KahunaNui Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Hi folks. I'm about to order a bass (I'm a guitarist) just to noodle on, and maybe do a bit of home recording, so I need something versatile, but I'm not planning on spending more than £300. Style and tone wise, I'd like to cover everything if possible, and I've narrowed it down to 3 possibles - I'll be shopping at Andertons. The two most likely are the Sire M2 and the Ibanez SR300 - I've looked at the Sire V3, but I'd like humbuckers and 24 frets. I don't use an amp, and only play through a Focusrite interface into TH-U and Amplitube 5. I've been leaning more towards the Sire M2, but the only thing that's giving me pause is the flimsy looking bridge compared to the Ibanez. Can anyone offer any advice regarding these particular basses, and whether or not the bridge will even be an issue. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adee Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) Hi did you watch the Andertons shoot out ? Edited February 25, 2021 by Adee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adee Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) Edited February 25, 2021 by Adee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 1 minute ago, Adee said: Hi did you watch the Andertons shoot out ? <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ef9GYkbA9Kc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Yeah, but it didn't really go into much detail on the hardware, or reach any conclusions other than "They're both about the same, buy this one or that one. Whatever" I've always loved Ibanez, but I'm worried this might be their really cheap range. I like the look of the Sire, but that bent steel bridge is nagging at me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 Also, the version 2 of the Sire is out now, with a rolled fingerboard, so that's another point in its favour. I suppose I could always drop a heavy bridge on it, despite there being no direct replacements. So long as the existing holes didn't show, all I'd be missing is the through-body string option, which isn't a deal killer for me. Somebody please tell me I'm an idiot for worrying about the bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 1 minute ago, KahunaNui said: Also, the version 2 of the Sire is out now, with a rolled fingerboard, so that's another point in its favour. I suppose I could always drop a heavy bridge on it, despite there being no direct replacements. So long as the existing holes didn't show, all I'd be missing is the through-body string option, which isn't a deal killer for me. Somebody please tell me I'm an idiot for worrying about the bridge. A BBOT ( look it up) is standard on so many Basses and as you say you could always upgrade if you were that bothered. A heavier duty one may not make much if any difference to the tone which is supposedly down to the woods......(runs for cover)! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 1 minute ago, yorks5stringer said: the tone which is supposedly down to the woods......(runs for cover)! Dude! You had to go there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 OK, I've been Googling hardware replacement on Sire basses, and there seems to be an awful lot of unhappy people. The consensus seems to be that the hardware isn't very sturdy, and poor quality. I'm talking myself into the Ibanez, aren't I! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I've got a first generation Sire V7. The bridge on that is as solid as most basic BBOTs. If you pull the bottom E sideways you can move the saddle, but you do have to pull it with a force far greater than most people would ever use when playing. Other than that it's solid. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) for under 300 notes, this would be my go to https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mj_4eb_creme.htm Edited February 25, 2021 by skidder652003 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) If ya going to get it from Andertons... Give em a ring, see if you can order both... Have a day or two to get to know em... then return the one ya dont want? Hopefully with a free return... Edited February 25, 2021 by PaulThePlug 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 There have been a number of Musicman Sub Rays available recently within your budget - a few on eBay currently. You could do worse. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P-Belly Evans Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 37 minutes ago, skidder652003 said: for under 300 notes, this would be my go to https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mj_4eb_creme.htm Or this MM84 a, if you want humbuckers. Love my 5er. Versatile too with the 5 way pickup selector. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StickyDBRmf Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Every Ibanez bass I've ever owned at whatever price has been a dream to play. And I really wish the $250US one that I had in the 80's hadn't been stolen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) ...that worn pebble body shape and super skinny neck of the SR... 😉 The cheaper 'Gio' GSR series is different... Edited February 25, 2021 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 2 hours ago, skidder652003 said: for under 300 notes, this would be my go to https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mj_4eb_creme.htm Looks very Sandberg esq, zero fret too. I'd go for this. However, If sticking with the Sire or Ibanez though i'd go Sire by a country mile...a lot of bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Krow Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I've owned both a Sire (P7 Mk2) and a few Ibby's and can recommend them both highly as brands. 4 hours ago, KahunaNui said: but I'd like humbuckers and 24 frets. If that's a key criteria for you - I'd suggest worth also checking this out: Yamaha TRBX 304 White - Basses For Sale - Basschat - and, personally, I'd be tempted to go for that in preference to both the basses on your shortlist, but I don't think you're going to go too far wrong with the either the Sire or the Ibby as your first bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Krow Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 (edited) But all this talk of HB basses though (and not just here)...very tempted to get the flagship BZ-5000 with it's lovely neck through design, B stock delivered to my door for < £300. Seriously?!! Here's the 4 string version for the OP: Done a bit more research on these basses...this was a really helpful "warts and all review" (albeit of the 6 string sibling). Few comments worth noting - it's a heavy bass with no passive tone control; the finish a little less than perfect (air bubbles / some wonky frets) -although that does not impact its playability. Vol spike when switching from active / passive. Tuners come for a bit of stick and weakest piece of the jigsaw from comments elsewhere seems to be the preamp. But actually that is weirdly reassuring: a lot of us have been wondering how HB can make such fully featured basses for the prices they do! If it had been a little lighter, it could make for a fantastic project bass. Still looks very good value, but I'd probably still make a bee-line for that Yammy TRBX 304 in the FS. Edited February 26, 2021 by Al Krow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 14 hours ago, KahunaNui said: OK, I've been Googling hardware replacement on Sire basses, and there seems to be an awful lot of unhappy people. The consensus seems to be that the hardware isn't very sturdy, and poor quality. I'm talking myself into the Ibanez, aren't I! The hardware on Sire basses is fine. I've used a V7 on a load of gigs and recordings, and it's done exactly what it's supposed to. Sure, it's not Hipshot or Gotoh, but it's cool. Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on humbuckers or 24 frets, and I'd get a Sire, which are my favourite basses in their price range. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlungerModerno Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 14 hours ago, PaulThePlug said: If ya going to get it from Andertons... Give em a ring, see if you can order both... Have a day or two to get to know em... then return the one ya dont want? Hopefully with a free return... Excellent suggestion. There is no substitute for holding & playing the instrument you're thinking about buying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 You couldn’t buy a bass today with a ‘flimsy’ bridge if you tried, and you’d have to be especially unlucky to have any reliability issues at all. Rest assured you really won’t use the extra frets, that’s what your guitar is for . Safest bet starting out is just buy the bass you like the look of the most. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 (edited) 3 minutes ago, Drax said: Safest bet starting out is just buy the bass you like the look of the most. This is superb advice for any beginner or more experienced player's alike. 😀 Edited February 26, 2021 by hooky_lowdown 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 Ok, so I've rationalised it like this: Both have 24 frets, slim necks, humbuckers, and active pickups. The Ibanez wins on bridge-chunkiness, however... The Sire has a parametric mid control and a passive option The Sire looks a bit more metal than I'd like, but it's got to be the sensible choice I think. What's everyone's thoughts on string gauges? 100 to 40 too light? I play with .008's on ALL my guitars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahunaNui Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 Now please tell me why I shouldn't buy a 5 string... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Krow Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 3 minutes ago, KahunaNui said: Now please tell me why I shouldn't buy a 5 string... Right you have me completely stumped now! 😂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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