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Lakland hasn't answered my emails but I have confirmed that the tuners are licensed not usa made and specs seems to hint at the bridge being the import version as well. Both of these are ok as the licensed versions (especially the bridge) are 99% as good as the usa made version. I just wish they were more transparent about it. I ended up buying a classic 44-64 so I will give a full review when it shows up.
mark beem
Wait, how does this song start again??
So I heard back from Lakland and here are the details.
The body is exactly the same as every other USA Lakland however it is finished in-house. No big deal as long as the finish is good which I assume it will be.
The neck is the same USA neck with the same finish. In fact if you get the rosewood fretboard option the neck is 100% exactly the same as every other USA neck. The maple has a straight grain fretboard so it's different but made the same in the same place.
The bridge and all other body hardware is all the same as the USA model. Why the 44-60 bridge spacing is different I don't know. It must be using the same bridge as the USA 44-64 instead of the USA 44-60. Either way it was confirmed that it's using the USA bridge.
The tuners are licensed import hipshot ultralites. This makes sense because it save a bunch of money and honestly they are 99% as good (like I said above) BUT that means that the holes are drilled slightly smaller than on the other USA necks because the import hipshot are slightly smaller than the USA 1/2 hipshot due to the metric system. Not a problem at all if you like stock ultralites. If you want long stems you cannot retrofit these ultralites so your choices are to swap to the USA ultralites and get long stems or switch to the long stem HB1's that Lakland uses stock. Both will require enlarging the hole ever so slightly but it doable and should not be an issue like it is on the Skyline.
So to sum up it is pretty much identical to the USA standard with the exception of the tuners. So how are they saving money? I guess limited options and in-house painting. If you like any of the three colors offered it should be a no brainer but I will do a full review when mine comes in which hopefully will be Thursday.
The body is exactly the same as every other USA Lakland however it is finished in-house. No big deal as long as the finish is good which I assume it will be.
The neck is the same USA neck with the same finish. In fact if you get the rosewood fretboard option the neck is 100% exactly the same as every other USA neck. The maple has a straight grain fretboard so it's different but made the same in the same place.
The bridge and all other body hardware is all the same as the USA model. Why the 44-60 bridge spacing is different I don't know. It must be using the same bridge as the USA 44-64 instead of the USA 44-60. Either way it was confirmed that it's using the USA bridge.
The tuners are licensed import hipshot ultralites. This makes sense because it save a bunch of money and honestly they are 99% as good (like I said above) BUT that means that the holes are drilled slightly smaller than on the other USA necks because the import hipshot are slightly smaller than the USA 1/2 hipshot due to the metric system. Not a problem at all if you like stock ultralites. If you want long stems you cannot retrofit these ultralites so your choices are to swap to the USA ultralites and get long stems or switch to the long stem HB1's that Lakland uses stock. Both will require enlarging the hole ever so slightly but it doable and should not be an issue like it is on the Skyline.
So to sum up it is pretty much identical to the USA standard with the exception of the tuners. So how are they saving money? I guess limited options and in-house painting. If you like any of the three colors offered it should be a no brainer but I will do a full review when mine comes in which hopefully will be Thursday.
Cool--thinking about a 44-64 Classic myself so your review will be very much appreciated! (I ordered it but told the shop to hold off shipping until I confirm I want it--on the fence at the moment.)
It's coming in tomorrow so I will give a full report. Interestingly I did the same thing. I put an order in for one and told them to wait until I confirmed it was what I was after. Is it a local shop you are dealing with or an online shop? I got stellar service from Corner Music online.
Sold the EBMM Sterling 5!! On the look out for a 55-02!!
Wonder when more of the Honeyburst models will be available.
I heard September, but take it FWIW.
mark beem
Wait, how does this song start again??
Yeah, saw that after. Nice score!Not an issue now that I got the Cherry Sumburst 55-02.
I know it's not Lakland per sé, but Carl has worked for Lakland for a looong time, and he's an incredible craftsman. This is the single best-constructed bass I've owned, and I've owned a bunch!
Check out some of the discussion Link Removed on the LOG
Check out some of the discussion Link Removed on the LOG
Those can be considered Lakland "Custom Shop" right? He works out of the shop and uses their legally owned headstock shape. Despite the logo I would consider them Laklands.
Serious Dark Side action going on there! EDIT - and Smell the Glove for that matter! Nice
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That's why I said "per sé". Carl makes the best Lakland basses, and these are special enough to bear his name.
Haha, thanks! It's the bees knees of playability!
If this has a maple board, I'd be in trouble...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
That top is sick! The're one on Reverb with a maple board, but the top isn't as nice as this.
mark beem
Wait, how does this song start again??
I don't think it would look as good with a maple board. Something about the rosewood just jives so well with that top. Get it!!!!
There's always 1 or 2 around...
It's a beautiful top, but I think that kind of wood top looks off on a Lakland, and especially with a poly finish.
One thing I like most about the Laklands is the body shape.. Both my 55-01 and the 55-02 I had sit very nicely in the hands and on the neck..
