I can’t speak for the U5, but I have a Sire V7 fretless. I bought it second hand and it’s a great instrument. I think the pre-amp is a bit over the top for it (I’ve now found a setting I like and I now tend to leave the EQ alone), but that aside, it plays very nicely, is very well balanced (it’s on a “car seatbelt” strap and doesn’t dive at all) and makes some cool noises!
3 Likes
I can speak to the U5. It is an excellent bass.
Just before I took B2B, I ordered a Gretsch Junior Jet. I returned it because the body form factor was just too small for me.
So, technically, my second bass was another short scale: a Sire U5, which I used to finish B2B.
The difference in materials and build quality between the Gretsch and the Sire were insane; the U5 felt and played amazing in comparison.
My third bass was a Sterling StingRay shorty, because, at the time, I wanted another pup tone beside the U5’s PJ config. I also thought that shorties were the best fit for me since I’ve played guitar since I was 14.
My fourth bass was a long scale: a Sire M5, a superb bass. Its quality materials, pups, light weight, playability and tonal options are all next level. Long scale quickly became my favorite.
My next three (long scale) basses took a quantum leap in quality, playability and cost.
4 Likes
- Yamaha TRBX304 (CAR)
- Yamaha TRBX604FM (DRB)
- Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX5 (Red)
- Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX4 (Red)
- Yamaha BB734A (Coffee Burst)
- Yamaha SBV-550 (Shelby Blue)
- Fender Japan Hybrid II Precision Bass (Forest Blue)
- Yamaha SBV-800MF (Candy Blue)
- Yamaha BB734A (Black)
- Yamaha Motion Bass MB-III (Black)
I still have the bold ones, the others are sold. Kinda miss the TRBX604. I feel like I am missing one in there 
In terms of overall instrument quality and sound, the two SBV’s are by far the best out of the list. Next would probably be the BB734A though the MB-III is a strong contender, probably closer to a tie. I’m impressed with the little thing.
The Fender P-bass was great, a really nice MIJ instrument, but completely obviated by later basses.
I did not gel with the Warwicks at all.
The TRBX - just a great line of starter and midrange basses. I loved my 604 to death. I could see owning another one someday.
2 Likes
My second bass was a Hamer Slammer Series tobacco sunburst purchased entirely because I thought it looked cool as hell, and I knew Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam played a Hamer (12 string, but whatever).
This bass was brutalized over 3 or so years by being strung with 130 - 45s, de-tuned to B standard for my metal band practices every week, then re-tuned (still 130 - 45) to standard for my bass practice and lessons.
By the time it was replaced (with a 5 string, thank the bass gods) the neck was visibly weeping at me.
I still love seeing this. It was the instrument I learned to slap on and was yet another proof that the only bass you need is the one you think looks dope as hell.
14 year old me knew cool when he saw it.
6 Likes
Must have been insanely taut strings 
I’m still surprised it didn’t just explode on me one day.
It was so mean.
…It may have just been the low E that was a .130?
I’m not even sure now, but I think so?
That might make more sense on how I was able to actually physically play it.
1 Like
Indeed 45 is ‘standard’ heavy gauge for G 
First bass next to second bass. I got a mid-range Sire J-bass because it was the type most recommended for beginners. There are no music stores left here, and having never played bass before, I did not realise just how big it would be. Soon after, I bought the LTD, and I am very happy with it. I play the ESP every day, and mostly just use the J-bass for non-standard tuning.
6 Likes
Once you drink the short scale kool-aid, there’s no going back.
My first bass as a MIM Fender Jazz. I screwed up my left shoulder falling on ice and found the reach to the first fret uncomfortable, so I bought a Gibson SG as my second bass. I now have 11 30" basses, 1 27" bass and 2 17" basses. I have 2 more 30" basses coming.
I fell down the shorty rabbit hole and stayed there. 
3 Likes
My first bass was one of those bundles you get on Amazon for like $100. The action was so high and not really fixable, but it did the job for a while.
My second bass was a Squier P bass I got for Christmas from my brother-in-law. (The one in my profile pic). It’s a great bass, but so heavy and the neck is just so big. So I went backwards, or maybe a lateral move, and got a used Yamaha TRBX174 for dirt cheap and it’s in GREAT shape. I love that thing and it’s my main bass now.
2 Likes
The ESP is also a longscale, just on a much smaller body.
I went exactly the other way. I started with shorties and fell in love with 34” scale basses instead. 
1 Like
A fret too far for me. 
I started with Cort Action PJ, and after almost 1.5 yeras of playing I ordered custom Maruszczyk bass. It wasn’t that expensive, and I could configure it exactly to my needs. I wanted end the journey of “I need another one” very fast, by geting something tailored exactly for me - let’s see how that will work out 
1 Like
My number one and two. It started to get out of control really fast. Luckily it slowed down to one a year now
2 Likes