Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FL

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.

I've been searching for the Sire Marcus Miller U5 short scale bass in the US for quite awhile without success. It pops up on Reverb every once in awhile only to be snapped up quickly by another enthusiast.

Apparently, there is either a shortage of the short scale version in the US, or Sire may have decided to stop production of this model since it no longer lists it on its website. If that's true, grab one now before it becomes extinct.

But to my surprise, Thomann Music has the SS version and it is sold at the most reasonable price even with S/H to the US included. I ordered it immediately and the instrument arrived within 8 days (during the X'mas season). Remarkable! The bass was carefully double-boxed to ensure the safest shipping outcome. Well done!

I love the U5! It's a beautifully made instrument with a remarkable fit and finish for a mid-level bass. The string height and set-up were great straight from the box; the rolled-off edges of the neck is a plus; and the pick-ups are quiet. I cannot recommend this wonderful instrument quiet enough.

Thanks Thomann for a wonderfully easy and stress free experience ordering from your online store. I'd do it again! Thank You!