Modern Active Jazz with Vintage Character
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 built a reputation for delivering professional-level instruments at prices that appeal to working musicians. The Marcus Miller V6 is their new active Jazz Bass model, positioned just above the more traditional passive V5. Sire was cool enough to send us a unit so we could see whether the V6 could combine the vibe of a vintage Jazz with the flexibility of a modern preamp, and if the extended low B string would hold up in live and studio contexts.
TL;DR: The V6 is, in every sense, a workhorse bass.
Specifications
The V6 we tested was the 5-string version, with a hard maple neck and rolled fingerboard edges. It comes with a 34″ scale length, 46 mm nut width, medium frets, and a satin neck finish that feels broken-in straight out of the case. The electronics are really where this model stands apart: the Marcus Super-J Revolution pickups are paired with Sire’s Heritage-3 active preamp. This offers a 3-band EQ, active/passive switching, master volume, pickup blend, and a passive tone control. Hardware includes the Marcus Miller Modern-S Bass Bridge, a classic J-Bass style bridge and the Premium Light Weight Open Gear tuners, both solid, stable and super light. From the factory, the V6 ships with DR roundwound strings, ensuring brightness, clarity, and long life. It also comes with the Sire Official Gig Bag, a padded and durable case designed to keep the instrument protected during transport and storage — far more protective than typical entry-level gig bags. And as part of Sire’s lightweight philosophy, the bass tips the scales at just around 3.7 kg, making it especially gig-friendly.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the bass feels premium. The fretwork is clean, the rolled edges make the neck extremely comfortable, and the satin finish on the back of the neck encourages fast movement. It feels like a broken-in instrument from day one. One of the first issues we noticed was the balance. This new Sire series is clearly focused on being lightweight, and while that’s great for comfort, the lighter body does create a touch of neck-dive on the 5-string. It’s not a dealbreaker — with a strap it almost disappears — but it is there. Once you get used to it, the V6 is a breeze to play, and I’d happily take it through a 3-hour gig without breaking a sweat.
Build Philosophy & Controls
The V6 reflects Sire’s design philosophy: lightweight comfort with professional-level flexibility. The body is mahogany with a sandblasted ash top, giving it a boutique wooden look and texture. The C-shape maple neck is bolt-on, smooth, and extremely comfortable. The finish makes it feel like a broken-in neck from day one. Hardware leans vintage-inspired, but sustain and tuning stability are a given. And true to Sire’s style, you get a lot of control options: Master Volume/Tone Control, Pickup Blend, Mid and Treble, Bass control with active/passive push-pull.
Tone & Performance
In a 5-string, the first thing most players check is how well the low B balances with the other strings. On the V6, the low B is tight and articulate. It can sometimes feel a little hotter than the rest, but the difference is subtle and not disruptive. The active mode is where the V6 really shines. The bass feels super balanced, articulate, and robust. The 3-band EQ seems tailor-made for this bass, enhancing all the natural qualities of a Jazz-style instrument — punchy lows, articulate mids, and crystal-clear highs. In passive mode, the V6 is still very usable but feels more sterile compared to the P6’s passive voice or the V6’s own active character. It won’t disappoint, but it doesn’t reach the same level of personality.
Comparisons
Compared to the V5, the V6 is more versatile thanks to the preamp, and it’s better suited for players who need a wide tonal range. The V5 has the advantage in simplicity and pure vintage vibe. Against Fender’s Player Plus Jazz 5, the V6 holds its own — offering a sweepable mid EQ and a similarly tight B string, but lighter and at a more approachable price. It’s also a strong alternative to Yamaha’s BB735A, though the V6 captures a more authentic Jazz character.
Pros & Cons
Pros: super versatile and articulate in active mode; tight, usable low B string; wide tonal palette with Heritage-3 preamp; rolled fretboard edges and satin neck = immediate comfort; great value compared to competitors; ultra-lightweight at just around 3.7 kg.
Cons: slight neck-dive due to lightweight body; passive mode feels less inspiring than active; single-coil hum possible in passive.
Q&A
Q: How does the low B string perform on the V6 compared to other 5-strings in this price range?
A: The low B is impressively tight and articulate, with only a slight tendency to be hotter than the other strings. It holds up very well against competitors like the Fender Player Plus Jazz 5 and Yamaha BB735A.
Q: Is the V6 too heavy for long gigs?
A: Not at all. At just around 3.7 kg, the V6 is ultra-lightweight. There is a bit of neck-dive due to the lighter body, but with a strap it’s barely noticeable. Overall, it’s a very comfortable bass for long sets.
Q: How versatile is the preamp and EQ section?
A: Extremely versatile. The Heritage-3 preamp offers a 3-band EQ, giving you everything from classic Jazz growl to modern active clarity. Even small tweaks are very audible, making it a flexible tool for live and studio use.
Conclusion
The Sire Marcus Miller V6 5-String is a versatile and robust instrument that easily adapts to different genres. It truly shines in active mode, offering clarity, articulation, and power, while still maintaining a solid Jazz identity. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s gig-ready even for long sets, and its tight B string makes it a dependable 5-string option. For players who need a modern Jazz Bass with a huge tonal range, the V6 is a clear winner.
You can find more information on the new Sire V6 on Sire official website!
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