Lakland Owners- Educate me!

[kjpollo]

Later this year I HOPE (No guarantees, but there's always hope) to add another 5er to my stable for my modern country band and I have my eyes on the Lakland 5501 and 5502.
I know there are some cosmetic differences in the 2 models but I'm wondering more about sonic differences. I know each model has different electronics and I wonder how much difference it really makes.

My very local Sam Ash is supposedly a dealer but I cant remember the last time I saw one in stock so that makes it hard for me to try one out.

So I'm relying on the hordes of Lakland owners to let me know the pros and cons of each model's electronics.

[bassgod0dmw]

Assuming you're talking about the Sam Ash in New Haven, do yourself a favor and drive to the Manhattan store. They do have Lakland in stock hanging on the walls, I've never seen one in New Haven.

[kjpollo]

Yeah- I live close to the New Haven store and I think they had one Lakland...once. IIRC it was a blue JO, maybe?

I wish it was that easy for me to get into Manhattan! Love going there but our weekends dont have much wiggle room. And if we DID get to go, I cant picture my wife and/or kids standing there patiently while I try out a bunch of basses. God knows I could spend hours and hours and hours...

[powmetalbassist]

Hey the wife gets her time for you to hang out while she shopps for endless clothing, shoes, etc. She can be patient and wait for you to shop for a musical instrument once in a blue moon.

[GregC]

Lakland's extensive soundclip library can answer this question far better than I can. They cover rounds, flats, all pickup combinations and 10 different genres (including country).
http://lakland.com/audio.htm

[macribas]

First thing to do is register at: www.laklandowners.com

[chuck3]

just traded for this Lak and received it yesterday. First practice today with my main band. Looks like this will be my #1 bass with my main band. This bass just covers the waterfront. No exciting electronics, just very musical P sound from low B up through the highest note on the bass.

[basspraiser]

IMHO...although BOTH the -01 and -02 are GREAT basses, the -02 is more versatile...

you can really here the differences in the sound clips Greg linked you too....

I have owned several -02/-94s and have loved the versatility the J/MM set up gives the player.

I have only spent a few minutes with an -01

[Kinetic Shadow]

Originally Posted by chuck3

just traded for this Lak and received it yesterday. First practice today with my main band. Looks like this will be my #1 bass with my main band. This bass just covers the waterfront. No exciting electronics, just very musical P sound from low B up through the highest note on the bass.

You made a smart trade sir, play it with pride

[RxFunk]

Not to hijack, but I also have a question for you Lakland owners. How thick(front to back) is the neck on the 5501/2?

[cfsporn]

Originally Posted by RxFunk

Not to hijack, but I also have a question for you Lakland owners. How thick(front to back) is the neck on the 5501/2?

Pretty thin. Not flimsy like some very thin necks though.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by cfsporn

Pretty thin. Not flimsy like some very thin necks though.

Would it be more like a Jazz neck then?

[mccartneyman]

www.lakland.com has the neck specs and others.
1st Fret Neck Depth .81" 12th Fret Neck Depth .92" .

All Lakland fiver necks are the same as listed above. However, the 55-01 and 55-02 have compound 10"-13" radius necks, so they feel flatter than a Jazz fiver and, in my opinion, are much more comfortable.

As for sound, the 55-02 has the MM PUP at the bridge and the J at the neck, plus a coil tap switch on the MM, giving you a good variety of options. I usally run my 55-94 with the switch centered and the blend knob rolled back slightly toward the MM PUP. If I want a Jazz sound, I use the back coil of the MM and leave the blend knob centered. For a bit nmore bottom, I put the switch toward the neck.

The 55-01 has a thicker sound overall, but I disagree with those who say the stock Bartolini preamp and PUPS need to be replaced toi make it sound good. The 55-01 was the first Lakland I owned and it worked well for all applications.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

www.lakland.com has the neck specs and others.
1st Fret Neck Depth .81" 12th Fret Neck Depth .92" .

All Lakland fiver necks are the same as listed above. However, the 55-01 and 55-02 have compound 10"-13" radius necks, so they feel flatter than a Jazz fiver and, in my opinion, are much more comfortable.

As for sound, the 55-02 has the MM PUP at the bridge and the J at the neck, plus a coil tap switch on the MM, giving you a good variety of options. I usally run my 55-94 with the switch centered and the blend knob rolled back slightly toward the MM PUP. If I want a Jazz sound, I use the back coil of the MM and leave the blend knob centered. For a bit nmore bottom, I put the switch toward the neck.

The 55-01 has a thicker sound overall, but I disagree with those who say the stock Bartolini preamp and PUPS need to be replaced toi make it sound good. The 55-01 was the first Lakland I owned and it worked well for all applications.

Thanks for all the info man!

[ShowKing]

55-01 < 55-02

Though both are great and you can't go wrong

[boristhespider9]

Originally Posted by kjpollo

Later this year I HOPE (No guarantees, but there's always hope) to add another 5er to my stable for my modern country band and I have my eyes on the Lakland 5501 and 5502.
I know there are some cosmetic differences in the 2 models but I'm wondering more about sonic differences. I know each model has different electronics and I wonder how much difference it really makes.

My very local Sam Ash is supposedly a dealer but I cant remember the last time I saw one in stock so that makes it hard for me to try one out.

So I'm relying on the hordes of Lakland owners to let me know the pros and cons of each model's electronics.

It's all on Lakland's web site. However, the short answer is that the 55-02 is definitely worth the extra money. It has the same pickups and preamp as the USA models. The 55-01, on the other hand, uses the Bart MK-1 system which I personally don't like at all. It is Bartolini's lowest-end pre-amp I believe and is used on a lot of lower-end Ibanez as well.

The only other thing you need to know is that while Skylines are very nice, if you ever get a USA Lakland, especially the P or J models, you'll be in total heaven.

Enjoy!

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

It's all on Lakland's web site. However, the short answer is that the 55-02 is definitely worth the extra money. It has the same pickups and preamp as the USA models. The 55-01, on the other hand, uses the Bart MK-1 system which I personally don't like at all. It is Bartolini's lowest-end pre-amp I believe and is used on a lot of lower-end Ibanez as well.

The only other thing you need to know is that while Skylines are very nice, if you ever get a USA Lakland, especially the P or J models, you'll be in total heaven.

Enjoy!

What's the going used price on one of these, because I definitely couldn't buy a new 55-02?

[boristhespider9]

A used 55-02? Check eBay. Also, if you call Musician's Friend or Sam Ash and ask for 20% off, they'll give it to you (or at least 15%). Good luck.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

A used 55-02? Check eBay. Also, if you call Musician's Friend or Sam Ash and ask for 20% off, they'll give it to you (or at least 15%). Good luck.

Thanks, I mean I'm not in the market now, but local Lakland sightings are few and far between, I'm saving up, and just wanted to know some specs before I buy one because it would probably be an online purchase.

[southsidebass]

Originally Posted by RxFunk

Not to hijack, but I also have a question for you Lakland owners. How thick(front to back) is the neck on the 5501/2?

I have small hands and the Lakland neck is by far the most comfortable 5 I've played. Not too thick, not too thin. It's a winner!