Lakland Owners Group #69

[Tom P]

Good morning all! After almost a year of not owning a Lakland or a Pbass, I’m thinking about rejoining both clubs in one swift motion! However, before I make any rash decisions, I’m coming to the experts for some knowledge!

What info is out there on the first Duck Dunn model that was practically a replica of his ‘58/59 Fender Precision? This is the one that has the maple board, sunburst finish and gold anodized PG, and potentially a limited edition of 30 or so. Being that Duck is on my personal Mt. Rushmore of bassists, it’s be cool to own a signature made similar to his famous ‘58!

Also, is there a major difference in quality between the older Korean made Skylines vs the newer Indonesian made versions? The few that have caught my eye are Korean made around 2003. For instance, I know older MIJ Fenders tend to have a higher regard for quality/consistency than the newer MIM models.

Any info, experience or guidance is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

I owned one of the original Ducks that you are asking about. I bought it new in '05, retail price back them was $1100. Top notch build quality and components. Ash body, 1.75" maple neck, gold anno PG, Fralin pickup. Almost US quality IMO, the difference being the neck (half - not quarter sawn). Still great feel and tone. Weight tended to run heavy on the Korean builds, 9 plus pounds.
I can't compare these to the Indo's but the build quality on the Koreans is tops. They were all given the old school Lakland setup and inspection before hitting the street.

As regards any inflation of value due to being a limited production and therefore collectable......don't drink the coolaid.

 

[5string_phunk]

I owned one of the original Ducks that you are asking about. I bought it new in '05, retail price back them was $1100. Top notch build quality and components. Ash body, 1.75" maple neck, gold anno PG, Fralin pickup. Almost US quality IMO, the difference being the neck (half - not quarter sawn). Still great feel and tone. Weight tended to run heavy on the Korean builds, 9 plus pounds.
I can't compare these to the Indo's but the build quality on the Koreans is tops. They were all given the old school Lakland setup and inspection before hitting the street.

As regards any inflation of value due to being a limited prodution and therefore collectable......don't drink the coolaid.

Awesome! I greatly appreciate the info and hearing about your first hand experience with this exact model!

I’m def not a sucker for ‘limited edition’ inflation. In the end, I’m just looking for a solid, reliable Pbass that won’t break the bank! It being a limited ed. Duck Dunn sig model, similar to his iconic ‘58, would just be a cool little bonus!

 

[Tom P]

Welcome to our addiction.. Might as well give up and dive in....

Not sure I can count how many I've owned (but I'm sure others can....)...

Don't worry about not bonding with a few... We've all done it...

My non-bonding experiences:

* Hollow body ( neck related)
* " Hands of God" Scheff ( neck related)
* Any DJ ( Body size/ playing comfort)
*The most beautiful 55-76 ( black beauty).... Didn't fit my "style" of playing
* Jade..... Dunno why.. owned her twice
* Any decade ( not my body shape)

Most of those I lusted over and over.. The Scheff and black beauty I tried to buy multiple times.... But even when I got them... Not quite bonding.

Jade... Twice engaged so I saw something.. But had to give her up when something better came along.

Love and learn.. The Lakland universe has something for everyone

For me - 17 Laklands over the years, 12 US. Just about every model at some point. Took some 'speramentin to conclude that I'm a passive P bass guy. All the ones that have come and gone were gems and fun to own while I had them.

 

[InnerBass]

For me - 17 Laklands over the years, 12 US. Just about every model at some point. Took some 'speramentin to conclude that I'm a passive P bass guy. All the ones that have come and gone were gems and fun to own while I had them.

I concur -

After cycling through many different Lakland basses over the years, I embraced my preference for early passive USA models.
I found a lifer early Glaub, a lifer early HB and a lifer early JO - all here on TB. I bought the Glaub and the HB outright.
I was able to play the Glaub before purchase and the neck practically melted in my hand.

The HB was a flyer, but my apprehension vanished after I received it - HB perfection.

I actually traded a ‘69 refin with Kleins for the early JO. This bass is now my main player - comfort, tone, playability and versatility all in one amazing package.

BTW - Mike Lull went over all of these basses and now they are at their best.
Can’t say enough good things about early passive Laklands - and Mike Lull.







View attachment 3308699

 

[Tom P]

I concur -

After cycling through many different Lakland basses over the years, I embraced my preference for early passive USA models.
I found a lifer early Glaub, a lifer early HB and a lifer early JO - all here on TB. I bought the Glaub and the HB outright.
I was able to play the Glaub before purchase and the neck practically melted in my hand.

The HB was a flyer, but my apprehension vanished after I received it - HB perfection.

I actually traded a ‘69 refin with Kleins for the early JO. This bass is now my main player - comfort, tone, playability and versatility all in one amazing package.

BTW - Mike Lull went over all of these basses and now they are at their best.
Can’t say enough good things about early passive Laklands - and Mike Lull.

Well said - that period does seem to have that "special sauce"!
Interesting that both BG01 and 02 were 1.5 width necks.
I was very close to pulling the trigger on 01 but I wasn't sure that I wanted the karmic responsibility of having 01 and 02 in the same stable!

 

[davidak]

Awesome! I greatly appreciate the info and hearing about your first hand experience with this exact model!

I’m def not a sucker for ‘limited edition’ inflation. In the end, I’m just looking for a solid, reliable Pbass that won’t break the bank! It being a limited ed. Duck Dunn sig model, similar to his iconic ‘58, would just be a cool little bonus!

If you think about this one:

For Sale - Lakland Duck Dunn

I would go for it.

I once played one of these early ones, one of the best Skylines out there.

 

[Holdsg]

I remember these fondly. 11lbs. big geerl
no affiliation

Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub Dude Pit Limited Edition II Bass (DPLE II) 2006

 

[Tom P]

I remember these fondly. 11lbs. big geerl
no affiliation

Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub Dude Pit Limited Edition II Bass (DPLE II) 2006

I owed one of those twice - great basses!

 

[5string_phunk]

If you think about this one:

For Sale - Lakland Duck Dunn

I would go for it.

I once played one of these early ones, one of the best Skylines out there.

I appreciate everyone who reached out to me about this bass.

Unfortunately, I don't think the current owner and I are on the same page. While it sucks, I'm sure the right bass will present itself when the time is right!

 

[basspraiser]

I appreciate everyone who reached out to me about this bass.

Unfortunately, I don't think the current owner and I are on the same page. While it sucks, I'm sure the right bass will present itself when the time is right!

Sorry.....

 

[Jim C]

Is the Geezer the only P with a 1 5/8" nut?

 

[JEDI BASS]

Is the Geezer the only P with a 1 5/8" nut?

You can order a 1.625" nut width on any US Lakland.

 

[davidak]

Is the Geezer the only P with a 1 5/8" nut?

44-51 should have 1.625 neck

 

[Jim C]

You can order a 1.625" nut width on any US Lakland.

Thanks for this; couldn't find it on the website.
Understood that the 44-51 comes with a 1.625" nut, which is confusing to me since the early 50's Fenders were 1.75"
Sounds like this option is US only and not Skyline?

 

[Milo's]

Figured I’d share this. Just picked up my second Lakland last week from another TB’r who got it in trade. It’s a 2013 44-60 Joe Osborn Skyline. I removed the Audere jz3 Pro preamp that it came with and replaced it with a 920D Custom Shop stacked knob control plate. It plays beautifully and is a good complement to my 2010 Skyline 44-64 in Inca Silver. Love these basses.

 

[OnederTone]

View attachment 3311444 Figured I’d share this. Just picked up my second Lakland last week from another TB’r who got it in trade. It’s a 2013 44-60 Joe Osborn Skyline. I removed the Audere jz3 Pro preamp that it came with and replaced it with a 920D Custom Shop stacked knob control plate. It plays beautifully and is a good complement to my 2010 Skyline 44-64 in Inca Silver. Love these basses.

Those Lollipops are hot.

 

[Milo's]

Those Lollipops are hot.

Thanks! The person who owned it twice removed from me put them on there. I think it’s a class touch.

 

[Jim C]

Just got this 4402.
Any suggestions on EQ for a better balance between bridge and neck pup?
Tried a TE graphic for an on the fly EQ change but not quite there yet.
I haven't had it long and have not even checked where the mid freq selector is. 8.15 lbs.! 1 5/8" nut
Killer bass; incredible set up. Love the heavy mid, muwahh, burpy bridge pup.
Neck pup gets somewhat close to a P too.

 

[3bc]

Just got this 4402.
Any suggestions on EQ for a better balance between bridge and neck pup?
Tried a TE graphic for an on the fly EQ change but not quite there yet.
I haven't had it long and have not even checked where the mid freq selector is. 8.15 lbs.! 1 5/8" nut
Killer bass; incredible set up. Love the heavy mid, muwahh, burpy bridge pup.
Neck pup gets somewhat close to a P too.

View attachment 3311682

All of my favorite settings are almost totally flat. I’ll do a little bass and treble boost with the pan control totally centered and the toggle centered. I’ll do the same setting except I’ll flip the toggle switch towards the bridge to highlight the J bass tone. I’ll solo the front pickup with just a tiny boost to bass and midrange for a nice p bass sound. The bass has such a great natural, round, classic tone that there’s not much work necessary to get killer sound. Less is more.

 

[Jamvan]

All of my favorite settings are almost totally flat. I’ll do a little bass and treble boost with the pan control totally centered and the toggle centered. I’ll do the same setting except I’ll flip the toggle switch towards the bridge to highlight the J bass tone. I’ll solo the front pickup with just a tiny boost to bass and midrange for a nice p bass sound. The bass has such a great natural, round, classic tone that there’s not much work necessary to get killer sound. Less is more.

Very similar for me. In live situations, most of the time it's all pickups on with the mids (600Hz default) juiced just a little bit to cut through unless I need a P bass sound. Then for that, it's the neck pickup solo'd with treble turned down and mids/bass up a little bit. I also just recorded an album with my band and ran my 55-02 passive straight into the board. I had both pickups on with the toggle in the center position (passive so no tone controls). Every time I talk to either my B/L or the sound engineer, they both tell me how fat and juicy my bass sounded and that they absolutely LOVED the tone. Can't argue with that at all.