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Are Landing basses THAT good?
- Thread starter ::::BASSIST::::
- Start date
I did put an email out to Chris Stambaugh last week, but have not heard back from him. I remember him being slow on the emails.
I thought of going the warmoth route for the body, but I dont think it will work for the neck as I want shortscale. At any rate, I want the bass to be outstanding and not a "throw-together".
Chef
In Memoriam
bassist: I like your project idea; I think that would be uber-kewl.
I had no idea that there was a short scale lakland darkstar in the works. If it's a skyline, it really should be nowhere near the $4k price point.
edit: I believe whomever mentioned this is thinking of the shortscale Decade. I don't believe Lakland use darkstar pickups anymore.
I had no idea that there was a short scale lakland darkstar in the works. If it's a skyline, it really should be nowhere near the $4k price point.
edit: I believe whomever mentioned this is thinking of the shortscale Decade. I don't believe Lakland use darkstar pickups anymore.
Thanks Chef. I've decided I'm going thru with it. Jimmy Wilson is very accomodating and I can tell he's going to be great to work with. Its going to be a pretty sweet bass!
Re: the Lakland...Yeah, I think it may very well be a Decade. It was reported to be $3700 I believe.
Edit: Here is the thread with Lakland ss info:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=548803
Specifically:
"Got it from kirk at lakland.. the shorty will cost the same as a decade USD4400 list."
Re: the Lakland...Yeah, I think it may very well be a Decade. It was reported to be $3700 I believe.
Edit: Here is the thread with Lakland ss info:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=548803
Specifically:
"Got it from kirk at lakland.. the shorty will cost the same as a decade USD4400 list."
Chef
In Memoriam
Yeah, that would be the Decade. No Skyline shorty planned; so, that pricepoint is probably accurate.
Noe more DarkStars there either.
I had a Decade, and while it was great quality, it wasn't for me sonically.
If it were me doing your project-and clearly it ain't!-I'd move the pickup a little more towards the neck than standard P position, with the poles facing the fingerboard. And, make the route big enough to "reverse" the pickup so you can rotate the poles 180 degrees.
Why? More depth, more heft, and then, when you reverse the pickup, it puts the poles in more or less True P Territory.
Gratuitous Tele-DS porn:
Noe more DarkStars there either.
I had a Decade, and while it was great quality, it wasn't for me sonically.
If it were me doing your project-and clearly it ain't!-I'd move the pickup a little more towards the neck than standard P position, with the poles facing the fingerboard. And, make the route big enough to "reverse" the pickup so you can rotate the poles 180 degrees.
Why? More depth, more heft, and then, when you reverse the pickup, it puts the poles in more or less True P Territory.
Gratuitous Tele-DS porn:
only experience i have with them was when i saw fred wesley his bass player played one that sounded excellent.
Interesting idea. I'll have to give that some thought.Yeah, that would be the Decade. No Skyline shorty planned; so, that pricepoint is probably accurate.
Noe more DarkStars there either.
I had a Decade, and while it was great quality, it wasn't for me sonically.
If it were me doing your project-and clearly it ain't!-I'd move the pickup a little more towards the neck than standard P position, with the poles facing the fingerboard. And, make the route big enough to "reverse" the pickup so you can rotate the poles 180 degrees.
Why? More depth, more heft, and then, when you reverse the pickup, it puts the poles in more or less True P Territory.
Gratuitous Tele-DS porn:
Yes, it was a Decade, sorry.....but yes, too pricy....that's ridiculous....$4400????
There was another person on the TB forum who had built his own Tele shortscale, I'll try to find that post for you....it was around last summer when I was debating having him make me one. The price was pretty good too although I have no clue what the quality was like though it did look good in the photo.....
There was another person on the TB forum who had built his own Tele shortscale, I'll try to find that post for you....it was around last summer when I was debating having him make me one. The price was pretty good too although I have no clue what the quality was like though it did look good in the photo.....
Well I have already committed to Landing. Its more important to me to get a good bass than to save a few bucks.
Thanks though!
Thanks though!
Wow, you like your Landing more than your birdsong?
You have my attention! I was under the impression that Birdsongs were peerless in the shortscale realm. I know there's a lot of preference and personal opinion that goes into bass selection, but could you clarify how your Landing is better/different than your Birdsong? This may make me want to jump ship!
Wow, you like your Landing more than your birdsong?
They really are completely different basses and love both of them. You really can't go wrong with either in my opinion and I think build quality are pretty equal.
I like the neck just a tad better on the Landing. My Landing has a really smooth finish on the neck where my Birdsong does not seem to have much of a finish at all. I think the Landing neck would be a little closer to a Jazz neck radius where the Birdsong would be little closer to a P bass. One other difference is Birdsong necks are 24 fret where Landing tend to be 22 fret but Jimmy (Landing) could probably do a 24 if that mattered to you.
The finish on my Landing is incredible. Jimmy really know how to put a finish on a bass where the Birdsong is a more natural finish.
They both balance very well and both weight close to the same at around 7 to 8 lbs avg.
If you do any kind of slap playing then the Landing is definitely the better option. I think you can slap on the Birdsong but not as easy.
With the Landing you definitely have more options are far as body, neck and pickups and you can really customize your bass. Jimmy likes EMG's but also uses Darkstars. On the Birdsongs you have the vari-tone but you can get a standard tone control but I don't think Scott (Birdsong) uses any other pickups besides the Lace pickups. My Birdsong fretless can be a little "dark" sounding not real bright while my Landing with the EMG's can get very bright if I wanted it to.
Of course if you ask me next week which bass I like better I'd probably change my mind but I can be pretty wishy-washy sometimes. I really like them both.
One last thing to consider if it matters to you the Birdsong resale value will most likely be more than the Landing. Maybe because the Landing cost less or maybe because the Landing name is not out there as much as Birdsong is.
Awesome. I appreciate that thorough breakdown. Yeah, I've developed the impression that Birdsong basses have a very particular direction, philosophy and endgoal, whereas Landing seems more of a custom maker. The way you described your Landing sounds very appealing to me, as I'm finding I prefer the jazz neck and general ethic. Also, having used Lace pickups on my strat and been unimpressed, I'm a little apprehensive about them on the Birdsong. I'm sure they get the effect that Scott was going for, but I'd definitely need to play a few Birdsongs to make sure they're what I'm after. Fortunately, Scott and Wimberly, Texas are less than an hour's drive from me, so I'll definitely be making the pilgrimage at some point.
You mentioned your fretless Birdsong - by any chance might you have experience with a fretless Landing? I'm playing predominantly fretless at the moment and don't see myself going back without specific reason.
Good to know about the Landings - they're seriously in the running at this point!
You mentioned your fretless Birdsong - by any chance might you have experience with a fretless Landing? I'm playing predominantly fretless at the moment and don't see myself going back without specific reason.
Good to know about the Landings - they're seriously in the running at this point!
My experience....
Scott at Birdsong is definitely more rigid and less accomodating than Landing. After about three emails with Scott regarding a Birdsong I had in mind, Scott stopped answering my emails. I felt that was not very courteous of him. Before I outlay $2000 for a bass I am going to ask some questions. When that happened I realized he is not the builder I want to work with. I am also not enthused about the Birdsong pickup choice, but I guess its his baby. I chose something else.
Don't forget Stambaugh as a shortscale option....
Last February I placed an order with Chris Stambaugh for a shortscale and I am VERY impressed with the result. The neck is simply superb. Excellent craftmanship and attention to detail on the Stambaugh. Stambaugh did charge me about $300+ more than Landing for what is essentially a custom bass. Stambaugh is very open minded to trying anything as long as what is asked for is reasonable. I find Landing a tad more rigid than Stambaugh ( essentially pleaded for a zero fret, but he won't do it... even though I said I'd be willing to spend the extra money to get it done). Landing is REALLY good with the emails and very attentive. Plus Landing's build time is only 3 months. There were a few times when Stambaugh did not respond to emails for 3+ weeks at a time, which frankly I find not up to par. Also, the wait for a Stambaugh was 10+ months. In the end the Stambaugh shortscale I got is VERY nice and certainly worth the waiting. However, I went with Landing this time because he is very agreeable to my vision for my tele bass, he's cheaper than Stambaugh, and he is faster and more attentative. I have a feeling that Chris Stambaugh's build quality is slightly better... I mean you simply cannot get better craftmanship than what I have with my Stammie. The only negative of my Stammie is my own fault as I asked him for a very modern looking bass and that is what he gave me. No fault of his, just lack of forethought on my part. Really, the modern look is not that big of a deal, but I have the money for a custom tele bass, so what the hell.
Anyway, Stambaugh should definitely be considered if you're willing to lay down some big cash for a bass.
My Stambaugh
A rough idea of what the Landing will look like, except with darker wood and a single darkstar...
Scott at Birdsong is definitely more rigid and less accomodating than Landing. After about three emails with Scott regarding a Birdsong I had in mind, Scott stopped answering my emails. I felt that was not very courteous of him. Before I outlay $2000 for a bass I am going to ask some questions. When that happened I realized he is not the builder I want to work with. I am also not enthused about the Birdsong pickup choice, but I guess its his baby. I chose something else.
Don't forget Stambaugh as a shortscale option....
Last February I placed an order with Chris Stambaugh for a shortscale and I am VERY impressed with the result. The neck is simply superb. Excellent craftmanship and attention to detail on the Stambaugh. Stambaugh did charge me about $300+ more than Landing for what is essentially a custom bass. Stambaugh is very open minded to trying anything as long as what is asked for is reasonable. I find Landing a tad more rigid than Stambaugh ( essentially pleaded for a zero fret, but he won't do it... even though I said I'd be willing to spend the extra money to get it done). Landing is REALLY good with the emails and very attentive. Plus Landing's build time is only 3 months. There were a few times when Stambaugh did not respond to emails for 3+ weeks at a time, which frankly I find not up to par. Also, the wait for a Stambaugh was 10+ months. In the end the Stambaugh shortscale I got is VERY nice and certainly worth the waiting. However, I went with Landing this time because he is very agreeable to my vision for my tele bass, he's cheaper than Stambaugh, and he is faster and more attentative. I have a feeling that Chris Stambaugh's build quality is slightly better... I mean you simply cannot get better craftmanship than what I have with my Stammie. The only negative of my Stammie is my own fault as I asked him for a very modern looking bass and that is what he gave me. No fault of his, just lack of forethought on my part. Really, the modern look is not that big of a deal, but I have the money for a custom tele bass, so what the hell.
Anyway, Stambaugh should definitely be considered if you're willing to lay down some big cash for a bass.
My Stambaugh
A rough idea of what the Landing will look like, except with darker wood and a single darkstar...
Thanks, Bassist! This is the first time in my life I've ever considered buying a custom instrument. Until now, I've just been happy searching for the best I could find and afford. Problem is, production shortscales in general do not seem up to par, and I feel it's the kind of thing that has to have a little extra attention to be done to a professional standard. Besides, Fender Mustangs and Gibsons just look ugly to me. No thanks!
Part of the reason I've looked into basses like Landing and Birdsong is that they're built by folks who specifically want to make a short scale instrument. Now, I have faith that any talented and respected luthier and custom maker would be able to make a solid short-scale, but I have to assume that I'll get better results from a guy who focuses on them (I'm also not that interested in non-traditional woods or designs).
Out of curiosity, what made you decide to get a Stambaugh? Do you feel he really did the short scale justice?
Part of the reason I've looked into basses like Landing and Birdsong is that they're built by folks who specifically want to make a short scale instrument. Now, I have faith that any talented and respected luthier and custom maker would be able to make a solid short-scale, but I have to assume that I'll get better results from a guy who focuses on them (I'm also not that interested in non-traditional woods or designs).
Out of curiosity, what made you decide to get a Stambaugh? Do you feel he really did the short scale justice?
If you read the Stambaugh mega thread many Stammie owners who own also own multi-thousand dollar basses say that Stambaugh is at least as good or better than those Foderas, Sadowskys etc. That meant alot to me.
Did Stambaugh do the shortscale justice? Absolutely 100%. Like I said its a superbly built instrument. I agree with what you said about crappy quality production basses and I wanted the best ss money could buy (within reason). Stambaugh did not dissapoint.
The hard thing for me will be when I get my Landing in three months. If its as spectacular as I hope it will be, I will have a difficult time because that would mean that my Stambaugh wont get much playing time as the tele bass much more suits my roots rock & rockabilly band. If its just sitting around I'll have a hard time justifying keeping it, but at the same time, I dont want to sell it since its so nice.
Did Stambaugh do the shortscale justice? Absolutely 100%. Like I said its a superbly built instrument. I agree with what you said about crappy quality production basses and I wanted the best ss money could buy (within reason). Stambaugh did not dissapoint.
The hard thing for me will be when I get my Landing in three months. If its as spectacular as I hope it will be, I will have a difficult time because that would mean that my Stambaugh wont get much playing time as the tele bass much more suits my roots rock & rockabilly band. If its just sitting around I'll have a hard time justifying keeping it, but at the same time, I dont want to sell it since its so nice.
Gotcha Louise, but don't hold your breath. One way I justify keeping the Stambaugh is in thinking that no band lasts forever and when Dick Cash does part ways someday, my Stambaugh can once again be the stage bass. But again, its all really very minor and I guess I'm just a bit spoiled. I will have a hard time justifying owning close to $4000 in basses though. I am far from rich.
I know what you mean
I'm one of those musical instrument/equipment junkies who can't decide what instrument to play or which side of the studio glass to be on. I have three guitars (used to have more), three basses, amps for the above, a drumset, a whole basic home recording setup... One the one hand, I feel like a materialist, but on the other, music really is what keeps me going... Even if I were to just be a hobbyist, I feel that my "materialism" in that sense is justifiable to me...Well, it helps me justify my GAS, anyway...
I'm running on the theory that when I find a bass I'm really cool with, I can narrow down the stable a bit. When I found the electric and acoustic guitars I liked, I ended it there. Did pick up a Baby Taylor for travel, though
Thanks for the Stambaugh recommendation. I'm sure I'd be happy with one! However, Landing has a pretty good price tag, and from the sounds of it, delivers. I'm going to keep an eye on them, and if/when yours arrives, you will OF COURSE have to give us a complete rundown of the bass and your impressions. I'm very interested!
