Real life playability differences between an SKB and an LG

Molan · #1 08-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Hi there Roscoe people.

I've owned an SKB 4 previously (still missing it!) and had been looking for a similar 5 string. However I've seen a really nice LG 5 but nit likely to be able to play it if I were to make an offer on it.

I just wondered how many people out there had played both SKB's and LG's and could give me an idea of the differences in an 'everyday' playing situation?

Any thoughts greatfully received

()smoke() · #2 08-30-2009, 03:56 PM

i haven't played an skb, but i find the lgs very playable for my needs

the only thing i can deduct from photos is that there might be just a hair more room for your fretting hand up near the 24th fret position on an skb, but i've learned to get my hand in my lg 3006 with very little effort, and it has a lot less room than my 3005 did between the fretboard edge and cutaway...on the 3005, i could reach the 24th fret of the b string with no problem at all, so the higher strings were even easier to access

LightGroove · #3 08-30-2009, 04:47 PM

Only observation Ive made is that the horn is shorter on the LG models thus making it feel like a reach (sort of 35" scale ) I will say I like the smaller body and balance so willing to give up the reach aspect.

JOME77 · #4 08-31-2009, 05:29 AM

I've owned several of both and although I prefer the LG body shape (with straight p/u's) there's no difference in sound or playability. The LG models can be lighter depending on wood choices though.

René_Julien · #5 08-31-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOME77

I've owned several of both and although I prefer the LG body shape (with straight p/u's) there's no difference in sound or playability. The LG models can be lighter depending on wood choices though.

What makes the difference between straight and angled pickups on an LG?

I like the way the angled pickups look.

bkirk · #6 08-31-2009, 08:23 AM

Rene, I'm sure Gard or someone can be more enlightening on the angled pickups but my understanding is that it was largely for appearance rather than any significant sonic impact.

And Molan, I have one of each and while they do have different characteristics, I find the actual playability virtually equal. As Joe points out, wood selection can make a big difference in terms of weight. My fretless SKB5 has a solid one piece myrtle body and weighs probably 1.5 pounds more than my LG5 fretted with a solid one piece ash body. Also (this is admittedly a small point) I use the strap locks on my strap as opposed to a button/button hole configuration. This puts the point load about half an inch or so closer to the headstock on the upper horn.

Appearancewise I prefer the SKB body shape but I've been having an absolute ball playing the LG lately. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a Roscoe regardless of body shape.

Molan · #7 08-31-2009, 08:26 AM

Thanks for all this guys. I must admit I did wonder if the smaller body shape/shorter top horn would make it feel like the neck is longer on the LG.

I have a 35" Spector which I play a lot and that's a fairly small body & the stretch to the first 3 frets doesn't really bother me

JOME77 · #8 08-31-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

What makes the difference between straight and angled pickups on an LG?

I like the way the angled pickups look.

I just prefer the look of the p/u's straight. Plus, should you desire to change out the p/u's for models with pole pieces, it makes it easier.
I've got no real problem with the slanted p/u's. I just prefer them straight.

It wouldn't stop me from purchasing a nice std. LG though!

Molan · #9 08-31-2009, 09:56 AM

Funnily enough my old SKB had slanted pickups and I really liked them. Didn't effect playability at all and looked kinda cool

Gard · #10 08-31-2009, 10:09 AM

Yup, it's a design decision, not a tonal one. Does it affect the tone? Maybe...but not much if any. Just looks

on the LG, and actually kinda works on the SKB and Century as well, visually!

Bass-Ment · #11 08-31-2009, 05:11 PM

I have both and if I had known what I know now, I would have gone with another LG. I like the size, balance, tone and weight a lot better. Anyone want a very lightly used (purchased new) SKB-3005?!?!?!?

LightGroove · #12 08-31-2009, 06:10 PM

Yes...the shorter horn does feel like a reach but easy to get used to.. I realized it at first...then forgot all about it...wouldnt be a deal breaker for me.

Molan · #13 09-01-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass-Ment

I have both and if I had known what I know now, I would have gone with another LG. I like the size, balance, tone and weight a lot better. Anyone want a very lightly used (purchased new) SKB-3005?!?!?!?

What does it look like

Shiveringbass · #14 09-07-2009, 02:48 AM

Hey,

I have both (LG freted and SKB fretless) and to me there is no difference in comfort or playability.

Moreover, my Warwick Streamer Jazzman (very small body close to a Spector I think) which is 34" feels more like a reach than my LG 35".

Regards

Gard · #15 09-07-2009, 07:38 AM

Molan, something else to consider is that our UK dealer keeps all of the models in stock, so maybe a visit to Leamington Spa is in order?

www.bassdirect.co.uk

Darkstrike · #16 09-08-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

Yup, it's a design decision, not a tonal one. Does it affect the tone? Maybe...but not much if any. Just looks

on the LG, and actually kinda works on the SKB and Century as well, visually!

I think it helps the neck pickup get that P bass vibe a little better, just a little more depth on the low strings.