Lakland Skyline- do I need to set it up better?

Infiltration12 · #1 02-09-2010, 11:42 PM

Hey guys, my uncle gave me a Lakland Skyline 5 and after seeing all the love on here for Lakland, I was excited to try it out.

However, as soon as I started playing it I didn't like it. It seemed... Sloppy. The action is very low so that every time I pluck a string they slap the frets, and the strings just seem floppy. My uncle has a huge bass collection so only Shemsu-Hor knows how old these strings are.

My first bass was a Music Man Stingray(Thanks again to my Uncle Jim), so I'm used to top-notch quality. Could it be that I just need to get some new strings and set it up differently to fully appreciate the awesomeness of Lakland? I've only been playing for about 7 months, so I've never changed strings or anything. I'd prefer to do it myself, so links/tips would be appreciated. I've also seen that Jerzey Drozd(sp?) has a free set up guide, is it worth checking out?

GregC · #2 02-10-2010, 12:21 AM

That sounds exactly like a setup issue to me. Lakland's Carl Pedigo (an excellent luthier) did a setup video last year. It should be just what you're looking for.

http://www.laklandowners.com/joomla/...eos&Itemid=130

algernon · #3 02-10-2010, 01:40 AM

My 44-01 Skyline also shipped with sorta low action and I had the same impression of "floppyness". I recall that the original strings were some stainless steel, 45-105. I changed the strings, redone intonation and raised the action a bit and it's super now. Laklands are quite nice axes, even the lower-priced ones, just setup yours according to your playing style.

Carl Pedigo's setup video is indeed very good and Jerzy Drozd guide definitely worth keeping as reference IMO.

Good luck,
Adrian

Johnny Alien · #4 02-10-2010, 05:57 AM

It could be a setup or it could be that you just don't like Laklands. Despite the TalkBass hype there is nothing "magical" about them. They are decently made basses but they are not for everyone.

Luke.Walton · #5 02-10-2010, 06:07 AM

Actually Johnny I'm not sure if you're aware of this but the guys at Lakland sprinkle crushed pixies over every bass before it leaves the factory, this does give all Laklands "magical" qualities

P.S. I would put the quality above decent, but that's just me

mr.redpants · #6 02-10-2010, 06:13 AM

keep the uncle
keep the skyline - it is certainly worth a good setup. YOU don't need to set it up better, but someone does - get a pro to do it if you're not sure what you're doing...

Johnny Alien · #7 02-10-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke.Walton

Actually Johnny I'm not sure if you're aware of this but the guys at Lakland sprinkle crushed pixies over every bass before it leaves the factory, this does give all Laklands "magical" qualities

P.S. I would put the quality above decent, but that's just me

OK...they are "very well" made basses.

Who at the factory is the fairy?

mr.redpants · #8 02-10-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Alien

Who at the factory is the fairy?

That's a secret, but I believe.

JTE · #9 02-10-2010, 10:33 AM

ANY bass needs to be set up for the individual player. That's why I think it's vital that every player be able to do basic set up work- know how (and WHY!!!) to adjust the truss rod, how to set the action for the way YOU play, and how to set intonation. It's just not that hard, the tools are cheap, and it's the only way to get an instrument to play the way YOU want it to.

John

stflbn · #10 02-10-2010, 10:36 AM

Could be that the Lakland needs a setup to better fit your playing style...

or could be that the Lakland has a more normal setup and your Musicman has a higher than normal setup and your technique/attack could use some attention.

One or the other.

Pilgrim · #11 02-10-2010, 10:56 AM

Chances are that the setup is right for an experienced player with a light touch, but not for you. Have the setup done. If the strings really feel loose, you can always go to a higher tension string - but do it BEFORE you have a setup done.

chadhargis · #12 02-10-2010, 11:00 AM

I like my action very low. Makes is easy to play relaxed.

Give this a try...turn up your amp and play VERY gently. If the strings still buzz on the frets, that could mean two things. Either your neck needs to be adjusted (which really isn't hard to do and if you have a credit card to measure with, you have all the tools you need), or your string height is set too low.

Do you know where the strings are buzzing?

SteveC · #13 02-10-2010, 11:05 AM

Some people love low action. You don't seem to be one of them. I'm not either. Get it set up. I just bought a Ray 35. Played it at church and it was OK. I noticed a couple things. Did a set up on it last night, put on new strings, intonated it and it's like a different bass. Could become my main player.

rappa29 · #14 02-10-2010, 11:11 AM

I usually get any newly acquired bass setup before I put it into service.

I've been lucky that generally most basses I've bought were playable right out of the box. But after a setup, they were perfect for me!

Infiltration12 · #15 02-10-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

ANY bass needs to be set up for the individual player. That's why I think it's vital that every player be able to do basic set up work- know how (and WHY!!!) to adjust the truss rod, how to set the action for the way YOU play, and how to set intonation. It's just not that hard, the tools are cheap, and it's the only way to get an instrument to play the way YOU want it to.

John

Exactly why I want to be able to do my own basic setup. I want to be able to experiment and see what I like best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

or could be that the Lakland has a more normal setup and your Musicman has a higher than normal setup and your technique/attack could use some attention.

Very possible, Since I'm a self-taught bassist. I don't know any bassists so I don't have anybody to compare actions with. My Stingray might be high, but I suspect it is a pretty medium height action.

The F-Bomb · #16 02-11-2010, 04:50 PM

First thing you need to do is go give you uncle a great big hug!! Not too many people have relatives giving them top notch basses. You're lucky!

Then go get it set-up to suite you playing style.

Good luck and enjoy the bass.

MarkusBass · #17 02-11-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The F-Bomb

First thing you need to do is go give you uncle a great big hug!! Not too many people have relatives giving them top notch basses. You're lucky!

Then go get it set-up to suite you playing style.

Good luck and enjoy the bass.

Yes...this!

Infiltration12 · #18 02-13-2010, 01:01 AM

Set up was much easier than I thought it would be, I used the Jerzy Drozd guide and it was great. My Lakland plays awesome now, thanks guys.