Lakland Owners Group #69

[Smooth_bass88]

I've narrowed the search to possible Neo-punch replacements to Duncan Antiquity II's or Fralins. Realize this is personal choice and very subjective - but what are thoughts on either of these from personal experience? I'm looking for a more vintage vibe for 44-64 strung w/ LaBellas and soul, R&B, N.O. Funk band.

Fralins and Antiquity II's are very close in tone. I've used both (in different basses) and I cannot say anything bad about either. Far as I recall, with regard to Antiquities, the II's are a little hotter than the I's. Also keep in mind Fralin will custom-wind your pickup to your tonal preferences.

 

[Peter Lufrano]

I bet you aren't the only one who regrets selling that beauty.

No doubt Greg. I am really hoping to rectify that if possible!

 

[Texan]

I've narrowed the search to possible Neo-punch replacements to Duncan Antiquity II's or Fralins. Realize this is personal choice and very subjective - but what are thoughts on either of these from personal experience? I'm looking for a more vintage vibe for 44-64 strung w/ LaBellas and soul, R&B, N.O. Funk band.

I put a Duncan Antiquity II and a Duncan SPB-1 in my 44-64 when I was rolling pups. The sound was the same to my ears. I kept the SPB-1 simply because it was cheaper with, to me, the same vintage tone.

 

[Black Bart]

 

[overbybr]

Agreed.

What is it that you like about Laklands, and why?

Go!

 

[Black Bart]

Necks, 'nuff said.

 

[Texan]

The fact that most people have never heard of them...and think they are knock offs...and the necks.

 

[Black Bart]

The fact that most people have never heard of them...and think they are knock offs...and the necks.

That's a good point with regards to them not being that well known outside of the bass community and the belief that they are knock offs - less potential for schmucks to steal them, they'll go for the Fender next to them instead.

 

[ShowKing]

Agreed.

What is it that you like about Laklands, and why?

Go!

Everything. And the neck

 

[HesslerGerard]

Everything. And the neck

Exactly

 

[lomo]

I don't play 4s, so I cannot comment about them, but IMHO the 5 string necks are what distinguish Laklands most from other basses. Having said that, everything about a DJ5 happens to work perfectly for me; the pickups produce the sound in my head without a battery (like I like it). The smaller body shape is uber comfy. The fit and finish are top notch. The 5594's electronics are the most versatile I have played, and both 5ers have the necks positioned such that I have the advantages of a 35" scale 5er without an uncomfortable left hand reach.

 

[overbybr]

For me it's the neck. The DPLEII was the first Lakland I tried, and that neck was night and day improved over my glossy-finished Fender. Once I found out about the neck treatment to remove the satin finish, it only got better for me. I'm one bass away from my goal of getting down to one bass, but it's my US JO that's staying. The neck is just fantastic! It sounds pretty good too...

 

[sj_bass]

Agreed.

What is it that you like about Laklands, and why?

Go!

Did anyone happen to mention how awesome their necks are?

Seriously... bodies, bridges and electronics can all be swapped to whatever you prefer but a great neck will make a good bass that much better.

 

[Reaper Man]

I'll throw in another "neck" vote. Neck on my skyline 44-64C is nothing short of the best neck I have

 

[GregC]

Agreed.

What is it that you like about Laklands, and why?

Go!

The necks are my favorite thing, too. But also...

*A nice broad range of models from a small company. Different types of passive split-coil Ps and passive Js, two different hollowbodies, the Decade, the Decade 6, the 51-style P, active Js, the -01 models and of course the flagship -94/-02 models. They've also branched out with other variations from time to time like the -76, the -63, the JOCS, etc.

*Cool pickup choices. Lakland was by far the biggest builder to make regular use of the Dark Star. Now they have the Chi-sonics, available in alnico and ceramic versions, and the ceramics come as humbuckers and single-coils. (I think I've got all that right.) You can get them as drop-ins to your J bass with no routing, too. They also developed new pickups for the shorty HB and the Decade 6. You can get the P pickup in a neopunch or vintage version.

*Quality, attention to detail and great customer service.

*For me, it's also a local business staffed by great people.

 

[GregC]

BTW, for those who may not check the stickies...this thread can apparently go on for-evah!
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/attention-clubs-no-more-new-threads-after-1000-posts.1072861/

 

[Smooth_bass88]

The fact that most people have never heard of them...and think they are knock offs...and the necks.

Actually, I've done a lot of sessions where people say they love Lakland basses. Or they'll say "Oh, I heard these are awesome basses!".

 

[Black Bart]

BTW, for those who may not check the stickies...this thread can apparently go on for-evah!
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/attention-clubs-no-more-new-threads-after-1000-posts.1072861/

Well, I can think of worse numbers to be stuck at

Actually, I've done a lot of sessions where people say they love Lakland basses. Or they'll say "Oh, I heard these are awesome basses!".

Like I mentioned above, it's outside of the bass community that they are not that well known.

 

[Holdsg]

I'm ok with 69. There, somebody had to say it.

 

[Texan]

Actually, I've done a lot of sessions where people say they love Lakland basses. Or they'll say "Oh, I heard these are awesome basses!".

Session players and club players are different animals. Most session players know the creme de la crème of gear. Guys in clubs are not always well versed in boutique gear.