stickster's Reviews
26 reviews Back to stickster's Equipboard
270
Exceptional value
The Sire basses cut corners on some hardware to meet an insane price point (I paid $599 + shipping; currently these are $699 including shipping). But they stand up to the road, the fit and finish of the neck and body is first rate, and the sound is very, VERY good for the price. And at this price you can afford to trick them out with new pickups or other goodies and still pay less than other comparable imports or even an American made instrument. There's a reason so many working players are snapping these up. Originally intended as a beginner's instrument, you could use one of these for your entire career from novice to professional. Don't dither, just buy one.
270
Great sound
The SR5 has its own special charm. It doesn't sound like anything else, but it cuts through a mix on stage like nothing else. It also has an absolutely unbeatable neck, with a distinctive gunstock oil finish that makes it superfast and comfortable. I picked up my 1998 model, which is a 3-color vintage sunburst with rosewood fretboard, as a consignment, for about $900. It hadn't been touched by the original owner since purchase, and now new models cost almost double that. One of the best value purchases I ever made.
270
Big bottom with clarity
On its own or with a 2x10 this cabinet has low end for days, but also has beautiful clarity with a built in, adjustable horn. And it only weighs about 45 pounds. My bandmates practically beg to carry my equipment now. This cabinet has a warmer, boomier sound than the 2x10 (102p), as you'd expect. Pair them together with a Markbass amp and it's sonic heaven.
270
Light and powerful
Provides tons of thump as well as crisp clarity. A perfect cabinet for just about any gig by itself, but pair it with another 4x10 or a 1x15 if you need to be incredibly loud as well as clear. The only issue I've had is a slighly flaky Neutrik socket on the rear, but I'm pretty sure that's caused by the fact I've used it for literally hundreds of gigs in the last four years. Also, that's easily replaced.
270
Clarity, power, and features.
Tube warmth is the finishing touch on an otherwise already perfect amp. It has a musical 4-band EQ, two inputs (one that supports XLR connection from an upright-type pickup/preamp including phantom power switch), adjustable line out send, FX loop, and two extra MarkBass EQ settings: VPF for an adjustable "smile" EQ, and VLE which simulates old amp sag and high end loss as you turn it up, for a vintage sound. It weighs only 8 pounds but has monster power, with 800W into 4ohms. I use this amp for virtually every gig now.