Help me decide! MIM Fender DAJ V vs. SIRE V7

[silvaquas]

Hi all. First post from a long-time reader.

I'm jumping back into playing after a long hiatus and have had my eye on the MIM Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V for a couple months. It's been the nicest 5er I've played at my local shops and hits near the top of my budget (~$900).

That said, I've heard so many good things about the SIRE V7's around here that I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on the Fender. I'm also struggling with not being able to get my hands on the V7 before ordering one.

For reference, I'm more of a fingerpicker than a slapper (used to playing a Dean Edge Pro 5 with EMG's). I also play a wide-range of music and will use this for some contemporary worship as well. Love the jazz tone but want to pull some real warmth and depth out of the guitar.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!!

 

[garp]

Welcome aboard.

I'm biased in that I own multiple MIMs. Up until the latest incarnation of the Deluxe Active Jazz V, I might've expressed a slight preference for the Sire. But now that Fender has added an active/passive switch, I'd say the Fender is the superior instrument, especially with its lifetime limited warranty when purchased through an authorized dealer. Still wish Fender had gone with a 4+1 tuner arrangement, but that's just a personal preference.

 

[silvaquas]

Thanks for the input! I agree with you on the tuner placement, but it's not a deal killer for me.

 

[JoeH]

I can't give an apples to apples but do have a MIM Deluxe PJ (Passive) and a Sire V7. Both are 4 stringers, very good basses and they both play very well. MIM - Great fit and finish though some cosmetic issues in the paint and some fret edges are rough. Nice hi-mass fender bridge and good solid tuners. Great tone but the J pickup is a little on the weak side. Sire V7 - my fit and finish was near perfect. Really nice hi-mass bridge, fret edges were near perfect, the tuners could be a little more solid though I have yet to have any issue with them. The 18v pre is amazing with this and you can adjust levels between the passive/active so little to no volume drop. I think either way you go will be a good choice. Also, any issues you have with the Sire bass on delivery is an easy call or email to Mickey and he makes it right.