LAKLAND 55-01 preamp upgrade help

munchkin929 · #1 07-13-2011, 03:21 AM

Hello yall I got a Lakland skyline 55-01 and as u know it comes with Bartolini Mk1 pickups and Mk1 Preamp. I want to upgrade both and make this bass really come alive, I like the sound of MTD and Tobias as well as Sadowsky. Pretty much anything that sounds great for slapping and popping as well as solo. Can anyone suggest something good ?

billbern · #2 07-13-2011, 05:11 AM

55-01 with Nordstrand Dual Coils

rojo412 · #3 07-14-2011, 08:19 AM

I own a 55-01 upgraded and let me just say, any upgrades to the electronics are FANTASTIC!!!

The way you described your tones that you like, it sounds like better Bartolini pickups would be your choice. Personally, I don't love the Bart sound, but the basses you mentioned use them almost exclusively.
Look at what they offer in the P2 size and you can just drop them in, no routing necessary.

Nordstrands will change the tone completely. They are more of a vibrant, jazz-ish tone. I'm not well versed on their Dual Coils, but I have the Big Splits and they are like a super-awesome Jazz bass pickup. They don't have the warm, fuzzy humbucker tone. They snap.

As for preamp, just about anything can be an improvement. I liked my Aguilar because it was cheap, modifiable, and had a lot of oomph. But if you are more of a Tobias/MTD guy, maybe a Bart preamp.
If you like the way the pickups sound (maybe start with those, before the pre), you can go with Audere and it will allow a lot of the natural characteristics to come through.
If you want an amazingly versatile preamp and don't care about the price, go with an East U-Retro Deluxe.

DWBass · #4 07-14-2011, 09:12 AM

Subscribed. I plan on modding my 55-01 as well. Was looking to add Nordie Big Splits and Audere but was advised to try another pre. I may try an Aggie or Nordie pre.

DWBass · #5 07-14-2011, 09:23 AM

Anyone try a Nordie+Glock combination?

Bassman7PM · #6 01-22-2012, 06:26 PM

I just picked up an absolutely gorgeous Trans Blue 01' with a maple neck and have plans to mod it. What I want is Jazz on steroids with an urban gospel growl and punch of an MTD or Ken Smith. I've been following the threads on 01' Mods and their seems to be a lot of flexibility in regards to upgrades.

capnsandwich · #7 01-22-2012, 06:32 PM

I was a pioneer in upgrading my 55-01. By pioneer I mean one of the first to actually do it and tell his story here on TB. I had a Bartolini 3 band and a pair of Nordstrand Big Singles in mine. The only thing I'd do differently is I'd replace thed Bart pre with an Aguilar OBP-3. Other than that, I loved my 55-01. I made a big mistake when I sold it.

DWBass · #8 01-22-2012, 06:35 PM

I ended up putting a US Bartolini 5.2 AP in mine. I'm still not sure what pickups I'm going to put in though! Maybe some Classic Series Barts. The MK1's aren't that bad though. I just want a different sound.