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Is Lakland a good brand ?

#23
MMcC said:
If I can re-ask the original question: Do you guys favor Lakland Skylines to American Fenders as strongly and consistently?
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yeah

mias aren't exactly always up there in my book. Skyline Darryl Jones rocks.

now the fender custom shops I favor over the lakland usa and all others, but that is personal and honestly that is in a different class from the others as well (both the custom shop and lakland usas)

but the original point is they are great basses, you should probably try before yo ubuy if you can, but if you can get a great deal on a used lakland that looks like it might suit you, I would give it a shot.
 
#25
The best bass I have ever played is a USA Lakland JO. However, when I tried a Skyline 55-01, I thought it sounded bland with the stock pu's and electronics and the five string neck was not comfortable. I disagree that Lakland makes the best Fenders. A USA G&L is probably the same price or cheaper than a Korean made Skyline and the bass is constructed with several features one would not even find on a USA Lakland for twice the price. To me it seems as if Laklands are overpriced. The tribute line by G&L and the Skyline line are both made ion the same Cort factory in Korea by the same technicians and quality control. For you Lakland experts, What is so special about a 55-02 that makes it ~$1,470 while a L2500 from the same line is ~$600. Lakland Guru's please explain why the Bass command such a high price compared to other high quality basses?

:hiding:
 
#26
I'm a notorious G&L freak, but that weren't the question.
(I have plenty of all three brands)

The USA Laklands are glorious instruments.
Having said that, I don't have the jack to pay the diff, and personally, don't see the USA ones being worth the diff, to me, YMMV.

I have Lakland Skyline: 5501, 5502, Scheff, Hollowbody. The 5501 ain't quite up to par with the other three, which are all stellar...but they're all four of them easily on a par or better than any Fender I've ever owned.

There are many different flavors of both tho; it'd really be best for you to play each.

I can tell you this:
Lakland Customer Service kicks the crap outta Fender's.
 
#27
JMDT said:
For you Lakland experts, What is so special about a 55-02 that makes it ~$1,470 while a L2500 from the same line is ~$600. Lakland Guru's please explain why the Bass command such a high price compared to other high quality basses?

:hiding:
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Fair question :)

I am not the foremost Lakland Expert (though I do love them and research them alot)

I agree that both basses come out of the same plant, but that is where the comparison stops. ALL Skyline Laklands are set up at the Lakland factory in the US and all -02 instruments get the Korean guts removed and replaced with the SAME elecronics that are in the US line....that in itself is about a $500-$600 difference (and that is also why the -02 series is significantly more expensive than the -01 series which is still set up in the US but has the Korean electronics intact)....

I am not sure if that answers your question, but.....let us/me know if you would like more.....

thanks!!!

Doug
 
#34
I'll throw out a little something different here.....

There is no denying Laklands superb CS reputation, and the craftsmanship on the Skylines is impeccable. I sometimes feel the gas pangs for a DD.

However, I do not like the Fralin PUP's at all.

The MIJ/CIJ Reissue Fenders are a superb value, and the workmanship is there. With all the cash you save, you can drop in a set of SD Antiquities and, IMO, get much closer 60's J sound.... and would have spent a lot less cash. Heck, throw in the Sadowsky Pre/DI, and you've got boutique sound on a budget.

If I were in the market for another Jazz, this is probably the route I would take.

Ljazz
 
#35
Hey Guys i have finally decided on what bass i am going to buy!!!!!
after a long time full of arguing with myself i have decided to get a Lakland skyline 55-01
thanks for all of your replies I greatly appreciate them and I just cant wait to get a new addition to my bass family.

Thanks again

Malunirvanafree
 
#38
I own two basses-- both 55-94's. I've ruled everything else out and either of these will do anything I could need, and although made years apart from one another, the neck dimensions are exactly the same, both of them play as if they were built for my hands.
 
#40
malunirvanafree said:
Hey Guys i have finally decided on what bass i am going to buy!!!!!
after a long time full of arguing with myself i have decided to get a Lakland skyline 55-01
thanks for all of your replies I greatly appreciate them and I just cant wait to get a new addition to my bass family.

Thanks again

Malunirvanafree
Click to expand...

Good choice! Post a picture when you get it.

I love mine, and it is still 100% stock (as long as you don't count getting the dealer to swap in a rosewood FB neck from another skyline). :bassist: :bassist: :bassist:

OK gotta post a pic of mine:

55-01-full.jpg
 

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