I can already tell that I’m going to need to approach this like I do with my Helix. The tonal versatility is off the charts between pickup wirings, blending, mid sweep, and the EQ. I need to find 2 or 3 set ups that I like and stick with them most of the time or I’ll spend all of my time tone chasing rather than just playing it.
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You are correct about the wide variety of tones the M5 can produce. It’s nuts.
But after experimenting with essentially all its tonal possibilities, it’s been my experience that I settle on 2-3 pups/preamp configs that suit my mood at different times, for different genres.
That said, I often go back to playing around with different settings combos just to see where they lead me. The results are often surprising and very cool. Have fun!
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Those things do look really good. The bridge looks kind of Gotoh-like, I wonder if Gotoh makes it for them.
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Sire manufactures their bridges.
From Google:
The bridge on the Sire Marcus Miller M5 bass is manufactured by
Sire (under the “Marcus Miller” brand name) and is specifically named the Marcus Miller Heavy Mass Custom bridge.
I have one on my M5 and V8.
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More Sire info from Google (for all those playing along at home):
Sire manufactures its own hardware and electronics, including pickups and preamps, in its own dedicated factory.
Based on information from user discussions and official company highlights, Sire emphasizes an in-house production model to keep costs low and quality high:
Factory Ownership: Sire operates its own factories in Indonesia, rather than contracting out production to other manufacturers.
Components: They manufacture their own bodies, necks, pickups, and electronics in-house.
Electronics: Sire is known for developing their own proprietary preamps, such as the Marcus Heritage-3, and pickups (e.g., Marcus Pure-H Revolution).
Hardware: They produce their own hardware, including bridges (e.g., Marcus Heavy Mass Custom) and tuning gears.
Quality Control: While they own the factory, some reports suggest that during times of high volume, QC can be inconsistent, with some users reporting issues with electronics, though they generally offer replacements if bought new.
While the hardware is designed to be proprietary to Sire, it is often viewed as a “budget pro-level” component, designed for high functionality at a lower price point rather than direct competition with high-end, aftermarket hardware like Gotoh or Hipshot.
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Yeah Gotoh-like was meant as a compliment 
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Kinda like the M5 takes some inspiration from Fodera, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sire used some of Gotoh’s design cues for the bridge and tuners (I just assumed the tuners were Gotoh).
…and yeah, I love Gotoh’s stuff, I’ve the bridge and tuners on my Reverend and lover them.
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I spec’ed a set of high-end Gotoh tuners for one of my custom acoustic guitars 20 years ago. Good quality.
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Dude I was eyeing with that Yamaha BB for a while before ordering my Aerodynes - however still having a bit of itch; after freeing up some room I may﹡ get one, not sure if the 434 or the 734 though.
﹡: Hope you get the irony out of it, right? 
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If I am dead honest with myself my BB734a is the only bass I need.
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The 434 is a great bass. I’ve got the 5 string version. As far as which one, the fit and finish on the 734 is a step up from the 434 but the biggest deciding factor imo is whether you have a need / want for a preamp. If you’re looking for value for your money they’re both top notch and hard to impossible to beat at their respective price point.
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hard to impossible to beat at their respective price point
Well my Aerodyne shipped from Japan and added 27% VAT(!!!) + import fee on top is still only slightly above the price of the 434, that was my driver actually: MIJ vs MII.
(Edit: did the math: the difference was exactly the amount of the world record Hungarian VAT unfortunately.)
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No chance of local trade with either a shop or private deal? 734 for aerodyne seems like a fair deal in US dollars anyway.
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I think I may be afflicted with whatever the opposite of GAS may be - if it ain’t broke don’t fix it syndrome? I’m doing the course on the Ibanez GSR190 I got as part of a starter pack back in like 2001, albeit with a better amp. With limited space I’m trying to “practice more than I shop,” but I do think after completing the course and then also sticking with this for a few months without the structure of the course (I think that will be the real test), I deserve a Big Girl Bass for lack of a better term.
I want something versatile that I’m unlikely to need to upgrade or replace, so I’m leaning toward the standard Fender P-Bass, either black with white pick guard or white with black if I’m in a more Paul Simonon/Dee Dee Ramone mood.
That said I do find the Mustang intriguing (I’m a big Talking Heads fan haha), but I’d really have to try one out because I’m not sure how I’d like the scale length.
I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my old red Ibanez though…
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I’m a huge fan of MIJ instruments of course but TBH both of my BB734a’s and also my TRBX604 (all MII) have been as high or higher quality as my two MIJ Fenders were.
And I would say the BBP34 (MIJ) is nicer, but only slightly, than the BB734a.
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Well yeah, it helps when you LIJ. 
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Yeah having them be among the most economical options is also nice
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Of course you should just get it (this is the GAS thread), but I’d advise trying it in the shop. I found the Fender basses just sit differently on the body.
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Me too, and I live in NY… 9 currently.
For the money, can’t do better, even with import nonsense right now.
Still an amazing price for an Aerodyne.
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