Looking to buy a Lakland Skyline 55-01. Not used to playing a 35 inch scale or should I say never played a 35. I can understand that the low "B" will have better lower end than a 34 inch scale. Can anyone give me advise on the Lakland Skyline series 5 string bass? How does this bass sound, feel, and does it pay to buy an American made Lakland bass? The difference between the two? I'm not looking for resale value just to play.
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Lakland Help
- Thread starter iguigd
- Start date
I'm a relatively short guy (teenager, haha) with shorter arms, smaller hands (but not tiny), and I transitioned well to a 35 inch scale. In fact, I love playing them even more than the 34s!
Whether 55-01 or 55-02 (More people prefer the 02 here), you can't really go wrong if you want tight low B, versatility, almost top notch quality, a classy look, and upper fret access.
Unless you're getting a crazy deal on an American one, or if you have the cash to spare, it's not really worth buying because you're paying 1000-2000 more for what you could find on a Skyline. They look very very similar, just small details (like a quilt top or whatever).
I've had the opportunity to try both, and both play effortlessly. The only main difference that sticks out is the pickups. The Skyline's preamp felt a little scratchy and lacking in the mid boost IMO. But still a great bass!
And I might add that the neck is one of the best I've ever played on!
Whether 55-01 or 55-02 (More people prefer the 02 here), you can't really go wrong if you want tight low B, versatility, almost top notch quality, a classy look, and upper fret access.
Unless you're getting a crazy deal on an American one, or if you have the cash to spare, it's not really worth buying because you're paying 1000-2000 more for what you could find on a Skyline. They look very very similar, just small details (like a quilt top or whatever).
I've had the opportunity to try both, and both play effortlessly. The only main difference that sticks out is the pickups. The Skyline's preamp felt a little scratchy and lacking in the mid boost IMO. But still a great bass!
And I might add that the neck is one of the best I've ever played on!
Awesome basses - neck is very thin front to back, I find them extremely comfortable. I've owned a 55-01 with the stock Bart MK1 pu's and an upgraded Bart US preamp, and I also owned a 55-02 with the Bart pu's and stock pre.
I guess I missed the feel, cuz I just picked up another 55-01, this one upgraded (yes, I do mean upgraded!) with a Bart NTMB Preamp and a set of Nordstrand Big Singles - definitely an improvement over what I had before!
The way the neck feels, and the way the bass hangs from the strap, I often don't notice the difference in scale (my other basses are all 34") - it's a very comfortable bass (to me).
As far as Skyline vs US made, the Skyline are an incredible value for the price, and the only real benefit I see to spending the extra $2000-2500 on a US one is if you can't live w/o a certain color combination that's not offered in the Skyline series. Me, I'd LOVE mine to be Seafoam Green w/matching headstock, but it's not worth THAT much more to me....
~ric
I guess I missed the feel, cuz I just picked up another 55-01, this one upgraded (yes, I do mean upgraded!) with a Bart NTMB Preamp and a set of Nordstrand Big Singles - definitely an improvement over what I had before!
The way the neck feels, and the way the bass hangs from the strap, I often don't notice the difference in scale (my other basses are all 34") - it's a very comfortable bass (to me).
As far as Skyline vs US made, the Skyline are an incredible value for the price, and the only real benefit I see to spending the extra $2000-2500 on a US one is if you can't live w/o a certain color combination that's not offered in the Skyline series. Me, I'd LOVE mine to be Seafoam Green w/matching headstock, but it's not worth THAT much more to me....
~ric
55's are a great deal. I just picked up another. my old modded 55-01 was the best bass I have ever owned. I have played some pretty expensive basses and with the few mods I had a killer
