After fighting for a LONG time to get over my Fender fixation, I finally got myself a Sire P8 (4-string) and I absolutely love it. It is better in just about every regard than the Fender American Ultra Jazz I bought and sold earlier this year, which cost more than double the price of the P8. What I really love about the P8 is that I didn't need to do *any* setup on it. I've had to futz around with every single Fender I've gotten, no matter where it was made. I just could never get a decent setup on the American Ultra. The only thing I've done with the P8 is put on a set of flats. The absolute essential features for me are the active/passive switch (I'll never trust an active-only bass on stage) and the satin finish on the neck. I finally got over the kind of weird shape of the Sire headstock, and now I love everything about this bass.

This is possibly one of your best videos on Sire bass guitars. The time you take exploring the preamp will be super beneficial to those who are intimidated by the controls on this bass. Great job!

And one more thing about your headline to the Sire P8 review : Sire listen not only to the players they listen to YOU ! And thst is a good thing for us all bass nerds !!!

You know I am *NOT* a Sire fan at all. On this we disagree… but I love PJ’s and maybe I’ll give them one more chance here. Under $1k new? Might be worth a shot… love that you have over 40k subscribers now. Just over 200 when we met 😎

Didn't know about 8 series & now I know about the 10 series. Sire impresses me more all the time!

Great Review, Lobster! Thanks! PJ rules! Good to see that hum-cancelling J single coils get more and more standard on basses in the "medium price" range. I hope that other companies will also follow the example (....it would be great if the Yamaha BB 700 series had noiseless J's installed factory-wise...). With regards to the P split coil, I personally would prefer to have a symmetric housing - for the overall esthetics and looks of the instrument. Right out of the box, too, as modding this would be "quite the challenge". Especially with the electronics being fixed to the PG in this particular case...

Thanks to you my first bass was a Sire (2nd generation v5). Coming from guitar-land I was pleasantly surprised by quality at that price. Think I will eventually desire a 5-string and this is intriguing.

Sounds amaaazing! Really looking forward to try it later

Even thru my tablet speaker, this thing sounds 👌 Your pick playing has improved a lot!

Fantastic sounding Bass. And that neck! So beautiful.

Love my P8 5-string. Plays super smooth. Great tone & flexibility, even in passive mode. Not too heavy. Stays in tune for weeks. The main quirk I’ve noticed is that I have play extra soft on the E & B strings as those pickups really grab the low note fatness. The included bass is an awesome added value. That’s easily worth an extra $100.

I had a generation one Sire V7 and a very good bass but it weighed 11 lbs. I used it as my main bass for 5 months but then went back to my Stingray HH which was easier to change tones using a 5 way switch and it is just a great bass. I did not like all the knobs on Sires and your point of them not having a dentent in them makes it hard to get to the sound you want unless you fiddle around with knobs which I found out is a big No No on a gig. Glad to see Sire improving. By the way, I sold my V7 in one day on Craigslist to a guy who travelled 80 miles from Massachusetts and paid me $1 more than I paid for it. I set a high price expecting to have someone offer less but the guy was just so blown away by the bass he paid me all the money. First bass I bought new where I did not lose my shorts selling it. Great video as always. Question, I had the Sire gig bag which was OK-is the newer bag an improvement? I have long thought boat anchor add on bridges were a waste of money. I don't want extra sustain--what difference in sound does this high mass bridge do other than look cool?

Lobster, I can tell you really enjoyed playing that P8. This may be the most impressive bass yet to come from Sire.

Just got a P8-4.. Build/Setup: - Great setup out of the box, but it had some scratches on the body (top side). - The Mid EQ knob (the bottom one) was mounted slanted and it was unfixable (15 minutes of trying to attach that knob but it was always slanted because probably the hole for the hex screw is slanted). Therefore the knob moves very badly, it suddenly feels like a crappy instrument. I'll get in touch with the seller, maybe they know how to fix it. Pickups: The output of the pickups is still very low compared to my Fender P MIJ and Ibanez RD 606. Which means that my pedal board and especially overdrive will need some tweaking for the bass. I also compared the pickup height and they are all very close, so my only guess is that those pickups were made this way because of the preamp somehow. Preamp: The active preamp works good but IMO is way too harsh: It boosts/cuts the bass and semi-parametric mids too much. I'd prefer have finer control over the amount of boost/cut. The mid EQ is hard to control because the active/passive switch blocks the way, it's not really ergonomic. Misc: - The tuners feel and work great and - The D-string is lower in volume in general than any other strings. The pickup height looks correct though.. I wonder if this could be because of the pickup itself (how strongly the pole pieces are magnetized?) - Dead spots: only the C# on the G-string is a little weak. Other than that there were no dead spots. But as we know this varies extremely for each instrument. - I find the radius of the neck too chunky. I expected a flatter neck since the nut with is already like a Jazz bass. Still looking for a bass with P-pickups and a flat, slim neck.. I'm tending towards returning the bass.. because I'm looking for a bass to replace my other basses xD

Great review as always.

I’ve never been a fan of a single coil bridge pickup. This one actually sounded good to me! Sounds a bit like the bridge pickup on my G&L SB-2.

Woua sounds fantastic ! Very interesting one. Thank you for all the details, the playing and the smiles 😊❤

Amazing Bass! Thank you for the review!

Great review! Honestly I keep looking at this sires and as good as they are their overcomplicated (for me at least) preamp keeps preventing me to pull the trigger on one of these. I really wish Sire would come out with a premium version of the P5 or V5 series for us passive players. At least the active gang will be thrilled with this basses,

It'll be interesting to see how the new Sadowsky MetroExpress range compares against these as it seems they've addressed some of the criticisms levelled at the previous Chinese version.

My favorite Sire bass. I’ve been wanting this one for some time. Many other things (some musical, some not) compete for my music/gig-earned dollars but this one remains very high on my “If I were to buy another bass…” list.

Great review! I’ll be looking out for a P7 or P8, although I’m more of a Jazz Bass guy. I have a Squire with PJ EMGs, but that Sire sounds real good.

So.... just wondering... this is very similar to the Yamha BB735 from what I can see. I went back and re-watched your video review of the Yamaha and you seem to be much more taken with the Marcus Miller, especially the B string. What'dya think? Great video btw as always and it's lovely to see how much more at-ease you've become over the past couple of years!

Not usually a fan of "do it all' basses but this is a compelling package at a good price.

Hi Lobster - I'll be straight: most times I don't like your jams, but this time you sounded very very good! u gotta keep that bass cuz it makes you shine

Thanks for the fantastic review. I'm interested in a PJ 5 strings. I have a Sire V7 vintage 5 strings which I love except for the accentuated neck-dive. I really hate neck dive and a good upgrade on the P8 could have been to fit lighter tuners 😒

Your cats wanted me to thank you for being the best cat dad 👍

I’ve got the v7 ash 5 jazz, the model before this. I’m loving it!

The sire basses are all so amazing

Might have to get this over the V5, the ash body gives that great crispy growl

You check out the Yamaha TRBX 604/605 that has a passive tone control for $629

Great vid, thanks Dude 😎🔥

I actually got one of the very first p8 5 string basses abs unfortunately the truss rod was maxed out and I sent it back. But while I had it it was a great feeling and sounding bass wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. And the gig bag is amazing

Great.... now I want ANOTHER bass.... haha. Great review as always!

I forgot two things about my V8 5str. = yes I think the upgrade from V7 is worth the money and I think ( I have this) the most beautiful colour is the Sunburst because it’s a modern smother variant of the old Sunburst ( which is nice too ) but again that’s a matter of taste and thank God we live in a country with free Opinions 🙏🥃

I think this bass sounds amazing, would be interesting to compare it to a Fender Player Plus. I just wish the 4 string had a more traditional Precision width neck rather than a Jazz, wonder if the P5 neck could be switched out to put on this 🤔

Hey Lobster i love your videos, im planning to buy a PJ bass and i have a Question for you, wich do you like more ? the Yamaha BB735a or this Sire P8 ???

A very good review as usual and I like the clean-shaven look! A really nice bass but I'm still enjoying my 1st gen V7 5!!! I've upgraded the tuning keys and preamp with the second-gen versions. I wonder if I can upgrade the pickups with 3rd gen ones?

I agree 100% about the 60s pickup placement at the bridge being key to a good balance on a PJ. Too close to the bridge and it doesn't play nice with a split coil P pickup.

Hey lobster, good review on the P8. Can you do a review on the V8, also, what size Gotoh tuners fit the V9 second generation thank you.

Would you be able to review the Washburn Taurus t24?

Really informative. I'm new to bass so I watch your KZfaq channel. I just bought a schecter c-4 gt. It was a scratch-n-dent sale for half price. Would you give me your opinions on this base. 🎸👍

I still wish they did the V&P 7s with roasted maple necks OR The V&P 8s with an alder body. I love Alder Body guitars with Roasted Maple necks, but that combination is allergic to Preamps in the current Sire Lineup. That being said the new Champagne Gold finish for the V5s is gorgeous.

Looks like a solid choice. Their prices are reasonable.

Yup, Sire listens. Didn't realize we were up to 3rd gen already! They don't stand still!

Thanks!😎

I own a P7 and with all due respect, my Ibanez and Jackson basses feel like toys compared to the outstanding quality of Sire. P7 convinced me I didn't need the more expensive P8.

hello crustacean, thank you for all your videos, it would be interesting to compare the sire v8 with the sire p 8 in four strings for example

That 4th claw took some thought

Yeah man ! Great bass. Smoooof.

Mr Lobster here are my opinion ; Great test from you as always and I think the P8 sounds amazing and I should gave it 4 and half 😀😀 But there are some reasons I pick the V8 instead : I think the bridgepickup spacing ( 70 it’s a little closer to the bridge sounds better , I think the slap tone is better with booth pickups and if you just play with the neck pickup it’s cloose to me for a stand in p-bass sound 😀So overall there are more sound variation that have more edge then the P8 . But it’s a matter of taste . I give the V8 a 5 ! Can’t wait to see what you my favorite bass test man think 🥹 God Bless

Wow.. I didn't realize second generation Sires don't have flip battery compartments.. My first gen V7 has two of them, separate one for each battery.

Hey, great review (as always 😊)Already I’ve got V7 gen 2 swamp ash. Do you think there will be noticeable between it and P8? I love this roasted neck, but I’m wondering if there will be any upgrade.

I'm a bit confused between Fender style 5 string P pickups vs symmetrical; I've heard some Fender styles that were way noisier than symmetrical, yet this one in the Sire is one of the quietest I've heard. Are the coil wraps compensated between the two bars on some to help with the noise? I need to do some digging on this... BTW, it's been awesome to watch your playing grow along with your channel. Your grooves really showcase the possibilities of whatever bass you're playing. Even makes me give basses that I thought I wasn't interested in a second look.

I'm interested!!

Now for a P8R! 😈

Here's a bass you can review... It's a Orlindo Pbass... it's a custom build, but it's the best sounding Pbass I've ever heard. Check out the video here on the tube: "30 second Grove on Olindo Pbass."

Thanks again Lobster! OK, Sire P8 or Fender Japan Boxer PJ? Is a basswood body a negative for you? Also, would you consider doing a Bart S8 swap down the road?

P/J tone always reminds me of Victor Wooten in the 90's. Too bad he doesn't use that tone anymore.

Anyone else have problems with the active circuit? It works sometimes and other times not.

Another knockout review..Thanks

Awesome !!

Jeez~ Ur up early!

Hey lobster, how's the balance between body and neck of the p7, what about the weight? Thanks for the review!

Gotta get my claws on one

Overall it had a real nice well-rounded fat bottom P sound. The only thing I didn't care for was the B string didn't have any of the clarity twangieness and brightness of the other four strings. It was rather tubby and muffled. A prime example of why 34 inch scale 5-string Basses tend to suffer in that way. Alembic is the only company that I've heard they can get the quality of sound out of a 34-inch scale 5-string chooses if this was a 35 inch scale bass it would sound better all the way around and the B string would blend in better in terms of Timbre and clarity

Hi, Lobster. I appreciate your work on youtube a lot! thanx for your vids! Maybe you have already stated about my question, but here I am: in your opinion, which is the right choice among Sire M5 (or M7), Ibanez sr600, Sire P7 (or P8) and HB jp-45 op, all of them 4 strings, as far as sound, playability and body quality are concerned? thanx in advance for you kind reply and keep on sending to all you people salutations crostaceans! Dan (Italy). (here I'm reiterating a question that I posted today as a comment to an old vid of yours about the ibanez sr605)

Sire is getting better but I still love my V7 ash would take alot to trade it in. I really don't care for P/J combinations I like P basses with only split coils better. ( I can tell you still don't get along with a pick 😂)

Any idea why Sire would use different knobs on their P8 and V8?? P8’s look nicer and more durable.

Thanks for this video!! Quick question if I may: currently have a Harley Benton JB75-MN (~150€) and I like it but it’s just too heavy. What bass would you recommend as the best in this budget (500€-) range that is lighter but without much neck dive? Thanks!!

Sounds great! One more question: P8 5 string with a 34 inch scale or M5/7 with the 35 inch scale?

I'm counting 20 frets and not 21 as you stated and I wish every bass had at least 21

Hey lobster, I recently put the gotoh gb528 tuners into my P5R, and the holes on the head stock were way bigger than the screw-in bushings that came with the tuners. You didn't need to wrap those in tape to make it fill in the hole better??

I have the P7 and it doesn't seem to have a hum cancelling j.

Cool Tee shirt.

Hi Ectrodactyly, I'm either getting a P7 or P8 5-string to replace my crappy Bryce 5 string for recording. How dramatic of a difference in tone between the P7 alder and P8 ash and the different neck/fretboard woods? The passive P7 demos sounded great to me. I think it would serve it's purpose at $200 cheaper. Or is the P8 a substantial upgrade over the P7? Thanks.

What's the difference between the p10dx and the p8?

I paid less than £500 for the p7 ash new. Is it that much of an improvement ?

Ciao! C’è neck drive? E’ bilanciato? Quanto pesa?

Nice bass overall but, I still prefer the ash battery cover over a plastic battery box.

Nice bass... I still prefer 24 fretts..

The headstock on the Sire looks like a teenager cut it in high school shop class.

honestly I think you made me realize why I don't like most PJ basses. 60s positioning on the J pickup sounds much better on PJ! (Spector being an exception)

We live in a time of affordable electric cars and good price/value basses.

I'm about to lose my mind. I just have 1000 EU for spend not more, not less. I'm looking for modern looking 5 string bass for mainly metal but I'll use without distortion. Please give me a model to go. And please available in Europe.

Came for the P8 demo and got a Beyonce worthy meme. Nice.

Where Beard ? 😢❤

V3 has a different preamp than the V/P7 +

Nice bass not a fan of unpainted wood bodies. I'm all set with a 10lb bass on a strap

Any active bass (or guitar) that loses functions like a tone control (or even stops playing completely) when the battery dies isn’t worth it.

I wish bass reviewers 1) understood that trying a bass not in a mix is almost meaningless, and 2) played cleanly so we can hear the bass and not finger and string noises. And finally, trying a five string and 80% of the time ignoring the B string is also… pretty frustrating to watch. Now trolls, the floor is yours.

GAH where da beard

I’ve got a fever and the only prescription is… more beard .

Hey Lobster, love the review, but I have to disagree with you here... I'm actually the best cat dad ever.....so....

THE BEARD IS GONE OMG

Beyoncé's lawyers are in transit, and heading to your address💵💰🧑‍⚖

Meanwhile, Fender is like; "how about ANOTHER overpriced mexican build with quality control issues guys?"

Halleluja!

I wish bass reviewers 1) understood that trying a bass not in a mix is almost meaningless, and 2) played cleanly so we can hear the bass and not finger and string noises. And finally, trying a five string and 80% of the time ignoring the B string is also… pretty frustrating to watch. Now trolls, the floor is yours.