LakLand "Best Model" for my first purchase

[Kevin Krenzke]

I'm sold on makeing he jump into a USA LakLand 4 string... But I need input on best model.. I do love the 1.6 at the nut and I play mostly 70's c;lassic Rock stuff as well as other classic rock just... not a jazz guy and just want to know what model's I should start with.. as well if there were certain years of that model that were more sought after,,,,

Thanks for answering this "beginner" question......

 

[JSandbloom]

well it sounds like you want to get a 44-64, either P or PJ. Most of the off the shelf 4-64s are either 1.5 or 1.75. You can have them make you the “tweeny” 1.6 but they’re about 6 months out. I’d check out the classic series line, great bang for the buck. Some vendors order specific configurations which could include a 1.6 nut but I have not seen them. As for years, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad USA lakland. I have a few Dan Lakin era Laklands and some made in the last 5 years and I love them all. Some people praise the Dan Lakin era but i feel like nostalgia plays a part in that. Remember, the reason to go USA is for the neck and they’ve remained consistent over the years.

 

[jlo95]

Subscribe to their mailing list. Every week they advertise B stock skyline models. You can get a deal on a brand new skyline this way. Sometimes they have new USA models for sale there also

 

[Ric Vice]

Great suggestions, you can usually find a used 44-64 for a significantly lower price. I own two 55-94’s that will turn 25 years next year. No issues. I just have them set up once a year with Ernie Ball,Slinky Cobalt flats There is great sonic flexibility in the 4-94 and its variants, that said it isn’t going to sound exactly like a Precision.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

Nice Ric ! Those are very nice. My choice would be 44/94, 55/94 .
They are so versatile sonically.

 

[athfngl]

The 44-02 (import) and 44-94 (USA-built) have 1.6" nut width with tons of tonal flexibility, if active basses are your style. But if you want a passive P- or PJ-style, place a direct order or keep an eye on the classifieds - I've seen a couple 44-64's pop up over the years with 1.6" nuts.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

I've been playing a 2005 USA 40-60 Joe Osborn Jazz for a few years now. Probably played a hundred or so gigs with it since the fall of 2021. This one came with Joe's preferred reverse tuners (bit disorienting in the beginning). I owned several Skylines, and when I saw this hanging in my local shop--first one I'd ever seen in the wild--I bought it on the spot. Never done that before (or since). Sweetwater wants $4,000+ for a brand new one.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I'm sold on makeing he jump into a USA LakLand 4 string... But I need input on best model.. I do love the 1.6 at the nut and I play mostly 70's c;lassic Rock stuff as well as other classic rock just... not a jazz guy and just want to know what model's I should start with.. as well if there were certain years of that model that were more sought after,,,,

Thanks for answering this "beginner" question......

All USA Laklands are great basses; there's no 'era' that's better or more sought after than another. Are you into active electronics with a more modern style or do you prefer something more classic/passive/vintage vibe? There's no 'best' model. When you look at the Lakland website, what jumps out at you?

 

[FearNoEvil65]

I've been drooling over this 44-94 but can't afford it waaaaaah!

https://reverb.com/item/59966161-lakland-usa-44-94-custom

 

[jd56hawk]

I'm pretty sure the correct answer for you is this, right down to the color.

Lakland 44-60 Custom
Ice Blue Metallic
For $1,500, it's a no-brainer.
Sure, it's not a USA-made bass, but I'm betting most people can't tell the difference.
(I already own one of the best Jazz basses made, but if I ever see that one hanging up, it's mine.)
If you simply have to go American made...

 

[sikamikanico]

Sounds like you're looking for a 4 string, not jazz, 1.6' nut, yes? Well, the 44-94 is the classic Lakland, with the specs you seem to like, so you probably cannot go wrong with that one.

If you want more classic options, the 44-51 comes with a 1.6" neck, and the 44-64 has an option for a 1.6" 'tweener' neck. Doesn't get more classic than P basses. But I gotta add, I have a Skyline Glaub (44-64), and the neck feels very nice at 1.75", I would not shy away from the full width.

A couple more exotic options would include the Scheff and the Hollowbody, both of which I believe had the 1.6" necks, and while both are "classic," they look and sound more unique due to their configurations.

I'm not sure about the "years" for USA models, but it sounds like they were always good. Even the Skylines that I played, I'm not sure that the Korean versions were better...

 

[Holdsg]

Agree that the 4-94 is the classic Lakland bass.
Sure, there are P, P/J, and Jazz variants, but if I was after a 4-string US Lakland, I'd first look at the 4-94.
that's just me.
Also agree on the "Classic" versions being good values, if you're not into fancy wood tops, custom colors, and such.
I owned a 4-94 Classic at one point, and it was a great bass.

 

[Z-Bass]

Agree that the 4-94 is the classic Lakland bass.
Sure, there are P, P/J, and Jazz variants, but if I was after a 4-string US Lakland, I'd first look at the 4-94.
that's just me.
Also agree on the "Classic" versions being good values, if you're not into fancy wood tops, custom colors, and such.
I owned a 4-94 Classic at one point, and it was a great bass.

Agree with this. Plus, Kevin, if the bass in your Avatar is indeed your main player, looks like you have the P-bass territory covered. May as well go for something different. Obviously try to check one out and see if you like the neck and electronics configuration/tone. You may not be able to find a USA model readily but you should be able to hunt down a Skyline 44-02. If you like that, know that the USA will sound just as good and feel even better.

 

[jlo95]

I'm pretty sure the correct answer for you is this, right down to the color.View attachment 7032782
Lakland 44-60 Custom
Ice Blue Metallic
For $1,500, it's a no-brainer.
Sure, it's not a USA-made bass, but I'm betting most people can't tell the difference.
(I already own one of the best Jazz basses made, but if I ever see that one hanging up, it's mine.)
If you simply have to go American made...
View attachment 7032783

This skyline is an excellent bass. My buddy has one and I was floored with it. Absolutely worth the money

 

[Si-bob]

Lakland’s famous 1.6 44-94 neck is the one you want (trust me), but don’t feel constrained with the MM/J configuration if that’s not you and you also don’t want one of their FSO’s (Fender Shaped Objects).

If you’re going for a full US custom, then Lakland will entertain most custom requests. I ended up ordering a passive P/J 44-94 (henceforth called my 44-PJ) and it’s a beautiful instrument:

The other option, either as a full US custom or a Classic (very slightly different neck-build processes), is the Dual J if you want a J/J pickup configuration but, again, don’t want an FSO.

A Dual J (hopefully full custom, but probably a Classic) will be my next purchase to go alongside my 44-PJ.

Good luck
Si