Does the V6 work without a battery?

Yes. Pull the bass knob to switch to passive mode, which works without the preamp powered.

What pickups does it use?

It uses Sire's Marcus Super-J Revolution set, a J-style pair wired to the active 3-band preamp.

What strings come with it?

It ships with DR Dragon Skin+ premium bass strings.

Is the body really lightweight?

The mahogany body with a solid ash top is built to be light, and owners mention the weight as a plus.

Will it need a setup out of the box?

Some owners report fret buzz and had to raise the action, so a setup is worth planning for.

How does it compare with the V7?

The V6 uses a simpler body wood and pickup set than the V7, but keeps the active preamp and passive switch.

Where is the Sire Marcus Miller V6 4 String Bass Guitar cheapest?

At hanks-guitar-shop.com, for $449.99, 18% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Sire Marcus Miller V6 4 String Bass Guitar?

Buyers like: Great customer service from zZounds; Quick, hassle-free return. Common complaints: Horrible fret buzz upon arrival; Input jack was shorting out.

Where can I buy the Sire Marcus Miller V6 4 String Bass Guitar?

8 stores we checked sell it, including Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, American Musical Supply, zZounds, Sweetwater, hanks-guitar-shop.com.

Sire Marcus Miller V6 4 String Bass Guitar Price History: $449.99

What reviewers say

Owners like the tone and the active/passive flexibility, but several report setup problems on arrival. Fret buzz and a faulty input jack come up, and some had to raise the action to fix it.

What people mention

Fret buzzCriticisedSome owners report fret buzz on arrival and had to raise the strings to clear it.
Input jackCriticisedAt least one buyer had an input jack that was shorting out.
SetupMixedSeveral players needed to adjust action and setup before the bass played cleanly.
PreampPraisedThe active 3-band EQ with push/pull passive mode is a highlight for tone shaping.
Neck feelPraisedRolled fretboard edges make the maple neck comfortable to play.
WeightPraisedThe lightweight body is noted as easy on the shoulder during long sessions.

From zZounds

Lightweight body designed to reduce fatigue and enhance comfort
Natural wood grain top with sandblasted finish
Mahogany body with solid ash top
Hard rock maple neck with rolled edges
Marcus Super-J Revolution Set pickups
Active 3-band preamp with push/pull bass knob for passive mode

Materials: Mahogany body with solid ash top; hard maple neck; hard maple edgeless fingerboard; bone nut; chrome hardware
Fit: C-shape neck, 34" scale length, 9.5" fingerboard radius, 38mm nut width, 20 medium frets
Shipping: Free shipping; most in-stock items delivered within 2 days; this item ships directly from the manufacturer
In the box: DR Dragon Skin+ premium bass strings

About the Sire Marcus Miller V6 4 String Bass Guitar

The Sire Marcus Miller V6 is a 4-string bass guitar with a lightweight mahogany body and a solid ash top. The top has a natural wood grain with a sandblasted finish. The lightweight body is designed to reduce fatigue and add comfort.

The neck is hard rock maple with rolled edges and a C-shape profile. The fingerboard is hard maple and edgeless, with a bone nut and 20 medium frets. Hardware is chrome.

Electronics include Marcus Super-J Revolution Set pickups and an active 3-band preamp. A push/pull bass knob switches the bass to passive mode.