Lakland Skyline DJ-4 or Geddy Lee Jazz?

BassKraz · #1 01-26-2013, 10:22 AM

Hello, I own a precision bass but have been considering a jazz bass. Was looking at the Fender Geddy Lee reviews with the slimmer style neck (I'm a lifelong female guitar enthusiast that just discovered bass is so natural to me) but have turned my attention toward the Lakland DJ-4 as well. I have no reach issues with the 1.65 nut on my precision but the 1.50 slimmer jazz neck would be nice. Yes, there's a bit of price difference between the two but looking for a little feedback if the extra cost is justified as far as the versatility in the Lakland.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

pedroims · #2 01-26-2013, 10:30 AM

IMHO, Lakland DJ is the best jazz type bass on the $1000 range, the neck profile is very comfy, I found the Geddy Lee neck too thin for me.

LaBassGuy · #3 01-26-2013, 10:37 AM

When speaking of the GL neck, we should mention that it has changed a bit.

I had a GL back in '08 in black, and indeed that neck was too thin--unnaturally thin and flat. But the current sunburst that I have has a slim C profile which I think makes for a very comfy neck. The DJ neck is not as thin as this new slim C profile but very comfy.

Also note the wood combos. The DJ4 has an Ash body and a maple or rosewood fingerboard with 60s pickup placement--though it really has a 70s jazz vibe.

The Geddy has an Alder body with a maple fingerboard with 70s pickup placement. Normally, 70s style basses have an ash body. So that, it's the Alder body that makes for a unique tone--in my opinion.

The GL pups I think sound pretty thin. I've replaced mine with Nordies. The DJ pickups have an upper end growl that works very well for rock music.

JB36 · #4 01-26-2013, 11:19 AM

The DJ also has a smaller size body. It works well for me being tall and skinny. For larger folks it may look funny and or feel dainty. The weight range of DJ seems to vary more than GL, but this means you can find a lighter DJ than GL. I'd give the built quality a slight edge to the DJ, but GL is a fine bass. The GL tend to be a bit cheaper used.

EagleMoon · #5 01-26-2013, 11:25 AM

I'm a female bass player and I've had both of these basses, and I wouldn't really recommend either one. If you can afford it, go for a MIA Standard or Special jazz. The reasons why I'll list below. Keep in mind that these are my experiences. I've had 5 Geddy's and one DJ.

1. Neck - LaBassGuy is right. The necks on the Geddy's have changed. The more recent models are more substantial, and much more stable. The DJ neck was much more rounded and felt fatter to me. Didn't really care for it.

2. Body - I was initially attracted to the DJ due to the smaller body since a full size jazz body is not that comfortable for me. I did like that part of it, but for some reason the body wasn't very resonant. The GL body is full size, and depending on how you're shaped, you may or may not like the large body.

3. Electronics - The DJ sounded really, really dull compared to the GL jazz. Main reason I sold it. The pickups on the GL jazz have also been upgraded on the newer MIJ models, and a huge step up sound wise from the old ones. Not sure of the MIM models since I've not had one of those.

BassKraz · #6 02-14-2013, 09:24 PM

I highly appreciate the feedback from everyone. I'm going to drop a few more bucks and go for a Fender MIA. I want minimal buyers remorse

My gut feeling has been telling me to spend the money and go for the more substantial instrument. I just need to go find the Fender MIA that feels right in my hands. I do realize even the higher end models can vary in workmanship and I know I do prefer the alder over the ash. Thanks again for the feedback!