Lakland 55-94 vs Lakland 55-02

[madjazzbass]

Just how much better (sounding) is the Lakland 55-94 than the 55-02 Skyline Deluxe models? I'm guessing it's probably the same differences you'd find between an American made Fender and a MIM made Fender ... or maybe not . I absolutely Love my new 55-02 Skyline Deluxe, the sound, the feel and the look; there's nothing I don't like about this Bass; which has me thinking: Is the 55-94 really THAT MUCH better sounding than the 55-02?! (approx) $3000+ more give/take? I'm sure someone on TB has owned both at one time or another or currently does well; So,Is the 55-94 that much better? Is it the Bartolini pickups and pre that gives the 55-94 its ... magic/mojo? ... better tone? Thanks all

 

[nonohmic]

Subbed.

Also ill add in what about the 55-14? Well specifically the 44-14. Are they really the same as the customs just without a fancy top?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Just how much better (sounding) is the Lakland 55-94 than the 55-02 Skyline Deluxe models? I'm guessing it's probably the same differences you'd find between an American made Fender and a MIM made Fender ... or maybe not . I absolutely Love my new 55-02 Skyline Deluxe, the sound, the feel and the look; there's nothing I don't like about this Bass; which has me thinking: Is the 55-94 really THAT MUCH better sounding than the 55-02?! (approx) $3000+ more give/take? I'm sure someone on TB has owned both at one time or another or currently does well; So,Is the 55-94 that much better? Is it the Bartolini pickups and pre that gives the 55-94 its ... magic/mojo? ... better tone? Thanks all

55-94's have not had Bartolini electronics in more than a decade. To get to the point, the any 55-02 and 55-94 will sound the same if they have the same electronics and wood, or at least 95% the same. The difference will be in top wood, a half sawn or quarter sawn neck, and hardware.

 

[Johnny Alien]

The difference in Skylines to USA Laklands comes down to weight (the USA ones are usually a good bit lighter) and the feel of the neck. The electronics are all the same and if you compare it to an ash body USA model they should sound pretty similar.

 

[Yummy Notes]

I think of the Lakland US 55-94 as their flagship custom bass, crafted by their luthiers in Chicago. The Skyline appears to be an excellent offering that is mass produced offshore (to be more affordable) but then quality controlled when it comes to the US. Only you could answer whether that difference would set apart the levels of craftsmanship to justify the difference in price?

Below is an old thread touching on the topic:

Lakland Skyline vs Lakland US

There could be more in the Lakland Club thread.

 

[Ric Vice]

Since I own a Fretted Lakland 55-94 and a Fretless 55-02 ,my feeling is that while the differences are definitely there, they do not make the Skylines a knockoff in any way.

Once you purchase 55-02, a few dollars invested wisely, will get you a very close. I had a new bone nut nut installed and replaced the gears with Hipshots. The other major

difference is the flat sawn neck, which would be silly expensive to replace and my old 1958 Fender precision has a flat sawn neck anyway. I do notice a difference in the way

a quarter sawn neck resonates, vibrates under your fingers, and is lighter, so there is a little less neck dive. my 55-94 has Bartolinis and the Bartolini Preamp, so there

is a bit of warmth there, but if you put me behind a screen on stage and did a blindfold test with a band I'd bet you couldn't tell that much difference. You can listen to

both instruments on the Lakland site and compare the clips. Just my take of course.

 

[madjazzbass]

I think of the Lakland US 55-94 as their flagship custom bass, crafted by their luthiers in Chicago. The Skyline appears to be an excellent offering that is mass produced offshore (to be more affordable) but then quality controlled when it comes to the US. Only you could answer whether that difference would set apart the levels of craftsmanship to justify the difference in price?

Below is an old thread touching on the topic:

Lakland Skyline vs Lakland US

There could be more in the Lakland Club thread.

Thanks, much appreciated

 

[madjazzbass]

Since I own a Fretted Lakland 55-94 and a Fretless 55-02 ,my feeling is that while the differences are definitely there, they do not make the Skylines a knockoff in any way.

Once you purchase 55-02, a few dollars invested wisely, will get you a very close. I had a new bone nut nut installed and replaced the gears with Hipshots. The other major

difference is the flat sawn neck, which would be silly expensive to replace and my old 1958 Fender precision has a flat sawn neck anyway. I do notice a difference in the way

a quarter sawn neck resonates, vibrates under your fingers, and is lighter, so there is a little less neck dive. my 55-94 has Bartolinis and the Bartolini Preamp, so there

is a bit of warmth there, but if you put me behind a screen on stage and did a blindfold test with a band I'd bet you couldn't tell that much difference. You can listen to

both instruments on the Lakland site and compare the clips. Just my take of course.

Much Appreciated, Thanks

 

[cv115505]

Just how much better (sounding) is the Lakland 55-94 than the 55-02 Skyline Deluxe models? I'm guessing it's probably the same differences you'd find between an American made Fender and a MIM made Fender ... or maybe not . I absolutely Love my new 55-02 Skyline Deluxe, the sound, the feel and the look; there's nothing I don't like about this Bass; which has me thinking: Is the 55-94 really THAT MUCH better sounding than the 55-02?! (approx) $3000+ more give/take? I'm sure someone on TB has owned both at one time or another or currently does well; So,Is the 55-94 that much better? Is it the Bartolini pickups and pre that gives the 55-94 its ... magic/mojo? ... better tone? Thanks all

As far as sound goes.... no difference. They use the exact same electronics in the 55-02-14-94. Fit/finish and component quality is way higher on the US models. You get to choose your colors/woods as well. I've had Skylines that play as well as the US stuff, but not consistently. I've had US and Skyline Lakies.
I'm strictly into the Skylines now only because they're easily replaced and I don't worry about other people playing them. They're my workhorses. I do have a 55-02 LTD with an ebony board that plays as well as any US Lakland I've had, but again, I can't say that tgevSkylines play as well as the US models consistently.

 

[nonohmic]

As far as sound goes.... no difference. They use the exact same electronics in the 55-02-14-94. Fit/finish and component quality is way higher on the US models. You get to choose your colors/woods as well. I've had Skylines that play as well as the US stuff, but not consistently. I've had US and Skyline Lakies.
I'm strictly into the Skylines now only because they're easily replaced and I don't worry about other people playing them. They're my workhorses. I do have a 55-02 LTD with an ebony board that plays as well as any US Lakland I've had, but again, I can't say that tgevSkylines play as well as the US models consistently. View attachment 4103833

Why do the 5 strings have a 10-13" compound radius, whereas the 4s only get a flat 10" radius? This seems to be consistent across all lines.

I guess there's more to handle with a 5 maybe.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Why do the 5 strings have a 10-13" compound radius, whereas the 4s only get a flat 10" radius? This seems to be consistent across all lines.

I guess there's more to handle with a 5 maybe.

The answer is simple, it is a five with the same string spacing as a four. The alternative would be a neck profile like a Spector or Warwick, maybe even an Ibanez Soundgear.

 

[nonohmic]

The answer is simple, it is a five with the same string spacing as a four. The alternative would be a neck profile like a Spector or Warwick, maybe even an Ibanez Soundgear.

I'm not sure I understand. String spacing and radius are mutually exclusive.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I'm not sure I understand. String spacing and radius are mutually exclusive.

Well maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. It would not be the first time.

 

[podmornica1]

if you remove the inscriptions Made in USA / Korea and someone tells you to play both with your eyes closed, you wouldn't know the difference by feeling or sound! Everything else is platitudes!

 

[alembicbones]

I currently own an older Korean 55-02 w/ Barts. It's a bit on the heavy side but still a great sounding and playing bass. I can't say I've played an American 55-94 recently but I did try a USA JO. It was one of the best 4 string basses I've ever played. I'm so dialed into 5 strings right now so I didn't make the move on it. It sold soon after.

Asian Laklands are really fine basses for the money but my thought is that USA Laklands just take it to the next level.

Bones

 

[cv115505]

Why do the 5 strings have a 10-13" compound radius, whereas the 4s only get a flat 10" radius? This seems to be consistent across all lines.

I guess there's more to handle with a 5 maybe.

Yeah that's a question for Lakland. Personally, I like both so i never really wondered about it.

 

[Ric Vice]

Why do the 5 strings have a 10-13" compound radius, whereas the 4s only get a flat 10" radius? This seems to be consistent across all lines.

I guess there's more to handle with a 5 maybe.

The neck shape on the 55-94, 55-14, and 55-02's is contoured like an airplane wing. This makes playing the instrument easier, as it matches the shape of your hand. I believe the 55 string spacing puts each pair of strings slightly closer together as you move from high to low. So the B and E strings have less distance between them.

 

[mikecd1]

Short answer is you can get them to sound alike as others have pointed out since they have exactly the same electronics and the Skylines are now Plek'd to improve playability. Definitely an edge on the USA necks with the quartersawn wood and graphite rods do make a difference. As far as voicing goes, there have been Bartolini, Duncan, Hanson pickups on stock models and I really liked a set of Nordstrand pickups on a 55-94 I played. My personal fave is the Bartolini sound though with so many options whatever sounds best to you is your best choice. Enjoy!

 

[Gougedeye]

I have been thinking about this since last night. I've owned both and currently own 2 5594s. The 5502 is a bit heavier, but not too much, as opposed to the 5594. The biggest difference for me is the neck. Despite what everybody says, they are not the same, at least in my hands. It could be the quarter-sawn vs. flat-sawn thing...I think it is the finish. The imports have a thin poly finish on the necks. The U.S. version has a oil/wax finish. It is just a different feel. Do not misconstrue this. The 5502 is a great bass and will serve its owner for a lifetime! For my money, the 5594 is one of the finest instruments made and the choice for me! YMMV

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have been thinking about this since last night. I've owned both and currently own 2 5594s. The 5502 is a bit heavier, but not too much, as opposed to the 5594. The biggest difference for me is the neck. Despite what everybody says, they are not the same, at least in my hands. It could be the quarter-sawn vs. flat-sawn thing...I think it is the finish. The imports have a thin poly finish on the necks. The U.S. version has a oil/wax finish. It is just a different feel. Do not misconstrue this. The 5502 is a great bass and will serve its owner for a lifetime! For my money, the 5594 is one of the finest instruments made and the choice for me! YMMV

I am sure you can tell the difference if you are playing; I am not at all sure you could tell the difference between a 55-94 and 55-02 that are similarly appointed on a recording.