The Modern Precision with Vintage Soul
Disclaimer: This bass was kindly provided by Sire for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction
Sire has become one of the most trusted names among working bass players by offering professional instruments at accessible prices. The Marcus Miller P6 is their active Precision-style model, designed to deliver the familiar growl and thump of a traditional P-Bass, but with the added flexibility of a modern preamp and an extra Jazz pickup at the bridge. Sire was kind enough to send us one, and we put it through its paces to see if it really captures both worlds.
TL;DR: The P6 is the epitome of a versatile Precision-style bass.
Specifications
The P6 we tested was the 4-string version, with a hard maple neck and rolled fingerboard edges. It comes with a 34″ scale length, 38 mm nut width, medium frets, and a satin neck finish that feels smooth and broken-in out of the box. The pickup configuration is PJ-style: Marcus Super-PJ Revolution Set Pickup set. Electronics include Sire’s Heritage-3 preamp, with a full 3-band EQ, active/passive switching, and a passive tone control.
Hardware consists of the Marcus Miller Modern-S Bass Bridge and Premium Light Weight Open Gear tuners. From the factory, the P6 comes strung with DR roundwound strings and is shipped with the Sire Official Gig Bag — a durable padded case that uses 1680D Oxford polyester fabric, Nylex tricot lining, and 18mm PE foam padding for serious protection during transport and storage. And like the rest of this new generation of Sire basses, the P6 is built with weight in mind, coming in at just around 3.6 kg.
First Impressions
Lightweight is the first word that comes to mind when picking up the P6. The body feels almost featherlight compared to many other P-style basses, yet it balances surprisingly well even without a strap. The neck, while slightly heavier, does not compromise overall comfort. Out of the box, the fretwork is clean, the edges are rounded, and the satin back of the neck has that fast, “broken-in” feel that players normally spend years achieving. Overall, it feels premium and gig-ready right away.
Build Philosophy & Controls
The P6 reflects Sire’s mission to blend traditional tone with modern flexibility. The body is mahogany with a sandblasted ash top, giving it a boutique “wooden relief” aesthetic. The C-shape maple neck is bolt-on, smooth, and ergonomic. The finish and rolled fretboard edges make it one of the most comfortable necks you’ll find in this price range. Controls are comprehensive: Master Volume/Tone Control, Pickup Blend, Bass, Mid, Treble, and an active/passive push-pull switch. Hardware design leans vintage-inspired, but sustain and stability remain excellent.
Tone & Performance
In passive mode, the P6 absolutely nails the traditional Precision vibe. Solo the Precision pickup, and you get that classic midrange growl. Roll off the tone and play closer to the neck, and the warm, muted thump comes alive. Switch things up with the bridge Jazz pickup, and you can blend in extra articulation and frequency content that expands the tonal range far beyond a standard P-Bass. In active mode, the 3-band EQ opens up even more possibilities. Each band is highly responsive, with even the smallest adjustments clearly audible. From vintage Motown-inspired tones to a modern, hi-fi slap sound, the P6 covers an impressive amount of ground with confidence.
Comparisons
Against Fender’s Player Precision, the P6 offers more tonal variety thanks to the PJ setup and the active preamp. Compared to the V6, the P6 really shines in passive mode, where it captures the essence of a traditional Precision bass more convincingly. Against Yamaha’s BB series, the P6 feels lighter and more modern, while still staying true to the P-Bass soul.
Pros & Cons
Pros: authentic Precision voice in passive mode; extra tonal versatility with bridge J pickup; highly responsive active EQ; featherlight body (around 3.6 kg) with solid balance; rolled edges and satin neck = immediate comfort; great value for money.
Cons: neck is slightly heavier than the body; single-coil hum possible when soloing the J pickup; some players may prefer a heavier, more “traditional-feeling” P-Bass body.
Q&A
Q: Does the P6 sound like a true Precision bass in passive mode?
A: Yes. With the P pickup soloed, it nails the classic growl and muted thump that define a Precision. It can easily hold its own against traditional P-style instruments.
Q: How versatile is the PJ pickup configuration?
A: Very versatile. The J pickup adds articulation and tonal complexity, allowing you to blend Precision thump with Jazz clarity. It makes the P6 a much more flexible tool than a standard P-Bass.
Q: Is the P6 comfortable for long gigs?
A: Absolutely. At just around 3.6 kg, it’s lightweight and balances well. The rolled neck edges and satin finish make it one of the most comfortable instruments to play, especially for extended sets.
Conclusion
The Sire Marcus Miller P6 4-String is a Precision-style bass that does more than just emulate the classics. It captures the unmistakable growl and thump of a traditional P-Bass in passive mode while offering modern versatility through its bridge pickup and active preamp. Lightweight, comfortable, and sonically flexible, it’s a reliable all-rounder that can adapt to almost any gig or studio session. For players who want the best of both vintage character and modern control, the P6 delivers in style.
You can find more information on the new Sire P6 on Sire official website!
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