Sire V7 vs P7

[PlatoFunFactory]

So depending on whether or not Musician's Friend is able to fulfill an order I placed in February I may be looking at a new Sire bass. The question is whether to get a V7 or a P7. Now, this seems obvious: "Do you want a P sound or a jazz sound?" Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple.

I'm almost completely happy with my P-with-flats bass, so that sound is covered. I don't have a P with rounds yet, though, that gives me quite the rock-possibly-with-a-pick tone that I'm looking for. I like a fairly chunky sound, not too bright, with lots of lows. I might use half-rounds, in fact, but like I said I'm still looking for this sound.

I have a Squier CV Jazz 60's that I'm very fond of, but right now it has some very dead roundwounds on it and I like the tone a lot for rock, but find it a little dull for funk and far too dull for slap. (I suck at slap and don't see myself playing much of it, but hey, it's fun to learn new stuff, right?)

So, either bass might fill a spot I don't feel is filled, but I'm not sure which will fit better. My inclination is to go with the V7 since Marcus Miller is known for jazz basses and the V7s get universally stellar reviews. I've heard only good things about the P7 as well, but it doesn't seem quite as knock-your-socks off. Also, is a preamp in a P really a good thing? I don't know; that's why I'm asking.

Thanks for reading my novella. Now what do you think and why?

 

[scubaduba]

I've had two V7's and now have a P7. The P7 is better than both V7's I had.

Sound is thicker.
Body is smaller and lighter.
It looks better IMHO
I prefer the versatility of the P/J more.
My P7 has the newer improved tuners.

 

[PlatoFunFactory]

I've had two V7's and now have a P7. The P7 is better than both V7's I had.

Sound is thicker.
Body is smaller and lighter.
It looks better IMHO
I prefer the versatility of the P/J more.
My P7 has the newer improved tuners.

Thank you, that's helpful. How would you compare the P7 to a traditional Precision?

 

[scubaduba]

Roll the pickup pan knob toward the neck and you've got yourself a P bass.

 

[twc1313]

Own a V7 and love it, never have played a P7. That being said, ANY Sire you get will be a killer bass and be worth the money. However, I favor my Ibanez PJ over a Jazz most days. If I was going to get one Sire, I'd get the PJ.

 

[maplenecked]

I voted V7 initially because I am personally favoring them at the moment. But after reading your full post and your current line up, I feel a P7 would compliment your collection better. And, heck, if you still have a hankering for a Sire J style bass afterwards you can throw in a V3 for a just a few extra bills!

 

[beaglesandbass]

I vote the P7. One of the best basses I've ever owned was a P/J. Also much prefer the P body than J.

 

[bholder]

I have and love both, voted a P7 because it sounds like what you want.

 

[garrysimmons]

Any chance of one of you guys with a P7 5-string taking some neck measurements like:
String spacing at bridge
Neck width at 12th fret
Neck thickness at 1st, 7th, 12th frets

I'm GAS'ing for a P7 (white w/ rosewood please). I'm currently playing an Ibanez SR405 and like the fast neck and just want to have some real numbers on how much wider and/or thicker the P7 5-string is.

 

[bholder]

Any chance of one of you guys with a P7 5-string taking some neck measurements like:
String spacing at bridge
Neck width at 12th fret
Neck thickness at 1st, 7th, 12th frets

I'm GAS'ing for a P7 (white w/ rosewood please). I'm currently playing an Ibanez SR405 and like the fast neck and just want to have some real numbers on how much wider and/or thicker the P7 5-string is.

Sure, give me a few minutes (mine's fretless, but shouldn't matter for this).

Edit: All measurements only as good as my shaky hands and eyes allow:
String width at bridge: B-G 2.8", or 18.5mm string-to-string
Neck width at 12th fret: 2.6"
Neck thickness 1st: .83" 7th .91" 12th .96"

Hope that helps!

 

[socialleper]

@Bob Clayton @bholder - user @scubaduba said that the P7 when rolled to the SSC pickup and in passive, is pretty much a traditional Precision tone. Do you agree? Does the jazz style neck bother you or "mess with" the P tone?

 

[bholder]

@Bob Clayton @bholder - user @scubaduba said that the P7 when rolled to the SSC pickup and in passive, is pretty much a traditional Precision tone. Do you agree? Does the jazz style neck bother you or "mess with" the P tone?

First question - I agree. Second question - not for me. You have to turn the balance towards the bridge a bit to hear it make a difference - the P pickup is that much more powerful. As it should be. Solo the P, you got a P. Even at middle blend, mostly P with just a touch of J zing.

 

[beaglesandbass]

@Bob Clayton @bholder - user @scubaduba said that the P7 when rolled to the SSC pickup and in passive, is pretty much a traditional Precision tone. Do you agree? Does the jazz style neck bother you or "mess with" the P tone?

I’ve never played one. To clarify my above post, one of the best basses I’ve ever played as a P/J, but it wasn’t a a Sire P/J.

 

[bholder]

One other point - active or passive doesn't really matter - with the active tone controls set at noon, the active sound is identical (as far as I can tell) to the passive sound, just a bit louder (depending on the internal trim pot setting) - you solo the P pickup in active, it's just as much a P sound as passive. Then boost the bass and oh, my - the P sound on steroids!

 

[PlatoFunFactory]

@socialleper , Thanks for calling in additional insights.

@bholder Thank you for the additional insights. They speak directly to my main questions about the P7. You're doing a good job selling me on it!

@Bob Clayton Thanks for the clarification. So what was one of the best basses you've ever played? You've also got me thinking about the G&L Tribute SB-2 now that I'm considering the J pickup a bonus rather than a liability.

 

[beaglesandbass]

@socialleper , Thanks for calling in additional insights.

@bholder Thank you for the additional insights. They speak directly to my main questions about the P7. You're doing a good job selling me on it!

@Bob Clayton Thanks for the clarification. So what was one of the best basses you've ever played? You've also got me thinking about the G&L Tribute SB-2 now that I'm considering the J pickup a bonus rather than a liability.

It was a Fender Deluxe P Bass Special. Not the ones that have out now, the mid 2000s model, which was passive. It just had such a great sound so it and it was pretty light too. It’s one bass I regret selling. I’ve tried to track it down to no avail.