As a bass player I switched to Sire with the Marcus Miller V7 - it cost me £356 new and is better by far than my Mexican Fender Jazz. Glad to see they're keeping up the quality in their guitar range. Excellent demo Phillip, thank you.
Phil, I really appreciate the bit about the fret rocker and judging high frets by playing and listening for no dead notes even if there's a little rocking. I'm a longtime player but still pretty new to guitar setup and maintenance and this was something I experienced with a recent setup. I wasn't 100% sure that I had completely dealt with the high fret, but this part of your video gave me assurance that I did the right thing!
A fret slightly high will wear down faster than the ones next to it fixing itself pretty quickly. Ive had this happen with a couple guitars I loved playing so much that I could not fathom to tear down for repairs.
It’s amazing the quality of low priced guitars today. When I was a new player in the early 1960s there was no such thing as low priced, fair quality…much less good quality guitars. Low priced guitars were normally very low quality and hard to play. New players today are very fortunate. Your reviews are very comprehensive and fair Phil.
I want to thank you for the detailed review. I'm a big fan of Epiphone, particularly in their 2020+ approach to models and quality...but these Sire instruments are seriously worth comparing/considering. Very valuable video!
This seems like a really great guitar, especially at the price point they've put it at. Love to see that it comes with treble bleed as standard, an absolute must for LP type guitars imo. Thank you very much for the video, I probably would not have even known this brand existed otherwise!
Great review...I am badly wanting the Larry Carlton Sire ES-335 style guitar, red or tobacco and a Sire Marcus Miller bass, probably the short scale P/Jazz style one, natural or 'burst. I wish Sire would come up with an affordable semi-hollow bass guitar, taking from the Gibson...EB-O model...famous from Animals/Yardbirds brit Invasion days....Harley Benton offers one, I would imagine that Sire would make a superior quality model, for a little more money...would you review these for us...please ?!
I own a Sire R7 acoustic and it is easily one of the best guitars for the money I have ever seen. I compared it many times to several Taylor guitars and spec wise it would be at least double the money with the big T on it instead of being by the small independent brand. I really hoped they would bring the same kind of value vibe to their electric entries - and it seems they have succeeded in doing so! Thanks for the review!
Phil, thanks so much for this great review. I am 54 and started learning the bass for the first time last November. I have fallen in love with learning the bass and now want to take on the guitar. (I have picked my banjo up as well after 10 years so I am re-learning what little I knew on that instrument as well! LOL!). I have always wanted to learn guitar as well and so I am going forward with that pursuit. I have been looking and researching and I keep coming back to this guitar. Thanks so much for the in-depth review. As a novice I found it very helpful and learned a lot about guitars beyond just a standard 'review'. Thank you so much Sir!
Exactly, and remember many fret rockers -- even expensive ones by [ahem] well-known brands are wobbly. There is a video on that topic by an Englishman called Fretworks or similar. Test yours on a straight edge (if it's known to be truly straight!!!)
I just bought an L7 demo from Sweetwater and while I've only had it a couple of days I love it. I did a side by side comparison of a Gibson Les Paul and the Sire specs on Sweetwater and in terms of being close to a Gibson, the Sire won me over any comparable brand - including Harley Benton and Guitar Fetish. Everyone has their own needs - I’m running mine into either my DAW or my Positive Grid Spark amp and in my little rig, it sings. I think because Larry Carlton is a studio musician, his guitar specs would be a malleable tone with natural sustain that stays in tune. The handshake and the sock test checked out. I forgot to add the setup but it plays well out of the box. The action is great, the locking tuners work so far - no fret buzz. They paid attention to details inside and out. It looks great and the tuners and bone nut give it a nice sound. The output jack was loose but I’m sure it was because it was a demo.. Phil: do you have any videos that address this?)
Yeah I'd take an Epiphone over even Gibson because Gibson's QC sucks, Epiphones QC is far better. I am not sure if Gibson has fixed that in recent years, I just got tired of waiting for them and tried Epiphone and a Gibson side by side. The Epiphone won and then I grabbed another Gibson and another Epiphone to see if it was a one off, nope Epiphone still played and sounded better. I know Gibson is a parent company to Epiphone but they make Gibson's guitars better than they make them and thats sad. A name is just a name, the craftsmanship is what is important. Gibson forgot that, Epiphone didn't. Its as simple as that.
I love finding new brands and affordable fans. Sometimes the fun in getting new gear is thinking you have out smarted the big brands. Some people like owning the big brands and some of us love finding the diamonds in the rough
Just bought the sire T7 and im amazed with it. The L7 is next. I see no reason to go to another brand at this point. For a start up company i think they are going to be HUGE!!
Another bonus is that the headstock shape is fine. I'm not a fan of the headstocks Harley Benton uses for the LP style guitars for example, but this one is very simple and looks pretty alright. :P
You‘re right! I also hate the Epiphone regular headstock - but the new open book one looks just fine as well. I bought a LP Muse with the new headstock and it‘s really nice!
I appreciate you showing us some of the details that reviews often don’t include. I’ve never heard of Sire Guitars but it looks and sounds like a great option for a single cut at that price point.
I just bought a Goldtop version of these from Sweetwater. They can’t keep them in stock and there’s a reason why. Great value ( $599.00), fantastic build and looks, they play wonderfully and sound great as well. I don’t know how they do it, but at a quarter of the cost of a Gibson Standard, you can’t beat this!
I actually love my S type Sire. Have owned it since they were first released and I think it is as good as all my much more expensive guitars even my Fender Strat Elite. The roasted mapel neck just feels so good...
When you balanced the Guitaron your knee, my whole neighborhood heard me yell " Holy Shit!!!" :-) Thanks for your Wonderful Channel Phil. I'm learning my gear!
I tried both the H7 and the Harley Benton Aerolus Bengal Flame, I bought the Harley Benton because they're literally the same guitar, just the HB is cheaper.
I think the main issue with choosing this over an Epi is that the Epi will probably have better resale value as it's a better recognised brand. Great video, lovely guitar.
Resale is poor with all budget guitars. You can ask whatever you feel they're worth, but you will only get what someone else feels they're worth. Don't buy a guitar you don't like with the intention to flip, if you never bond with it. It's never going to be something that is worthwhile to anyone, but the eventual buyer. This is just my opinion. Now pedals are a different animal, because they sound a bit different depending on your rig.
I own the Goldtop. I recommend it. The "Modern" pickups have great range and definition. The neck profile is similar to a Custom. So's the body binding lol. Ebony board, locking tuners, CHROME hardware! (yeah, chrome's my all-round fav.) Did I recommend this guitar? 😸 oh okay
Mark, make sure you check the stats before you buy one. I just looked and they don't say anything about S/S frets in the description anymore, so maybe the new ones don't have them ???
Thanks Gary.....I was looking...you may be right.....if they don't specify. Then I assume its nickel....but the blonde S7 on reverb definitely looks SS.....the listing from Netherlands
@@Russell_Optics what are some downsides of non-stainless steel frets? I would think even nickel should be fine as long as you don't throw the guitar around.
@@Cam_B There is no downside at all to regular frets, in fact , most of my favorite guitars have them. The advantage of stainless steel frets in my opinion are they feel smoother when bending strings, and they just last longer and don't tarnish is all. My PRS CE24 is my favorite guitar and has standard frets, but it would be even better I feel with S/S frets.
@@Russell_Optics yeah I don’t have any guitars with SS frets, actually I have no idea 😂. I have 12 electrics but it never occurred to me to worry about what kind of fret metal is used. I may need to do some spec research on my current guitars. Thanks for the info.
I have a 2004 Korean made Epiphone Les Paul Standard. I replaced the hollow plastic nut with a bone nut and the original stop bar tailpiece with an aluminum one. It became a lot louder and more resonant played unplugged.
There seem to be a lot of quality mid-price guitars available these days, which I think is great, especially for younger players, hobbyists (non-pros), and even working musicians on a tight budget. I personally think that Agile single cuts are the best near-copies I've ever played. I have two--one I bought in 2004 from Rondo Music, and another in 2020. The price doubled in that time, but the quality went way up too! I would definitely consider a Sire if I needed an instrument, so long as I could return it if it was a lemon. BTW, nice playing, Phillip! I learned a long time ago it's not the name on the headstock, it's the hands on the neck.
I bought one last year. Besides all the great features I was concerned that the pickups were to bright. There’s a lot of comments about that but after having the guitar for a year now I’ve experimented with EQ and effects tweaks to get plenty of low end grunt/mojo from this guitar. It’s definitely a keeper. I don’t have any experience with a Gibson Les Paul so I don’t know how it compares but it fills that LP spot for me. FYI Sire no longer installs a treble bleed resistor.
I bought what I believe is a 2019 model of the traditional pro III Epiphone. Am very impressed by it. I've also bought others a SG a 335red dot pro and a J200 acoustic. All of them a really good guitars. Especially the J200.
@@BloodBoughtMinistries Bloody hell! Next thing, pints and gallons will be the right size! I doubt we'll ever get rid of abortions such as Snuck, Dove, and "Don't got", though.
Phil, I really liked your video especially the measurements that you have shown and your information about the weight and the balance. I just bought a Sire bass with the satin neck and I love it. Based on your video I might change my existing electric guitar to that one above. Thanks a lot from a retired guy in Germany
@@RFDQE I believe it does. That's been my one con. It stays bright as you roll back the volume but it doesn't really roll back the volume. At least mine doesn't. I'm still happy with my purchase, I'm considering desoldering the TB and see what it does.
Sire's have been very popular with Bassists for a few years in that "lower price" range. Just like this guitar they play and sound well above their price point.
So happy to stumble on your video review Phil, thank you for the excellent and honest review! I know nothing about guitars but my son plays and I'm thinking of getting him an electric one for his bday but don't want to break the bank and I know these things can cost quite a bit. But I've heard and seen this Sure brand from another ytuber who did a review as well and he highlighted the same details you did so he wasn't lying. So this looks to be my gift for him 👍
Great review! I've got a 2014 Gibson "LPJ" (not Jr.) with '61 Zebra HBs and an 2023 Epi '59 LP in Lemon Burst that I put some Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Greenies into. Next on my list is none other than a black Sire L7V with some P90s. Great review! Based off of what you and others have said, I'll feel confident in my purchase when it comes time to pull the trigger. 🤘
The Monkey Business riff at the last part of the video pulled a smile out of me... that is, even more so than the rest of the video, which is great and very interesting content! :D
I bought this guitar, luckily used for a great price and sold it soon after. It is a beautiful guitar with a great feeling neck but I sold it for the following reasons. 1) It is heavy. I didn't weigh mine but it was every bit of 9 lbs if not more. 2) I didn't like the pickups. It just doesn't sound like a LP which is what I wanted. It isn't bad, it just isn't a LP. To my ears the Epiphone Probuckers sound closer to the real thing.3) I am a couch player and this thing digs into your ribs. I usually play a strat so I am used to an ergonomic guitar. IMO, every guitar should have a belly cut, It cut some weight and is much more comfortable. If none of those things matter then I could recommend it. It really is beautiful and the fit and finish were very good.Sire also makes a strat, tele and 335 copy, oddly all with Larry Carlton 's signature since I think he only plays 335's.
I bought a Gibson Epiphone + fifteen years ago made in Indo and it was very good indeed, this looks very nice and I'm tempted to get one; looks great.!
Transparent Blue Flame L7 FM is $599 right now at Sweetwater. Got one on the way. Already have an S7 FM and T7 FM in the same color. KILLER guitars. :)
Very nice review! I can tell you that my H7 (335) guitar came set up out of the box! For the price, there is no better guitar! I have many "big name" guitars, and they all required a set up before I could play them. These are nice as you can later "build them up" if you feel the need, meaning pick ups, bridge & tune-o-matic, etc, but a playable guitar from the start!
There is an almost identical treble bleed on my $350 Gretsch G2217. I paid $249 plus tax and free shipping for a new one, so a pretty spectacular price.
Satin neck! It's one of my biggest problems that most budget guitars have... I just hate gloss necks. It also looked really balanced when you picked it up.
I've had a Sire R3 acoustic for... 2 years maybe? Two tuners broke and they were replaced with no fuss. I gave it a bit of a sharpen with some Kluson tuners, and a Tusq nut and bridge saddle, polished the frets and it's amazing. Considering the onboard electronics sound amazing it's a lot of guitar for 350 euros.
Thanks for sharing this video Phil. This is exactly what I've been looking for a Les Paul without the big fat chunky neck. Plus ebony neck is my all-time favorite.
@WaurufEx very true..I can't find a good tokai or greco here in the US anywhere. By the time I would pay import fees and shipping, I'm right back up there at Gibson prices.
recently bought a sire H7 semiacoustic 335 style guitar in vintage burst....excellent quality, in build an sound....at 550.-gbp you can't complain....;-)
100% recommend the L7. I wanted an LP style guitar, but I HATE how heavy/clunky Gibsons/epi's feel. And I can't stand fat necks in gloss. This is normal wide, but thin, so still good for big or small hands, the satin neck is fantastic, and the fretwork will leave you speechless. Epi's are garbage compared to these...I bought an L7 3 weeks ago and I wouldn't trade it for 3 epiphones unless I had another sire lined up to buy...then Id just sell the epi's and buy another sire lol. Its 100% legit, no exaggerations.
While this does look like a good option, at 600 try looking around for a used Gibson. I have a AAA top Studio I paid just a hundred more for, if you want solid colors or plain tops you could easily get a Studio, Tribute, Faded etc.
@@kampfkustomer2343 have you ever played one of these Sires? Cuz i actually own one, and i can tell you the only reason a studio, even brand new, is "worth" more than an L7 is because of the name on the headstock. These sire guitars are probably the biggest bang for your buck you can get. Period. The only reason to buy a $1200 gibson over these L7's is because you like gloss, or you're a Gibson fanboy (more power to you if you are) but playability and quality wise, the Sire's are the bees knees. Id pay double what they are asking and id still be coming out on top of the transaction.
@@FlacoGringo no I haven't, but I've read hyperbolic reviews online for decades. I build my own guitars, have been a touring guitar tech, etc. I play Gibson because I can afford them, lol. I have less than $1600 total in 3 excellent ones, 2 with custom pickups and one stock because there was nothing to 'improve' on it. For an extra bill I have R9 leftover woods & a top that stops jaded LA Guitar Center employees in their tracks and/or sends PRS guys into fits. A real top, not a veneer. My SG1 and Melody Maker would smoke that Sire like a pack of Camels - and they cost me less, with my choice of Duncan and Fluence pickups. I mean, since you're strawmanning me like some Sire hired bot, I might as well get that out there. Never told OP to 'spend $1200 for a label'.
@@kampfkustomer2343 I mean you are discussing premium guitars and comparing them directly to budget models... but ok you are right or whatever it is you want to hear.
Really nice demo. Thank you for making sure to say that the neck is thin. I'm on the lookout for an import guitar at $600 with a big fat neck. Thank you!
Ordinarily I’d probably not even give this guitar a second look. Larry Carlton’s endorsement changes that. I’m in the market for a LP guitar. The positive reviews for this Sire LC guitar line ensures that I’ll seriously consider this model.
This video is a good example of what I look for in an electric: acoustic tone. Always try a guitar out acoustically first. Pickups are cheap & easily swapped, wood not so much.
I just bought a Les Paul. Spent a while looking for one and was interested in the Sire. I could not find one in stock within the US so I bought an Epiphone 59 Les Paul Standard which is fantastic. The only Sire I have found in stock anywhere so far was the H7. I was extremely impressed with the build quality and fretwork. It just was not the kind of guitar I was looking for.
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As a bass player I switched to Sire with the Marcus Miller V7 - it cost me £356 new and is better by far than my Mexican Fender Jazz. Glad to see they're keeping up the quality in their guitar range. Excellent demo Phillip, thank you.
I have fender ultra J & I prefer my 1000 quid sire v10
Carlton is a great musician. Good to see his name isn't sullied by shoddy merch.
I sullied my undies today
i appreciate your posts so much Phillip. you're no advertiser; you actually test them out.
Phillip, I really like your style of reviewing this guitar. Very thorough, honest and thoughtful.
Thank you
I must agree I'm 65 now started playing at 8 , I really do appreciate how he discussed and played .
Phillip. Your reviews are the best on RUclips. Very detailed thorough and real. Keep up the good work
I'm not surprised about a super positive review. I have 2 of their bass guitars and they deliver far more than one would expect for the price point.
I am glad the community has someone we can TRUST. I TRUST YOU. Always have, always will. Thank you.
Phil, I really appreciate the bit about the fret rocker and judging high frets by playing and listening for no dead notes even if there's a little rocking. I'm a longtime player but still pretty new to guitar setup and maintenance and this was something I experienced with a recent setup. I wasn't 100% sure that I had completely dealt with the high fret, but this part of your video gave me assurance that I did the right thing!
A fret slightly high will wear down faster than the ones next to it fixing itself pretty quickly. Ive had this happen with a couple guitars I loved playing so much that I could not fathom to tear down for repairs.
You can always count on phill to give an unbiased, detailed review. As always, gr8 info phill
It’s amazing the quality of low priced guitars today. When I was a new player in the early 1960s there was no such thing as low priced, fair quality…much less good quality guitars. Low priced guitars were normally very low quality and hard to play. New players today are very fortunate. Your reviews are very comprehensive and fair Phil.
I want to thank you for the detailed review. I'm a big fan of Epiphone, particularly in their 2020+ approach to models and quality...but these Sire instruments are seriously worth comparing/considering. Very valuable video!
This seems like a really great guitar, especially at the price point they've put it at. Love to see that it comes with treble bleed as standard, an absolute must for LP type guitars imo. Thank you very much for the video, I probably would not have even known this brand existed otherwise!
Great review...I am badly wanting the Larry Carlton Sire ES-335 style guitar, red or tobacco and a Sire Marcus Miller bass, probably the short scale P/Jazz style one, natural or 'burst. I wish Sire would come up with an affordable semi-hollow bass guitar, taking from the Gibson...EB-O model...famous from Animals/Yardbirds brit Invasion days....Harley Benton offers one, I would imagine that Sire would make a superior quality model, for a little more money...would you review these for us...please ?!
I own a Sire R7 acoustic and it is easily one of the best guitars for the money I have ever seen. I compared it many times to several Taylor guitars and spec wise it would be at least double the money with the big T on it instead of being by the small independent brand.
I really hoped they would bring the same kind of value vibe to their electric entries - and it seems they have succeeded in doing so! Thanks for the review!
they dont make the R7 anymore !! i want to buy one!
@@guitarequalsawesome5667 they got the A4 which I think is their replacement ! I just bought one and I can’t stop playing it !
I like the new background. Camera Quality is rocking also!
Its amazing how guitars in this price category are so good. Thanks for the review Phil.
Phil, thanks so much for this great review. I am 54 and started learning the bass for the first time last November. I have fallen in love with learning the bass and now want to take on the guitar. (I have picked my banjo up as well after 10 years so I am re-learning what little I knew on that instrument as well! LOL!). I have always wanted to learn guitar as well and so I am going forward with that pursuit. I have been looking and researching and I keep coming back to this guitar. Thanks so much for the in-depth review. As a novice I found it very helpful and learned a lot about guitars beyond just a standard 'review'. Thank you so much Sir!
Thanks for the advice to not mess with leveling a fret based on the fret rocker alone but on whether you can hear it buzz.
Exactly, and remember many fret rockers -- even expensive ones by [ahem] well-known brands are wobbly. There is a video on that topic by an Englishman called Fretworks or similar. Test yours on a straight edge (if it's known to be truly straight!!!)
I just bought an L7 demo from Sweetwater and while I've only had it a couple of days I love it.
I did a side by side comparison of a Gibson Les Paul and the Sire specs on Sweetwater and in terms of being close to a Gibson, the Sire won me over any comparable brand - including Harley Benton and Guitar Fetish. Everyone has their own needs - I’m running mine into either my DAW or my Positive Grid Spark amp and in my little rig, it sings. I think because Larry Carlton is a studio musician, his guitar specs would be a malleable tone with natural sustain that stays in tune.
The handshake and the sock test checked out. I forgot to add the setup but it plays well out of the box. The action is great, the locking tuners work so far - no fret buzz. They paid attention to details inside and out. It looks great and the tuners and bone nut give it a nice sound. The output jack was loose but I’m sure it was because it was a demo.. Phil: do you have any videos that address this?)
Still a huge Epiphone fan, but thanks for letting us know about an alternative. What a price, wow.
Yeah I'd take an Epiphone over even Gibson because Gibson's QC sucks, Epiphones QC is far better. I am not sure if Gibson has fixed that in recent years, I just got tired of waiting for them and tried Epiphone and a Gibson side by side. The Epiphone won and then I grabbed another Gibson and another Epiphone to see if it was a one off, nope Epiphone still played and sounded better. I know Gibson is a parent company to Epiphone but they make Gibson's guitars better than they make them and thats sad.
A name is just a name, the craftsmanship is what is important. Gibson forgot that, Epiphone didn't. Its as simple as that.
I bought the same one with the P-90s. Absolutely love that guitar. Sire is killing it. Their P-90s are better than their humbuckers IMO.
damn i was looking at it, they are lovely
I love finding new brands and affordable fans. Sometimes the fun in getting new gear is thinking you have out smarted the big brands. Some people like owning the big brands and some of us love finding the diamonds in the rough
Great review - Larry's been a favorite for decades. I don't see him disappointing.
Just bought the sire T7 and im amazed with it. The L7 is next. I see no reason to go to another brand at this point. For a start up company i think they are going to be HUGE!!
Another bonus is that the headstock shape is fine. I'm not a fan of the headstocks Harley Benton uses for the LP style guitars for example, but this one is very simple and looks pretty alright. :P
ngl the harley benton LP headstocks are ugly as all hell, I absolutely hate them
Headstock shape is a bit big for my taste.
@@kitoyobeni1 I'm not even really into LP style guitars but at least this one is better looking than some others.
You‘re right! I also hate the Epiphone regular headstock - but the new open book one looks just fine as well. I bought a LP Muse with the new headstock and it‘s really nice!
@@Just-Michael Oh, there are much worse, but I think I prefer the new Epi headstock personally, especially the Custom.
I appreciate you showing us some of the details that reviews often don’t include. I’ve never heard of Sire Guitars but it looks and sounds like a great option for a single cut at that price point.
They sell S type, T type, 335 style guitars also. Incredible guitars. Not just for the money but all around.
I just bought a Goldtop version of these from Sweetwater. They can’t keep them in stock and there’s a reason why. Great value ( $599.00), fantastic build and looks, they play wonderfully and sound great as well. I don’t know how they do it, but at a quarter of the cost of a Gibson Standard, you can’t beat this!
Haha me too! Wonder who bought the other two?
Just got mine. Absolutely love it.
Phil McKnight - reliable reviews with truth and soul. Thanks!
I actually love my S type Sire. Have owned it since they were first released and I think it is as good as all my much more expensive guitars even my Fender Strat Elite. The roasted mapel neck just feels so good...
When you balanced the Guitaron your knee, my whole neighborhood heard me yell " Holy Shit!!!" :-)
Thanks for your Wonderful Channel Phil. I'm learning my gear!
I got one of their basses, feels great and no complaints here
I love the frequent reviews, keep it up!
Please review the sire h7…the Larry Carlton 335 version! Would like to see how that compares to firefly or other cheap 335s
i got one a few months ago...its very good....at a similar price...;-)
I tried both the H7 and the Harley Benton Aerolus Bengal Flame, I bought the Harley Benton because they're literally the same guitar, just the HB is cheaper.
I think the main issue with choosing this over an Epi is that the Epi will probably have better resale value as it's a better recognised brand.
Great video, lovely guitar.
I'll bet resale about the same
Resale is poor with all budget guitars. You can ask whatever you feel they're worth, but you will only get what someone else feels they're worth. Don't buy a guitar you don't like with the intention to flip, if you never bond with it. It's never going to be something that is worthwhile to anyone, but the eventual buyer. This is just my opinion. Now pedals are a different animal, because they sound a bit different depending on your rig.
I own the Goldtop. I recommend it. The "Modern" pickups have great range and definition. The neck profile is similar to a Custom. So's the body binding lol. Ebony board, locking tuners, CHROME hardware! (yeah, chrome's my all-round fav.) Did I recommend this guitar? 😸 oh okay
It shines great, apparently it feels great, sounds great and now I want it... well, greatly!
Great review as usual, thanks man!
Great channel, just found it a week ago. Really helping me learn, listen so my next guitar is a solid one. Thanks.
The S7 is phenomenal!!
Now I got GAS faster than going through taco bell drive thru.....
Thanks Phil
Mark, make sure you check the stats before you buy one. I just looked and they don't say anything about S/S frets in the description anymore, so maybe the new ones don't have them ???
Thanks Gary.....I was looking...you may be right.....if they don't specify. Then I assume its nickel....but the blonde S7 on reverb definitely looks SS.....the listing from Netherlands
@@Russell_Optics what are some downsides of non-stainless steel frets? I would think even nickel should be fine as long as you don't throw the guitar around.
@@Cam_B There is no downside at all to regular frets, in fact , most of my favorite guitars have them. The advantage of stainless steel frets in my opinion are they feel smoother when bending strings, and they just last longer and don't tarnish is all. My PRS CE24 is my favorite guitar and has standard frets, but it would be even better I feel with S/S frets.
@@Russell_Optics yeah I don’t have any guitars with SS frets, actually I have no idea 😂. I have 12 electrics but it never occurred to me to worry about what kind of fret metal is used. I may need to do some spec research on my current guitars. Thanks for the info.
I have a 2004 Korean made Epiphone Les Paul Standard. I replaced the hollow plastic nut with a bone nut and the original stop bar tailpiece with an aluminum one. It became a lot louder and more resonant played unplugged.
Sounds fantastic and your reviews are spot on.
There seem to be a lot of quality mid-price guitars available these days, which I think is great, especially for younger players, hobbyists (non-pros), and even working musicians on a tight budget. I personally think that Agile single cuts are the best near-copies I've ever played. I have two--one I bought in 2004 from Rondo Music, and another in 2020. The price doubled in that time, but the quality went way up too! I would definitely consider a Sire if I needed an instrument, so long as I could return it if it was a lemon. BTW, nice playing, Phillip! I learned a long time ago it's not the name on the headstock, it's the hands on the neck.
The Sire L7 is truly a good sounding and made guitar, thanks for your video on this guitar! I ordered one in sunburst!
I bought one last year. Besides all the great features I was concerned that the pickups were to bright. There’s a lot of comments about that but after having the guitar for a year now I’ve experimented with EQ and effects tweaks to get plenty of low end grunt/mojo from this guitar. It’s definitely a keeper. I don’t have any experience with a Gibson Les Paul so I don’t know how it compares but it fills that LP spot for me. FYI Sire no longer installs a treble bleed resistor.
Philip thank you so much for the very thorough evaluation. Man that middle position on those pickups sound amazing!
Use a branding iron or two and brand the wall! Put every maker on the wall, also draw shapes on the wall, strat, tele, Flying V,etc
I bought what I believe is a 2019 model of the traditional pro III Epiphone. Am very impressed by it. I've also bought others a SG a 335red dot pro and a J200 acoustic. All of them a really good guitars. Especially the J200.
I like their riff on the single cut design. Some singlecut inspired bodies look kind of wonky, but this one looks great without being a total copy.
Thanks for the Al-u-minium, just sol-der to go. Sent with love! Nice guitar.
We also have millimeters now 😁
@@BloodBoughtMinistries Bloody hell! Next thing, pints and gallons will be the right size! I doubt we'll ever get rid of abortions such as Snuck, Dove, and "Don't got", though.
😮😮
So-der. Don’t get me started…..!
Phil, I really liked your video especially the measurements that you have shown and your information about the weight and the balance. I just bought a Sire bass with the satin neck and I love it. Based on your video I might change my existing electric guitar to that one above. Thanks a lot from a retired guy in Germany
I've had the S7 (HSS) for about 4 months and I love it. The neck is great.
Do you know if the S7 also had treble bleeds?
@@RFDQE I believe it does. That's been my one con. It stays bright as you roll back the volume but it doesn't really roll back the volume. At least mine doesn't. I'm still happy with my purchase, I'm considering desoldering the TB and see what it does.
@@CraigCrider yeah ive seen alot of people not liking the treble bleeds in the Sires and I think you can just pull them off with pliars
Looking forward to S7 review! Thanks for everything, Phil.. such a trustworthy personality!
Sire's have been very popular with Bassists for a few years in that "lower price" range. Just like this guitar they play and sound well above their price point.
So happy to stumble on your video review Phil, thank you for the excellent and honest review! I know nothing about guitars but my son plays and I'm thinking of getting him an electric one for his bday but don't want to break the bank and I know these things can cost quite a bit. But I've heard and seen this Sure brand from another ytuber who did a review as well and he highlighted the same details you did so he wasn't lying. So this looks to be my gift for him 👍
I dig this sire overall. Sounds incredible imo.
Legitimately surprised by the tone!
Nice job on the intro to Monkey Business! You must be an Skid Row fan!
ruclips.net/video/MrSwHEFNOG4/видео.html
Not sure how I missed that but I am glad you sent it to me!
I would love to send my custom beast to you for your Sharpen My Axe series!
Damnit i knew i heard that in there.. nice man...
Great review! I've got a 2014 Gibson "LPJ" (not Jr.) with '61 Zebra HBs and an 2023 Epi '59 LP in Lemon Burst that I put some Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Greenies into. Next on my list is none other than a black Sire L7V with some P90s.
Great review! Based off of what you and others have said, I'll feel confident in my purchase when it comes time to pull the trigger. 🤘
The Monkey Business riff at the last part of the video pulled a smile out of me... that is, even more so than the rest of the video, which is great and very interesting content! :D
woahhh that acoustic strumming. superrrr resonant...
I was actually wondering if Sire had sent you a "ringer" but you made it clear this was a blind purchase off Reverb. Thanks!
I bought this guitar, luckily used for a great price and sold it soon after. It is a beautiful guitar with a great feeling neck but I sold it for the following reasons. 1) It is heavy. I didn't weigh mine but it was every bit of 9 lbs if not more. 2) I didn't like the pickups. It just doesn't sound like a LP which is what I wanted. It isn't bad, it just isn't a LP. To my ears the Epiphone Probuckers sound closer to the real thing.3) I am a couch player and this thing digs into your ribs. I usually play a strat so I am used to an ergonomic guitar. IMO, every guitar should have a belly cut, It cut some weight and is much more comfortable.
If none of those things matter then I could recommend it. It really is beautiful and the fit and finish were very good.Sire also makes a strat, tele and 335 copy, oddly all with Larry Carlton 's signature since I think he only plays 335's.
thinking about getting the Epi Les Paul Modern,sounds like Les Paul
Sounds great! Very open sounding, and it’s surprisingly pleasant to the ear!
Really enjoyed this video. I love you let us listen to the acoustic sound of the guitar!
Good channel! This channel is not about any BS...right to the point. I will add definitely this guitar to my collection!
Thanks so much for this review! I was waiting for it haha. Would love to see reviews of more SIRE guitars on this channel!
This guitar has amazing tone!!
That had tons of acoustic resonance...good sign.
I was wondering about that? You really think so??
I bought a Gibson Epiphone + fifteen years ago made in Indo and it was very good indeed, this looks very nice and I'm tempted to get one; looks great.!
Whoa sire is making guitars now
They have been making them for a while now, they have strats and ES335 ish guitars too
That was a surprise to me too, this is the first time I see one. They make fantastic basses so I'm not surprised they make a good guitar too.
thats a very nice set up you have Phill. looks like a very prophesional studio. looks great on camera and sound great too.
Transparent Blue Flame L7 FM is $599 right now at Sweetwater. Got one on the way. Already have an S7 FM and T7 FM in the same color. KILLER guitars. :)
Very nice review! I can tell you that my H7 (335) guitar came set up out of the box! For the price, there is no better guitar! I have many "big name" guitars, and they all required a set up before I could play them. These are nice as you can later "build them up" if you feel the need, meaning pick ups, bridge & tune-o-matic, etc, but a playable guitar from the start!
Hi, can you tell me if the neck of your H7 is scarf jointed like the L7 I own. Is there a volute on the headstock under the nut slot,?
nice to see an ebony fretboard on a cheaper guitar. i just prefer the look over rosewood
Unfortunately, there is a sound/pic issue, hard to watch. Really wanted to see this one.
I can tell your excited, I am too! I think I shall be buying one of these.
Just ordered a gold top l7, can't wait to get it
I want one. How is it?
The headstock shape looks like a brilliant blend of Taylor & the original open-book.
You helped to make up my mind and order one of these! Thanks for a great review!
Phil, doing great work as always.
LOVE this
Guitar I want one Great review I ordered a Sire S7 Super Strat style Long 6 month waitlist This one is next
There is an almost identical treble bleed on my $350 Gretsch G2217. I paid $249 plus tax and free shipping for a new one, so a pretty spectacular price.
Satin neck! It's one of my biggest problems that most budget guitars have... I just hate gloss necks. It also looked really balanced when you picked it up.
Most budget guitars have a gloss neck.
@@robertb1610 Sorry, I put it bass-ackwards in my original post (now fixed). I hate gloss necks.
I've had a Sire R3 acoustic for... 2 years maybe? Two tuners broke and they were replaced with no fuss. I gave it a bit of a sharpen with some Kluson tuners, and a Tusq nut and bridge saddle, polished the frets and it's amazing. Considering the onboard electronics sound amazing it's a lot of guitar for 350 euros.
Sounds absolutely fantastic! I don't know how much of that tone is the amp, but i loved it. And loved the Monkey Business riff at the end too.
Thanks for sharing this video Phil. This is exactly what I've been looking for a Les Paul without the big fat chunky neck. Plus ebony neck is my all-time favorite.
hey phill, another great brand is tokai, i own a white lp custom from them and it’s absolutely amazing for 400-500$
@WaurufEx very true..I can't find a good tokai or greco here in the US anywhere. By the time I would pay import fees and shipping, I'm right back up there at Gibson prices.
I bought a Sire acoustic electric and am very pleased.
That guitar sounds great. Inspiring.
recently bought a sire H7 semiacoustic 335 style guitar in vintage burst....excellent quality, in build an sound....at 550.-gbp you can't complain....;-)
I’ve been thinking of buying an Epiphone Les Paul. I’ll have to check these out
100% recommend the L7. I wanted an LP style guitar, but I HATE how heavy/clunky Gibsons/epi's feel. And I can't stand fat necks in gloss. This is normal wide, but thin, so still good for big or small hands, the satin neck is fantastic, and the fretwork will leave you speechless. Epi's are garbage compared to these...I bought an L7 3 weeks ago and I wouldn't trade it for 3 epiphones unless I had another sire lined up to buy...then Id just sell the epi's and buy another sire lol. Its 100% legit, no exaggerations.
While this does look like a good option, at 600 try looking around for a used Gibson. I have a AAA top Studio I paid just a hundred more for, if you want solid colors or plain tops you could easily get a Studio, Tribute, Faded etc.
@@kampfkustomer2343 have you ever played one of these Sires? Cuz i actually own one, and i can tell you the only reason a studio, even brand new, is "worth" more than an L7 is because of the name on the headstock. These sire guitars are probably the biggest bang for your buck you can get. Period. The only reason to buy a $1200 gibson over these L7's is because you like gloss, or you're a Gibson fanboy (more power to you if you are) but playability and quality wise, the Sire's are the bees knees. Id pay double what they are asking and id still be coming out on top of the transaction.
@@FlacoGringo no I haven't, but I've read hyperbolic reviews online for decades.
I build my own guitars, have been a touring guitar tech, etc.
I play Gibson because I can afford them, lol. I have less than $1600 total in 3 excellent ones, 2 with custom pickups and one stock because there was nothing to 'improve' on it.
For an extra bill I have R9 leftover woods & a top that stops jaded LA Guitar Center employees in their tracks and/or sends PRS guys into fits.
A real top, not a veneer.
My SG1 and Melody Maker would smoke that Sire like a pack of Camels - and they cost me less, with my choice of Duncan and Fluence pickups.
I mean, since you're strawmanning me like some Sire hired bot, I might as well get that out there. Never told OP to 'spend $1200 for a label'.
@@kampfkustomer2343 I mean you are discussing premium guitars and comparing them directly to budget models... but ok you are right or whatever it is you want to hear.
Really nice demo. Thank you for making sure to say that the neck is thin. I'm on the lookout for an import guitar at $600 with a big fat neck. Thank you!
Ordinarily I’d probably not even give this guitar a second look. Larry Carlton’s endorsement changes that. I’m in the market for a LP guitar. The positive reviews for this Sire LC guitar line ensures that I’ll seriously consider this model.
This video is a good example of what I look for in an electric: acoustic tone.
Always try a guitar out acoustically first. Pickups are cheap & easily swapped, wood not so much.
I just bought a Les Paul. Spent a while looking for one and was interested in the Sire. I could not find one in stock within the US so I bought an Epiphone 59 Les Paul Standard which is fantastic.
The only Sire I have found in stock anywhere so far was the H7. I was extremely impressed with the build quality and fretwork. It just was not the kind of guitar I was looking for.
I'd love to try a H7!
@@Anjohl lol they had one in the Orange Park, Florida guitar center about a month ago. They do exist!
11:55 I was really surprised hearing you playing Monkey business, what an awesome lick and song!
Fantastic review, just confirmed what I already knew, I really want a Sire Guitar... Great job...
Nothing like a little Brian Adams meets Monkey Business nice...beautiful guitar BTW
This guitar looks really nice 🔥 I just watched a video on Sweetwater where Larry says he plays them right out of the box 😮
You're a great reviewer Phil,you covered everything so well,nice work mate.