ShowKing that 5 is freaking gorgeous. I'm pretty sure I'm sending back my 44-02 but I'm definitely buying another Lakland.
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A quick note first.
Carl mentions a "5/64" Wrench" presumably for the truss rod adjustment and I believe that he may have mis-spoke on that point. I don't know what the USA size is but I think that the Skyline is a 4mm Allen wrench. That size, as well as 5/32" are both a little sloppy in mine but I have not yet found the perfect fit. And, 3/16" won't fit. If anyone can help...
To your issue, the relief measurement is not as good as it should be and the fact that you can't improve on that is bothersome to me. Everything else that you do in a set up builds off a proper relief and it's looking like you can't get it. You should be able to use the truss rod to make the neck virtually flat to back bowed. Not that that is a playable setting but just to give an idea of what the range of adjustability should be. This would concern me greatly. That said, a 1mm relief is a little under 3/64" and while a bit more than the 'cheap business card' measurement used as a reference I have had some basses that play fine with a little extra relief. so that might not be the worst setting, but if it is you only setting, that's not good.
As it sits right now, as good as you can make it given the truss rod difficulties, what is your string height measurement, say for the E and G strings, at the 12th fret, bottom of the string to the top of the 12th fret? Generally speaking, around 5/64" ( around 2mm) on the G and 6/64"(around 2.4mm) on the (or B on my 5's) is generally within spec on most makes. Some say even a bit higher. So your numbers are not that crazy. I have had 4 Skylines and everyone easily set up in the ranges I listed. I have had 3 MM Stingray 5's that just need a little more and would not go quite that low. Same with some Spectors. For many a 12th fret 6/64" G and 7/64" B or E is normal
From the Lakland site:
What are the factory setup specifications?
Truss Rod
These operations are effected by turning the truss rod adjustment nut clockwise to decrease forward bow, or counter-clockwise, to increase forward bow. The amount of forward bow, sometimes called, "relief" is typically measured in .001"s. Our necks are designed to work well with about .008" relief (about the thickness of an average business card). To measure this we use an 18" straight edge, touching at the 1st and 12th frets, resting along side the A (5-string basses) or D string (4-string basses). The distance between the straight edge and the 6th fret is the amount of forward bow. If your playing style requires a higher action you may also need a little more relief. The deepest relief we've seen on a working bassist's instrument is .015".
String Height - Action
After you adjust your relief you must adjust your string height. This is done by turning the tiny set-screws on the bridge saddles. The measurement is taken at the 12th fret and is the distance from the top (or crown)of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string. Our instruments are set in the factory at (5/64" under the G-string) (5.5/64 under the E-string) (6/64 under the B-string). One should use all the above measurements as a starting point and adjust the heights to your individual playing style. Once you have your action set correctly, any changes to the way your bass feels is probably due to humidity changes. A good set-up should address the way your instrument has changed. In most cases this should be a slight truss rod adjustment.
My last .02 though for your case is that if I had the chance to return, it would have already been done.
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Love my pair
If they ever make that PJ in 5, I will be in trouble. And man, that Tetsuya is so freaking awesome.
Thanks! I waited 8 months for them to build me the 5 string and it was completed in early 2011. It's a dream to play!
I added a Hipshot detuner on the PJ so I'm still enjoying the extra low notes
B string is great though on the 5 string
If that PJ comes out in a 5, trouble doesn't even begin to describe it. Haha. I think Lakland would be in trouble with keeping it stocked. I know at least I've been waiting for a Skyline PJ for a long time now, since the American ones were slightly out of my price range, especially since I've never been a huge P fan anyway. But I always said if they were to make a Skyline PJ, it's mine. I was going to snag one this summer, but if there's even the slightest chance of a 5 string version, even if they're toying with the idea of one, even if they jokingly mentioned the thought of it, I'll wait!
Also...the black and tort is lovely and classic, buuuut color options?... Ok getting ahead of myself now.
Heavy rain held off, they had the Ampeg SVT as backline and bass legend George Porter, Jr. was there. Yep, today was a good day @ French Quarter Fest in NOLA. His Lakland has way more mojo.
I'm in Babylon too! And I don't have the funds for this or I'd come over now and save you the trouble
Hey Matt, cool that you are close. If you really want it I can hold onto it for a month or so. Just give me a deposit.
Ah I appreciate that but you can go ahead and put it on the classifieds, I'm sure it'll go quick! What I should of said was I could buy it outright from you now, but the lady would kill me! Im currently in the proscess of funding a new Aguilar rig haha. If I keep bringing new toys home I'm in for it haha. Out of curiosity what are looking to get for it?
Your BEST bet is to order a skyline 5564 and have it converted to a PJ before it leaves the factory or find a used one and send it to Carl Pedigo for a conversion....
It might be a very long wait for a skyline 5564 PJ...
Good point. Id probably send my first born child to Carl because if theres anything wrong with it he can probably fix that too
If you know off the top of your head, what would the cost of something like that be? (For a bass, not a baby).
Is Lakland willing to make a US version? If so, since you seem to be pretty tight with them, can you ballpark a price?
Yes....they make US versions....I would say somewhere in the $3400 to $3600 range from a dealer...but DON'T quote me!
There are several out there.....
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Good point. Id probably send my first born child to Carl because if theres anything wrong with it he can probably fix that too
If you know off the top of your head, what would the cost of something like that be? (For a bass, not a baby).
Whatever a used or new 5564 is....then email Carl or Leo to get the conversion costs... If you need or want email addresses let me know
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One just went up in the classifieds if you are still looking! (Nice price too.)
Man, if they made a Skyline 55-64 PJ they would have an order from me so fast! ...Two orders if I could get a fretless version of it too drool
It's good to know that there's the option of factory conversions on skylines though. Definitely keeping that information on file for future reference!
