Lakland Owners Group #51

[thehess]

I had a question on Lakland value retention. In the past week, I have seen a 55-94 go for $1900, and a 44-94 offered and sold for $1400 (can't find that thread today, though). In the case of the 44-94, it was a newbie seller, and it seemed that it might have been a 44-02. The 55-94 seemed legit. On the other hand, Skylines seem to hold much better value, at least as a percentage of the original new sale price. The two used Skylines that I have purchased, mods notwithstanding, wouldn't have cost the seller a huge loss if they had bought them new.

Any ideas as to why the US models don't hold up?
Is losing >50% of the original sale price endemic to higher end bass valuation?
Is $1000-$2000 the sweet spot for moving an instrument? (that price point sure gets my attention!)

(as a point of comparison, I have seen my Fender Signature SRV Strat sell on ebay for not much less than I paid for it 12 years ago...special instrument, of course, but it's not a one-off "special".)

 

[RumbleBeeAL]

Skylines seem to sell for roughly half of their initial retail price tags as well.
You can find $1,400.00 Skylines in the $700.00 range as well.

It all depends on condition, demand, length of time listed, and seller's desire to sell the bass at whatever the loss - like in a pinch/bind.

 

[GregC]

I had a question on Lakland value retention. In the past week, I have seen a 55-94 go for $1900, and a 44-94 offered and sold for $1400 (can't find that thread today, though). In the case of the 44-94, it was a newbie seller, and it seemed that it might have been a 44-02. The 55-94 seemed legit. On the other hand, Skylines seem to hold much better value, at least as a percentage of the original new sale price. The two used Skylines that I have purchased, mods notwithstanding, wouldn't have cost the seller a huge loss if they had bought them new.

Any ideas as to why the US models don't hold up?
Is losing >50% of the original sale price endemic to higher end bass valuation?
Is $1000-$2000 the sweet spot for moving an instrument? (that price point sure gets my attention!)

(as a point of comparison, I have seen my Fender Signature SRV Strat sell on ebay for not much less than I paid for it 12 years ago...special instrument, of course, but it's not a one-off "special".)

I don't think it's greater than a 50% loss of the original sale price on US Laklands, typically. For instance, a new 55-94 deluxe runs $3675 according to Bass Central, and I presume you could negotiate that down some with your favorite dealer. So I'd call $1900 40-45% down. But as Gordon said, there are many variables.

I thought that 4-94 was legit, although I didn't look too closely. The seller seemed to hurt his cause quite a bit by holding out for a local sale.

I will disagree a bit with Gordon, I think it's pretty rare to find a $1400 Skyline for $700. The -02s and Hollowbodies tend to command more like 800-900, IME.

Is the SRV a good comparison? I don't know, it still seems like a special case to me. Based on what I've seen, an MIA Fender sold used typically has about the same depreciation as a Lakland. I could be wrong.

 

[RumbleBeeAL]

Correction understood and accepted! Of course too many factors come into play to have concrete numbers to predict pricing on...

 

[thehess]

The SRV maybe wasn't the best comparison (plus, it's a guitar. Sacrilege. )

Points well taken. I guess I was taken aback at the $1400 -94. A normal 40-50% depreciation isn't so surprising as is seen in the general pricing trends, with lower priced instruments holding a little better on the percentage.

 

[thehess]

BTW - RumbleBeeAl...I am pretty sure it's been said before, but that Scheff in your avatar is beautiful.

 

[RumbleBeeAL]

BTW - RumbleBeeAl...I am pretty sure it's been said before, but that Scheff in your avatar is beautiful.

Thanks! Yeah, I've heard that a time or two...

There's a lot of persuasion behind the scenes that allowed my Skyline JS4 LPB w/Maple Lined Fretless (MLF) and black lines with US Style tuners to become what it is today. It was a fun and rewarding project bass.

In CAR, it was perfect. In LPB, even more eye candy in my humble opinion.

 

[RumbleBeeAL]

...I will disagree a bit with Gordon, I think it's pretty rare to find a $1400 Skyline for $700. The -02s and Hollowbodies tend to command more like 800-900, IME...

Rare find indeed. However, case in point - check this 44-02 Fretless and HSC out: Click here! <--currently $700 Shipped!

However, it is listed as a Fire Sale in all fairness. They do exist.

 

[GregC]

Correction understood and accepted! Of course too many factors come into play to have concrete numbers to predict pricing on...

Very true!

Rare find indeed. However, case in point - check this 44-02 Fretless and HSC out: Click here! <--currently $700 Shipped!

However, it is listed as a Fire Sale in all fairness. They do exist.

Great example, Gordon. Not the first 44-02 I've seen listed that low, but the number is very small. That's a steal, IMO.

 

[Infidelity]

Just wondering guys.. Anyone used/tried DR black beauties on their 55-02 w/ barts?

 

[Holdsg]

Just wondering guys.. Anyone used/tried DR black beauties on their 55-02 w/ barts?

Not on a Lakie, but tried them on another brand jazz style bass. They were ok. Not my fave. I still have them but haven't put them on anything else.

 

[sj_bass]

I've always thought Black Beauties on my black/rw 55-01 would look sick...

 

[G On Bass]

I've always thought Black Beauties on my black/rw 55-01 would look sick...

They would sound amazing, too.

 

[basspraiser]

I agree.....you can start by buying JADE from me...he he!!!

Yes, but if you played 5s, I could buy them as you got tired of them. Especially if they were in Markus orange or that pretty new burst of yours.

See where I'm coming from, here?

 

[basspraiser]

Basspraiser on a roll...how does he do it?

well Hess.....I do not get to post often so when I do.....I get as close to a "wave" as I can without stepping over the line (ahh for the good old days!!!)

I actually like both colors. Natw42 and I agreed that the trans charcoal is pretty tasty.

The problem, as I think about it more, is that I like the Lakland structure (neck, 35", etc.), but I'm not sold on the pups/pre in the Skylines (he says, not having even played the AJ yet...I know, lame). So, ~1250 for the body, then another $500-600 for pups/pre. Still nowhere near the $4900 (!!!) for the US AJ, but...closer to a Sadowsky Metro, used FS Valenti's, etc. And then there is the -60 Jazz 5'er to consider. Sigh. Perhaps, after two used Laklands, it's time for me to pony up and get a new one. Decisions, decisions. The -01/-02 body is a Lakland thing that I was drawn to. For a Jazz...there are WAY more options. Phooey.

I'm going to wait (and hope) that the NJ Guitar and Bass Center gets an AJ, and they I'll go A-B it with one of the -60's they have hanging on the wall.

Or I'll wait until someone bites, and flips their trans charcoal AJ.

I don't think the exchange would cost you THAT much.....if you like the LH3 or different pickups you can always ASK for it to be pre-installed at Lakland (or through Carl)....doesn't hurt to ask.....I assume it will cost less that what you are saying...

No, not everybody...

Some of us have more than our share...

When is enough enough Orlando???? I think you need more....really....

Booooo.... Hssssss!

I am witcha!!!

I don't know what kind of pickups / pre you were thinking but I got a pretty good quote on upgrading the pre on an AJ to the LH3. Nowhere near what you estimate above. Check with your Lakland dealer.

Bingo!!!!

and some are awaiting for an upgraded LOG LE PJ5 from the hands of Carl!
Not boasting (well, a VERY little bit), but soo excited... come home baby...!

argh! the wait must be killing you!!!! I hope it is soon...you gonna love it!

The pups in the Skyline AJ are the same Hansons that go into the US versions, just FYI depends how much you love Nordies and/or dislike the Hansons

BUT...the pre-amp will be an LH3 in the US versions.....and you will have a CHOICE of pickups....

yep! I didn't say one needed them all... but any is feasible, that's the trick there!

he he!!! way to go Denis!

 

[basspraiser]

Hi guys. This threads been too quiet for too long, and I haven't contributed much lately, but I may be having a revelation. Since I got my '06 US BG, it's been my main player... the bass that will either be buried with me or my son will one day inherit. However, lately i'm discovering that I 'may' be favoring my '07 JO. Both have Fralin's, and I dearly love them both, but for whatever reason, my JO's just "doing it for me" lately.
That said: I haven't played in a band situation in a number of months, so i've been just been doing the solo/basement jam thing, which may explain a lot.

I know, not very interesting, just thought i'd share and inject some life into my favorite thread!

on your first point....I agree...WAY too quiet...the LOG has been pretty quiet as well..

as for the P vs. J thang.....I go back and forth....the P seesms to do it for my "most" of the time....the J "almost" as much...lovin' the -94/-07 the most right now...

was watching "part 1"of the 2010 Crossroads concert last night (saw 2-3 Lakies!) and both P and j seemed to be well represented and well present in teh mix...I guess it all comes down to personal choice...keepn them both...I think you will regret selling either....those Fralins are GREAT!

You know ... I'm starting to think my ideal Lakie would be based on the 55-94/02 shape, but with a P pickup combined with the MM.

P in the P sweet-spot, MM positioning not so critical (for me). Rest of the spec as per 55-02/94 ... active, 35" scale.

I can't be the only one, surely ?

If I am, maybe I'll have to get a 55-02 and let a luthier convert it for me. Or (sorry guys) buy a Sandberg.or Clover with that pickup config and sacrifice a couple of frets.

Andy

talk to JP....I am SURE you can get a US one like that...for sure...if you want a Skyline...order one and have Carl convert it before it gets to you.....easier that way...

Interesting idea!

You may not find 30 folks to support a custom Skyline production type build...

However, I'd bet if you found a Jerry Scheff 5 string (quite a rare breed), you'd be able to add the P pickup between the two Armstrong Pickups as they are spread to the extremes - close to the bridge and neck providing more space between the pickups. Then, add a pot or toggle to control which pickups to blend. Maybe have it switch over when you pullout the multifunction volume knob and go passive.

Or the guys at Lakland may have a 55-94 blank that is not yet routed and could easily route it as desired for a "one off" deal.

A Scheff Lipstick-P???? hmmmm.....not sure....but hey....sounds like a Gordon thing to do! try it....

I'm IN! This incredible Skyline HB bass is now mine. I had to sell my Duck Dunn to do this, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Tone, looks, playability, build quality are all superb. Please don't tell my wife that I miss the Duck and am gunning for another one...

WOWSA!!!! love the color on this latest shipment.....I really like the HBs.....

I promise to keep quiet...the new Lakie P will have to live i teh closet for a while....easy fix!

#1000. I'm dying for one of those. It's seriously about my only source of GAS these days. Congrats!!!

I agree on the first part....not my ONLY source of gas though (unfortunately)

I own 3 skylines, only one was purchased new, the oter 2 were purchased used here in the TB classifieds.

I've had a few issues with the new one, a 44-60 LTD and a used one, a Bob Glaub.

In every case that I've contacted Lakland about, the support has been stellar. I've never had to ask them for a solution, they've always offered one, and it's always been at no cost to me. Even in the case of a bass where I'm at least the 3rd owner, they stand fully behind their product, and want to make me a happy Lakland owner first and foremost.

Here's a salute to the guys and gals of Lakland.

P.S.
I've also had great experiences with the sellers of the ones I bought used. Very accurate descriptions, fair prices, great communication etc.

It's my feeling that the air of satisfaction and respect that Lakland gives to it's customers, is spread throughout the Lakland community at large.

NICE!!! Great to hear!!! I agree 100000% that is what keeps me coming back for more!

 

[Supertanker]

Okay Doude,

I'll see what I can do about that...

 

[basspraiser]

Is there someone I should PM to get a number and join the JOG? Thanks!

PM me.....

Yes! Send a PM to basspraiser. He's been on the road a lot lately, so it could take some time. Also, check out Link Removed

yup...TOO much! and gone the week after next as well...started a "where in the world is Doude" thread on the LOG to make life interesting.....

Except for Markus. He's got WAY too many beautiful Lakland's not to resent him......

In all seriousness, I agree with you, jkramer5. When people don't understand why one would buy a "Fender clone", you're experience speaks for itself and is a major factor. Not to mention that Lakland's are fabulous

I resented him BEFORE he had this many basses (he he!)

on your second point...I agree....to me the Skylines MAY be akin to a US Fender "clone"...the US Lakies? uh-uh....pure magic.....

New Bass Week! I'm stretching this new bass day thing out a bit...

shear beauty right there!!!

Aww geez, I'm trying to hold off getting a hollowbody, I really am. Where's the beano....

MUST RESIST!!!! (for me...NOT you.....go for it! I know...I am alot of help!)

Super GAS producing! Can wait 'til mine is done!!

me neither...so we can get onto another subject ( )

 

[basspraiser]

LOL!!!

Just saying.....just saying....ALWAYS out to help a efllow LGger head get more basses....

plus....you "need them" as you play in a band.....regularily.

BTW - did your brother get the role? the talk kinda vanished....

Okay Doude,

I'll see what I can do about that...

 

[MarkusBass]

PM me.....

I resented him BEFORE he had this many basses (he he!)


me neither...so we can get onto another subject ( )

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