dave_bass5

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1425307184' post='2706032'] I think I'm prob guilty of mistaking a quote from a website which was written in such a manner. I well remember being told in the early 80s with some gravity in a manual that a battery in my recently bought gizmo may 'blow off' if I misused the charger!!! [/quote] The poor grammar on their website was mentioned at the start of this thread. The bass doesn't come with a manual (at lest mine didnt).

As far as buying untested, Thomanns are one of the best for this. No hassle returning things IME. I got an emial back form their CEO regarding the bags. They decided to not supply the bags to Europe due to some places preferring to supply their own, with logos on etc, and due to the fact that the cost will be higher. In the states they sell direct from their website so no middle man. Makes sense to me. Im fussy, as ive said already, but gig bags dont cost a lot if you aren't. The Emil also sorted my gig bag problem out :-) They seem like a great company to deal with.

I gues the proof is in the pudding. They definitely aren't Sue Ryder basses though ;-)

Yes, the Mono's are expensive, and I'd rather not pay that sort of money. I did think it a bit pointless paying so much to protect a cheap bass, but no matter how cheap the bass costs if it got damaged on the way to a gig I'd be stuffed, so I'm willing to pay a bit more for peace of mind. I realise I most bags do have the straps set low, but some are higher than others. The Mono Vertical seems to be a bit higher than what I have. I did look at the Gigblade but it looks a bit bulky, not sure I'd get on with that hanging down my side. I also don't need any storage other than a small pocket for a strap. I'm still looking though. My next gig isn't untill mid March so I have plenty of time.

thanks Thunderbird. I have emailed Mickey at Sire to see if it's possible to buy one of thier bags, but my issue is I want one with straps a bit higher up the neck. It's not just an issue getting one to fit, as my other bags do fit fine. So I'm looking in to alternatives at the moment. Looking likely to get a Mono vertigo. The problem with the Mono bags is they don't recomend any bass over 3" deep, and the V7 is at least 3" by the looks of it (back to top of knobs). Still, the mono bags do offer a lot of protection so it's probalby not a big issue if I'm careful.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1425235807' post='2705433'] Given how long a battery lasts in an active bass I think worrying about the cost of an 18-volt setup is a moot point. And I think Sire are offering more than Squier for sure. As far as I'm concerned an 18V preamp is a Unique Selling Point that a lot of people will appreciate. Don't want to join in with a big argument or anything, this is just my opinion, obviously. YMMV, etc. [/quote] Definitely no argument from me. I think my posts are coming across in the wrong way so no more negative comments from me :-)

[quote name='JAUQO III-X' timestamp='1425235336' post='2705419'] Does Squier offer a model with such a active pre amp? The pre is very sensitive and at the slightest turn of any knob and a huge difference in tone or volume is detected, The 18 volt system in this perticular brand of bass does show a huge sighn of difference in the head room department. The qaulity and attention to fret dressings is up there with basses costing a lot more. [/quote] No, Squier doesn't offer an 18 volt pre, that's what I already said. I see or feel no difference in finish to my Squier CV basses ( I have two). It's a very powerful bass, no question about that, but I'm probably going to use it passive most of the time so it's not a big selling point to me. Really, I'm not down on the bass or Sire, I just think these days you should expect this sort of quality for this sort of money, ive certainly come to expect this over the past 5 years of going budget exclusively. Ive not had any issues with any bass since I gave up spending silly money on gear. 3 Fender MIA's had issues, I ended up getting a Fender HW-one Jazz that had a ramp at the end of the neck, then my Squiers. No issues at all and better playability. Anyway, I took a shot of my two jazz basses today, they make a nice pair. [url=https://flic.kr/p/rqkgFu][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/rqkgFu]All that jazz.[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/30114189@N05/]Dave Pearce (London)[/url], on Flickr

[quote name='JAUQO III-X' timestamp='1425234553' post='2705401'] What are these small tell sighns that let's you know that it's a cheap bass? [/quote] The tuners seem low quality. They work fine but they look cheap to me. The knobs feel and look cheap. Again, they work fine but to me it looks like they were cheaply implemented. Too long and can get knocked easier. The truss rod cavity cut out in the body is unfinished. It's painted but not coated. The bridge seems low spec and has some sharp edges. As I said, it all works perfectly, no complaints at all, but I don't feel it's a bass that might cost double or more like some have said on the Internet. All this is in line with the latest Squier's though, so it's not a deal breaker IMO.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1425233950' post='2705390'] Well there you have it. I'm sure Sire did their research and obviously know full well about the competition. If they hadn't raised the bar there would be no reason to buy one and therefore no reason to make them in the first place. Supply and demand. [/quote] I really see it as Squier raised the bar, Sire are just offering alternatives at the same price point. Not convinced about needing a 18volt preamp (it will cost more to run), but it's nice to have it on offer at this price point IF you want one. Personally I'd have preferred a passive bass at an even cheaper price. Not knocking Sire or the bass, I just don't see it standing out above the rest as much as some do.

There is a lot of hype about these at the moment. Most is true as far as fit and finish etc goes, but at just over £300 why expect anything less these days. I wouldn't say these were any better than the Squier VM/CV series as far as build quality and finish goes. Apparently they make everything in house, so that's how they can keep the costs down. They aren't outsourcing much. Saying that, I went for one because I wanted a 5 string jazz, but don't like med jumbo frets like the Squier has, and didn't want to spend much on one. I also love the look of the neck, and.....well, the specs matched what I wanted. IMO you can tell its a cheap bass, small tell tale signs, but for what it offeres I'd say it stands out above most of the other basses at this price point.

Thanks Drax. I suppose i could take the bag off my shoulders when im in the tube system, im just used to not having, as i also have a rucksack with my so wearing two rucksack type bags isnt really going to work. Normally i have both just hanging off my right shoulder. I'd have to stop and take the bass off if i wore it like a rucksack. The other option is of course to just carry the bass, but im not too comfortable with that, and i find getting through the crowds works better with the bass close to my body. The higher the straps on the case the better i suppose.

I've just hit a snag with mine. Over the past 8 years ive always used the same gig bag. It's a cheap Levis one but it has the strap going all the way up to the headstock. This sits just below my headline and is perfect for getting on and off the Tube etc. Even had my Laklands (35" neck), Fender MIA's etc in it. Now I find the V7 doesn't fit. It's too long. Bugger. So, now I'm on the lookout for a new bag, that sits low, isn't bulky and has stowaway back pack straps. I was set on getting the Mono bass sleve but again, the V7 is a bit too deep, thanks to the stacked knobs. The bass does fit in my other gig bags but I dont want to use those as they sit very high about my head. Tempted to go for the Mono M80 or Vertigo, even though they say max depth is 3". Any suggestions?

They are genuine XL's. There is a tag on the bass saying this.

Yep, agree with all that and I expect I'll sell my 505 as well. As much as I love it I only need one 5 string bass, and as I love jazz basses the choice is obvious. I'll give it a few gigs to settle in though. Its quite a bit heavier as well, I'll see how it feels on a 2 hour set first.

Although Ive not played mine through a proper amp yet I can tell it's definitely going to work for me, and yes, it's more powerful than my other basses. I had to back the input level off on my Focusrite 2i2 quite a bit once the active was on and I was adjusting the EQ. Very nice. I won't bother with moving the G string, it's nice where it is, maybe it's to do with the fretboard radius being a lot rounder than im used to. I normaly prefer a flatter radius but I really like this one. It definitely feels very different to my Yamaha, but not in a bad way.

[quote name='dieseldalziel' timestamp='1425049193' post='2703416'] Yeah me too! I'll wait though as having seen some pics of different styles colour options to the ones already out in case they release them at a later date... [/quote] Yeah, im in no rush, and it will be very interesting to see how the line develops over the next 12 months or so. I really cant get over how nice the neck feels to me, i know ive said it already but its so close to how i remember my Laklands, yet so much cheaper. I really struggled to get comfortable with my TRBX505 but ive instantly taken to the V7. I did notice there isnt a lot of room under the G string. The action is ultra low but the pick guard seems very close to the G. Not a problem for me as i play with a pick most of the time, but it struck me as a bit odd that i couldnt get my fingers under it without almost touching the string.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1425040045' post='2703262'] Gah! The GAS is building up... [/quote] Ive got GAS for a M3 4 string now :-)

Mine just arrived. Wow, what a lovely bass. It was only a quick unbox and twang as im at work, but a quick look over it and it seems to be finished to a very high standard (except the truss rod cavity). It reminds me a lot of my Lakland basses. The neck is really nice, low action (i cant see me needing to tweak it much0 and its nice to get back to the smaller frets. Wont plug it in until tonight, but so far im over the moon. I cant see my Yamaha lasting much longer.

Nice one. Mines out for delivery today so I won't get much work done lol. Wish I had a gig this weekend, ive got to wait until mid March.

Very nice Gazza. Hows the low B sounding? Wish mine would hurry up and arrive :-(

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1424522103' post='2697248'] It's only when you spend time with a Spector or other non-Fender bass that you realise tuners and headstocks just don't have to [i]be [/i]that big nowadays to be effective and look great. Fenders and Fender clones have really huge, cartoon-like paddles when you look at them objectively. [/quote] Yep, thats what attracted me to the Yamaha. Much smaller headstock and still 5 tuners on it, with no need of a retaining bar.

The only real issue i have with the V7 headstock is the name on it. Im not normally one to care what it says on a headstock, but im not sure i like the idea of having a name on it rather than a brand. I think this will be the first time ive ever covered branding up.

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1424518151' post='2697170'] Excellent plan Is all seriousness, the V7 headstock is not it's most endearing feature. [/quote] I'd say the headstock is a lot prettier than the G&L or Dan Lakin headstocks.

Dan, defo GAS. I was quite happy with the Yamaha this time last week. Just settling down with it. Then again, my love for jazz basses wouldn't let me get 100% with it, so it was only a matter of time. At this price point, and it coming from Thomanns I have nothing to lose really.

Right, just ordered a White/RW V7 5 string. I don't need it, I can't really afford it, I might not even like it, but hey ho, I'm sure I will. Hopefully it will arrive on Wed. Going to my work so the plan is to take my white CV jazz to work, and come home with the new bass. Crafty eh? I almost got a VM5 last year. Very close in fact. What put me off was the wide nut, and I really don't like blocks on a maple fretbord (although I can live with it). I edned up with the Yamaha as the nut width is very comfortable. The V7 is a bit wider than the Yamaha, but it seems like it's the same as Laklands, and I love those necks. I'm also very attracted to the smaller frets. I don't really like Med-jumbo frets, other than my Yamaha all my basses have banjo or vintage sized frets, and I find these easer it to play cleanly (yes, I have bad technique . Quite looking forward to it, although I'm not sure where that will leave the Yamaha. I don't notmally like having too any basses just sitting around, but ive tried to sell it a couple of time and just can't bring myself to.