Today I learned an important lesson about assumptions

[pocketgroove]

Today I made a trip up to Elderly Instruments for fun, and to check out some basses since I'm in the market. I go every winter with my guitarist, and it's well worth it.

This time, there wasn't anything in particular I had my eye on or wanted to try out; it was more to pick up every bass I could and see if one stuck. Previously, I had seen a used Lakland Bob Glaub signature model on their site, and I sort of wrote it off and never gave it much thought because it's Asian made. My thought process was, "how good can it be? It's just another Asian instrument." Too, I had my mind set on an American-made bass for my first "big-ticket" purchase.

Anyway, moving on. When I entered the showroom, the Lakland caught my attention immediately, though it took me a second to realize what it was. I picked it up, and right away the neck felt amazing and sat in my hand like nothing else ever had before. It was light, very very well put together, and beautiful. I couldn't see anything that was obviously an example of cutting corners to save money. If I had the money in hand, I would have walked out with that Lakland.

While I am pleased to have discovered Lakland, I'm also confused because I like Fender style instruments and I really wanted a real Fender as my next purchase. However, I played at least six different Fender Precisions, ranging from 1970s models to the current American Standards, and not one of them really spoke to me. It's almost disappointing.

Anyway, that's my story, and I not only learned an important lesson today, but I also discovered an entire brand to consider that I've never had first-hand experience with before.

[Gab124]

I just discovered Lakland a few years ago, and currently their products are all I play. I still lust after an American Made one, but alas my income does not allow that. I will say though, I have had older Warwick, 80's Stingrays, Fender and some nice Warmoth builds and my 4401 with American Chisonic pups and pre is the best playing and sounding instrument I have ever had.

[steve f]

Good example of why it's better to play stuff ourselves than read other peoples' opinions and experience. While all of that is a nice distraction and maybe helps a little, there's nothing like playing an instrument or listening to an amp live...
Too many choices is generally a good problem to have - good luck!

[pocketgroove]

Thanks! I'm honestly really excited now...it seems like I finally have the answer to my dilemma. There was literally nothing that I could have improved on that bass, and ultimately that's more important than the country it was manufactured in.