Lakland 55-02 vs 55-94 (point of view of owner)

I've owned and played a Lakland 55-02 for about one year and search many times for the main differences between the US models and the Skylines.
Last week I found a great deal on a 55-94 Deluxe. So I sold my 55-02 ans acquired the 55-94.
I thought it was my turn to give my point of view on how a 55-02compares to a 55-94:

Finish:
Both instruments are great, but the finish of the US models clearly wins. I own the natural translucent model, and there is no contest. Simply by looking at the bass, you immediately notice a big difference. The color, finish, and the beautiful wood of the body. When I looked back at my 55-02, I felt it suddenly looked like an entry level bass. It kind of faded.

Construction
Still some differences here. The finish of the 55-02 is great. On par with some high end Fender US models. But the 55-94, once again, seems better on every details. Even the knobs seem "better" to turn. The best example is the back plate. On the 55-02 screws were directly going inside the wood. On the 55-94, screws are kept in place in some metal pieces, inserted inside the wood. The attention to detail really reaches another level.
The weight is also lighter on the 55-94. It weights as much as my Sadowsky MV-24.

Playability
The 55-02 is great, but again, the 55-94 brings it to another level. Especially for the neck. It feels, much stronger. When you play it, it really feels like it's a high end bass. Playing back my 55-02 was a bit weird, I missed the US neck.

Tone
That's the most discussed thing here. Do they sound the same? Well.... almost to me, like 90% the same. But again the 55-94 seems to be a bit fuller, stronger, more present, more "serious". It's very subtile however. But I guess the construction of the 55-94 plays a role in that difference in the tone. It also seems to cut through a bit better. Like some high definition sound. The highs seemed less harsh, and the lows more massive without being muddy.

Final words
So is a US model worth it? Yes, if you don't take in consideration the price. The 55-94 Deluxe costs a bit more than 4000$, where the 55-02 Deluxe around 1600$. I found my 55-94 used for 2000$, so I didn't hesitate a second. But I don't think I would have bought it new. However a 55-02 is worth it if you want a Lakland without paying the hard price. It is still a great bass. I could easily buy another one as a backup bass for my 55-94. But I'm more of a Sadowsky player.

One thing to note is when I played my 55-02 again after trying the 55-94, I still had a lot of pleasure playing it. I sold it for 1200$, to buy the 55-94. Which required 800$ out of my pocket.
Yes, a steal

The 55-02 is a great instrument. The 55-94 is the real thing.

Opened to any questions

 

Totally agree

Exactly my point of view. However, I feel I'm more of a Sadowsky guy, so I'll use the 55-94 as backup until I get another Sadowsky

 

That's another good way to describe both basses

 

Totally agree. However I sold the 55-94. And if I had to go back to Lakland I would probably buy a 55-02.

What's so uncomfortable with 35"?

 

Go for a 55-02 first. Then if you really feel you are a lakland player go for a 55-94. I finally sold both of ma Laklands as I feel I'm more a Sadowsky player.
Just trying to avoid you a waste of big cash. Personnally I'm considering going back to Lakland for the pleasure. And it'll be a 55-02. These basses are already great.

 

So Am I!

 

I compared both and to me nothing cuts through like a Sadowsky. The Lakland tone is great but I had to push it hard to hear myself. Whereas the Sadowsky was just sitting in the mix effortlessly.