Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (25)
$599.00
zZounds
5.0 (5)
$599.00
Thomann
4.7 (45)
$422.00 $415.00 $7.00 · All time low

Average Price: $538

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Sire USA Marcus Miller U5 Alder 4-string Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Product Description:

Experience the perfect fusion of comfort, playability, and tone with the Sire Marcus Miller U5 Alder 4-string Bass Guitar. This beautifully crafted instrument, finished in a rich Tobacco Sunburst, is more than just a delight for the eyes; it’s a joy to play and a treat for the ears.

Boasting a 30-inch, short-scale design, the U5 offers a lightweight and comfortable playability, thanks to its slim-carved Alder body. The hard maple neck and fingerboard provide a smooth, responsive touch that promises to be gentle on your fingers, making it ideal for laying down those cool, silky bass lines.

The U5 isn’t just about aesthetics and comfort, though. It's equipped with the Marcus Super PJ Revolution pickup set, made with US-manufactured coil and Alnico V magnets. This versatile pickup set allows you to tap into a wide range of tones, from the vintage jazz tones of yesteryears to the robust, punchy bass tones of modern music.

Key Features:

  • Slim-carved, short-scale bass for incredible comfort, tone, and playability
  • Alder body provides a lightweight feel and excellent resonance
  • Hard maple neck and fingerboard with rolled edges for smooth, responsive playability
  • Marcus Super PJ Revolution pickup set delivers a balanced, rich tone
  • C-shaped profile neck for hours of easy, comfortable playing
  • P&J pickup configuration for a round, articulate sound
  • Rolled fretboard edges and ergonomic design for maximum playing convenience

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Marcus Miller U5
Body Material North American Alder
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Hard Maple
Neck Shape C
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 20, Medium
Scale Length 30"
Nut Width 1.496"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Marcus Miller Vintage-S
Tuners Premium Open Gear
Middle Pickup Marcus Super P-style Revolution Split Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Marcus Super J-style Revolution Single-coil
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
Strings D'Addario, .045-.100
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Sire Marcus Miller U5 Alder 4-string Bass Guitar?

The Sire Marcus Miller U5 features a 30" short-scale length, which provides a looser feel and makes the strings easier to fret and bend compared to a standard 34" scale bass.

What type of pickups are used in the Sire Marcus Miller U5 bass?

This bass is equipped with Marcus Super P-style Revolution Split Single-coil in the middle position and Marcus Super J-style Revolution Single-coil at the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres.

Is the Sire Marcus Miller U5 suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Sire Marcus Miller U5 is well-suited for beginners due to its short-scale length, which makes it easier to play, and its high-quality construction that offers excellent sound and playability.

What material is the body of the Sire Marcus Miller U5 made from?

The body of the Sire Marcus Miller U5 is made from North American Alder, known for its balanced tone and lightweight properties, making it comfortable to play for extended periods.

Does the Sire Marcus Miller U5 come with a gig bag or case?

No, the Sire Marcus Miller U5 does not include a gig bag or case; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

Short Scale Basses and the Sire U5!

Video thumbnail for Short Scale Basses and the Sire U5! by TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

Short Scale Basses and the Sire U5!

TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons

Video thumbnail for Sire Marcus Miller U5 Demo and Review by Bully Thakidd

Sire Marcus Miller U5 Demo and Review

Bully Thakidd

Bully Thakidd

Video thumbnail for Sire U5 Short Scale Bass Review 9-23-21 by studio x music

Sire U5 Short Scale Bass Review 9-23-21

studio x music

studio x music

Video thumbnail for Sire Marcus Miller U5 demo by Franky Sadikin by Bassku

Sire Marcus Miller U5 demo by Franky Sadikin

Bassku

Bassku

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sire USA Marcus Miller U5 Alder 4-string Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • Owners report inconsistent quality control in Sire basses, with issues like loose parts and screws snapping, but the U5 appears to be an exception with better quality.

    Source
  • The U5's neck is noted for its thin, fast profile with rolled edges, enhancing comfort for players who prefer slimmer necks over chunkier profiles.

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Comparisons

  • The U5 is often compared favorably to the Sire V5, considered one of the best mid-range short scales available.

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  • Compared to the Fender USA Jazz Bass, the Sire U5 is described as having a chunkier and wider neck, with a build quality that's perceived as inferior.

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  • Sire's mid-tier models are considered comparable to Mexican Fenders in build quality and slightly better in hardware and electronics.

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  • Sire basses, particularly in passive mode, provide a comparable sound to Fender's, making them a viable alternative for those seeking P-bass tones.

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Features and functionality

  • Some users note the small size of the U5 compared to expectations, making it a more compact option for players who prefer short scale basses.

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  • Some users find the preamp's bass boost knob overly powerful, requiring careful adjustment to avoid excessive volume and bass.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users mention that while the hardware may feel cheap, it can be easily upgraded, making the passive Sire models appealing for customization.

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  • Lightweight tuners are recommended to counteract neck dive experienced by some Sire bass owners.

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User experience

  • After three years of ownership, some report the U5's neck offers a comfortable playability, particularly appreciated by those who use thumb muting techniques.

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  • Owners find Sire's necks more comfortable than Fender's, with rolled fingerboards enhancing playability.

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Value and pricing

  • Sire basses tend to hold around 50% of their value second-hand, offering good deals for used models compared to Fender's higher resale value.

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Use cases and applications

  • Sire basses are favored for home recordings due to their quality and price, despite lesser brand recognition compared to Fender.

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