Lakland Owners Group #53

[denchiq]

Lakland experts-
First time post here, I'm looking for a new bass as a nice step up from my current Ibanez GSR-205 (5 string) and was highly recommend to look at the Lakland. I was able to try the 55-01 at a local store yesterday and liked it.

I'm looking for something under $900 and preferably 5 string and wondering if the 55-01 is a good bet?

( FWIW: I play mostly at Church right now but enjoy learning slap and/or expanding my musical range (mostly to say, I presume a 'jazz bass' isn't the right thing but otherwise I'm open..))

Any thoughts/suggestions? Appreciate your comments in advance. Thanks!

I guess the most popular answer will be: "the 55-01 is a great bass on its own, some dig it as is, some choose to mod the [off-the-shelf] pickups and preamp. But if you have a chance, get a 55-02, it's a whole new world of sound".


P.S. TOLD YA!!!!

If you like the 55-01 a lot, I'd say go for it. But also consider the 55-02, which you should be able to get used for less than $900. Many prefer the -01s, but the -02 is quite versatile. You can compare the audio clips on Lakland's site.
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there's nothing wrong with looking at used 55-01s...just for some savings or you can find one with upgraded pickups and preamp. With that done, the 55-01 can be completely on the same level as a 55-02.

P.P.S. It's coming and coming!

for $900 you SHOULD be able to find a used 55-02 which will alloow you to "switch' on the fly between a J, P, MM and other unique bass sounds....

 

[denchiq]

Yeah, Carl's 35" scale BEAD strung 4 string Darkstarred (or MM p'up --- it was routed to accept either) w/ a Bart 2 band pre. It had abalone side and front dots and was super lightweight.

The DS is in Markus' seafoam green Glaub now and the bass is long gone.

oh yeah, I remember that one, it was later set with a plastic flap to cover the oversize rout
so how do they compare soundwise?

 

[denchiq]

Yeah, $1,400 ish new. That $900 would be a typical used price. Check the classifieds here on the forum.


Edit: Just looked in classifieds myself - I've never seen a lower price on one http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-lakland-55-02-three-tone-translucent-usa-electronics-844852/

why oh why it is sold already

 

[basspraiser]

Well, I had a set of DR Black Beauties hanging around so I thought 'what the heck'... Definitely more of the sound that I'm used to, and the Black strings look good on the 3TB, too. I'll have to give the HB another try on stage next week...

... to be continued

sounds good.....will have to try them myself.....time for somehting "different"

I've got it somewhere. I need to try it sometime. My Stingray Classic fits my current band so well that I never tried it out. It's about time to revamp my pedal layout, maybe I'll stick it at the front end.

sooo....YOU GOT it hmmm???

PS - not too far from you (well maybe...Morristown)...

Updated picture of the Skyline 44-60 CS. I know a lot of people aren't fans of the pickup cover, but I love it.

VERY nice (even with the cow plow!)

By the way, can i get a number, here? Looks like im in for the long haul. Pics posted previously.

didn't I send you one? if not, PM me....

The Jeanie pickguards are pretty expensive for these. Pretty sure there is a $25 surcharge on top of the regular price.

see what Lakland can do.....they are cutting SOME of their own now...If you email them, be patient, they are at NAMM....

Are you going to have all 5 at the same time, or are you about to flip one or more already?

GREAT question...Hmmm????

 

[denchiq]

Pheeew... finally completed another phase of the mission statement.
JUST paid up on this insanely cool bass.

It was born into the world as a customer ordered bass from the Lakland Factory.
It was made and delivered with Stock Barts as are most US HB's.
The owner was not happy with the Barts and decided to shell out $$$ to have Lakland order up a pair of Darkstars and do the install at the factory.
He said the process took a year and over $800 added onto what he ordered it for new.
Since then it has been a mint played at home bass.
It ships tonight on the big brown truck!!
ummmmmm, PSYCHED times ten!!

Here she is:
USA LAKLAND HOLLOWBODY - SHORELINE GOLD/ROSEWOOD
- W/DUAL DARKSTARS

thumbs up!!

 

[basspraiser]

I just need to add some Jazz Knobs and then I'm all set!
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VERY...VERY nice....yup Jazz knobs would be a nice addon

And the JOCS is now sold to Paul. It's a great bass, just a different strokes situation. Me and jazz basses just don't seem to get along--I had a Skyline DJ, a US JO with Fralins and now this one. All were great, they just didn't end up suiting me tonally. On the other hand, Paul loves it and he gets his first US Lakland, so win-win!

congrats Greg and Paul!!!! win win for sure!!!

Here they are.

Sweet trio!!!

cannot go wrong with that combo!!!

07026783 here. Documented in the bill of sale as "VERY RARE" on the basis of color. Yours is a beauty.

yup...they were/are!!!! wish i still had mone.. but it went for Jade which was sold for a CB550 (dubbed "4B"...check out the LOG for more info!)

but the pedal is oh so worth it =)

oh so TRUE Denis!!! So true!!!

I totally understand that. I know we've discussed this before, but this experience confirms that I basically only like P basses, and two-pickup basses where one is close to the neck (closer than a standard J bass).

You P-guys are all alike!!! (he he....)

Thanks!
I feel I can cover mostly everything with them. Only GASing for a Ric 4003, but everytime I play a non-Lakland it feels like a dissappointment.

I somewhat agree...had a GREAT RIC 4003 (DREAM bass from and a "had to have" from my high school and colege days....got it after I was 40)...but sold it....nice lloking and sounding bass...BUT it sat and sat and sat....Lakies got played and the Ric just sat....)

Same, though I have a very nice Fender as well. I think what happened in my case is that my Skyline upped the threshold of what I will accept in terms of fit and finish.

yup...lakies will do that to ya......

I've had several Rics. They're fantastic, but you'll probably do like me and just sell em eventually.

yup.....but you gotta own one...at least one....

 

[basspraiser]

Dude that singer is hot.

Oh, and that bass is pretty.

yup and yup!!!

that second pic KEEPS showing up....argh!!!

 

[Black Bart]

oh yeah! Mini-wave, get your waders on folks!

 

[basspraiser]

I play almost exclusively modern worship songs and a Lakie 5er is REALLY GREAT for that venue...the tight B string allows you to get real clarity and thump....allowing you to play those really LOW Ds etc AND be heard...

also - you can cover some of the great low organ notes.

for $900 you SHOULD be able to find a used 55-02 which will alloow you to "switch' on the fly between a J, P, MM and other unique bass sounds....

I think a Lakie is a GREAT choice for you (coming from a fellow W&P player)!

Pm me if you want more info etc...

peace:

Doug

Lakland experts-
First time post here, I'm looking for a new bass as a nice step up from my current Ibanez GSR-205 (5 string) and was highly recommend to look at the Lakland. I was able to try the 55-01 at a local store yesterday and liked it.

I'm looking for something under $900 and preferably 5 string and wondering if the 55-01 is a good bet?

( FWIW: I play mostly at Church right now but enjoy learning slap and/or expanding my musical range (mostly to say, I presume a 'jazz bass' isn't the right thing but otherwise I'm open..))

Any thoughts/suggestions? Appreciate your comments in advance. Thanks!

 

[basspraiser]

Proof:

Looking forward to gigging it next week.

Nice Paul...MAJOR congrats!!!

GregC-
Thanks for the reply - I looked around at the 55-02 which also seems to have a lot of good things about it but everywhere I found was about $1400 so unfortunately well over my price range unless I could find one used.

Guess I'll keep my ear to the ground in case something shows up. Thanks,

check here OFTEN....or on the Link Removed site

used 55-02s do come up with some regularity....

Just got George Porter Jr.'s latest CD. Only 3 tracks in, but loving it so far.

Amongst the credits:

Great bass tone on the CD needless to say

Andy

SWEET!!! Very nice kudo out to Dan!!!

Yeah, $1,400 ish new. That $900 would be a typical used price. Check the classifieds here on the forum.
Edit: Just looked in classifieds myself - I've never seen a lower price on one http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-lakland-55-02-three-tone-translucent-usa-electronics-844852/

gotta check that out!!

LOL!!! hillarious..BUT TRUE!

Yep! 55-02s are owned by a lot of folks here, so they wind up in the TB classifieds pretty regularly.

 

[Mrfstop]

thumbs up!!

Thanks man!
I think I am most anxious about this bass than any other honestly...
FINALLY going to check out the infamous Darkstars....*dun dun dun....*( creepy background music )
Should be shipping tomorrow the seller now informs me...

 

[basspraiser]

I don't know Dan, if I didn't know any better I'd say you're getting into a pattern - that's what three "gold" basses now? Welcome to the Monochromatic Club!

we call it OCD around here...many of us have it...

hmmm like someone else with their black stealth "pattern"? LOL
Naw, just happened this way. Oddly enough?

Might need let go of the Scheff? To find another Scheff in ummm....NOT gold?
Scratching head

sell it...sell it...sell it... (too obvious???)

I know, I know, even got some vinyl dye today to black out the pickguard and control plate on a Hofner violin bass (Don't worry, it's an import.)

Why not just have Pat W do a refin? Save some cash for yet another Lakland.

Oh brother!? black vinyl dye???

A couple "better" pics. Its a hard colour to capture...tends to look very grey under bad lighting without a flash.

GREAT bass Paul!!!

Agreed, very nice! For a non-black bass

Oh brother!? (again)...

Hehehe, Bart, it's startin' to grow on me. Quick get it off! Get it off!

Not sure how to contact Pat W, but I'm sure Doude or someone here will know.

I know....but ain't telling....

OK - for a refin AND a quilt top? just buy a used US one...ebtter deal for you!

Everyone is getting some really nice Laklands.

you bettcha..YOU included!

Not me.

...and????.....who's fault is THAT???? (BTW - STILL no elk steak and scotch package at the door....did it get lost in transit???)

Well I know I sold off a bunch of amazing basses to get the cha ching to afford the ones I am getting.
It hurt letting go of those basses....but only until the Lakland that replaced it showed up on the truck

you got that right!!! the brown truck cures all sellers remorse....

Wish I had some things I could sell to buy a lakland. My stuff ain't worth crap. :scowl:

well....then you NEED to upgrade!!!!

 

[basspraiser]

just another prediction...I think you will like this one alot....have I been wrong?

Brian...not mini...maxi (within limits imposed....)

ride the wave LOGgers!!!!

Thanks man!
I think I am most anxious about this bass than any other honestly...
FINALLY going to check out the infamous Darkstars....*dun dun dun....*( creepy background music )
Should be shipping tomorrow the seller now informs me...

 

[Mrfstop]

just another prediction...I think you will like this one alot....have I been wrong?

Brian...not mini...maxi (within limits imposed....)

ride the wave LOGgers!!!!

"have I been wrong?"
hahaha modest I see....

Not that I am aware of.
But then again? LOL
Talk at ya tomorrow evening to do some head scratching

 

[KingRazor]

well....then you NEED to upgrade!!!!

I would if I could!

 

[Black Bart]

just another prediction...I think you will like this one alot....have I been wrong?

Brian...not mini...maxi (within limits imposed....)

ride the wave LOGgers!!!!

Caught you in the middle I suppose, but a good one.

And lay off a guy, I can't help it if I like black! And to think my folks thought I would grow out of it someday, well it's 25 years later - they were wrong

Black Bart Rides Again!!!

 

[Mrfstop]

And to think my folks thought I would grow out of it someday, well it's 25 years later - they were wrong

Black Bart Rides Again!!!

hahahaha go Bart!! Go with the wind my friend...LOL hahaha!!

 

[denchiq]

Thanks man!
I think I am most anxious about this bass than any other honestly...
FINALLY going to check out the infamous Darkstars....*dun dun dun....*( creepy background music )

shouldn't the Darkstar go with the Imperial music theme?

 

[JEDI BASS]

oh yeah, I remember that one, it was later set with a plastic flap to cover the oversize rout
so how do they compare soundwise?

As I said in an earlier post, single coils don't flip all my switches, and the Pre/DS combo was too noisy. I liked the SD MM p'up quite a bit but at that time I still needed 5 strings, so she didn't get a lotta playtime.

 

[Mrfstop]

shouldn't the Darkstar go with the Imperial music theme?

ummmm yes , yes it should.
But I do not know how to type that theme song?
hahahah!!