Lakland Owners Group #69

[MattB88]

To all you Lakland owners -- I was originally set to go after a J-style bass and looking at the Sire V7 and Schecter Diamond J Plus. However, the Lakland Skyline 55-02 also has caught my eye. I really want a 35" scale (so no floppy B) and I like the active circuit, coil tap and some of its other features. Will this bass give me the traditional "j-bass" sound, or will I be sorry that I didn't get more of a traditional j-style bass?

If you kick it in passive mode and coil tap to the back or front half of the coils on the MM pickup you can achieve two different j sounds with vintage and modern placements being similar to how Fender moved it over the years. I use mine in active mode pretty much always in which if you run it like an active j setup it just sounds like a beefier j.

 

[Rumblefisher]

Hey guys, I have a question for you...does anyone know when Hugh McFarland stopped making the necks for Lakland basses? Was it around serial # 300? Or earlier? Thanks to all who share their knowledge

 

[Johnny Alien]

He left in 97. So it looks like it would be in the mid 200's.

 

[overbybr]

To all you Lakland owners -- I was originally set to go after a J-style bass and looking at the Sire V7 and Schecter Diamond J Plus. However, the Lakland Skyline 55-02 also has caught my eye. I really want a 35" scale (so no floppy B) and I like the active circuit, coil tap and some of its other features. Will this bass give me the traditional "j-bass" sound, or will I be sorry that I didn't get more of a traditional j-style bass?

Lākland put this out quite some time ago, but it's still relevant. I found that the -94 and -02 basses (US and Skyline, respectively), do a great active jazz bass, but they don't quite get there for a passive tone. If you're looking for a passive jazz tone, then move along to an actual passive jazz (try a DJ5, they're amazing!).

 

[stealth94rt]

Lākland put this out quite some time ago, but it's still relevant. I found that the -94 and -02 basses (US and Skyline, respectively), do a great active jazz bass, but they don't quite get there for a passive tone. If you're looking for a passive jazz tone, then move along to an actual passive jazz (try a DJ5, they're amazing!).

I ended up pulling the trigger on a 2012 Lākland Skyline 55-02. I've never been much of a Fender fan -- love the sound but not the body style and the necks. I think the Lākland will be perfect for me. I'm looking forward to being a proud owner.

 

[stealth94rt]

If you kick it in passive mode and coil tap to the back or front half of the coils on the MM pickup you can achieve two different j sounds with vintage and modern placements being similar to how Fender moved it over the years. I use mine in active mode pretty much always in which if you run it like an active j setup it just sounds like a beefier j.

Great. Thanks very much for that info.

 

[nismaniac]

So anyone know anything as to why the new Lakland 5 strings sets don't have a B string that is long enough to be strung through the body anymore?

 

[Double E]

So anyone know anything as to why the new Lakland 5 strings sets don't have a B string that is long enough to be strung through the body anymore?

I doubt that this is by design...probably an error. I would email Lakland and see if they have an explanation or remedy.

 

[nismaniac]

I doubt that this is by design...probably an error. I would email Lakland and see if they have an explanation or remedy.

Cool, thanks just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious.

 

[Double E]

Wanna try some Sadowsky Black Label Flats on my 55-64. Do I need the Standard or XL length? Top loaded, of course.

 

[Holdsg]

I didn't know there were two sizes. I've put those on many a Lakland, top loaded, without any issues. Love them

 

[Double E]

I didn't know there were two sizes. I've put those on many a Lakland, top loaded, without any issues. Love them

The XL's are only available in medium gauge. Is there any way you can confirm which you have used?

Here's the image from the Bass Strings Online site. I just wonder if the XL's are for 35" scale...or, if not, what are they for?

 

[Holdsg]

I usually just use 4-string. So that's what I know.
But I have to think the XL are for 35" scale. yes.
PM or call Jason at BSO to be sure. He knows all the ins and outs of that (screen name on here is SlapinFunk, or something like that).

 

[mark beem]

I just put a set of Black Labels (rounds) on my 55-02. I used the XLs, top load and had plenty of string to get two full wraps.

 

[tewnty_two]

Hey guys! New owner of a used Skyline DJ4 here and so far I'm loving the feel and tones I get out of this bass but I have one issue.
Dead Spots!
I have dead spots at the 5th fret on the G and 9th on the D strings. I tried a new set of strings as well as doing some minor adjustments to the trussrod and the saddles but they still persist.
I'm still within my return window so that is an option but I just wanted to reach out to you fellas here because I really like this bass and I want to keep it but those dead spots are killing me.

So far my options are:
1. Sent it to a luthier but theres no guarantee that he will be able to completely solve my problem right?
2. Buy a fatfinger but those are an eyesore on such a beautiful bass
3. Learn to love the quirks of the bass and play around the dead spots.
4. Return it and keep looking for the perfect bass.

this is my first experience with Laklands and 34" scale basses in general so what do you experienced Lakland owners suggest?

 

[Holdsg]

shoulda bought mine.

I would return it, it will always nag at you, like a rock in your shoe.

 

[tewnty_two]

shoulda bought mine.

I would return it, it will always nag at you, like a rock in your shoe.

Yours was real nice too. why U got to rub it in?! lol

 

[Gougedeye]

Hey guys! New owner of a used Skyline DJ4 here and so far I'm loving the feel and tones I get out of this bass but I have one issue.
Dead Spots!
I have dead spots at the 5th fret on the G and 9th on the D strings. I tried a new set of strings as well as doing some minor adjustments to the trussrod and the saddles but they still persist.
I'm still within my return window so that is an option but I just wanted to reach out to you fellas here because I really like this bass and I want to keep it but those dead spots are killing me.

So far my options are:
1. Sent it t luthier but theres no guarantee that he will be able to completely solve my problem right?
2. Buy a fatfinger but those are an eyesore on such a beautiful bass
3. Learn to love the quirks of the bass and play around the dead spots.
4. Return it and keep looking for the perfect bass.

this is my first experience with Laklands and 34" scale basses in general so what do you experienced Lakland owners suggest?

I would return it. There are plenty of great Laklands out there. Unless this was the deal of the century, keep looking, you'll find one!

 

[nismaniac]

Heard back from Brian at Lakland and it was just a shipment of bad strings they received. He's sending me a couple replacement B strings. Glad to see the guys at Lakland still have great customer service!!!

 

[ODDBALL]

Do the 55-01's come with Dunlop strap locks?

Thanks

Shaun