White Cloud

You are right - the claim of having no OEM's is almost impossible to believe. You are also probably right insomuch as nobody will be able to provide a concrete answer - and there could be a reason for this. I agree with the other post re Samick - I suspect it is either them or Cort (or one of their other many affiliates). I really admire Marcus Miller's core value regarding the release of the Sire models ... however given that Cort 'could' be behind them leaves me a little cold considering how they treated their Korean employee's before closing those factory's. If so (and it is a BIG 'if') it would kind of blow MM's standpoint out of the water. Should we, as players even consciously care about this stuff? Personally, I love owning great gear at knock down prices ... but I think I still kinda do ...

Okay, well I bought a Sire V7 (Marcus Miller) recently - and to be honest I am blown away by the quality of this instrument at this price point. This has however got me thinking who the manufacturers, Sire Global really are? I don't believe for one minute that this is an unaffiliated, stand alone company - based in their own standalone Indonesian factory - producing superb, affordable basses to meet a purely altruistic ethos as per their marketing. For example many players realise that Cort own the Ibanez brand (among many others) and used to produce the lakland Skyline series in Korean and Indonesian factories (which feel VERY similar to the Sire instruments). Does it really matter? Well, no ... maybe yes ... maybe maybe ... but who actually are Sire?

Omega (Badass) for me - have used Badass bridges for over 30 years on every fender I've every had. Huge upgrade in my opinion. I've also used the Gotoh 201 a couple of times and that is also a great bridge ... it is however a slightly darker sounding dynamic and lacks some of the Omega overtones.

Oh yes, just received my Sire V7 today from Thomann - exactly the same as yours! Mine was perfect straight out of the box ... fit and finish is immaculate in every respect and the set-up was spot on. It even arrived from Germany still in tune! The neck is a gorgeous hard rock maple with hints of flame AND birdseye figuiring. Result! It is incredibly resonant unplugged and on a par with my Shuker. Overall, my Initial impressions are that I am ASTOUNDED at the quality of this instrument at this price point. I would not only say that it is better than my Mexicano Fender P bass ... but compares very favourably with my 1976 Fender jazz. Even if I had paid £1000 for it I'd still be happy. Agree about the preamp - I love it.

In that case Doug Wilkes is your man - great luthier!

Fair point. I'm honestly not losing sleep over it...live and let live!

You make a really good point, but I'm not really that guy (unless it's something major!) I know, I know...

Fellow basschatters, is ignorance bliss when it comes to private PM's between members? Allow me to clarify; another member recently offered up a bass for sale on this forum and invited trades for 5 & 6 string basses. On a complete whim ( you know how it is) I fancied a flutter, so PM'ed said member. After a day or so he replied in a very succinct way, and requested that I provide pictures of my suggested trade. I took some, and posted them back to him in a reply...and heard nothing again. A few weeks later his bass sold, which is completely fair enough. After a day or so I obviously deduced that it was a "thanks but no thanks" scenario anyway - and that is absolutely the right of the seller - but I would have at least liked a polite response to that affect just out of common courtesy. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not getting out of my pram about it, and am not struggling to sleep at night - but this is not the first time this sort of thing has happened to me on this forum. Is it just me and my naive expectation of respectfully interacting privately with other members with good manners...or is ignorance in this context bliss? Peace, out...

I replaced my Wal 30 yrs ago with everything on the market, and nothing hit the mark until I bought my Shuker at the turn of the year. So, from experience I personally recommend you try out a shuker

Sweet bass, those old foundations are excellent.

Just for some context a brand new Wal at that point retailed for £500. The Steinbergers were (are) brilliant instruments - I loved the tone and portability...not to mention the obvious fashionable ergonomics. It was the 80's after all!

Lovely bass...super looking instrument!

Beautiful bass, love peaveys

I prefer Alder or Ash! In all seriousness I am of the opinion that the neck, and in particular the fingerboard wood makes the biggest overall contribution to the dynamic of the instrument.

I've got to admit I've always loved the look of Carl Thompson basses. I've never had the chance to play one though.

Amazing concept and seemingly well executed. I'm impressed...but it'll never catch on