Club Decade!

[JEDI BASS]

is there really a large difference in neck feel? Does the "lesser" hardware make it more difficult to set-up or maintain? God I'm Gassing for one...

IME, my 55-02 did NOT play as well as my US 55s, the neck dots did not align perectly w/ the A string (a visual cue that I look at when shopping for Skylines on the internet). I think that, IN THE PAST, the bridge alignment was not always perfectly centered.

NOW, on the other hand, my Korean Skyline DJ5 plays as well or better than my USJO5 did, and my US 55s do.

From what I've seen, the new Indo Skys don't have the neck/bridge alignment issue as often as the Korean ones did. And, if you did have an issue, Lakland would fix it PRONTO.

The Sky tuners will work just as good as the US models, they just have bigger posts IIRC and a different finish on them and the bridge saddles have the different finish too, but work the same.

So, in short.... there's no reason IMO to NOT buy a new Skyline.

 

[GregC]

is there really a large difference in neck feel? Does the "lesser" hardware make it more difficult to set-up or maintain? God I'm Gassing for one...

I have a Skyline Decade. Get one! The neck feels really good, as it does on my other two Skylines. And I've had zero hardware issues with any of them. These are fine instruments. I've played a numner of US Lakies, and I plan on getting at least one one day. But IMO, as has been said elsewhere, the Skylines get you about 85% of what the US models do in terms of tone, playability and fit and finish.

Note that the Skyline Decade has a mahogany body. They're not heavy, as I feared they would be. But I think the wood results in a bit less high end, and more low/mid punch--which is perfect for me. If you're big into slap, the mahogany and the pickup placement will probably be a hindrance. But I love this bass!

 

[Barkless Dog]

Note that the Skyline Decade has a mahogany body. They're not heavy, as I feared they would be

I have to be believe they are being made from the cheaper Philipean Mahogany vs the heavier Hondurain.

 

[gratt]

just curious, how long do the skylines take to order? the US i've been drooling over took a local shop 2 1/2 years to get in. i've been considering ordering a skyline but i don't feel like waiting all summer, aha.

 

[E-Mac]

it's easiest to find an already completed skyline. That makes for zero wait time.

 

[fresnorich]

Both necks feel great, but there is a difference. The lesser hardware doesn't make it any harder to maintain. Just not as nice.

They're a Skyline here that looks like a good deal:
Link Removed

Price is good but the G string is pretty close to the edge of the fretboard on that one:

Link Removed
Link Removed

 

[Figjam]

Yeah, whats goin on with that?

 

[GregC]

it's easiest to find an already completed skyline. That makes for zero wait time.

+1. Wow, 2.5 years, that must have been a truly unique bass or there were some odd circumstances.

Price is good but the G string is pretty close to the edge of the fretboard on that one:

I just caught up with Leo on the phone and asked about that. He needs to update his site: He says that particular bass has been pulled off the market due to a poorly mounted bridge--but he has one or two other Skyline Decades (with a couple dings) for the same price. Call him if you're interested, he's a great guy to deal with.

 

[gratt]

Hmm.. I'll have to look into it, not many Lakland dealers around here. Also curious.. I absolutely love the neck on the US, it's what really makes it for me, does anyone know of a similar feeling neck on another bass that would inspire me that much?

 

[E-Mac]

no, not in a lower price range.

 

[gratt]

not even remotely? i consider high end above $2000 (canadian), you're telling me there's nothing comparable that's just slightly less than the $3200 one at our local lakland dealer?

 

[E-Mac]

in my opinion, I haven't played a bass with a neck as good as a US Lakland besides an Alleva Coppolo.

 

[MarkusBass]

Lakland US is it for me neck wise!

 

[Mr Matt]

Are there any Dark Star users out there that have Rogers thumb rest on their bass?
I'm thinkin about these, cuz there's really nowhere to rest with DS smooth/low profile.
And then I'm concerned about the aesthetics of these on a Decade.
If you have 'em installed on your Decade can you post a couple pics?

 

[MarkusBass]

Are there any Dark Star users out there that have Rogers thumb rest on their bass?
I'm thinkin about these, cuz there's really nowhere to rest with DS smooth/low profile.
And then I'm concerned about the aesthetics of these on a Decade.
If you have 'em installed on your Decade can you post a couple pics?

I've seen them somewhere on a Decade. I like them. If I had DS on mine, and needed a thumbrest, I'd have them a long time ago.

 

[sturmvogel]

Time to kick this in gear again.

Can anybody tell me the story on the short scale decade? What colors? Skyline or USA? Prototypes? Projected availability?

 

[MarkusBass]

No story really yet. I'm sure it's going to be US versions first. Did you see the graphic I put on the Lakland home page?

 

[sturmvogel]

Yup---I wonder what a Hollowbody headstock would look like in place of the standard Lakland head?

 

[MarkusBass]

Yup---I wonder what a Hollowbody headstock would look like in place of the standard Lakland head?

E-Mac wondered the same. It would look good!

 

[sturmvogel]

I'd rather see that headstock instead, then. I have very small hands and much prefer shorter scale basses. I'd love to try out a proto-type of one whenever they get around to it. Might cause me to plunk down some airfare to Chicago.