Squier vs Sire - Which is the Best Bass Under £300?

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⏰ Timestamps ⏰
» 0:00 Intro
» 2:40 What Are We Doing Today?
» 4:37 Squier Affinity PJ Bass
» 5:53 Active vs Passive
» 6:38 Sire V3
» 10:30 How Does the Squier Sound?
» 12:35 How Does the Sire Soend?
» 15:34 Conclusions!
» 17:05 A Bit About Getting Basses Setup!
» 21:20 Some Final Thoughts!
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#Andertons #squier #sirebass

[@warrenkrywko3704]

I started playing bass in 1987, and in those days, entry level instruments were made of plywood. Necks were coated in very thick resin finishes. Pickups were very thin sounding, usually with low end ceramic magnets. You would have paid a grand to $1200 for the sire in 1987. I bought a fender jazz bass V in 1991 with basically the same features for $1800.00. It’s a much better world for new musicians now.

[@alphanumeric1529]

I agree. I'm mostly a Luddite, but I have to admit, music instruments are getting so much more affordable and better, and this is across the board, from synths to guitars!

[@droogii1142]

Crazy how good entry level guitars and basses are getting

[@brenlouissurio2404]

I agree. Even my Cort can stand up against those two because of the Markbass preamp. They are still at low end range. I can say that mid range might have the best bang for your buck.

[@milesparker557]

Yeah we have the thousands of exploited asian factory workers to thank for that

[@brenlouissurio2404]

@@milesparker557 I make sure to include them in my thoughts.

[@deldia]

Miles Parker exploited as in employed and utilised yes. Their conditions were far worse before reliable employment.

[@milesparker557]

@@deldia that's like saying it's better to eat spoiled food than to die of hunger, cause at least you'll get to know what it feels to be full before it kills you. What exactly is your point?

[@MartinCliffe]

The Sire line is massively impressive. If I was looking at that end of the market (or even mid-priced - a friend has an M7 that's amazing), that's where my money would be.

[@meatrocket1]

Note to Sire..... More Color Options!

[@alphanumeric1529]

They don't have a single maple fretboard on the whole v3 lineup. SUCKS! Think that Jazz sound is enhanced with a maple fretboard.

[@tontrenner]

Lee, your playing skills are just crazy. Love your impro style.

[@buggerall]

I'm nowhere near an experienced player. I had a squire vintage modified jaguar whatsnot but the electronics were busted and I had neck problems as well. Got to the shop and played the Squire on display in the video and was on the verge of buying it. Then I grabbed the V3 from the rack and played it. I was convinced it would be way more expensive than the Squire just for the feel of it and the finish. Found out it was only 30 euro's more expensive. Bought it and I'm very happy with it.

[@93greenstrat]

I'd like to see how the Sire V7 5 compares to the Fender (Mexico) Deluxe Active Jazz V. Is the Fender worth the extra $225.00?

[@danieldorner1368]

Always a joy to watch but why did you drop the jam at the end?

[@11rfpro]

That intro jam was fire 🔥!!!

[@MrTentpegs]

Very cool opening jam gentlemen!

[@glenwhiteheart458]

I play a Squire VM 70s Jazz. Will I notice much difference if I replace it with a Sire?

[@vrsoriano]

Can anyone confirm how the hardware is on a V3 vs a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz? I’ve read comments that the hardware is really cheap but have none near me to see in person.

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

What about a Class A pre-amp using two BC182L on the output and a BC212L on the input would make for a nice clean dynamic bass.

[@zr2700]

Please do a review on the Geddy Lee signature jazz bass (Mexican) and Geddy Lee USA jazz bass

[@ToneDead666]

Please can you guys add gain to your demos?? Love the vids!!

[@KyruNN]

6:17 BOOOOOST

[@sjn3688]

Wow, awesome guys!

[@eduardocosta5793]

Crap, made me order a Sire... if my wife complains, it is your fault!

[@marklowe7431]

Always let them 'chose the colour"

[@lakingscup]

Mark Lowe Yes! Always makes a difference.

[@GSA_Drums]

Or make all your basses the same colour 😉

[@alphanumeric1529]

Everything I find on the net talks about Sire v7's and then they compare them to Squiers, but that is an invalid comparison, the v7 is past MIM Fender and getting into American. Anyone know of any more comparisons of apples to apples, v3's compared to Squier Vintage Modified? If you have experience with either or, I'd appreciate hearing it!

[@flaviusivascu]

I have and played both, now I play a V7 (not mine). I find V7 inferior to a VM (CV) Squier with a good setup.I find the Sire to be more cosmetic than useful, once you play it in a live band you'll have a hard time to put this bass in the mix. The quality of pickups isn't great also, is very noisy when you play on one pickup only. But what I dislike most is the neck construction. Personally, I'll choose the Squier everytime over any Sire

[@triggerhare]

No contest. That Sire ate it for lunch.

[@alphanumeric1529]

I'd like to know too, what issues do the Sires have? I don't think the SIre kicked the Squier's butt though. We have an active Ibanez ATK that can do a lot of things, it is versatile, but basses that can do everything, sort of don't do anything. I think we'd prefer a bass that is something, that has a sound, ie a Squier Vintage Modified.

[@alphanumeric1529]

Thanks man!

[@handgunner1911]

i just got into with this guy on a bass forum on fave book i mentioned the cheapest sire against a contemporay squier the marcus miller sire bass blows it away for price and quality etc and the fool thinks im wrong i dont understand this fascination of wasying money on squiers i dont know i bhave many american made fenders and for the hell of it i bought the mahogany sire jazz its the cheapest model and the bass is incredible i dont think for the price sire basses can be beat

[@Ralferator]

Jazz Basses always sound better for themselves - in a mix p basses shine

[@carlolopena9302]

@Toxic Potato is that the 2nd generation already?

[@hobbyknight9962]

Great job guys. I am kind of wondering why you didn't use the Sire PJ instead of the Jazz though. In either case, if you're looking at which bass is the better value, the Sire has it.

[@SamRommer]

Nowhere near enough comments saying...Great playing, guys! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@andymorley6586]

That Sire sounded fantastic!

[@jmginez7774]

Which is better? Sire V5 or Squier Classic Vibe?

[@OliverAmberg]

I am just here to listen to the jam! Great!

[@OlettaLiano]

Don't just listen, grab a bass and join in. LOL

[@Ralferator]

They should have compared a Squier Jazz vs the Sire - P basses played alone always sound not as good as Jazz Basses - but in the Mix it is different.

[@ryoaev]

got my side V3 2nd gen last Monday, god, it's phenomenal. it would have been worth comparing it against the Squier Affinity jazz bass tho, since they're both j style then, but god, the sire is just amazing, the versatility in the preamp, as well as the traditional jazz sounds you can get out of it, it's phenomenal and god does it have a kick!

[@dannynoocean]

I want it as my second bass, right now i just have only one question, how much does v3 weigh?

[@lptomtom]

Now that's some tasty playing, damn!

[@samiam5557]

Nate likes to play "Uncle Ernie" and fiddle about on them control knobs! 😆 😅

[@Fonkemman]

I like the Sire but I think the controls are a bit overwhelming.

[@michealfrancis770]

I have owned both and the Sire is a far better bass. It beats the Mexican Fenders as well. The only thing is the Sire can be a heavy bugger but that can be helped with a wide strap. My main bass is a Fender Nate Mendel but for the price, get a Sire

[@alphanumeric1529]

Which level of Sire are you talking about. I always hear people talking about v7's comparing them to Squiers. They're twice the price of Squiers and more than MIM. There is some kind of trickery going on around the Sires. I have no loyalties, btw, I just want to get the best bass for the money.

[@roshanthapa7075]

15:01 That tone ❤

[@EwaJuliaZ]

Hi all, I'm almost decided to buy Sire V3 but the only problem is mahogany which means it's heavy. Having tiny frame I'm afraid it would be too heavy for me and I can't even try it since it's not available anywhere near me. Any ideas? Still worth buying or do you have anything similar in mind that would be same good but a bit lighter? Still beginner but tried playing, I've got a shitty shortscale bass that I need to change for something better.

[@David-qn9wu]

Go for the v7 in alder, or ash, I think would be lighter but that's only a guess would have to check specs to confirm. But alder or ash should definitely be lighter than the mahogany v3 imo

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Buy a semihollow bass. They are pretty lightweight. Höfner (Beatles) Epiphone (Jefferson Airplane) Gretsch or Ibanez

[@A10011]

I have one and don’t find it to be very heavy.

[@MyRealName]

I'm just here for the intro jam..

[@KrAzYKaRLoS1013]

Would rather have seen a comparison to the Sire with the new Contemporary Basses by Squier instead of the lowest level Squier

[@dirkda2451]

they are almost 300£ instead of below the 250£ price point

[@arnlmndza]

yes, active versus active, in comparable prices. they can also compare it with squier active jazz dlx.

[@recordlabeldao7820]

Squier for me love the sound

[@bassman3235]

WHERE IS THIS SHOW???

[@Ben_Mdws]

Had a Squire once and it was too heavy for my liking. Playing it standing up in my band was no fun at all (and I’m no small/weak guy)

[@b1U3b0i]

how would sires compare to higher line of squiers such as vintage modified or classic vibe? cheers

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Sire is even better than Mexican Fenders believe it or not

[@OlettaLiano]

The skill of the player is more important than the instrument.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@OlettaLiano we aren't talking about skill

[@b1U3b0i]

Oletta Liano I completely agree, I'm just asking about gear

[@iliasliakos6692]

don't know about that mate, too many of them on the second hand market,and they haven't been around that long

[@LeifPalmin]

I am considering Harley Benton JB-75 or this Sire.. Guess the Sire is just a step up..

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

I just looked up this video because I encountered a sire V3 version 2 recently and was blown away with it. At the higher V5 and V7 end they’re fairly comparable to classic vibe squires in quality really. But this thing is priced very close to squire affinity money, and it just absolutely destroys it. I’ve never played a bass that cheap that’s that good before tbh. Classic vibe basses, lot of arguments for those, but this V3 vs an affinity, all I could come up with really was you want the inter compatibility with fender parts, or you want the ‘squire by fender’ thing.

[@aspiniou]

What are some other passive basses except Fenders? Most of the new stuff seems to need batteries nowadays.

[@aspiniou]

@Alexander Robertson thanks man I'll check them out.

[@domibik]

THAT'S NUTS!! 5:35

[@joeduncan4487]

The sire's headstock is *DE SCOOS TANG*

[@Hulavuta]

I agree

[@fl6stringer]

I'm okay with it. Maybe it won't win any bikini contests but I've seen much worse. Much. Worse.

[@peace7482]

Ya don't play with headstock. Headstock doesn't matter.

[@thesuprisedbitch4077]

I totally know what you mean but, i kinda like it in a weird way, its not over the top and its not completely horrid but its really its own.

[@David-qn9wu]

I used to think the same but it definitely grew on me. It seems obnoxious at first as anything different to a fender design on a jazz bass headstock just makes you think WHY!?!?! But if you stop looking at it as a fender copy someone got wrong and look at it as a bass in its own right it's actually pretty good looking.

[@MegaJugganot]

You ever seen Gary Willis' finger style? It's crazy because when he started he thought, "four strings...four fingers...each string is played by a specific finger?" But yeah, the Sires are nice. Between these two, though, Id probably more consider it whether I wanted to start with a P or Jazz bass...not that I'd know what those were if I were just starting out...

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

I had a Squier bass for a short while. It was an OK bass but it felt like a boat anchor. It got shipped off to CL land.

[@OdgeBrown]

That awesome fat tone at around 13:55 made me choke on my cuppa... aaaaaannnnnnnnnnndddd now I've ordered one (5 string version).

[@bflo1000]

It is fat for a Jazz bass. I much prefer PJ basses to J basses, but in this case I'll make an exception. BTW, I thought the Squire also sounded pretty good. Th MM bass is just a superior instrument. I love the sound of their P7.

[@cyclone159]

that was a good jam. Sire kicked ass too.

[@leonthompson8988]

Nice!

[@PushSueAside]

I just noticed Lee sounds like Nigel Tufnel. Cheers

[@dominiccrimmings6925]

To be honest, the Sire is good but I think the active controls and breadth of tone available is too much for a novice anyway - they wouldn't need that amount of control or versatility as a beginner. It is great value for money though I do think it's slightly too complex for a starter.

[@dominiccrimmings6925]

@Nathan Rampersaud Yeah, that's a very good point - I suppose you could "future proof" buying your 2nd bass and get this and have your 1st and 2nd bass rolled into one. On a slight tangent, I was looking for a new durable gig bag for my Fender online and the Sire bags are really really nice and great value, check them out - I've put one on my xmas list ;-)

[@calvinwilds46]

They can grow into it

[@bobt5778]

7:30. Seems very strange that Nathan, a pro player, is asking how a p bass pickup will sound?

[@3rdsmite766]

that sire had such a choppy sound vs the squire with the smooth but kinda blend in guitarish sound

[@khogg3581]

The Amazon listing for the Squier PJ Affinity states the body is poplar. Is is possible they have been manufacturing this model with either alder or poplar?

[@khogg3581]

@ A I hope you’re joking. That would be an egregious misleading representation by Fender/Squier. Deceitful even. On the Fender website it also states the Squier Affinity Precision bass has a poplar body, and they do not indicate it is composed of any other material in addition.

[@kanunlama8231]

Do some Gibson sg bass

[@grahamcooper2144]

On tone alone - that Sire just walked up to the Squier and knocked it's cap off, took it's dinner money and waltzed off with it's girlfriend. That is a tremendous sounding bass for that money. Unreal. I'm dying to get my hands on one to see if it also plays as good as it sounds.

[@Thechacha380]

Do Blindfold guess the string gauges

[@NBarker1993]

I have a VM that is very good, but I dare say that the Sire, even though cheaper, seems to be an excellent Bass guitar :)

[@melanieberdaiev7753]

The Sire jazz bass is a winner!!

[@Wren6991]

Are there any bands with two bassists? That entry jam was kickass

[@Fett600]

I think that the band Melvins currently has two bassists.

[@ToneDead666]

15:02

[@andre95guitar]

My girlfriend got a 600€ Warwick and the setup was awful as well... Plays great now after a setup!

[@desvonbladet]

The Sire has more sounds, but the Squier has more of the ones I like. (My main bass is a battered Squier P from the days before the PJ.)

[@thejamaican67]

Sires are amazing value

[@ronj9448]

Sire wins. But that makes sense since Fender has $4,000 basses so they can't make the Squire a complete winner (but Fender could but why bother?)

[@johnniecameron8829]

THE SIRE IS A TONE MACHINE .....SHIP ME ONE PLEASE !!

[@v1rtualnish]

I'd like to clarify that in the U.S. the Squier Affinity PJ Bass costs $200, and the Sire Marcus Miller V3 is $330. These basses aren't in the same tier at all. Especially at such low prices, where even a $50 increase can change a ton. I'd say the Squier Classic Vibe, or even the new Contemporary series, would be a more appropriate comparison.

[@kingstumble]

It's an English store and these are the prices we have to pay in England. The Classic Vibe is more than £100 more than the Sire. Therefore it's a fair comparison.The fact that prices may be different in America is irrelevant.

[@alphanumeric1529]

I agree Matthew. People always praise Sire, they say it blows MIM Fender away, but then you ask them which V the Sire is, and its v7! Right now, in the States at least, a v3 is comparable to a Squier Vintage Modified in terms of money. Which then, is a better instrument? I can't get any solid answers. People will just say the Sires are better, but again, when queried, which Sire are they refering to... v7. I think there is some clever marketing distorting things here.

[@ronj9448]

@@alphanumeric1529 I managed to play most of the lineup at Chicago Music Exchange over time. They ARE nicer than Fenders especially when you consider their prices. And I have Fenders and Ricks so have an expectation- I even own a MIJ Marcus Miller! So get out and try a few.

[@alphanumeric1529]

@@ronj9448 I did get out and try a Squier Jazz Bass, the 70's version. Felt great. The frets were finished way better than the MIM Fender Jazz. Just way way better. I was shocked. Honestly, I liked the feel of the Squier better than Fenders up to $2k. That's crazy, I know. The Squier did not feel like a more substantial instrument, the MIM and up felt solid, like real instruments. But the Squier frets were finished better, unequivocally. BUT, the pickups in the Squier where shite. Honestly, very close to unusable. And finally, I haven't found any music shops in my area of the States that stocks Sire Basses, so I can't get out and compare it. I've only bought one stringed instrument online, and got a little burned. Bad feeling, but great sounding, so 50/50, but I'd like to play first. We've got a Supro guitar coming through the mail... so, never mind my standards, haha. But I'd like to hear a Sire apples to apples comparison with Squier/Fender Jazz basses, cause I can't play the Sire in person.

[@ronj9448]

@@alphanumeric1529 CNC Computers work wonders on fretboards which is why the Marcus Millers have rounded fretboards. That would cost a lot more 10 years ago than the instrument itself. I didn't believe that the MM basses were going to be nice for this price point but they were flawless - even the 350.00 ones. I understand its hard to take a risk and buy sight unseen. Maybe ask the stores in your area if they carry them. I'm sure a smaller dealer would like to gain an edge with an in demand instrument. Good luck on your journey.

[@ToneDead666]

13:54

[@kanunlama8231]

What happened guys? No video more than 2 weeks? And deleted the last one too. Why???

[@andertons]

We are really sorry about that. We will refund you your last months Andertons TV subscription fee... Oh wait :-).

[@kanunlama8231]

😂😂😂

[@bewe_id9212]

Fender him shelf Gibson him shelf Ibanez him shelf Epiphone him shelf But sire MM vseries u can going anywhere u want...

[@rubengoesch7099]

captain meets cory wong

[@sbentsen2714]

These Sire basses are amazing, their quality far surpasses the Squiers

[@laguitte]

Regarding the neck pickup, I thought the P pickup was a humbucker while the J pickup was a single coil. Hence the tonal difference, right ?

[@David-qn9wu]

PJ = Split coil neck, single coil bridge.

[@David-qn9wu]

P= split coil pickup

[@David-qn9wu]

J= single coil neck + single coil bridge.

[@joesasser4421]

I like the Sire bass. Never heard of them, but if they come in a 5-er, I’m sold. OMG look at those fingers! If he wears size 11s, whew! 100 years ago with those long fingers, he’d be tickling the ivorys in a swanky bordello whoo hoo!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

They come in 5 string versions

[@paulsummerside]

Well, those Sire basses are now £439…. An extra 200 squid. That said, for that much extra versatility, it’s still a reasonable deal

[@wolmember]

Squirrel basses is the future man 5:30. Dude!!! You're ahead of your time. Don't let the secret out!!!

[@ritwikghosh8174]

Squier ❤️

[@JoseMendez-ci6zq]

SX SWB

[@michaelbell75]

Too bad all the Sires, even the PJ basses have puny 1.5 nut widths. Wish they would man up and make a 1.65. Even that cheap little Squier has a 1.65 nut and they sound and play great.

[@reneliebregt6319]

The body of the Squier Affinity is NOT alder but poplar !!! 🤓

[@vyshawnforeman522]

Not a good comparison the sire is active and the squier pj is passive different out put levels

[@slave2thesystem]

I think the aim was comparing how much bass guitar you get for a similar price that's paid. The Sire even without the active electronics still beats it. Pains me to say that because I'm a huge Fender fanboy. But that's just my opinion.

[@skylark183]

Sire has very thing you need,quality, sound, value but wtf happened to the head stock it looks like a Flamingo

[@rubengoesch7099]

captain meets tosin abasi

[@j.jester7821]

they arent 230 anymore.

[@stevesmith3990]

I have a Squier, but if didn't, I'd have a Sire.

[@terrytickler]

The squier standards used to be £209

[@terrytickler]

@Mark Seymour amen I voted remain and I am fed up anti eu rubbish

[@alphanumeric1529]

There will be a time when you beg for national sovereignty, but you will be denied.

[@alphanumeric1529]

Lol, sensible. If you had sense, you would have understood why a majority of the people in your nation did not want to bow to foreign dictates. But you seem like the type that likes dictates.

[@liejam]

Yay.

[@martinmichaels234]

no contest. sire for the win

[@dscsasjs2007]

You’ve convinced me Lee, a Sire it will be! (I have the affinity 😉)

[@ChrisArmstrong1310]

Another video has been pulled. What is going on with this channel?

[@9thchild358]

They are nowhere near that close in price in the U.S.

[@robertfranco8519]

there is no comparison sire passes over TO squier

[@marklowe7431]

Really comparing two different basses.

[@KingCrimson82]

smug war smile + showing off with mafia aura. they can f off

[@bflo1000]

SX and Harley Benton are also better than Squier.

[@STARCHYLD77]

SIRE HANDS DOWN

[@kevinwalker3755]

Not a great review, the guy on the right seemed very nervous and jittery (like he'd had too much caffeine) and is inarticulate. Didn't explain things very well. The guy on the right is a better presenter and he seemed to have to remind the other guy of things, like the string through body etc. I wish he had played both basses slower so we could maybe hear the tone AND SUSTAIN better. Seemed to more want to show off a bit. No mention of sustain on either bass.

[@handgunner1911]

sire is far better than squire in my opinion

[@billtaylor4897]

Great playing... Just turn down the drum track, so we can hear you better. Or, "All About The Drum Track" New at Andertons

[@benjaminfeddersen7937]

I love everything about Sire basses except their color options are utter trash.

[@StingBear]

What?? They are miles better than Squire. Different types of burst, pearl inlays/pickguards.. How can you say that?

[@kingstumble]

Sire colours are classic and look great. Whaddya want? Pink sparkle maybe?

[@alphanumeric1529]

The Sire basses look good, so you're tripping homey, BUT their color options are a little limited, I'd like to see a little more razzle dazzle. Like their opaque colors are black and white... come on, the racing red is awesome!

[@David-qn9wu]

Don't forget some people only like natural finish guitars or classic 3ts or 5ts at a push. (Me) Sire have these options. At the price you could afford to re finish a sire in whatever custom paint you want if their finish is not to your taste and you would still have spent less than if you bought a equivalent American dlx or even the mx dlx actv J bass.

[@randymarsh7898]

First