love the Kloppmanns. Absolutely beautiful tone. Stone quiet with both pickups on. I have been playing on them for several hours. Funk, Jazz, Chord Melody, All sound wonderful. They live up to the hype. I love them. @@tonemoreno763

[@prestachuck2867]

I suggest using a screw press to remove and install tuner bushings. Slow and perfectly even pressure will prevent that sort of headstock damage. Killer sounding bass. Other than exposed pole pieces, what is the difference between JVX and the regular EMG J set?

[@thumpybones]

12:35 Are we sure that’s the bridge pickup? Great review!

[@Snibborwocky]

Such a good upgrade! Clearer tone is definitely noticed. I don't mind the stock Sire pickups but boy those EMG's are just the chef's kiss once you a/b the two. Well done!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@neilslorance6786]

My man needs a Gotoh endorsement pronto

[@LowEndLobster]

Notice me Gotoh senpai

[@gearhead215]

Real question from this video, where did the 3 way wrench for the PU nuts come from?😂 Nice job on all the parts install 🤙🤙

[@johnspierce]

I'm curious why you used the Gotoh bridge instead of the AlBridge which is completely drop in that you used on your V7 build?

[@12to3Guitars]

Im conflicted on the pickup swap because they just sound so different. The EMGs have the crisp clarity and snap- and maybe better volume uniformity between strings, but the stockers have a warm rounded neutral response. I think the EMG sound is really nice, but I don't know if these will be the ones I choose to put in my V5R. The ivory pups actually look dope in this though.

[@wanieldeir2]

Thank you for this video! I like that you include the good/bad. You took the headstock boo-boo very well. I would've said many de-monetizing things. I actually just put all Gotoh hardware (gold) on my HB Firemist jazz bass. Trying to figure out good tuners as my last step. Do you think the GB528 would work? I'm fine drilling new mounting screws but the peghole size is my worry. I've been trying to measure without removing a tuner but don't have confidence in my measuring/cheap calipers. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[@LowEndLobster]

Oh I definitely yelled a few F-bombs that weren't in the video when it happened hahahaha. I was low key freaking out a bit as I get very worked up over stuff like this (I've gotten better, but it is a struggle). Very happy that the furniture marker and crayon helped fix it! The GB528s were a direct fit in the PB20SBK, but weren't as direct of a fit (still close enough, only had to drill one hole) for the JB62CC. YMMV but it should be close enough with the tuners.

[@wanieldeir2]

@@LowEndLobster Awesome, thank you! I'll pull the trigger on the tuners then. I deliberately have my workbench in the garage, away from any tender ears. I'm getting better with it, too, incorporating more dynamic and robust swears into the mix. I'm glad you were able to touch it up, stuff happens and there's always a solution. Probably the only person that will ever notice it is you. In prep for my HB upgrade I read somewhere that roasted wood tends to split/break more. Having learned from this video I might spray or drop some oil into the bushing before trying to push them out.

[@bizibetiko9778]

I feel like I may have pinched the like button so many times, that not only did lobsters hand turn back to normal, but his beard has disappeared as well. I wonder what happens if I keep pinching that like button. Those EMG's certainly put the spice in the chili. I went with Tom Brantley's on my V5. Really the stock pickups were fine, but I really did like the Brantley's. I may get those Gotoh tuners eventually, but I think I'm going with a Badass III bridge to complete the Geddy Lee type of thing.

[@Sumbibebe]

A true upgrade! Did I miss the cost of the upgraded parts? Great video!

[@LowEndLobster]

I knew I forgot something LOL

[@fnkrckr]

Very nice upgrades! Does the gotoh bridge fit in the V7 4 string model?? I mean the string holes, not the screws. Thanks!

[@SoyMayoral]

Bassmeister 😊😊

[@MichaelSchmittEleven]

Well done! And man, does this bass sound great with the EMGs in it! Just wow! Which strings are you using? 😀👍🏻

[@LowEndLobster]

SIT Foundation Nickel 45-105

[@MichaelSchmittEleven]

@@LowEndLobster Thx a lot! 😀 Got to get myself a set of these EMGs as well. (and maybe a fitting V5, too 😅)

[@Pimporello]

Great job with those upgrades!. Do you think a bridge and pickup upgrade would improve the B string on the fiver?

[@LowEndLobster]

TBH, I don't really know if it would improve the B string. I installed one on my P10 5 string recently and the B sounds great, but I don't think I ever had much of a problem on that especially after all the other mods lol

[@peterjanjanin9883]

I love your t shirt! Did you get it from Etsy?

[@samlelowitch]

Were the new tuners direct replacements or did you have to drill new holes?

[@SourNote93]

Hey, awesome thing. Really improved it. Would you care to recommend some lightweight tuners (not overly expensive) which would fit 18mm headstock holes? I've started a project on Squier CV 70s Jazz, and ordered new 70's rosewood neck and everything else, only Squiers body will remain and I can't seem to find proper tuners for it.

[@LowEndLobster]

I was going to see if these gotohs will fit the Squier Rascal. I lent it to a friend and don't have any other Squiers in my stable currently, but as soon as I know I'll have a vid on it. I think those CVs and the Paranormals have the same size tuners (I could be wrong)

[@briansotobassist]

What is a high end bass for you? Thanks! 😊

[@paulklement4511]

Great job! So I am not the only one rushing through improvements and do some harm to the finish....... shi# happens; how is the setup of intonation - some reviews tells that the bridge is very limited

[@AndJulius]

Would you say that using V7 for mods would be a waste in comparison to use V3 for instance?

[@samuelbrainsample]

Was the headstock finish scratched or did the wood splinter off? Still waiting on the double-P from them. Sire needs to get onboard with a 'standard' bridge screwhole config too, but how cool is it that they do the shielding?

[@LowEndLobster]

It didn't splinter off, but I cracked the clear coat and it left two little white streaks. Nothing fell off though and the furniture marker seeped in and matched the wood nicely and hid the white streaks of the broken clear. Still a dumb mistake on my part though! I'd love the double P! The shielding is nice, though the usefulness of the paint is debatable. I appreciate the effort and attention to detail at this price point none the less though.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Lobster, I would like to have a passive switch installed on my Musicman Stingray but can't find anyone who can do that. Any suggestions? I'm in Ocala FL

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Bob, no idea who can do that but it's much more involved than just setting up a switch. You'd need a dual gang volume pot and to put the switch before the preamp giving you the option of going straight to the volume control (the second set of lugs on the dual gang) and then to the jack, or into the preamp and to the jack. It's a lot of work TBH.They did make a special edition Stingray Classic with a passive tone control and preamp bypass, but those are pretty hard to come by. Best of luck!

[@enwolf6696]

Is it worth to Upgrade?

[@Deivisblanco558]

saludos, me encanto lo custon que quedó el bajo, donde puedo conseguir todo el set de pastillas y los demás accesorios

[@LowEndLobster]

everything is in the description

[@bapt_andthebasses]

Something is strange with the EMG JVX in your Sire. It doesn't sound like a 70s Jazz Bass at all. Did you wire them in series rather than parallel?

[@marketguy2]

I need some help here. I tried to install the Gotoh Res-O-Lite GB528 Vintage Style Bass 4-in-Line Set Lightweight X-CHROME. The screw pattern didn't match and I would have had to plug visible holes, which I didn't want to do. Lobster didn't seem to have this issue. Any thoughts, anyone?

[@erdyland]

Do they produce 5 stringed version of this pickup? Anyone know? I could not find 5 in their Emg's web, they have regular J's though..

[@radiantmind8729]

What’s the issue with the original bridge? Why did you change it out?

[@LowEndLobster]

None, i just like to tinker

[@hectoreduardofuentealbapel7218]

This or add a Sadowsky VTC Preamp? (the preamp requires modification to install the connector en the side). I have a V5 Fretless and i'm curious about it. Cheers! Also, did you have to remove material for give room to the battery?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hrmmm, good question! I dig the sadowsky as well, though you'd need to drill for the side jack and I don't believe the Sadowsky has room for the battery in the cavity. I didn't have to remove any material here with the EMGs. IMO the VTC preamp is better suited for the V7 as you can install it without having to mod the body and can utilize the existing battery harness.

[@Losbass]

Look into an Audere preamp , drop install, no soldering! Note: Delivery to USA only… Fantastic preamp!

[@dimitrivanlieshout1615]

where did you put the battery ??

[@LowEndLobster]

Under the control plate

[@khanhspiracy]

Do these Gotoh tuners also fit the Sire P5?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes

[@michaelblaney4461]

Hey Lobster did the Gotoh tuners have the same screw pattern as the stock tuners?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes, though it only covers two of the four

[@michaelblaney4461]

Cool at least 2 less holes to drill

[@BajanHawk]

Did you have difficulty fitting the battery into the cavity? It seems to be a really tight fit and difficult to get all the cables in properly.

[@LowEndLobster]

I did not. Jazz cavities are relatively deep and a battery can fit laying down

[@Deivisblanco558]

precio de todos los componente por favor

[@lettuceboy2382]

Thank you Holy Father

[@vicocueva]

Definitely a brutal change, but I still don't love that sound. I think the Chinese Sadowsky has better tone.

[@cudamaniac]

Where is the battery? Under the plate?

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes, fits laying down no problem. The EMG pots are not very big

[@cudamaniac]

@@LowEndLobster thank you, and keep up the good work!

[@kennyblackbird5674]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bradhirst1646]

Is it still passive??

[@LowEndLobster]

No, battery is in the control cavity under the plate now

[@davejackson9016]

Now all you have to do is replace the body and the neck... :D

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

You forgot your the strap-buttons 😂

[@davejackson9016]

@@wolfgangsaller5843 A tortoiseshell scratchplate would be nice, though...

[@TheCrusader1099]

sorry mr lobster....this time i would prefer the stock pickups...

[@Lecretois]

for me stock PU sounds better..... personnaly, I choose this basse V5 (fretless) by the fact it's passive . to me put active PU's is....... too much.

[@het_gele_teken]

The EMG JVX pickups sound good but it doesn't retain "that 70's tone" of the V5R. Hardware looks solid. The video done by Anthony Vitti shows that you can have EMGs and that 70's tone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJXKeaavdq51fc0

[@gimmeagig]

I'm glad you lost that beard. You got a good face, nothing to be ashamed of LOL

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@randygomez9595]

"Vintage style active..." Wouldn't that be an oxymoron? 🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahaha sort of! It is a vintage style pickup from an EMG perspective with the exposed poles and alnico magnets, but it is active and has the internal buffer and preamp.

[@chrisgrignon3877]

I thought the V5 was good the way it was

[@Reneloli13]

Warmless with the upgrade. Bad. Rosewood loose. 🤷🏻‍♂️