This instrument plays like it is much more expensive that it actually is. Let's break part of it down - 5 strings. Option to top-load strings or to string through-body. Body-access truss rod adjustment. Adjustable string tree that covers all five strings. Smooth, rolled fingerboard edges. Roasted. Maple. Neck.
The Sire Marcus Miller P5 is a fantastic bass, well-suited for any genre you intend to play. I have it strung with flatwound strings currently, but the roundwound strings it comes strung with aren't just any cheap, unfortunate strings; they sound great and play well. You can play quiet, you can play aggressive, you can play dolce, you can play risoluto. You can slap and pop on this bass! Putting the Marcus Miller name on the headstock isn't just for show, its got a great slap & double-thumb tone too!
My few issues with this bass take it from a 10/10 down to a 9/10 score:
1. It's a bit heavy. I mean, it's to be expected, with a full roasted maple neck and a body built for 5 strings. The tuners on the headstock definitely create some weight, but it's not anything that can't be changed out.
2. The pickup doesn't have as much low-end as I, and some others I have seen review this bass, desire. Again, it's not anything that can't be changed, but it should certainly be kept in mind.
It should be noted that opening the tone knob really brings a lot of brightness into the sound, more so than one might be familiar with. I'd say tone at about 80%-85% open is similar to the tone being 100% on, say, a Fender brand Precision bass.
Overall, this bass is extremely well worth it if you've got a 5-string P-bass itch that needs scratched, and extremely well worth it if you're thinking about what to get as a next bass. The folks at Thomann also did a wondrous job packing and shipping it over very quickly and carefully, so my thanks to them as well.
When you end up buying, enjoy your new instrument! It's definitely built for a long time.
