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LAKLAND OWNERS GROUP #45

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Imagine a 94/02 with 2 MMEs, the neck one switchable for "J", "MM" or "P". Huh?
Interesting. I didn't know anything about MMEs, but it looks like a pickup that Bartolini used to make (but have now stopped). Am I right ?

I like the idea anyway, though in neck position, with 3 choices, I think I might go for J(closer to neck), P, J(further from neck) ... or even just J/P.

You could do something similar with a Nordy mm5.4, except the split there is BE/ADG. You could (I guess) turn it upside down.

On a similar theme, check the Link Removed. NOT a drop in replacement for anything. :)

We're talking about a radical set of mods on a 55-02/94 here ... could seriously devalue a 55-94 :hmm:

Andy
 
That's a good thought. I would have said a P without the pickguard looks wrong (personal thing, don't expect everyone to agree) but that curved plate might keep enough of the P aesthetic to keep me happy. I'd need a pre with stacked knobs to have the equivalent of a 55-94 (J-retro or Audere would fit the bill I think).

Next time I have a whole Friday evening to spare I might do another mockup :)

Andy

Go for it! I built a P/MM out of an old Aria lawsuit era jazz. Used a F3nder @erodyne pickguard (cut for a P pup--fit well). I've been wanting a P/MM 55-94 ever since.
 
Interesting. I didn't know anything about MMEs, but it looks like a pickup that Bartolini used to make (but have now stopped). Am I right ?

yep, the bartolini design was a starting point

I like the idea anyway, though in neck position, with 3 choices, I think I might go for J(closer to neck), P, J(further from neck) ... or even just J/P.

It really depends on your choice, but it is feasible.

You could do something similar with a Nordy mm5.4, except the split there is BE/ADG. You could (I guess) turn it upside down.

that too.

On a similar theme, check the Link Removed. NOT a drop in replacement for anything. :)

ouch! hey, with that one you barely need a ramp! Still, it is defective - leaves too much empty space, he he

We're talking about a radical set of mods on a 55-02/94 here ... could seriously devalue a 55-94 :hmm:

Andy

Nope! We're talking about 44/55-10 series basses! Or -11.Just make sure it is before 2012, or we may miss the whole thing:)
 
Hey all you Lakland owners, I'm in the market for a new fiver and I'm considering the 55-02 or perhaps the 55-94. I've just got a couple of questions after watching these videos:


What are the main differences between the skyline series and the US series?
It looks like all the adjustments and electronics and such are still done in house for the skyline series, but is the quality of the wood, hardware, etc. cheaper then the US?
I'd love to buy the US series, but I just want to justify spending the extra cash.
Any help is appreciated, I'd really love to hear some sound samples of both models too, if anyone has some on hand.
 
The fretless is Ebaony....ALL Lakland fretless basses made now are ebony.

Now guys, I have this idea: what if I change necks between the basses? that would make a alder/maple 55 JJ-CS fretted and an ash/rosewood* 55-94 fretless, thus balancing the highs and low mids on the fretted and adding more versatility to the fretless. Some of you huys have interchanged necks, did that need any fit work?





* I think rosewood, just as I thought ebony. The wood is dense and the color deep and integral, but those tiny cracks make me think choice-grade rosewood
 
last shot of what I'm going for (i promise):
l_e2aa6d9d293a4816882cac73c58129cc.png

I have a flame-top koa stratocaster built from warmoth parts that's pretty much that exact color. Great color, especially with the flamed koa. Has a pao fero fretboard though, not maple.
---
c
 
The MAIN differences are:

1) no wood choice. Skylines are just one wood type (depending on model)

2) US basses have quarter sawn necks....Skylines do not....quarter sawing is supposed to add to stability. On 5 string basses, BOTH series get graphite reinforcement so stability should not be an issue.

3) US basses get hand finished frets. Skylines start out with a PLEK machine and then get hand tweaked (if needed)

4) More color choices in the US models.

5) US models tend to be a little lighter since Lakland has more control over the wood.

6) US = satin neck finish; Skyline = more glossy neck finish

The hardware is different...not necesarily "cheaper"....

Both series have final set up and (most) have the (same) electronics put in in the USA.

Fit and finish are GREAT on both

Soundwise, I see little to no difference....I have owned several of each and would put the Skylines up against many US made basses.

you can hear sound samples here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

click on the model you want to hear...I think you will find that they sound identical!

Since this would be your "first" I would say buy 2 Skylines (different models) so you can sample the different styles and
then decide which US bass you want to buy!

Just my opinion!

good luck!

peace:

Doug
Hey all you Lakland owners, I'm in the market for a new fiver and I'm considering the 55-02 or perhaps the 55-94. I've just got a couple of questions after watching these videos:


What are the main differences between the skyline series and the US series?
It looks like all the adjustments and electronics and such are still done in house for the skyline series, but is the quality of the wood, hardware, etc. cheaper then the US?
I'd love to buy the US series, but I just want to justify spending the extra cash.
Any help is appreciated, I'd really love to hear some sound samples of both models too, if anyone has some on hand.
 
Hey all you Lakland owners, I'm in the market for a new fiver and I'm considering the 55-02 or perhaps the 55-94. I've just got a couple of questions

What are the main differences between the skyline series and the US series?

It's a common question lately. Lessee...
I'll make it US/Sky.

neck:
rock maple/maple
quartersawn/flatsawn
frets: hand fretting/machine fretting (PLEK on post-08.2008 and some previously made, on request)
back: tung oil treatment/matte finish
graphite rods: yes/yes, on 5-stringed only
fretboard:birdseye maple, rosewood or ebony/maple, rosewood, ebony on fretless only
fretmarks: ebony on BEM, BEM on rosewood, BEM stripes on ebony fretless, no marks on ebony fretted, custom variants/plastic, no ebony fretted option
nut: bone/delrin

body:
alder or swamp ash (maple top on Deluxe only)/ash only (maple veneer on Deluxe only)
cavities: differently shaped
battery compartment: various / separate compartment (by Fishman)
shielding: copper foil/graphite spraypaint
color: wide variety/limited
weight: appr.9 lb./ larger variety (closer to 9 lb. post 2008)

pickups, electronics:
the same, installed in Chicago

hardware:
Hipshot USA, chrome / Hipshot lic., chrome with matte: string posts, retainer, saddles
string ferrules: dome-shaped/flat
strap buttons: Dunlop, straplock-ready/IDK

measurements (keys etc.):
inches/mm


Please note Lakland is a custom shop so you may come across variants unlisted above
 
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