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70s Fender, Sadowsky, or Lakland?

punkjazzben

punkjazzben

Jun 26, 2008
1,711
206
Australia
#1
I have some money saved up, and am potentially about to have a very good reason to celebrate. If all goes well, I want to buy myself a present. Before I start, please remember I'm in Australia so things are more expensive and the used market for good basses is small :cool:

Here are some options I've identified:

- 70s Fender Precision (~$2500-$3000)
- New MIA Precision (~$1800)
- New other model P (anywhere from ~$1100-$2500.. maybe a Roadworn or Classic 50s)

Or...

- Sadowsky 5er.. e.g. an MV5 ($2900-$3200+)
- Lakland Skyline 55-02 ($1700)... the same store has a used USA 55-94 for $2500

As you can see, it's mostly between a good quality Precision or a modern, versatile 5-string to offer an alternative to the MIM P-bass I already have. The big contenders are a 70s P (I've tracked down a '78 for sale) and a new Sadowsky in that price range. I'm also intrigued by the Lakland Skyline 55-01 ($1150), Ibanez SR505 ($950), G&L Tribute L2500 ($820), and the Yamaha BB425x ($830), which are all great basses for the price and I could get some other toys with the money saved (but I'd still have GAS, bad).

I'm looking for a well-built keeper, something that can pull off a lot of styles, and something that will hold value. FWIW, it's doubtful I'll be making a bass purchase over $1500 for a long time (the next thing is saving for a house).

What are your thoughts? Have a look at my profile to see what I'm already playing.
 
#4
I take it you are planning to order something online. It's very important you get a guarantee that you can send it back if you don't like it. Dropping so much money on a bass you haven't actually played is too risky otherwise. Even the best vendors produce a few lemons. I love my Lakland 44-01. I notice you have two prices listed for a Skyline 55-02. ?
 
#6
Cycho said:
I take it you are planning to order something online. It's very important you get a guarantee that you can send it back if you don't like it. Dropping so much money on a bass you haven't actually played is too risky otherwise. Even the best vendors produce a few lemons. I love my Lakland 44-01. I notice you have two prices listed for a Skyline 55-02. ?
Click to expand...

Fixed the Lakland thing - one is for the 55-02, other for the 55-01. Sorry about that!

These prices are from my nearest bass speciality store in Melbourne (4 hours away). I've played most of this stuff in shops before, but would plan on making a trip and playing the actual bass in person before buying, especially for the pricier options. The G&L would be an order, because there are so few stockists in Oz. Thankfully the store in Melbourne has a pretty good range of Sadowsky basses in stock, so I'll be able to choose carefully.
 
#8
I think a Sadowsky would not be a gamble at all, but as a lot of people say, 70s P-basses can be inconsistent. I suppose if it came down to Sadowsky v. vintage Fender, I would have to judge it based on how each felt and sounded in my hands.

In any case, here are Bass Centre's in-stock Sadowsky fivers, and here are their four-string models.

The dark cherry burst MV5 and the translucent green RV5 are already calling my name...:D

Invalid Link Removed I have my eye on (have contacted the seller to make sure it's still there - it is).
 
#11
all of those basses sound very different.. do you want a snappy j or a p bass? you can't go wrong with a 'dowsky.. the lakland will sound kinda the opposite to the P, so it's hard to A/B them in my opinion.. what style of music are you looking to play with the new chunk of wood?
 
#13
bluejayway82 said:
all of those basses sound very different.. do you want a snappy j or a p bass? you can't go wrong with a 'dowsky.. the lakland will sound kinda the opposite to the P, so it's hard to A/B them in my opinion.. what style of music are you looking to play with the new chunk of wood?
Click to expand...

Yep, the decision I'm trying to make is essentially between classic and modern. Both styles will work for the music I play, which varies from jazz to classic rock. I've found that a P, as it is, will fit most styles, while a more modern and versatile bass can do the same. I suppose I'm looking for a new workhorse.

I'm actually surprised no one has suggested I get an MIA P5 and throw in a P-Retro, which could be the best of both worlds in some ways.
 
#14
You won't find much love for 70's Pbasses on here. In the real world there are some good ones out there, try it and use your own ears and eyes. The fact that it is in good condition could just mean it's been stuck under a bed for years by someone who thought he wanted to play bass but never got round to it. Bad basses tend to get sold on a lot, modified and generally trashed IME.
 
#17
All of them I will go with the Lakland 55-94, I have a 44-94 and is a tone monster, I have also owned several Lakland 5er and I can tell the B string is great. I owned a Sadowsky metro at the same time I owned a Lakland DJ Skyline and to be honest, I could not find any major difference between the Sadowsky and the DJ, same quality just a different tone.
 
#19
For consistency, quality, tone, and pure magic in the mix: SADOWSKY

I'm a big Fender Jazz fan (I have 8 of them)
and I've had a Mike Lull,
and currently have a Lakland JO
and a Sadowsky Will Lee Metro.

SADOWSKY tops them all in every way.

:cool:
 
#20
I own way too many basses, including several P basses, and my advice to use is -

- these basses are all very different but all very good -choose the one that plays and sounds right to you

- I own at least 5 P basses, and the very best sounding one is my 78 and it is not my oldest. It just has that sound. The build was kind of sloppy (neck joint, finish) but it is a killer bass and outstanding for both live and recording. I also have a few that really don't sound very good. Key is to play them and listen to them, and pick the one that you like.
 

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