• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Lakland Advice

Lakland Skyline

  • Lakland Skylines are GREAT!

    Votes: 99 78.6%

  • Lakland Skylines SUCK!

    Votes: 3 2.4%

  • Lakland Skylines are eh, OK but don't come close to US Laklands.

    Votes: 24 19.0%
  • Total voters
    126
#41
I worried a bit about lack of graphite reinforcement, but have not found it to be a problem.

I live near 10,000 feet in the CO Rockies, and it is very dry here. I run a humidifier but even so I have to tweak truss rods on most of my instruments regularly. After six months and big weather swings, the Skylines have had no adverse affects, and a small twist (1/4 turn or so) seems to be all they ocassionally need. They also have very straight necks (little relief), which I tend to prefer for either fretted or fretless.

I've had problems with other instruments that HAD graphite reinforcement. For example, I had to have the fingerboard replaned on another expensive fretless to correct a back bow problem (loosening the truss rod didn't help).

I do think graphite reinforcement can affect the tone as well. But for me, not enough to make a big difference.

Dan
 
#42
I am still waiting for my 5502 Deluxe to arrive at the dealer. I am trading in gear to make the purchase, so buying a used 5594 outright isn't an option. There is also the fact that I live in possibly the worst part of my state for finding good instruments. I would need to wait quite possibly months to sell my gear outright and then even longer to find a used 5594 in my price range. I hope the 5502 is satisfactory when it arrives, or it is back to the drawing board.
 
#46
While the Skylines are fine basses, In my opinion (I have owned several of both) they do not compare with the American Laklands.

The USA basses sound, feel and look better and are up with the very best handmade instruments. The Korean ones are better than most mass produced imports, but not in the same class.

Then again, there are many players on this forum who will sound better on a Skyline (or a Rogue, for that matter) than I ever will on a high end axe.

Here's my latest 55-94 Classic, Alder body. It sounds great with TI Jazz Flats. Used, it didn't cost very much more than a new 55-02.

Invalid Link Removed

Aloha,

Jonathan
 
#47
I currently own a Skyline JO 5 and, while it is a nice bass for its class, there area couple of issues that I dislike about it. First and foremost: The frets are very thin and seem like the wire isn't paerticularly high quality. THe fret work is OK at best. They are very evenly dressed BUT there are barb like edges on the frets which drive me crazy. I am going to have a tech file them, not easy b/c of the location. Also, I hate the sanded satin style finish on the back of the neck. I like lacquer, spray or whatever. I don't like that satin feel at all. I may have someone spray it.

Overall, it plays nicely and the hardware and Lindy Fralin's give it a pretty solid tone but it certainly doesn't feel "boutique".

I'll probably keep it ,however, after I have these
"problems" corrected. I need two basses but I'm on a budget and try to keep the prices under a grand. For this price range, it's very good.
 
#48
I've owned two Skylines and still own one. I think the Skylines are great basses for the price. I have no complaints about the playability or the sound. The finishes I've had have been flawless.

I sold the 55-01 that I had because I wasn't ready to learn 5 string at the time, but I really had no complaints about it. It was a great instrument and I got it for a great price.

Here are pics of the Skylines that I have had:

Link Removed

Link Removed
 
#50
Originally posted by Deep
So are they now putting graphite reinforcement in the Skyline necks ?
Click to expand...

No Skyline Laklands do not have graphite reinforced necks as I just confirmed with John at the factory.
 
#54
i tell ya i have a shop down the street who sells lakeland basses
the skylines always knock me out, esp the 4 strings
i think if i ran into a problem with sheilding icould do it myself for less than 2 grand:D
don't get me wrong, i love high end basses, but for the tone vibe, i think the skyline look (esp the sunburst)
i gotta get one, i really do
 
#55
Not a big fan of the 55-01, but the 55-02 is phenominal. I suppose for the money, the 55-01 isn't a bad deal, but I think they are just an uglier looking version of the Cort/Elrick. I can't compare the quality of those two, but to me they sounded pretty much the same and felt similar. Its just that the Cort/Elrick Josh Paul had a nicer top. I have never been a fan of the Korean made Bart stuff. Ever since my experience with my Cort Curbow 6, I've been sort of soured towards the MK-1 Pickups and Eq. The 55-02 however is probably the nicest production Korean bass I've ever seen. The tonal flexibility with the American Barts Pickups and the American Bart Electronics just makes say "damn". Absolutely great bass in my mind. I haven't had much experience with the rest of the skyline basses, but i'm sure they are nice too. Well this is my 2 cents.

-P
 
#56
Having owned six Laklands, all USA models and playing every Skyline model made I can safely say I prefer the USA's. I will say that I was thoughly, without a doubt, impressed with the Skylines and would not hesitate to recommend ANY Lakland product. I have been going up to the shop for over 7 years now and know Dan Lakin, Carl, John and the "Shop Guys." Everyone who works there and has worked there are very serious about what they do. These guys love their work and products and treat people like family. When ever I play one of my current basses, 4-94 Deluxe or Joe Osborn four, I feel the love. The work is impecable and if you have a problem or gripe they will take care of you. So....what ever you can afford you should be very happy with. The only reason I bought and sold different Laklands was preferrences of color, woods, and styles to suit me. It's good to find a manufacturer who's goal is to make you happy.
 
#57
Originally posted by Big String
... It's good to find a manufacturer who's goal is to make you happy.
Click to expand...
Yes it is...

Invalid Link Removed

The JO5 and the 55-01 are both great basses, and I feel good keeping them both with the 55-94. But, the 55-94 is the best looking and best playing bass I have ever seen, and now I own it! The JO5 and the 55-01 will both hold there own, but the 55-94 is da' bomb!


P@
 
#58
If you put a 44-02 and 4-94 in the same room through the same equipment and played G Min. Scale, you would not know the difference.

The main difference between the two is the graphite reinforcement bars in the neck.

However, there is quite a substantial difference between a 55-01 and 55-94 or a 55-02.
 
#59
Mud Flaps - Why does it hold true to you that there is no difference tone wise between a 44-02 and a 4-94 but there is a "substantial" difference between a 55-02 and a 55-94?

There is no difference between a 44-02 and 55-02 except for one more string. Same goes for the 4-94 and 55-94. So the tone difference between the Skylines I mentioned and the American models should be the same.

Just curious.
 
#60
Originally posted by pistoleroace
Mud Flaps - Why does it hold true to you that there is no difference tone wise between a 44-02 and a 4-94 but there is a "substantial" difference between a 55-02 and a 55-94?

There is no difference between a 44-02 and 55-02 except for one more string. Same goes for the 4-94 and 55-94. So the tone difference between the Skylines I mentioned and the American models should be the same.

Just curious.
Click to expand...

If you look back at Flaps post you might notice, that he compared BOTH the 55-94 and 55-02 to the 55-01. Not to each other.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back