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Does anyone have an opinion on build quality of the Dingwall Asian imports vs the Lakland Skylines?
I have a DJ5 and an NG3, I'd say build quality is better with a Dingwall, but it is a more expensive bass than the Skyline. Not to say the DJ5 is bad by any means. It's better than any MIM Fender or possibly USA Fender depending on which one you get. I think the consistency with import Lakland is much better than Fender. I only have 1 second hand NG3, so can't really speak to consistency, but it played great right out of the box.
I wish both had Hipshot USA Tuners, I mean they are both around $2k+.
I do prefer the playability of the Dingwall, but wish it had a more classic vintage tone like the DJ5. Pickup selection for Dingwall is limited since only Dingwall pickups fit, while I replaced the DJ5 pickups with some Lollars.
I wouldn't decide based on build quality, you're getting a great bass either way.
Unpopular opinion maybe from a long time Lākland owner:
Dingwalls > Skylines although I wouldn’t buy either. Not a fan of the extreme fanning of Dingwall frets, and Skylines weigh too much and have some QC issues, in my opinion and from my experience. Lakland really needs to look into lighter body weight wood options and get higher quality neck woods so the fretwork doesn’t have to be redone after things settle in.
Dingwalls > Skylines although I wouldn’t buy either. Not a fan of the extreme fanning of Dingwall frets, and Skylines weigh too much and have some QC issues, in my opinion and from my experience. Lakland really needs to look into lighter body weight wood options and get higher quality neck woods so the fretwork doesn’t have to be redone after things settle in.
Hard agree. They should really ditch Cort and look into Mirr in Korea. Change over to alder on the models that should come stock with that and get real rosewood fretboards back. Get the average weight under 10-11 lbs. Everything out of Mirr is amazing and it would put them back into the game IMO. With the current product at the current price its a hard sell when looking at the competition. If Reverend can bring something in from Mirr with their own electronics and USA setups for less money than a Skyline then Lakland should be able to up their game as well.
Back in the Lākland camp (and the Black ‘n Maple Club) with this austere beauty headed my way.
Removed the pickguard today.
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Less is more
Congrats, love the black and maple
I was looking at Laklands and thinking about picking up a 55-01 or 55-02. Unfortunately, almost all stores online are showing that Laklands are out of stock and not expected back in stock until later this year or early next year.
Is this a common, seasonal thing? Or is there some issue with Lakland's production and design which is causing a shortage?
I'm wondering if Lakland is going to introduce new colors or styles or if this is normal. Specifically, I'm looking at the 55-02 customs.
Is this a common, seasonal thing? Or is there some issue with Lakland's production and design which is causing a shortage?
I'm wondering if Lakland is going to introduce new colors or styles or if this is normal. Specifically, I'm looking at the 55-02 customs.
Assuming you are after a Skyline... I think this is has become the norm for many import instruments. If you go through a webstore like Sweetwater (where they show when they expect more stock), you will find more than just Lakland that is out of stock.
I have no idea if this is due to supply issues or just how shops are handling their order/stock levels. Definitely something I have seen across several brands for the past few years. I would not take it as a sign of a Lakland specific issue.
I have no idea if this is due to supply issues or just how shops are handling their order/stock levels. Definitely something I have seen across several brands for the past few years. I would not take it as a sign of a Lakland specific issue.
That is a great question.
When it comes to skylines there are many variables.
First of all there is the number of each model that they need to order. I know at one time it was 30 plus. I don't know what it is now.
As such, it might be several orders before they can actually place an order with their supplier in Indonesia.
Then you have the case of shipping dates which often take weeks or months because of the time to cross the ocean.
And with the tariffs,?, there are many other variables of a take into play.
When it comes to skylines there are many variables.
First of all there is the number of each model that they need to order. I know at one time it was 30 plus. I don't know what it is now.
As such, it might be several orders before they can actually place an order with their supplier in Indonesia.
Then you have the case of shipping dates which often take weeks or months because of the time to cross the ocean.
And with the tariffs,?, there are many other variables of a take into play.
Things have definitely become more complicated as the years go on, especially since covid. That changed the entire marketplace.
Trust me, I deal with equipment valuations which is very closely tied to equipment sales.
Right now, that market is extremely volatile and unpredictable.
I am sure that the instrument market is just about the same.
It might be better for you to look for a used one at this point in time at least, for the next 6 months.
Trust me, I deal with equipment valuations which is very closely tied to equipment sales.
Right now, that market is extremely volatile and unpredictable.
I am sure that the instrument market is just about the same.
It might be better for you to look for a used one at this point in time at least, for the next 6 months.
Thanks for the insights. I'm not in a huge rush - I'm just in the process of selling and replacing some basses in my collection and wanted to add a Lakland.
I know things are very volatile now but I've never looked at Laklands before so I wasn't sure if this indicated some kind of lineup refresh or it was due to economic factors.
I will keep an eye in the used market and wait to see what happens. I just bought a new G&L L-2500 so that will keep me occupied for a while anyway.
Hi Lakland lovers !
Just wanted to introduce this Cherry Sunburst 55 94 bad boy which has gone through a lifting! It still has the stock Bart pups for now and used to have the NTMB L.
Wanted to experiment a new preamp : Gregory preamp.
G-BP3A 3 band
600hz freq is my go to now. It’s doing something that 250 or 400 don’t do!
Check this preamp out!
But now I might go for another lifting with Barts all the way :
NTMB FL + B Axis J / B axis exclusive MM.
Same setup on the NTMB FL but with 250 and 600hz now. Targeting to get close to the J Raines Saratoga which is 400 and 800.
Is this a good move ? Thoughts ?
Thanks
Just wanted to introduce this Cherry Sunburst 55 94 bad boy which has gone through a lifting! It still has the stock Bart pups for now and used to have the NTMB L.
Wanted to experiment a new preamp : Gregory preamp.
G-BP3A 3 band
- Volume active passive push pull
- Tone control working in both passive and active mode
- Blend
- bass 40Hz +/-15dB (stacked with treble)
- treble 6.5kHz +/-15dB (stacked with bass)
- mid +/-9dB 400Hz/600Hz/800hz frequencies switched by microswitch inside the cavity
- An additional microswitch enables the emulation mode of a 5m Fender cable, which allows you to change the character of the sound of the pickups.
- an additional +10 dB Gain trimmer inside the cavity
- Wired 18v
600hz freq is my go to now. It’s doing something that 250 or 400 don’t do!
Check this preamp out!
But now I might go for another lifting with Barts all the way :
NTMB FL + B Axis J / B axis exclusive MM.
Same setup on the NTMB FL but with 250 and 600hz now. Targeting to get close to the J Raines Saratoga which is 400 and 800.
Is this a good move ? Thoughts ?
Thanks
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That is beautiful! Pre sounds interesting. Put a John East Unipre 5 knob in my 44-02. Sweepable mids really help dial in the mids to taste.
