SIRE BASS
User Manual
1
CONTENTS
GENERAL SETUP INFORMATION
String Winding / Replacement
3
Neck Adjustment
5
Location of the Trussrod
7
Head Machine Sensitivity Adjustment
9
Pitch Adjustment (Octave Adjustment)
10
Pick-up Height Adjustment
11
Cleaning / Managing
12
Bridge Adjustment
13
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Experience the joy of music
SIRE dreams of a society where everyone can enjoy music fairly
without any restrictions.
Thank you for purchasing our Sire Marcus Miller Bass Guitar!
Musical instruments produced by Sire are set-up manually by
hand before they are shipped so they can be played immediately
right out of the box. The setup, however may vary due to
environmental factors and seasonal conditions. Also, the setup
may change depending on the period of use, string tension, etc.
In this case, setup may be required again.
If you thoroughly understand all the instructions of this manual,
you will be able to set up your instrument like it was at the time of
shipment and optimize the setup to fit your personal preference.
For more product information, or if you have any questions,
please visit our site.
www.sire-usa.com
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String Winding / Replacement
SET UP
If you use the strings for a long period of time, it may become rusty.
Problems such as stuffy sound, buzzing, and deformation of the
neck due to the weakening of tension may also occur. Therefore, it
is recommended to replace the strings regularly. The average
replacement period is from every 2~3 weeks to 2 months. There are
players though who choose to change to new strings each time
they play.
Although it is not that hard to string a bass, there are some
important things you need to get right in order to get a good
sound, stay in tune and keep your bass guitar in good working
order. The method of string replacement and winding is closely
related to the stability of tuning, so please be careful when
replacing them. Also, replacing the strings in SET units at the same
time is highly recommended for tension or sound that may affect
the neck. The following figure is an example of a typical string
winding method.
The important point about winding the string is that it should be
wrapped around the post about 3 times. Otherwise, the tuning may
be distorted because of tension and the string becoming loosened
or more coiled caused by the movement of the string during
performances. Also, when winding the string, if it is tightly wound
from top to bottom, you can get a more stable tuning.
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After inserting the end of the string into the
groove of the tuning post, turn the head
machine to wind it.
Wrap the strings about 3 times.
※First, cut the string to the length that it can be
wrapped up to 3 times, then wrap it around the tuning
post. Make sure it is not cut too short.
5
Neck Adjustment
SET UP
*EXAMPLE OF A GOOD SETUP
The neck setting for the most ease of playing is when you press the
1st and 17th fret on the guitar, based on the thickest strings, the
distance from the 8th fret is about 0.3mm to 05.mm. The gap
between the bottom of the string and the top of the eighth fret
where the curvature should be deepest is called relief.
Picture of neck relief measurement
The adjustment of the truss rod is different for each individual based
on their preference of playing. For example, for players who usually
play with speed, the neck is adjusted almost horizontally with the
truss rod. In this case, a very low string height setting is possible.
Blues players, on the other hand, slightly loosen the truss rod and
set it a bit higher. In this setting, a little more hand force is used so
the feeling of fingering can be conveyed better.
As another example of neck adjustment, if you use regular gauge
strings then change the strings to a thicker set, because the tension
of the strings is much stronger, the neck is pulled, causing the
strings to float. In this case, by just slightly tightening the truss rod,
you can revert to the same settings as when using the regular gauge
strings.
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※Caution
Frequent neck adjustment is not required. You only need to adjust
the neck when necessary. In fact, many performers rarely touch the
adjustment when the desired set-up has already been achieved.
The guitar usually contains an interior metal bar called the truss
rod that runs the entire length of the guitar's neck. There are
several roles of the truss rod, but the primary function is to stabilize
the neck against the tension of the strings so that the player can
play the instrument comfortably.
The general operating direction is as follows.
Clockwise
Counter-clockwise
If the neck curves bow down away from the
strings, try tightening the truss rod by
twisting it clockwise.
If the neck bows up toward the strings, loosen
the truss rod by turning it counter-clockwise.
Depending on the guitar, the position of the truss rod may be
between the head and the neck, or between the neck and the
body. When turning the truss rod, think of it like using a
screwdriver.
Tightening : Insert the wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten the
truss rod or truss rod nut. This will reduce the amount of relief,
correcting the upbow.
Loosening : Turning the wrench counter-clockwise loosens the
truss rod. This will add relief to the neck, correcting the backbow.
7
Location of the Truss rod
Example of adjusting the truss rod
located between the head and neck
Example of adjusting the truss rod
located between the neck and body
8
If you use thicker strings that are different from the default strings
that are already set at the time of shipment, the tension of the strings
may change, causing the set-up to change as well. In this case,
overall adjustment is required.
In particular, if the truss rod adjustment of the neck is required, it
should be adjusted with caution.
The standard Bass string gauges are as follows :
String gauge : 0.045~0.100’’ (For 5 string: 0.130’’)
STRING
INCH
G-1st
.045
D-2nd
.065
A-3nd
.080
E-4th
.100
B-5th
.130
9
Head Machine Sensitivity
Adjustment
SET UP
The sensitivity to the turn of the head machine can be adjusted using
a Phillips screwdriver or a similar tool.
※Caution
Adjust it little by little as excessive adjustment may damage the parts.
Pitch Adjustment
(Octave Adjustment)
SET UP
10
Since the pitch on the open string and the pitch on the 12th fret
are the same notes in an octave, tuning the octave note on the
open string of each string and the 12th fret to be exactly the same
pitch is called octave pitch adjustment. This must be done to get
the correct pitch at every fret position.
When the note on the 12th
fret is low.
When the note
on the 12th fret is high.
How to adjust the octave pitch
First, tune the open string pitch. Then, press the 12th fret on the
same string and bounce the string. If you hear the same pitch,
then the octave pitch adjustment is good.
(Please use a tuner for precise octave pitch adjustment.)
If the pitch on the open string is correct, but the pitch on the 12th
fret is high, this means the distance from the 12th fret to the
saddle is short. You should move the saddle back. It is easier to
remember that if the violin has short scales with high notes, the
contrabass has long scales with low notes.
Scale refers to the distance from the end of the nut to the point
where the saddle lifts the strings. In general, electric guitars use
24.75” to 25.5” and bass guitars from 34” to 35”.
11
Pickup height adjustment
SET UP
A pickup is an inductive sensor that consists, in its simplest form, of a
coil wrapped around a permanently magnetic pole piece or pole
pieces. It is embedded in the body of the guitar right beneath the
strings. When the string vibrates, a signal is generated in the coil. It is
this signal that gets amplified to create the sound of the guitar.
Depending on the setting, such as placing the pickup closer to the
string or vice versa, the output and tone changes. The height
adjustment of the pickup is used to balance the tone and output.
To adjust the height of the pickup, first, press the low E string at the
last fret, closest to your pickup. Then measure the distance between
the bottom of the string and the top of the pickup. Raise or lower the
pickup by adjusting the screw that secures the pickup using a
screwdriver.
1st string:2.5mm/
4th string:3mm
PICKUP
*General setting - 1st string: 2.5mm / 4th string: 3mm (Based on 4
string bass)
We recommend you try to adjust the height of the pickup using several
different ways. This is where your personal taste comes into play.
However, if the pickup is too close to the string, the magnet of the
pickup may interfere with the normal ringing of the string. Also, if the
pickup is too far from the string, the output can be very low. Please
adjust it based on the general settings above.
The pickup's pole piece is the part that receives the most direct sound. If
this part can be adjusted with a screwdriver or a hexagon wrench,
adjusting each line individually is also a way to create your own sound.
Cleaning / Managing
SET UP
12
For guitars, the life of the string may be shortened due to moisture in the
air or sweat from playing. There may also be problems on the painted
surface of the instrument, rust from metal parts, or problems in the neck.
Therefore, having a habit of wiping the guitar during or after playing is a
very important habit in maintaining the condition of the guitar and
extending the life of the string.
The most basic method of cleaning is with a microfibre cloth or a lint free
cloth. First, wipe the strings either one by one or in twos. Then wipe the
fingerboard, the body, and the metal parts - in that order. It is a method
that can be sufficiently managed without any other care products and is a
very effective method. If the body is glossy it is recommended to use a
guitar polish/cleaner with a cleaning cloth.
Do note, however, that using other types of cloth, for example, furniture
cleaning cloths might be too rough for the guitar finish and might leave
scratches on the guitar. Also, it is recommended to clean guitars with
matte finish or lacquer finish with a dry cloth immediately after playing.
For rosewood and ebony fretboards, apply Lemon Oil or a special type of
oil to re-hydrate the fretboard. Lemon Oil protects your fretboard by
conditioning the wood and helping to keep it hydrated so it doesn’t dry
out and crack. Use the oil with a suitable cloth and apply it to the entire
fretboard. Maple fretboards are usually already coated, so wipe them well
with a dry cloth.
It is also recommended to avoid storing your guitar in humid places or,
conversely, in too dry environments. Storing it in a thick soft case or hard
case is a better management method than storing it at room temperature.
There are many care products in the market. It is a good idea to use the
right amount for the proper use, but if it is too much, it may have side
effects. Refer to the instruction manual of each product and use it properly.
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Bridge Adjustment
SET UP
Saddle Height
Adjustment
String Fixation 1 –
Rear Body View
Intonation Adjustment
String Fixation 2
String Fixation
The string can be fixed in two ways as shown in the image. The
method of fixing the strings directly to the bridge provides a soft
tone, while the method of fixing the strings by passing through the
body produces a more solid tone.
Saddle Height Adjustment
The saddle height is adjustable for each string. Use a 1.5mm or
2mm wrench according to the specifications of the bridge.
Intonation
You can adjust the octave pitch using a screwdriver.
MARCUS MILLER
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