Anyone care to share their opinion on the diff. between the Lakland USA and Skyline models? We get asked about this every day and while we can give our take on it, I'd like to hear some of your experiences/thoughts....
:confused:

They're both great; Skyline is more affordable and built overseas, though great sound and great build quality. USA is built domestically and has more options. USA uses nicer woods, has more finish availabilities, slightly upgrade in hardware and electronics, and has a bone nut. You really can't go wrong with either one.

They're both great; Skyline is more affordable and built overseas, though great sound and great build quality. USA is built domestically and has more options. USA uses nicer woods, has more finish availabilities, slightly upgrade in hardware and electronics, and has a bone nut. You really can't go wrong with either one.

Yeah, as their #1 Dealer for the last decade, I'm aware of the physical diffs, but was trying to get opinions on sonic comparisons, and/or perceived value of the two. I agree, they're both great.....

The way someone else here stated the difference is "A Skyline is all you'll ever need, an American is all you could ever want." I would agree with this.

Ah. OK. Umm.....I guess that very much differs on the model and pickups and electronics....

The way someone else here stated the difference is "A Skyline is all you'll ever need, an American is all you could ever want." I would agree with this.

I agree with this too. That's a good quote. If I had room in my signature, that would go in it.

I have a skyline JO 4 and a friend of mine has a JO5 American. We both have maple boards and the only real differences are the fact that he has a Birdseye maple board and its a custom shop color. I think his has the Lindy Fralin pickups and mine are the Lakland brand pups. Anyway, they sound almost identical, there are little differences here and there but for the most part they sound identical (both basses are passive as well).

Now as for fit and finish.. The USA takes the cake, but the skyline is better than most American Fenders I have ever played. The fret work on the Skyline is for lack of a better word perfect. Of course the Lakland USA has got it going on as far as the looks, but almost everything else that really matters is just about the same level of quality on the skyline (frets, neck, quality components used..etc), except I think the nut is made out of something different on the USA and the tuners might be a little better on the USA as well. (not that the ones on the Skyline are bad)

Basically if you dont need a custom color dont hesitate to get a skyline.. :D

I agree, the Skyline series is everything a person needs in a bass, and then some. The fit/finish is great, the feel is there, etc. The US models have arguably "better" wood, but what does that mean anyway?? Leo's wood choices for the basses that are now the "Holy Grail" basses, often fetching as much $$ as a decent automobile, were bases on "cheap" in the first place! I'd say for a working guy, a pair of Skyline basses beats a single US, and is still less money! :-)

Lee

and this is only MY opinion, the skylines are cheaper for a reason....don't know if it's the electronics, the wood, the pups, or what, but the average USA 55-94 spanks the pants off any skyline any day. In tone, in feel, in mojo, call it what you want, but you get what you pay for. There is a reason the 55-94's cost more, and there is a reason they sound better. It's in the fingers and the tone.

They don't sound the same... the skyline's sound thinner and less meaty... could be my ears, but I've done the A/B thing at least 5 times looking for a reason to buy a Skyline and NOT hold out for a 55-94... everytime. I've come away with the same result... the 55-94's are simply better basses.

Bottom line.

Hope I don't get flamed too much,

and I am sorry if I offended any skyline owners...not my intent, but again I say, you get what you pay for.

Skylines are still good basses. USA's are more on a pro's level.

Beaver, I asked this same question in-store in 2003. You suggested I try both and see if I could hear a difference.

I tried both and left Orlando/Disneyland with a 4-94 that's now my #1 4-string bass!

The Skylines were nice basses but the American had that little something extra in there. Maybe it was wood, maybe it was my imagination, but I felt that perceptible difference.

Is the US model better?? Yes. It is over Two Thousand dollars' better?? Depends. To me?? Nope, I'd be just fine with a skyline, thankyouverymuch.

Guys, thanx for the feedback. Predictably, the opinions are All Over The Map, so as usual, it comes down to the individual's personal preference and experience.

For every guy who can tell a difference, there's a guy that can't. Some feel that there's a marked diff, others consider it a small one.

So, at the risk of sounding cliche', "A person's reality is their reality, which may or may not be someone else's!".....Nothing New, really.

Beaver,

I don't think anyone said there is no difference. I think (my opinion, entirely) that the difference between the "one thousand-ish" dollar bass and the "three thousdand dollar-ish" version of "the same thing" is not so great as to justify the extra $$. Maybe that is 'cuz the Skyline is already pretty damn good, dunno...

Beaver,

I don't think anyone said there is no difference. I think (my opinion, entirely) that the difference between the "one thousand-ish" dollar bass and the "three thousdand dollar-ish" version of "the same thing" is not so great as to justify the extra $$. Maybe that is 'cuz the Skyline is already pretty damn good, dunno...

Lee, sorry, I should've clarified. Actually, we've had a few people in the store who played both and couldn't Feel or Hear any difference in a "blindfold test", although they could see the diff in finish and quilt quality.

Many customers agree with you regarding the greater value of the Skyline, while we have many that insist on the superiority of the USA models and are willing to pay the major difference in $$$....

Thanx again for the feedback.

I'm game for a blindfold test... I never compared the two blindfolded and that, I think, would level the bar. With my luck, my buddies would stick a Wish Bass in the mix and insist that it was the USA~~~just to get me to eat my words...

A blindfold test would be great. Put a blindfold on Dave LaRue, stick a bass in his hands and record. Then with the "other" bass (play same line). He won't know which bass he's playing so as to not influence his playing. Then post the sound clips here and see if anyone can tell the difference. Perhaps several different clips so that it's not a 50/50 shot at getting it right. If there's truly a difference in the sound, then it should be noticable 100% of the time.

This isn't about how it feels and sound in D.L.'s hands... this is about me, the buyer/end user/player and my preferences... If I feel better about what I'm playing, and it feels good to me to play it... how you (the hearer) feel about it is secondary... bass playing is a totally self gratifying exercise.

This is all said in fun. But I can understand the challenge for the justification of the extra expense for the USA model as opposed to the Skyline model. I'd buy my son a skyline... and save the USA model for myself... It may come down to a matter of pereference for some... ME... I prefer the USA.

Anyone care to share their opinion on the diff. between the Lakland USA and Skyline models?

I've tried both and the one big difference for me was :

I could afford to buy a Skyline, whereas I couldn't even justify spending the kind of money US Laklands were going for in the UK!! :eek:

I can remember a few years ago - when I had a Roscoe Beck sig - I tried a few US Laklands in the London Bass Centre. I thought - hmm pretty similar, maybe slightly better - nicer finish. But the price tag was 3 times what I paid for the RB5!! :hmm:

Is the US model better?? Yes. It is over Two Thousand dollars' better?? Depends. To me?? Nope, I'd be just fine with a skyline, thankyouverymuch.

Exactly my thoughts.

Would I like to have a US Lakland? You bet!

Since I'm not rich, would it make a lot of sense for me to buy a US Lakland when I could buy 3 Skylines? IMO, no especially when the Skylines quality control and fit/finish, fretwork, etc. are so good for it's price point.

USA All the way. But you already know how I feel Beaver

I would like to try a skyline DJ in LPB/rosewood/tort guard though

Beaver,

You have started about five threads and you are already trying to get a flamefest going?:D

Laklands are great basses. Get Dan to start making some Skylines in lefty and I would be happy.

USA All the way.

Same feelings here.

It's all in the neck. Few companies make one that nice Skylines are fine for the price, but the necks don't begin to compare. Also, in the several skylines and USA's I've owned I have found the USA to be more resonant.

If Joey Squid didn't ship my old Sherwood Green JO overseas somewhere it would be sitting next to me right now. :D

Beaver,

You have started about five threads and you are already trying to get a flamefest going?:D

Laklands are great basses. Get Dan to start making some Skylines in lefty and I would be happy.

David, sorry, I'm unclear on what you mean by flamefest....
I'm not sure if Lakland has plans to produce lefty Skylines, but I doubt it, sorry....Other Lefty interests?

BF

David, sorry, I'm unclear on what you mean by flamefest....
I'm not sure if Lakland has plans to produce lefty Skylines, but I doubt it, sorry....Other Lefty interests?

BF

Beaver,

Just joshing you! A flamefest is when one posts a controversial topic that leads to posters taking very strong positions and sometimes leading to personal attacks. For instance: in the bass forum someone recently started a thread with the premise that the MTD Z was almost as good as an MTD American. Guys that have the Z think they are great, obviously, and the guys that spent the money for the real deal think it's laughable that they do. Post your same thread in the Bass Forum and you would probably see some highly agitated people with wildly differing opinions.

Other lefty interests: I would love to find a used lefty four string Jazz either Lakland or Sadowsky. Eventually, and probably in the not to distant future, I will cough up the bucks and order a new one. :D

Beaver,

Just joshing you! A flamefest is when one posts a controversial topic that leads to posters taking very strong positions and sometimes leading to personal attacks. For instance: in the bass forum someone recently started a thread with the premise that the MTD Z was almost as good as an MTD American. Guys that have the Z think they are great, obviously, and the guys that spent the money for the real deal think it's laughable that they do. Post your same thread in the Bass Forum and you would probably see some highly agitated people with wildly differing opinions.

Other lefty interests: I would love to find a used lefty four string Jazz either Lakland or Sadowsky. Eventually, and probably in the not to distant future, I will cough up the bucks and order a new one. :D

David, understood to all the above. Thanx for the explanation.
Please let me know when in the market and I'll take care of you.
BF

To me there is a significant difference in feel. The USA 5 string necks are amazingly sleek and fast, the skylines are a little chunkier. The fretwork on the USAs is also amazing with the rounded fret ends and tucked fingerboard edges (the "broken in" feel) ... the skylines are better than other production basses but not on the same level as the USAs.

Its not fair for me to compare tone, since my USA JO is alder and my skyline DJ (w/fralins) was ash ... but my USA is much more resonant (it really sings) and sits better in the mix. The bass itself has better tone, even though the pickups are identical.

I do think the best bet is to just play them and see for yourself, especially since each specific instrument is a little different. I didn't like the USA Glaub that I ordered from you Beaver (felt great in the hands, but that specific bass seemed like it was a little too light/resonant for its own good as a roundwounds bass) ... but I love the USA JOBO and 55-94 that I have now. Basses are like a living thing ... they've all got a personality that has nothing to do with quality.

To me there is a significant difference in feel. The USA 5 string necks are amazingly sleek and fast, the skylines are a little chunkier. The fretwork on the USAs is also amazing with the rounded fret ends and tucked fingerboard edges (the "broken in" feel) ... the skylines are better than other production basses but not on the same level as the USAs.

Its not fair for me to compare tone, since my USA JO is alder and my skyline DJ (w/fralins) was ash ... but my USA is much more resonant (it really sings) and sits better in the mix. The bass itself has better tone, even though the pickups are identical.

I do think the best bet is to just play them and see for yourself, especially since each specific instrument is a little different. I didn't like the USA Glaub that I ordered from you Beaver (felt great in the hands, but that specific bass seemed like it was a little too light/resonant for its own good as a roundwounds bass) ... but I love the USA JOBO and 55-94 that I have now. Basses are like a living thing ... they've all got a personality that has nothing to do with quality.

Understood to all the above. Yeah, each bass can have its own vibe, pros, and cons. I'm sorry you didn't like the USA BG, but glad you dig the other two. Please let me know if you need anything at all....
BF

The way someone else here stated the difference is "A Skyline is all you'll ever need, an American is all you could ever want." I would agree with this.

Ha! That was me.

I own a Skyline Scheff and a USA Deluxe Scheff. I use the Skyline more than any other bass I own. The USA is fretless and was Dan Lakin's own, (so you know it's a sweetie). It is a beautiful, handmade axe, but the Skyline has sonic qualities that the Deluxe does not and I find them appealing. It's also nice and light. USA necks are far more refined and I think would give it away in the blindfold test.
But they share the same excellent design, and that is trickle-down value for sure. You would be foolish to assume Skylines are not worthy instruments just from a price bias. I expect most of the cost difference can be traced to what the respective workers are paid, not so much 'cheaper' materials.

but again I say, you get what you pay for.
I've always found people's willingness to quote this sentiment as strange, since ordinary experience tells us that, in fact, often you don't always get what you pay for. In fact, think how much easier life would be if "you get what you pay for" were actually true... pay more for something, get more; pay less get, less. We all know that this is just not true, even as a generalisation.
Skylines are still good basses. USA's are more on a pro's level.I also find it interesting that people think "boutique" or "high end" = "pro", when in fact, the mark of a real pro is generally they have the ability to sound good without using particularly expensive gear. I've heard pros play on very ordinary "off the rack" equipment and sound great, whereas the guys with the _really_ expensive gear tend to be middle-level players that are trying to get to next rung via the credit card... they have come to believe that the difference between their sound and a "pro" sound is in the gear. Again, ordinary experience tells us that rarely is that the case.

I love beautiful, well-made instruments as much as the next guy, and would never criticise someone for paying a substantial amount for an instrument if it pleases them and they derive happiness and pleasure from owning and playing such an instrument; but I'm too hard headed to make the mistake of thinking you need the top-shelf stuff to be "pro". These days, you can get a perfectly professional level instrument for < $1000... the bang-for-buck these days is truly remarkable.

-Mark

I used to have a 55-01. While I've never tried a Lakland USA model and can't comment on the difference, I imagine the point of diminishing returns comes into play....hence value of the purchase. In other words, if you like the tone/feel/look better, do you like it $XXX.00 better?

Considering the reputation of the Skylines, I doubt the difference would justify the increased cost in my world.

Guys (and girls), thanx for the feedback, which, is predictably, still quite varied. Lot's of valid points made, no doubt, but in the end, as usual, it comes down to the individual's personal preference/"reality".
thanx again,
BF

I felt more of a weight difference in Skylines (not that I've picked up too many of them - just recently at Lakland's open house). I have a 55-94 that's about nine years old and it only needed about 1/8 turn of the truss rod to bring it to factory set-up specs. I don't know if that would have been true with the flat sawn Skyline necks (vs. quarter sawn w/graphite on USA necks).

I also prefer the feel of the oiled neck vs. the satin on the Skylines but that's just a personal preference thing. Had Skylines been available when I bought my 55-94, I might have bought one. I do think they're a great value for the money.

+1. Beaver and Grasshopper always told me to make sure I get exactly what I want-- and 3 Skylines would not be a replacement for my 1 55-94. I bought a 55 01 last year and sold it a month later because it didnt' sound anything near to what my USA did to my ear. Beaver you know how I feel too.

+1. Beaver and Grasshopper always told me to make sure I get exactly what I want-- and 3 Skylines would not be a replacement for my 1 55-94. I bought a 55 01 last year and sold it a month later because it didnt' sound anything near to what my USA did to my ear. Beaver you know how I feel too.

Understood. all of mine are USA's....

Hey Beaver,

I did this project for Lakland:

http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm

I spent a RIDICULOUS amount of time with these basses - both Skys and US models.

I liked them all - but have to say my absolute favorite was the USJO4. Somehow it sounded 'older' and more resonant and warm than its Skyline counterpart. I also recorded a USBGPJ that stood out over the Sky BG to me.

I just thought I'd shoot that link to you. Same player - same lines - same backing tracks - different basses. I think it's a pretty cool way to check out the sonic characteristics of these instruments short of having them in your hands.

And YES Skylines are great . . . but the US basses are better!

Ian

Hey Beaver,

I did this project for Lakland:

http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm

I spent a RIDICULOUS amount of time with these basses - both Skys and US models.

I liked them all - but have to say my absolute favorite was the USJO4. Somehow it sounded 'older' and more resonant and warm than its Skyline counterpart. I also recorded a USBGPJ that stood out over the Sky BG to me.

I just thought I'd shoot that link to you. Same player - same lines - same backing tracks - different basses. I think it's a pretty cool way to check out the sonic characteristics of these instruments short of having them in your hands.

And YES Skylines are great . . . but the US basses are better!

Ian

Ian, Agreed, as everyone would probably concur. but it still comes down to perceived value, budget, etc., etc. thanx for your input.
FTR, the USA models are still in demand and we have a zillion on order, many of which are pre-sold!
Thanx,
BF

As long it's Lakland I think we're all :D.

I own a 5501, 5502D, and Sky JO5.

My mission in life is to own one of every 5 string Skyline. I only have one to go.

I also want a BG (may do US for the color).

If I had all Skylines or all US's or some combination, I'd still be happy...

Odd. I've had two Skylines. A 44-02 and BG. I had to re-nut and realign both the neck's on them. Can't say as I'm overwhelmed with the famed USA setup... After I (and my luthier) got done with the setup's - they were two nice working stiff (blue collar ?) basses. I can't get too wound up about it though - both basses were correctable with minor neck pocket work. Being picky about my setup, I expect to re-nut just about everything ...

I've never had a USA Lakland in my hands so I can't make any comparison there. Will I purchase another Lakland. Probably. I'll be a little cautious about the mechanicals if it's a Skyline. Unlikely that it will be a US Lakland as with a studio to feed as well, I can't let the budget all go to just one place... would that I could. If boats are a hole in the water into which one pours money, project studio's are a close cousin...

I started playing bass again after a near-20 year layoff with a Skyline 5501. I loved it but made several attempts to add a second "more professional" five string to my closet. After two years of trying Fender, Yamaha and Music Man I gave up and traded a Gibson Ripper and a Sting Ray 5 toward the Lakland 55-94 you see in my avatar. It is my main bass now. The 5501 has fewer tonal options than the 55-94 and didn't seem as well rounded. It was a bit heavier in weight. The necks were close, but the 55-94 neck has spoiled me for nay other neck. The response on the 55-94 is absolutely even at every spot on the neck, even when I play the B string at the 12th fret. No dead spots, no note dropout. even the high notes on the G string are full sounding.

Hey McCartneyman,
I too have a Deluxe 55-94 and had a 55-01 as a backup. The differences in quality, components and tone were too severe so my 55-01 got no playing time, hence I've sold it. It was a nice bass, but after playing a USA Lakland's neck and weight and tone (need I go on) I couldn't justify keeping the Skyline. I'm going to get another 55-94 as a backup eventually, maybe a classic in shoreline gold with some really nice looking pickguard, but I won't go the Korean route again. And contrary to popular opinion, I think the difference in quality does justify the difference in price.

The way someone else here stated the difference is "A Skyline is all you'll ever need, an American is all you could ever want." I would agree with this.

:cool:
I've owned both.
This quote, is right on.
Got a Skyline Joe Osborn.
Played and sounded great.
After playing it for two yrs.
I got a USA Glaub.
Once I played a USA lakland, I could not go back to the Skyline.
Don't get me wrong, the Skyline was very good.
But, the USA was that much better.
To me, it was worth the extra money.

To tell you the truth i own a 55-01 and played it for a good 8 months non stop and i picked up a 55-94 at the shop and played it and i really could not tell a difference between them besides the electronics and wood, they both sound pretty much the same. IMHO

I bought my 55-94 deluxe from Bass Central back in 2001, and I have never looked at another bass since then. I have played a number of Skyline series basses in that time, and they are good midrange price basses in their own right. But compared to the balance, tone, and finished setup of the USA model, they are lacking. The USA model is well worth the additional money.

Robert