Sire P5 MODIFIED! - Installing and testing the DiMarzio Sixties P! -LowEndLobster Fresh Look
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
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Sire P5: sire-usa.com/p...
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Albridge Bridge: www.ampshopbas...
Hey everyone! This is the video you've all been waiting for. We're going to MOD our Sire P5 to give it that extra little bit of somethin' somethin' that I think it needs. We're going to ditch the stock pickup in place of a DiMarzio Sixties P pickup in the hopes that it will bring out the wooly low end that the stock pickup lacks (in my opinion). We're also going to swap in an Albridge bridge unit to complete the look. Let's get started!
Thank you to DiMarzio for providing the pickup for this video as well as to Sire and AmpShop for providing the bass and bridge at artist discounts.
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My dude got all dressed up for this budget bass. Gotta love his passion
This is how we dooooo it!
@@LowEndLobster Lol, exactly!!!
The DiMarzio sounds awesome BUT not enough of a difference either way to justify the cost of pickup and installation. I actually prefer the extra top end of the stock pickup and if I need more low end I can EQ it at amp. Great video tho brother.
Thanks Eddie! This is exactly why I do these videos. Tastes may differ but the sound clips help folks make up their minds
I agree Eddie.
I agree too.
I like it both ways. The DiMarzzio sounds perfect for a bold precision bass tone. I like the clarity and presence of the top end on the stock pick ups though. What do you do with original stock pick ups on all your modded basses, sell them or reuse them?
It sounds amazing with the Dimarzzio pickup, super clean and thick tones❤❤❤❤🎉
I prefer the stock pickups; they sound more open and airy. I play the P5 5-string in my band and it has plenty of low end with the stock pickup and strings. Nevertheless thanks for the comparison.
The stock pickup is fine, but I preferred the DiMarzio consistently. The sound seems more integrated across all four strings, the low E is definitely more present, the bias is towards the mids and not the treble, there's no hollowness. This is the kind of sound I grew up with, so I'm biased (and old). i would say that DiMarzio's branding is spot-on here: it's that 60s P-bass sound. With EQ, it's also more flexible than you might think for a single pickup.
Hey Butch here, I know everyone has a different tone they're going for but, I like this pickup better than the stock, and better than the one you put in the Precision DIY bass. Plus, I like the .047uF cap better than a 0.1 uF cap. Really a great sound you have going there! Really nice!
The instruction drawing that DiMarzio has for the pickups shows a .033 capacitor! (if I have the decimals right) Not ordinary. 047 or a darker .068. I can only think that DiMarzio sees the pickup as too treble-quashing in stock form and wants to let more through with a .033
The DiMarzio has a much warmer sound, and a rather complex but welcome attack - it has grunt and push, with a hint of lovely compression that helps the notes bloom (hand in hand with punch). Definitely going to be installing one of these in my Classic Vibe P-Bass!
I believe the "bass-less"stock pup work well with classic flatwound bass string.
Thanks Totomo!
Very enjoyable review as always. However ... because you changed two things, both the bridge and the PU, it's not possible to tell conclusively what actually caused the change in tone. A more valid procedure would have been to do the before and after with only the PU changed. Also, what benefit were you looking for in changing the bridge? Not sure what deficiency in the standard bridge you were looking to address there.
Both sound great, subtle differences, the stock pups a much more aggressive sounding and the DiMarzio were more of a softer smoother old school sound as you would expect with it being a 60s. For the cost I'd likely just swap the bridge out and EQ the rest to taste. Great Video though, I've just bought the mild green version and this has definitely given me food for thought on the upgrades.
Darn you Lobster, I already have 3 basses, one out of the trash (a 70's Global, one I bought new (Mikro) and the other I paid $50.00 for (First Act P. bass Don't laugh, it's actually decent). Now I'm drooling over that P5. Maybe I'll get one for my birthday next April!
The fingerstyle did not present much difference. But, the slap sound was out of this world! If I bought the bass, I would put Fender Classic pickups for the overall real deal!
I played a 1962 Precision for 30+ years and I have to say that the Dimarzio comes pretty damn close. The stock p/u is much too aggressive for my taste and is definitely going for the Marcus Miller sound--so no surprise there!
Thanks for this review. I recently acquired a G&L Tribute M-2000 (not the 'L') and I love the sound of the MFD pickups. Since I saw your original review on the Sire MM P5, I've been thinking about getting one in order to mod it with an MFD pickup and G&L L-1000 circuitry. Obviously, I'm aware that there would be some routing involved etc. Do you think that this idea is completely off-the-wall? ( I can't justify the £1,600/$2,200, I'd have to pay for a CLF L-1000). Thanks for your input. Chris.
That would be pretty crazy but not in a bad way. If you're doing it yourself, I'd say that's a pretty neat mod honestly. I''ve always wanted to try the SB-1 P
Sell the bass and buy what sound you are looking for. If you modify that bass, it loses its authenticity and value. It's not a smart move unless you plan on keeping that bass forever!
That's just not true...
Fantastic video and upgrades! Anyone else bothered that they call it a P5 when it's a 4 string? Just sayin...
Thank you! I definitely understand that. Schecter has a P5 that's a 5 string where the P4 is the 4. Sire did it because it's the 5-series model line. I agree though, the name makes you think it's a 5'er. I do have a 5 string one on order though, so it'll be a P5-5 ;P
From a heavier style of music, the first pickups would have been just fine, but since I like versatility the 2nd would be perfect
I did not listen with earphones. I need to do that. Maybe what I’m hearing “in air” through the smart phone speaker is a more “polite” DiMarzio Precision Bass pickup. It seems to me the stock pickup is a mids-forward pickup. By comparison the DiMarzio is more refined… but is it more scooped with an emphasis on the lows and the top end of the treble? Would you characterize the DiMarzio is more mid-scooped?
They both literally sound the same except the DiMarzio has the highs shaved off.
All I see on the Albridge site is the drop in bridge for the V7/V3. The hole spacing looks the same. Is this the bridge you used on your P5 and will it also fit the V5?
I'm not a fan of my P5 5-String pickup tone. Is it possible to switch p5 pickups out for a stingray or humbucker pickup?? Can that be done? If so, how?
This was great! What is the stock capacitor value?
I didn't check but I think .043
Hi lobster, have you tried configuring electronics with 500k/200k/.033uf like dimarzio's diagram (from their website) suggests? I wonder how much that would affect the tone.
Hi! Not on this bass. My double relentless FGN has two 500k push pulls from DiMarzio though
I’d like to know which albridge to buy for Sire p5 , 4string
just ordered myself a 5 string in green. its gona be my 2nd bass (first ray34ash) but hey need something when my batteries go flat right? i see there is no p60 for 5 string. so if i want the replace the pickups in time would need to look for something else wonder if the Aquilar are any good.
ended up swapping it for a 4 string.
similar I think...
I have a theory that all bass players are freakin nuts!! Ha
I think it's a scientific fact not a theory ;P
While I really like most of the dimarzio pickups (and Dimarzio as a brand), I must say that I like the stock pickups WAY more than the Dimarzios. Those dimarzios sound kinda muffled, lacking some mids and most importantly lacking that charasteristic P-bass bite, which the stock pickups have in spades!
Thanks Stavros!
Do 5 claw any bass?
There have been a handful! I should make a playlist
Great idea 💡
Lol
Great videos.
Hey what about the Sire P7? No videos 😢
The stock pickups are better
Great series on this bass! BTW, any opinion on the overall quality comparing this to a Squire or a Precision Player?
Thank you Alex! I would say the Sire is better than the Squier or MIM Fender, and the competitive price is icing on the cake. $500 gets you a whole lot of bass here, where I've found the Squier and MIM Fender stuff to be.... lacking when it comes to polish. The Sire neck is far superior to the MIM or Squier. You get the rolled fret edges and roasted maple. Overall a very high quality instrument. Considering the MIM Fender stuff is nearly double the price and the Squier stuff is inconsistent in their quality, the Sire is a no brianer.
@@LowEndLobster Thank you for the detailed reply. Love your channel!
I'm not convinced about the pickups, but the bridge looks really fine.
Thanks David!
Stock Pickups! More clarity, fat, organic and a lot of variations for my ears. Di Marzios are great pickups but this model is NOT impressive at all! Great review, Lobster.
I think the stock pickups sound better. 🤷♂️
That's why I do these vids! :)
Do you know where I can get the Albridge bridge replacement for the P-5 four string? it's been backordered for over two years now :(
I'd keep tabs with AmpShop. I know they're produced in the Ukraine-ish area, so logistics are a bit tough right now, but Gary at amp shop will keep you in the loop.
Nice! That’s a real roasted maple neck! You’ve been playing some really interesting and very nice instruments lately! I didn’t get to comment on the Thompson but it was pretty unique. If I would pay that much for a bass I think I would want something built to my own specs! I’ve been thinking about doing just that but I need to save a few bucks first. Those new Dimarzio’s are sweet! I agree, they seem to have a bit more low and low mid response. I’ve come to appreciate the P style pickups lately. What are your favorite pickups Low? I always liked Dimarzios but there are a few good ones out there. Oh yeah, I like the brass saddles on that bridge!
Thanks Jeff! I'm a big fan of EMG (I'm an EMG artist) and DiMarzio for most projects.
did you change the POT volume to 500K like in the dimarzio scheme on his page? the sire definitely had all 250K potentiometers, so I think the pickup got brake on the highs and wasn't as OPEN like SIRE pickups ,
Nope, stock pots on this one. I have used the DiMarzio 500k pots in other builds and they are great though
@@LowEndLobster the video is still great! :) good job
To my ears, with the tone at 100% the sound difference was subtle, still had most of the growl but traded a little high end for some added low end. The difference became much more apparent as you turned the tone control down. I definitely liked the warmer sound of the DiMarzio pickups and to me was more representative of a traditional P-bass tone.
Thanks Michael!
Thanks for the vid, Lobster. To me, the bass lost a bit of life and growl with the DiMarzio, at least played finger style. I guess I would stick with the stock pickup.
hello! Friend, which do you think would be better to make the change, the Fender 63 pickups or the Dimazio Sixties P pickups?
and what about of the RELENTLESS of BILLY SEEHAN???? nice channel lobster ;)
what bridge type is it? is it this one "AlBridge Sire Marcus Miller Direct Drop In Duralumin for 4 String Bass"
That's it. I used to link the product directly, but they change the site all the time. IMO it's best to just reach out to the shop and they will take care of you.
@@LowEndLobster thanks the world of bass components can be quite overwhelming with all the different standards
Hey, Lobster. If I'm making a tone in the box, wouldn't some EQ before the amp solve the issues with lack of low end from the stock pickup?
I like the video, but it seems like someone is trying for a J sound in a P form factor. Why not just play a Jazz style bass if popping trebs are the goal? Not sure if you reviewed the Fender ‘60s P bass pickups, but they seem to have the girth that the P bass is known for. Not that these DiMarzios are bad. That Albridge really has my interest. Great times to be modding basses!
I happily just ordered a Red Sire P5 this morning and now let the future Mods Begin. Also Lobster have you checked out Gyker Bass Tuners They look interesting and another reviewer said they have some weight to them
I have the same bass in mint green and I wasn't a fan of the stock pickup or the stock passive electronics.
I ended up installing a Lindy Fralin pickup with 5% overwind and replaced the stock volume and tone with a p-bass 50's passive harness from Gunstreet and I am now completely satisfied with my Sire p-bass sound.
I wouldn't change a thing about it now.
Very nice!
How did you get your hands on one of those? Everywhere seems to be sold out, they are listed that way at GC, at the Sire site, sweetwater, everywhere I can see. Who has them?
Dearest Mister Lobster! I got this one and I'm interested in changing the bridge to the one you used here. What difference did you hear from the bridge? And where can I buy one of these in Austria? Greetz and many Thanks, Georg
That's a cool mod my man. I put the DiMarzio DP127 in my P. That thing is spicy. It's their hottest pickup. Really good lows and highs. But if you are just doing 60's music. Those would be the perfect pickup and a good choice. Good job on the vid Lobster. It really showcases the difference in tone.
Hey Lobster do you happened to remember which Albridge replacement bridge you used for this Sire P5?
Stock pup wins. The D sounds like it's under a sheet compared to the Sire stock.
Thanks Jay!
Hi. What you thing about Seymour Duncan Spb 2 for this bass? Regards
Question- do you have a good email contact or phone number where I can get the bridge? I have a V5 and was hoping to upgrade it with one of the allbridge ones
Now I heard this I know the stock pickups are good enough for me, thnx.
I'm surprised this color isn't more popular being the sqme colors as the Pino pbass but not 2 grand
OK so you got a discounted bridge and a comp pick-up, but what the the retail costs be?
Lobster I think the Dimarzio sound a little fuller but stock sounds good too.
Thanks Michael! I agree. I wanted to reiterate as much as I can- the stock pickup sound great. It's just a little too top heavy and lacking a little bottom relative to what I want out of a P. However it has killer tone out of the box!
I have the p5 ,4
I dont like the harsh ,uneven, odd sounding sire pups
The Stock is good enough, the difference is not worth the money spent. ;)
The difference is quite subtle to me,I thought the DiMarzio cuts through better when the tones fully rolled off.the sire pick up sounds a bit like it’s being played next door,but some of the differences could be the bridge as much as the pick up ?
Great question! I just got a 5'er P5 that's still stock. I'll definitely do a comparison with my modded 4 and the stock 5.
The difference is barely audible. In fact, I haven´t noticed any difference at all.
To my ears the dmazzio pickups seem to have more mids and highs. I like the way the stock Sound. Nice bass.
Another great video. Thanks. Besides the sexy form factor of the DiMarzios I'd leave the bass stock. Not sure, if you'd notice a difference in the band mix at all.
Thank you Holger! I haven't used the new pickup setup in a band scenario yet, but I did play it stock with some friends. Excited to hear it in a mix though!
On second listening to your excellent 1:1 comparison in the later part of the video I was really quickly tired of the DiMarzio sound! I actually found it irritating. To each...
However, it SHINE in the slapping comparison.
I like the stock one best.
I can hear enough difference for recording purposes, but I wonder if I would notice a difference in band context. If you had limited funds, where would you begin modding? Pickup, bridge, or tuners? Thanks.
Here it would be pickup and then tuners.
@@LowEndLobster Thank you.
I preferred the DiMarzio at 100% and 0%, but the stock pickup at 50% - strangely.
Thanks Rev! From my own observations, 50% was definitely the sweet spot for me with the stock pickup. Wooly enough to get pretty fat with some extra EQ love, but still has some teeth. 100% and 0% definitely shine with the DiMarzio and its much more bottom heavy tonescape.
I'm not surprised you chose the Dimarzio pickup over others. I have a P Bass from 1978 and I installed a 1978 Dimarzio pickup in it with a Dimarzio Brass chrome plated bridge. This pickup has adjustable poles for the strings to adjust for the curve of the neck for even sound. I have never seen or played a better sounding P Bass!
Nice! That's awesome
It’s not a bad sounding bass, but “aggressive and growly” are not tonal qualities that I listen for from a Precision bass or in Sire’s case, a Precision style bass. Those are more classical characteristics of Jazz basses, IMO. But, to each his/her own. 😎
Thanks Kevin!
@@LowEndLobster I reread my comment and it seemed harsh, yet that is not how I meant for it to be interpretation.
@@kevinlynch2248 friendship over
@@LowEndLobster 😂🤣😂
Another great one, Lobster! I'd love to hear a comparison of this Dimarzio 60's P vs the Relentless P
LETS GOOOOOO
is it possible to make j pick ups split coil? Essentially, making a p pick ups shaped like j ones. And has anyone ever got a p pick up and spread them apart? Like the left side closer to the neck and the right side closer to the bridge
Some hum cancelling J pickups are stacked while others are split. I think DiMarzio does splits in theirs, similar to a P
The bridge looks like a earnie ball sterling bridge?
does the new bridge makes a big improvement?
When I buy this bass I want to modify it with EMG Les Claypool
Would you say there is a difference between the tubing and springs for the pickup mounting?
I'd say the biggest difference is I don't suck at using the springs or foam but I suck at cutting tubing to size lol
@@LowEndLobster lol, good to know actually
I like the part where he pretends he’s the Pope
What is the new bridge please ? :)
Oh no! I pinched the like button so that your hand could turn back to normal, and suddenly I found myself staring at a lobster claw of my own gripping(or pinching) my mouse. Is this going to be permanent? It's very difficult to type now. I guess it's time to see how this claw slaps!
First comes the claw... then the hoard of basses.....
The DiMarzio pickups cut the highs but it removed a lot of the bite the bass had.
The new pup has a more well rounded sound. I like it. That being said, what will you do with the Sire pup? I really like the way that sounds and could be perfect for a bass I am building.
Hey Meyers! Shoot me an email - channel name (all one word) at gmail and we can work something out. I have a box of stock pickups that I really don't do anything with.
@@LowEndLobster that’s extremely nice of you. I couldn’t help but comment.
Thanks for the great video! Im wondering how the p5 will do with do a lollar pickup, do you have an idea on how that would work?
Never tried a Lollar, but that's a great idea
FINALLY !!!!
I was waiting for that video for ages !
Hey Lobstrer, will you review Fender precision plus P Bass ?
Do you have a good alternative for a P bass other than Fender or the P5 (would love one but it seems that I have to wait for ages before grabbing one).
Thanks for your much appreciated and enjoyed work !
Thanks David! Perhaps, I'm personally not too keen on Fender right now. Over a grand for many MIM instruments when the quality should have the bass cost half as much. TBH The P5 is probably the best value P out there right now IMO. 500 bucks goes a long way with the Sires, not so much with the Fender brands.
Honestly I don't hear a dramatic difference regarding "low end" I think the DiMarzio's sounded better but that's it. Maybe in person is different, but hearing through the DI is another thing.
Thanks Sebastian! I agree the DiMarzio is just all around better. The added bottom end was hard to capture via DI with the way I do things (the amp has some compression built in as well, double edged sword).
Interesting as always, I got my P5 5 string and threw Labella Goldflats on it immediately which changed the vibe big time, I’m planning to have a set of slightly higher output pickups custom wound for it by a friend that owns a pickup making company as a test scenario for his first set of P bass pickups.
An interesting thing to note is I found the pickup heights being set properly drastically affected the amount of low end so I’m interested to see how yours were out of the box if you remember.
Awesome! I'm eagerly awaiting my 5'er. Enjoy yours my friend!
I’ve checked out your P5 and P10 videos and can’t thank you enough! I’m in line for a P5, which hopefully will come sometime soon. Do you think the P5 with the DiMarzio Sixties P would be the best quality/cost effective route to that classic kind of darker thumpy 60’s pop sound? Anyway, I’ll make sure to use your affiliate link next purchase. Keep up the quality reviews and mods, Lobster King!
Thanks Tomdog! Yes, I think that is a worthwhile mod. If you're not too keen on soldering, the EMG geezer pickup is another great alternative that is plug and play :)
The Dimarzio is so thickkk
I have a couple questions, we’ll 3
1. Is there a good onboard preamp for this bass?
2. Is there a reason you haven’t reviewed a P7?
3. What about the regular Dimarzio Split P?
I kinda want maximum growl, thoughts?
Heyo!
1. No, p7 is the way to go if you want a preamp
2. Review is coming ;)
3. Check out my DIY Fender P project where I used the Split P. It's a great pickup! If you want max growl, the relentless is for you.
@@LowEndLobster Thank you!!!!!!
This video reminds me of a repeated, timeless age old saying: Love what U do and U won’t work a day for the rest of your life. Lobster, Wonderful that Ur living your dream. Again, Thx for sharing; Luv the DiMarzio tone !
Thank you RL!
IMO, you lost some top end clarity fully open, but obviously you're enjoying the overall vibe more and maybe that's not translating across the video. Nevertheless, I'd stick with the stock PUP (or replace with a Fender CS '62P, which is my personal favorite P PUP), and tweak your amp EQ to compensate for any lack of low end you're hearing.
Why are you a lobster?
Stock pickup for me
DiMarzio is indeed a little bit better overall BUT I want to go with this bass in other way and maybe you can help me:
SD SPB-3 or DiMarzio Relentless Middle ?
I heard your demo of relentless but do you think such hot pups suits this P5? :)
"A small price to pay for salvation" - Lobster when he dremmels a pickguard
In all seriousness, excellent upgrades! That pickup has a much better low-end and still managed to keep the growl.
Thank you Michael!
I'm between a Sire P5 or Squier Classic Vibe 70s P bass. Which way would you go? Love the content and new subscriber!
Put the stock ones back in and get your $ back on the DM's.
I like the DMs... and I didn't pay for them. XD
I want a glossy fretboard so bad lobsta !
They're shiny
If you are a slapper keep the original pickup. For a basic solid tone improvement then upgrade to the Dimarzio.
Hey Lobster. The upgrades sound great , much more of the classic P bass sound. Would look great with Black hardware and Black pickguard IMO. Do you know where you can get a Black pickguard for these ? Andertons now have stock of the basses now in the UK so may get one. also looking forward to the new 40th Anniversary Squires. hope they are as good as they look. The Dark Red Jazz and Black P look Fab. Hope you get to review them and how they compare to these Sires. Stay safe, ATB Stu.
You will likely need to get one custom made. Many places will allow you to send in a tracing of your pickguard
@@LowEndLobster Thanks Lobster
Sounds fantastic Lobster! And with a relic pickguard, it's worth more money now.
LOL Thank you Darvin!
I wonder if that original pick up is more of a 57 type pickup maybe, along with a maple board, we are so accustomed to the early 60s warmer sound. Really like both sounds.
Have you tried it with flats yet?
the t-shirt...