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DLB (Dan Lakin Basses) Coming Soon!

Maybe not, but they are on the heavier side in general, like Fenders , IME. I have been looking for a light 5501 or -02 for a looong time and they are hard to find. Just under 9 lbs is very uncommon but doable. An honest 8.5 lbs (my personal guideline for what will be played vs what will eventually languish in its' case, YMMV) is very rare; I'm still looking. The current US Laklands are starting to get much lighter (just look at the posted weights on the Bass Central site). IMHO a large part of the market in boutique basses that is willing to pay the big $$$$ wants a light, ergonomically pleasing instrument. Roger Sadowsky has figured that out, in spades, 10X over. I don't expect feathery instruments for under 1500 bucks, but frankly, if I'm gonna buy a J bass for 1K or thereabouts, and it's not lighter than a Fender that's only a couple of hundy more, then I'll be inclined to get the Fender. That's just 1 customer's opinion. FYI I am a definite Lakland lover and love my 8.25 lb 5576! Go Dan! Lucky Low Basses.........
Re: Sadowsky, I think the chambering he does on the NYC instruments is really cool. And I completely respect everything about the company, might even own one of their basses one day.

BUT, having looked over the in-stock pages frequently, I'm not sure the Sadowsky Metros are any lighter, on average, than Skylines.
 
Re: Sadowsky, I think the chambering he does on the NYC instruments is really cool. And I completely respect everything about the company, might even own one of their basses one day.

BUT, having looked over the in-stock pages frequently, I'm not sure the Sadowsky Metros are any lighter, on average, than Skylines.
I have yet to play a 'light' Sadowsky. All seemed average weight to me.
 
Talked to Dan on the phone today. This project is definitely happening. I am sure Jaquo will put more info out, but he is doing a run of 6 Js and 6 Ps all numbered 1-6. You can order any color you want and matching headstocks are standard. I will be in the first 6 Js for sure.

PM me if you have any specific questions.
 
Here is some additional info after some enjoyable Q&A with a contagiously excited Dan Lakin:

Necks
1.5" nut width "J" neck on P body will be available.
Blocked & bound necks will be coming, but probably not in the first batch. Most likely B&B will only be available on the "J" type neck, but with either body type.

Lefties?
Left handed models will not be available initially but may be introduced later.

Weight expectations?
Basses with alder bodies should be in the 8 - 10 pound range. Some ash bodies will be available. If light weight is desired, go with ash.

Natural/Transparent Finishes
Natural finish (ash) will be available.
Other transparent/translucent finishes - "Maybe, if there is enough demand."

US Version
A US made version will be made available later, obviously at a higher price point.

Pickguards
3-Ply White/Black/White pickguards to start.
Will ensure consistency to facilitate aftermarket replacement pickguards.

If time permits (and by time, I actually mean my wife and [DEL]monsters[/DEL] kids) I'll go try out the 2 prototypes tomorrow! :hyper:
 
Here is an excerpt from Dan's initial write up that he was nice enough to share with me that might answer some more questions.

"I started with 2 models (a J and a P) I decided to try a slightly different approach and use all USA hardware but Korean made Pickups. Pickups are nothing more than a recipe of magnets and wire. I submitted samples of what I wanted and after 4 or 5 try’s we nailed it."


We then submitted samples to Korea for the rest of the instrument. Again I supplied every piece of hardware made by my friend David Borisoff at Hipshot and we were up and running. I asked our manufacturer for a number of features I have not seen in a overseas instrument. (any country) these are –

All USA Hardware

Graphite reinforced Necks

Oil Finish on the Back of the Necks

Hand Cut Bone Nut

Dunlop (Strap lock) buttons

Near Perfect Neck shapes"