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Lakland 44-60 vs. Lakland DJ4

L

LaBassGuy

Aug 26, 2008
826
72
#1
I understand that the DJ4 is based on Darryl's 1964 Fender jazz, yet a lot of people think of it as a '70s style jazz, comparable to the AVRI '75.

The 44-60 is supposed to have a '60s vibe, yet some people say it sounds more 'modern' than the DJ4.

So, how do these really compare if you're looking for a bass that compares to the AVRI '62 or the newly released '64?
 
#2
I was dead set on getting a 62' AVRI until I played a 44-60. It completely blew the AVRI out of the water in every way for me. The biggest things that make it more modern IMO are the fretboard radius, the feel of the neck, and the finish. It doesn't have gloss like the Fender and the body is poly rather than nitro.

The DJ is a super nice bass as well but I don't own one. IIRC, the body is a little smaller than the JO and it's active.
 
#4
I own both models. Love each for their "personality".

The DJ feels smaller overall. VERY comfortable to play. Sounds amazing (I have an older model with the Aeros pickups). Hands down the most defined sounding passive Jazz I've played. 70's pick up spacing.

The 44-60 feels more substantial to me. Also a great feeling bass, but different. Feels more "old school" to me? Sounds the part too. More mellow sound/vibe with the Lakland pick ups in the 60's spacing. The model I have is a stack knob configuration, which I'm still trying to get accustomed to (I've had it just over a week).

Can't go wrong with either one, they're just different animals. I'd guess the 44-60 is more in line with what the OP is after.
 
#8
I was also under the impression the pickup spacing is identical. The DJ just has a smaller body and the Skyline version comes with a bound and blocked neck. US version comes with a standard style neck but can be ordered with a bound and blocked neck if desired. I believe the newer versions of both basses come with the Lakland/Hanson pickups.
 
#9
DWBass said:
I was also under the impression the pickup spacing is identical. The DJ just has a smaller body and the Skyline version comes with a bound and blocked neck. US version comes with a standard style neck but can be ordered with a bound and blocked neck if desired. I believe the newer versions of both basses come with the Lakland/Hanson pickups.
Click to expand...

So if the spacing is the same as are the pickups, what accounts for the different tone characteristics? Is it the wood combo?
 
#10
No 2 sets of pickups will sound exactly the same even if they are the same brand and model. Unless you're talking about older models. The older DJ's came with Aero's. Older JO's came with Lindy Fralins (I think). But if you want to be sure, contact the folks at Lakland. I made a pic of both basses side by side. Pickups look to be in the same exact positions. I could be wrong but it's what my eyes see.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#11
Pickup spacing is not the same on my US DJ and US JO. On the DJ, the bridge pickup is something like half a cm closer to the bridge. It was the same on Skyline models I had earlier.

I heard people saying the spacing is the same before. It is not.
 
#12
evhest said:
I heard people saying the spacing is the same before. It is not. Pickup spacing is not the same on my US DJ and US JO. On the DJ, the bridge pickup is something like half a cm closer to the bridge. It was the same on Skyline models I had earlier.
Click to expand...

Not arguing but can you explain the picture above? What year models are your Laklands. I also heard they were different.....at one time. I am no expert. But like I said, check with the folks at Lakland. Or hit up Jauqo III-X. He's very knowledgable about Laklands. He can give you a history lesson.
 
#13
I have a Korean Skyline DJ4 and love it. I'm more of a P guy, but I really dig the DJ's smaller body. I happened to find a light one (8.4 lbs), so when I know I'm going to be playing a long gig, I always bring it.

In terms of the pickups, mine has the Aeros, and I tend to use the neck pickup exclusively. If I use the bridge pickup at all, it's dialed in at around 25%.
 
#16
As for stock pickups.. BOTH come with standard Hanson j pickups.

You can order him cancelling pickups.....vintage pickups....chisonic pickups as options

I have chis...vintage... and standard....in different basses....all excellent...just depends what you are looking for
 

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