Sire Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 Lh Ts Mn

A V5 Designed for Vintage: Classic DNA, Modern Feel

The Marcus Miller V5 is aimed at bassists who appreciate the aesthetics and response of a passive jazz bass without unnecessary complications. Its concept focuses on the essentials: traditional woods, comfort-oriented craftsmanship, and minimalist electronics that let your playing speak. The result: a bass that immediately evokes major vintage references while offering easier playability thanks to a particularly pleasant neck.

For Which Bassists and Styles?

With its passive configuration and personality firmly rooted in tradition, the V5 suits both the serious beginner bassist (looking for a solid and expressive foundation) and the intermediate or advanced musician seeking a straightforward, no-frills instrument. It excels in jazz, soul, funk, blues, pop, and rock: anything that demands a bass that cuts through the mix with character and natural dynamics.

Its pair of Jazz-style pickups and separate controls invite you to sculpt the sound "by hand": neck pickup for warmth and foundation, bridge pickup for attack and bite, or a blend of both for that famous crisp and articulate balance that carries the band effortlessly.

Sound: The Passive Jazz Grain, Between Warmth, Attack, and Definition

The North American alder body provides a balanced response, with present mids and a natural attack that helps the bass remain clear. This is a highly appreciated choice for vintage tones as it delivers controlled lows and great coherence across the spectrum, whether played fingerstyle, with a pick, or slap.

The satin roasted hard maple neck (and matching fretboard) enhances the sense of precision: you often get a sharper attack and very immediate projection, especially enjoyable on syncopated lines and funky grooves. The satin finish also promotes playing speed, while the rolled fretboard edges give a "played-in, broken-in" feel typical of vintage comfort instruments.

On the electronics side, the V5 remains deliberately pure: Marcus Vintage-J Revolution Set and passive control Volume (neck pickup) + Volume (bridge pickup) + Tone (master). This wiring is a classic for a simple reason: it allows you to go from a round, woody sound to a tighter, more incisive tone while maintaining organic dynamics. Slightly rolling off the tone yields softer, walking-style lows, and opening it fully brings out a bright clarity, perfect for modern playing on a vintage foundation.

Technical specifications

Left handed	Yes	Nbr of strings	5
Strings	Steel	Fingerboard	Maple

Body Material	North American alder	Binding	1-ply black
Body Shape	new Marcus Miller Jazz body type	Inlay	black block
Body Color	NT, TS, VWH, CGM	Knobs	Jazz BK knobs
Neck Material	satin roasted hard maple	Bridge	Marcus Miller Vintage-S
Neck Shape	C-Shape	Tuning Machines	Premium Open-Gear
Scale Length	33.86" / 860 mm (86 cm)	Hardware Finish	chrome
Neck Joint	4-bolt square steel plate	Pickguard	black 3-ply
Fretboard Material	satin roasted hard maple / rolled fretboard edges	Pickups	Marcus Vintage-J Revolution Set
Fretboard Radius	9.5" / 240 mm (24 cm)	Preamp	passive volume and tone control
Frets	2.4 mm / 0.094" Medium	Controls	Volume (Neck PU), Volume (Bridge PU), Tone (Master)
Nut	4-string - bone nut 38 mm / 1.50" wide; 5-string - bone nut 46 mm / 1.81" wide	Nut Configuration	4-string or 5-string versions depending on model (see nut width)