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Gassing for a Lakland! Opinions please?

madbassplaya

madbassplaya

Supporting Member
Dec 28, 2007
8,397
142
#1
So hear lately, I've been wanting to get a more modern 5 string bass. I currently have two MIA Fender Jazz Vs (an 07 and an 08) and I like them, but here lately it seems that a more modern bass would fit what my band is doing. So, I started looking around. I wanted an active preamp with passive pickups and something with a 35 inch scale this time. I've only had a 35 inch scale on 4 string peavey's but I really liked it. Anyway, after doing some research, it seems that a Lakland will fit the bill nicely. I cannot afford one of their USA models yet, although that would be the goal, but I can afford a Skyline and although I was weary of it because it was made in Korea, it seems to have rave reviews here and at other bass sites.

So basically i'm gassing hard for one! I have found a nice 5501 that i'm looking to get, but was also thinking about a 5502. What do you think?

Also, I'm playing an American Fender now, do you guys think it would be a downgrade to play a Korean made Lakland?

Thanks guys!
 
#2
I love the 55-02 because of the new lakland LH-3 pickups and pre. However, with the standard soapbar design of the 55-01 you can get the looks and feels of the 55-02 but you can taylor the sound to whatever you want. Price will be about the same when its all said and done after you drop in some Nordies and a different pre. The possibilities are endless.
 
#3
It won't be a downgrade at all. The 5501 will give more bang for the buck. IMO it's electronics are already good and not in need of replacement. The 5502 will have an upgraded electronics package and a nicer top. Can't go wrong either way IMO.
 
#5
I do honestly think that the 55-02 kills the 55-01 in a live band setting. The Bart MK1s are not as full or natural sounding as the LH-3s. The 55-01 will give you way more bang for buck and if you ever loose interest in the sound but still love the playability you can upgrade the electronics later. Its a win/win either way, however, if you like to tinker around you'll have more fun with the 55-01.
 
#6
I broke my 55-02 fretless out this weekend for the gig, used it on our first tune,...and didn't put it down for most of the night!!! Incredible sound out of that bass, was thinking of switching the stock Bart system out to the new Lakland pups and pre,...but no way baby! She was thick, fat, clear, and despite being fretless, still fit on every music style we played....btw, the other bass I brought to the gig was my Ritter classic, if that doesn't say something for the Lakland, I don't know what does! I sold a lot of Laklands when I worked a retail music store a few years back, pretty much everything we got from them was top notch, I do prefer the 02's over the 01's hands down, but as someone else said above, you can switch the pups/pre out in the 01's and have an incredible instrument,...my 2 cents anyway.
 
#8
If you can afford the "02" model I would recommend that you go with that. The setup is a bit more flexible and I like the not to the MM in addition to the more "Fender-esque" tones.

I believe that any of the Laklands are an upgrade from the Fender USA's.

Dan K.
 
#14
DWBass said:
If I had the funds I would have jumped on that one. Cherry Red w/Maple board! Sweet deal! Congrats!
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Thanks man! I'm kinda glad you didn't have the cash! ;)

I've always heard great things about Lakland but was skeptical of the skyline series. I've read the reviews though, and it seems they are top notch.

Ed Friedland even has a 5501 :hyper:

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#16
madbassplaya said:
I'm really liking what i'm hearing guys. It seems that I will be purchasing a Lakland. I'm leaning more towards the 5501 though. I can get it significantly cheaper than the 02.
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I'd suggest putting funds into a new rig, pre-amp pedal, or onboard pre-amp. Of course buying a new bass is more fun, but I think if you are really just looking to discover some new tone, these options will will be more effective.

If you were starting from a junky bass to begin with, I might have a different opinion, but a Fender Jazz is quite versatile... you just need an amp and cab that will let it's true tones ring through less colored.

I'd also mention I love both Fender and Lakland, but for as much as Lakland has going for them, their Skyline build quality does not quite match Fender '08 MIA quality IMO.
 
#17
tranceFusion said:
I'd also mention I love both Fender and Lakland, but for as much as Lakland has going for them, their Skyline build quality does not quite match Fender '08 MIA quality IMO.
Click to expand...

I have an 08 Jazz V and I do like it, but i'm really wanting to try a 5 string with a 35 inch scale.

I will probably end up keeping the 08 and selling the 07 if the Lakland is what I want.
 

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