Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FL

Für Leute auf der Suche nach etwas Besonderem vielleicht ein großer Geheimtip. Allerdings muss einem klar sein, dass für normales Bassspiel die Intonation noch schwieriger ist als bei einem Longscale Fretless. Kleinste Unterschiede in der Position der Fingerkuppe können auch schon mal ein Viertelton sein. Für mich also eher ein Spezialist für Melodiespiel. Die passive Elektronik klingt sehr gut. Die Verarbeitung ist auch sehr gut.

Already owning a Sire V7 Vintage 1st generation and a Tanglewood Rebel fretless I was looking for a better quality budget fretless bass and based on my experience with the V7 and after doing some checking on the internet I ordered the U5 Natural Short Scale Fretless. Short Scale because of the tone and also playing comfort, I have small hands. I own it for about three months now and I'm impressed how they can make such a bass for this price; I used to own a Music Man Stingray so there's the reference ( which was sold because I didn't play anymore back then...stupid...). The build quality and finish are very good, the sound is warm and round ( I use this bass for ballads and easy listening pieces) but can also be very bright; the pots for the P/J pickups and the tone control respond well and have a solid feel. Playability is very good but you have to get used to the fact that it is a short scale. Although it's more comfortable for my hands it took some time to adjust to it. Set-up was perfect when I unboxed it, the action is a bit high but that's how I like it. The standard strings are not that good. It was quite difficult to tune the A and E. The bass is now equipped with LaBella 760FS-S, tuning and tone improved significantly. Tuners are better than on my V7 but in my opinion, the tuners are the least good thing on a Sire. You can tune perfect to the tone but the "feel" could be better; my cheap Tanglewood has better tuners than the Sires. The balance when played sitting or standing is perfect and the weight is, compared to the V7, an improvement. The rolled "fret"board is nice but I wouldn't miss it if it was not so. The looks of the maple top on my U5 is quite diiferent then what you see on pictures. It's not ugly so I have no problem with it but it's.....eh...different. Keep this in mind when you order online, it can be a surprise.
Conclusion: If you are looking for a budget short scale bass I can only recommend that you try the Sire U5. I don't know if you will find anything better for € 537,-.

Very satisfied with my new U5 Fretless. Build quality is up to the usual high standard expected from Sire. I can't find any issues with the build quality.
The neck is a joy to play and the rounded neck coupled with the fretless fingerboard makes it very easy to hit the right notes as the fretlines are easily visible from the top of the neck. Pickups sound great. No noise from the bridge pickup when soloed. Pots are smooth and feel great. Pups sound great and there are plenty of options to get any sound you want. I find the tuners to work fine.
There is very slight neck dive, but nothing deal breaking. I had to do a slight action setting as the E string was ratlling a little. Easy adjustment on the saddle fixed it.
Short scale fretless options are few, and for the price nothing comes close. Buy it.

J'ai acheté cet instrument parce que j'aime le son fretless et que je voulais avoir une touche lignée, passant d'un diapason long à une short scale. Ayant déjà une Sire v3 je ne suis pas dépaysée au niveau du manche, très confortable. La basse est très belle, un peu plus petite et légère, sans ressembler pour autant à une mini basse. J'ai changé les cordes pour des labella et je les ai baissées pour un son plus fretless. J' essaierai peut être des filets ronds plus tard... L'électronique est passive, ce qui est plutôt reposant après les multiples reglages des actives de la marque. Moins de pêche mais des variations intéressantes...Je suis encore en période d'essai. Bien sûr peu adaptée au slap , mais très agréable à jouer. Pour l'instant je ne vois pas de défaut.