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DLB (Dan Lakin Basses) Coming Soon!

My point wasn't that the other guy at the bar with a Fender will notice it or not, but that the elitist part comes from thinking that you *need* something different or above and beyond a Fender P or J bass. The fact that he is starting with a 'limited run of 12' speaks volumes for the marketing strategy.

I'm sorry if I'm coming off as negative, but this product is total vaporware right now. Until we see/hear/play the finished version, everything is speculation. I don't see what's wrong with asking tough questions about a product. If you want this bass and you have yet to see/hear/play it, you are likely wanting it for a reason that has less to do with the bass and more to do with brand, name association, etc.

So far the only reasons I've heard that someone would want this over a real Fender is 1) color choice and 2) the neck profile. Both people who have played the J haven't liked the neck so far, hopefully he will get it right. In terms of color choice, if he is offering infinite choices for body/pickguard with matching headstock after this first initial run of 12 at the same price I will be impressed.

Some people put credence in the reputation built up by someone with years in the industry. There could be a thousand reasons why someone chooses to try or learn more about these, from the options to the neck shape to the price point, etc. I really don't get your point- it sounds like you are saying if you want a P or a J you should just get a Fender or else you are just trying to be different. You really aren't making a compelling point here except that maybe you are the one that wants to distinguish himself and stand out from the pack by asking the 'hard' questions

I respect Dan and have no doubt he will produce a viable alternative to Fender and other passive Fender style bass models.

I'm only interested intellectually because I'm happy with my vintage Fenders and cheapo Tokai copies.
 
The SB4000 is pretty much a dead on 70s Jazz copy, which the notable exception of the headstock. I see five SBs on the Carvin in stock page within $50 of $1000. And the B40/B50 is the same instrument with a P style body shape for even less dough.

They have absolutely no solution for someone wanting a P, as you mention. Nor an answer for someone wanting a traditional Jazz body shape. Given the number of complaints I hear about both of these points, maybe Dan's got a pretty large potential market.

You are certainly right, a passive B40/50 or SB4000 can easily be had for well under $1,000.

Many people didn't seem to like the body or headstock shape of the SB series when they first came out, but now Carvin is selling zillions of them. Carvin has been around just about as long as Fender, and I don't think they ever want to dead on copy, but do something similar in their own style. That's why I think Dan's traditional designs at a similar price point and will find a market.

Anyway, I think Dan's plan to sell direct and cut out the middle man, just as Carvin does, is a great idea. If his name wasn't already well known, it might be next to impossible to get this kind of effort up and running, but I think Dan is one of the few who can pull it off.
 
with all the due respect I hope that Dan will change his mind on the headstock: for what it is possible to see from the only pics Jauqo provided... boy is that thing ugly!!!

Ok, if the bass is an excellent instrument maybe one gets accustomed to it, sooner or after; but still...

new DLBs

It takes just "so little" design effort to go from ugly to "beautiful and personal" (MVHO)

new DLBs
 
My Korean Duck Dunn is much better-to me-than any non pre-CBS Fender P that I have ever played so I am assuming the quality will be there
I would be very interested in a 5 string if it was not a 35" scale
But I too do not like the look of the headstock as the shafts of the tuners are too long and throws it out of proportion to my eyes...not sure if that would be a deal breaker or not
 
My Korean Duck Dunn is much better-to me-than any non pre-CBS Fender P that I have ever played so I am assuming the quality will be there
I would be very interested in a 5 string if it was not a 35" scale
But I too do not like the look of the headstock as the shafts of the tuners are too long and throws it out of proportion to my eyes...not sure if that would be a deal breaker or not

I agree, sadowsky and dingwall have the best fender clone headstocks IMO.

The dingwall super p/j is pretty much a case study for innovating on the classic fender design but brining added value to the table.
 
i dont think it's been asked before, but will the neck attachment be the usual screws and plate or will it be a plateless, slimmer/contoured attachment with countersunk bolts like lull or sadowsky?
Counter sunk bolts with countersunk/flat washers.

Actually this was the hardware that jumped out at me when comparing it side-by-side with the Skyline JO.
 
The vintage long stem tuners with that headstock are one of the reasons I like it. It reminds me of how the early 50's Fender headstock looked.

5077515668_55e927f1a1.jpg
 
For my part......I'll wait and watch for a half dozen months after initial release before committing one way or the other. That said: I wish Dan good fortune with this new endeavor. There's much to do at this stage, and it appears that correct calls are being made quickly but with great insight. Like cream - good folks tend to rise to the top. Let's trust this holds true, and Dan (once again) is making great basses that players can afford and aspire to owning. His success may well set the bar for other builders. End result being - everyone wins ;)
 

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