Lakland, and Sadowsky

[woody357]

Are Lakland, and Sadowsky considered hi end basses? When I say hi end I mean like a Ken Smith, or Fodera.

 

[Dave W]

Yes

 

[leroy diamond]

Indeed. I have had both and prefer Sadowsky

 

[BobaFret]

I have 3 Skyline models that I love but wouldn't put them in the "high end" category.

 

[pedroims]

If high end means High quality then Yes. Both brands in any of their models (overseas and US made) are high quality products, with Lakland offering cheaper options.

 

[woody357]

I'm looking at making my last bass a hi end bass. I've been looking at Ken Smiths, and Fodrea, but I was also looking at the laklands, and Sadowsky. Right now I'm using a Ibanez SR 1206E, and MusicMan Bongo.

 

[MattyH]

American Lakland. The end.

 

[darrenmt]

American Lakland. The end.

+1

 

[drummer5359]

Both make great products. From a distance, they both seem to be making basses from a similar recipe. I've played the American P bass variants from both and found them to have surprisingly different personalities.

I don't own either yet, but I really like the Lakland 44-51 M. Are they high end? They are to me. I admire the craftsmanship of Foderas, Alembics and the like, but I have zero interest in owning one. They are a different style of instrument aimed at someone other than me.

For the record, I own American Fenders and an EBMM Stingray. If I were going to go to something more expensive, it would likely be a Lakland or a Fender Custom shop product.

 

[Matt Dean]

You might also consider Nordstrand – another very high quality builder.

 

[woody357]

@Matt, it's funny you should say that. My Ibanez has nordstrand pickups, big singles. I was thinking about changing the pre to a angular until I decided on a new bass

 

[Lonnybass]

I think there's a certain beauty in the Sadowsky preamp that I have yet to hear in the Lakland models I've played.

Lonnybass

 

[Phalex]

You might also consider Nordstrand – another very high quality builder.

I just acquired Chef's VJ5. My buddy with a collection of Sadowsky, Lakland, and Fender Custom shop stuff is aching to see it!

I've only had it for a day, but I find the neck to be extremely comfy. I have practice tonight, so we'll see what she does with the PA.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

I would say they are high-end, but NOT BOOHOOTIQUE!

Dan K.

 

[leroy diamond]

I would say they are high-end, but NOT BOOHOOTIQUE!

Dan K.

Wheres the line here?. Both U.S. made Sadowsky and lakland basses are IME top of the line, high end, instruments. Beautiful finishes on these instruments. I have tried a good number of top end basses and for me Lakland and Sadosky are right up there.

 

[Dave W]

Sadowsky NYC are also made to order.

 

[DwaynieAD]

I'd consider that MM bongo to be high end as well.

 

[tkonbass]

Wheres the line here?. Both U.S. made Sadowsky and lakland basses are IME top of the line, high end, instruments. Beautiful finishes on these instruments. I have tried a good number of top end basses and for me Lakland and Sadosky are right up there.

IMO to some degree "high-end" and "boutique" begin to distance themselves from each other when the price becomes disconnected from the reality of what you're actually buying.

 

[Bebo]

I have been a Lakland and Sadowsky user for 16 years. To me they are both very good instruments, with a similar origin, but very different sonic personalities. USA Laklands -mainly those with Bartolini electronics- are superb in their strong mid voicing, with for me at least, the best J like sound in the market. Sadowskys are very reliable, have insuperable tone and are perfectly made. Their fat but flexible sounds are an industry standard now, I believe. I think both the Lakland 5594 and the Sadowsky Will Lee V are modern classics already.

 

[leroy diamond]

IMO to some degree "high-end" and "boutique" begin to distance themselves from each other when the price becomes disconnected from the reality of what you're actually buying.[/QUOT

The thing is on this side of the pond U.S. made Sadowsky basses start off at close to $6000 dollars due to taxes, duty and every other excuse governments have to rip off citizens. I guess this makes them boutique by your definition.

There are very good boutique builders making hand made instruments over here with custom orders costing a fraction of the price of a U.S. Sadowsky.

IMO $6000 is an extortionate amount of money for a Lakland/Sadowsky, despite them being top quality. Luckily I purchased my one in New York for $3000 dollars a few years ago.

Recently played a lakland U.S. Joe Osbourne and was very impressed. Passive electronics and captured the vintage vibe very well. very different to the Sadowsky. An important issue for me is the light weight feature of the Sadowsky U.S. builds.

What I would say to the OP is, if a purchase is Imminent be sure to try before you buy.