Since 2015, Sire and bass legend Marcus Miller have been redefining what players can expect from an affordable instrument, offering outstanding quality and value. The new V5 series continues that mission. Designed for fans of the classic passive J-Bass, the V5 delivers timeless looks and authentic tones without unnecessary extras. True to Sire’s philosophy, however, it comes packed with premium features typically reserved for far more expensive instruments, including a roasted maple neck, rolled fingerboard edges, and a bone nut. The result is a bass that combines vintage character with modern playability and outstanding value.
"Never change a running system" perfectly sums up the philosophy behind the Sire V5, which captures the timeless spirit of the J-Bass while adding some subtle modern refinements. Featuring a classic alder body, paired with a maple neck and fingerboard, it relies on materials that have proven themselves over decades. A roasted finish enhances the stability of the neck and fingerboard against warping from humidity and temperature changes – while also giving them a rich caramel hue. Aesthetic touches like the transparent finish and bold block inlays complete the vintage-inspired look. At its heart, the V5 is powered by Sire's Marcus Vintage-J Revolution Jazz single-coil pickups. Each pickup features its own dedicated volume control, complemented by a shared passive tone knob, allowing the iconic J-Bass sound to be shaped with precision.
Since 1961, the J-Bass has inspired generations of musicians and earned an enduring place in music history. The Sire Marcus Miller V5 follows proudly in that tradition, delivering the familiar sound and classic aesthetic that players love. Beyond its vintage character, the V5 introduces modern touches that enhance playability such as a roasted maple neck with rolled fingerboard edges. Thanks to its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, the V5 stands out not only as a top choice for players seeking an authentic J-style bass on a budget, but also as an attractive second instrument – for example, for guitarists who occasionally pick up a bass from time to time.
Sire, now based in California, was originally founded by a Korean guitar maker who had been successful in Asia since the late 90s. Since 2015, Sire has created a wide range of basses in collaboration with international superstar Marcus Miller, which combine modern versatility with classic looks and are hugely successful worldwide. In 2020, Sire’s range was expanded once more to include acoustic and electric guitars, this time in collaboration with Larry Carlton. Whether Marcus Miller basses or Larry Carlton guitars, Sire always delivers excellent quality in different price brackets.
Introduced over 60 years ago, the J-Bass quickly earned its place as a versatile classic, celebrated for its dual-pickup design and broad tonal range. That versatility lives on in the Sire V5. The bridge pickup delivers punchy mids with sharp attack, while the neck pickup provides deep, powerful lows – perfect for laying down a solid foundation. When blended, they create the legendary "best of both worlds" tone that has made the J-Bass a favourite across genres and playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap to pick playing. For those seeking even more vintage flavour, the passive tone control dials in classic warmth with ease.