Lakland 55-02 v 55-94

[bassplayershane]

Hi all!

I am wondering the main difference between the 5502 and 5594. I know the 02's are made in Korea and the 94's have bird's eye maple fret boards. Apart from that, is worth spending the extra cash for a 55-94? Is there a tonal difference? Tighter, punchier B string? Whats would be the main reason for US v Korean made? I do like the look of the birds eye maple fret board though!!!!

Cheers!

 

[Sten]

It's all about your ears. If you can hear the difference in price, go for it. If the difference to your ear is not big, I don't see a point spending the extra cash unless you swim in it.

 

[bassplayershane]

Thats my opinion too. Haven't played around on a 5594. Shops dont stock them here. They retail around $7k in Australia. I am just after people who have played both I guess. If I choose a 5594, it will be a SH one from US.

 

[bamabass]

I have played a few 55-94's and I own a 55-02. The neck is different, not geometry, but the finish. Apart from that they are pretty close to identical. The 55-94's are typically a little lighter, but the electronics are identical. I would think in a blindfolded test, you would never be able to tell a difference. You do have pretty much unlimited finish options in the -94 series. Good luck...I love my 55-02

 

[remo]

I've played both, the 94 was better but now WAY near worth the price difference.

 

[perkidan]

I have had both of them also, and I actually like my 55-02 deluxe better. Especially for the price difference.

 

[bassplayershane]

Thanks guys! I think I am going to have me a 55-02D with natural finish! Cheers!

 

[basspraiser]

Thanks guys! I think I am going to have me a 55-02D with natural finish! Cheers!

that is a GREAT decision.....I have owned a 55-02 (which I still own) and 3 55-94 derivatives to date (an 55-94 with Barts that I should have kept and swapped electronics because the quilting and the birds eye were so nice; a 55-94 fretless that I still have and a 55-07 (55-94 with double humbucker CHIsonic pickups that I still have)) and have loved every one of them.

the electronics and neck profiles are the exact same...you do get some sweet woods with the US versions; more color variations and the necks do feel better but a 55-02 is still a very capable instrument!

the 55-02s are actually now made in Indonesia but all of the electronics are installed and the frets are finished in the US factory....

a natural 55-02 will be sweet....rw board I hope?

cheers!!!

Doug

look up Link Removed if you want some more Lakland socializing etc...

 

[JTE]

The US ones have quarter-sawn neck instead of flat sawn. That SHOULD make the necks a bit more stiff and stable on the US ones. The US one with maple boards have a separate maple fingerboard glued onto the maple neck, while the Skylines have a one-piece maple neck, like a Fender. The Skylines are very very very good, but comparing my 55-01 to my Deluxe 4-94, the 4-94 is simply a better instrument. But then, it's a special instrument.

Play 'em and decide if the differences and the options are for you.

John