Lakland Owners Group #69

[MaxSpinrun]

Here's a few quick pics of the new to me 4-94 #022. Really needs decent lighting to show off the sparkle finish. Guitar Center online purchase. Only one ding on the entire bass (headstock) and a neck pocket finish crack. Other than that it's in excellent condition even still has the plastic wrap on the control cover. 8 1/2 lbs and slightly neck divey with the original Hipshots but ultralite tuners will eat a quarter-pounder with cheese off of that. My G&L ultralites drop right in and line up to the screw holes but they say, well, G&L. The neck really is to die for- absolutely everything you have read about them is true. The action is low; 1.58" nut; .79 at the 1st fret and .89 at the 12th. Somewhat similar to the early flatter G&L profiles but slimmer at the nut. YUM!

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Nice score. That’s a gem.

 

[spufman]

Number 022 is kickin' - nice find for sure! I have #263 and agree, the neck is perfect. The closest I own neck-wise is indeed on an old G&L - my '83 SB-2.

 

[JEDI BASS]

Number 022 is kickin' - nice find for sure! I have #263 and agree, the neck is perfect. The closest I own neck-wise is indeed on an old G&L - my '83 SB-2.

Svtbass may be referring to the Hugh McFarland era necks, which are noticeably sleeker, feel thinner and (it seems) a bit narrower at the nut. I believe Hugh made many of the lower SN basses, and probably all of the first year basses (SN 1-104). I’m not sure when Dan Lakin and Hugh began employing other luthiers, like Carl Pedigo. Dan is not a luthier. Anyways, the good ol’ internet says Hugh left Lakland in ‘97 and that your number 263 is a 1998. I’m a huge fan of the ‘98-‘01 Laklands that I’ve owned or still have. So, I’m not saying McFarland necks are superior, just thinner. For many, that means faster and more comfy.

I need to get some batteries for my digital calipers, and post some measurements from my 1st year #11 and #93 and compare them to my Scheff’s measurements.

 

[basspraiser]

I picked this beautiful Hollowbody up the other day, then immediately learned that Lakland doesn't offer them anymore. (I hadn't been keeping up).
My friend (a longtime Lakland dealer) said they just didn't sell well. I can't understand why.

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I all-too-briefly owned this 4-94. Ebony board with no inlays. Apparently custom emerald green finish. Built circa 1999.
At the time I was playing Alembics and preferred chunky necks, which this certainly did not have. One of several basses I wish I had back.

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Great looking 4494 and congrats on the HoBo!

 

[basspraiser]

I’m thinking of purchasing a DJ 5. Can anyone give some insight on this bass? Also what are the differences between the DJ 5 and 55-60?

Thanks

Shaun

Shaun

The DJ5 body is a bit smaller and has a slight different shape.

Also.. As JJ stated... the neck profile is s bit different.... Like he described.

 

[basspraiser]

Are the electronics the same between the DJ5 and 55-60?

Yes

 

[basspraiser]

They weren’t. The JO5 had Fralins and the 2 US sourced stacked V/T pots. The DJ5 had Aeros and 3 probably non-US pots for V/V/T.

You are correct JJ....
BUT the electronics on the newer ones are the same (AFAIK)

 

[davidak]

Isn't it time to move to Lakland owners group #70?

 

[Holdsg]

69 for evaaaah bay beee

 

[svtbass]

Number 022 is kickin' - nice find for sure! I have #263 and agree, the neck is perfect. The closest I own neck-wise is indeed on an old G&L - my '83 SB-2.

Svtbass may be referring to the Hugh McFarland era necks, which are noticeably sleeker, feel thinner and (it seems) a bit narrower at the nut. I need to get some batteries for my digital calipers, and post some measurements from my 1st year #11 and #93 and compare them to my Scheff’s measurements.

Thanks!

I'll definitely keep the original tuners. Wish I could get a set of the G&L's without a logo- I wonder who manufacturers them. I have half a dozen of those early G&L necks and they're all in the prime comfort zone like this 4-94. Just pure labor-of-love workmanship all around and descendants of my beloved '62 Precision. I measure all my necks and the same model & era ones can spec the same (with the few measurements I'm taking) yet the finished feel is different with every single one. Lakland got it right from out of the gate and upped their game with quartersawn and satin finish.

Ultimately, a neck either sings through us...or not.

 

[tomich]

It is true. My favorite neck I ever played was a recent Lakland Skyline Decade. It changes all that you express through the instrument and all the ideas that come through you when you play it. I have a 2006 Lakland Skyline Joe Osborne, and have liked the more recent necks from the Skyline Decade and a Jazz bass Skyline 44-60 even more (even though Lakland themselves have said that the new and old necks should be the same!)

 

[svtbass]

Hey guys opening up to trades for my Lakland Custom Jazz with Chi Humbuckers. Varied interests with an unlined fretless mate for the 4-94 at the top of my wanton desires.

For Sale/Trade - Lakland USA Custom Jazz Bass TRADES ADDED

 

[ODDBALL]

What is everyone’s thoughts on the 55-60?

Thanks

Shaun

 

[Jamvan]

What is everyone’s thoughts on the 55-60?

Thanks

Shaun

While I'd love some day to have a US 55-60, I currently have two Skylines and I really like them. My 55-60 Deluxe gives me a great, classic, Jazz bass tone and is surprising comfortable to play. I generally use it for practicing or as a backup for my other 55-60.

I've added an Audere Pro-Z preamp to my gigging 55-60 ("Old Glory") as I go direct and prefer to have a bit more tone-shaping capabilities live. It sounds amazing but is a bit rough on the shoulder at 10 1/2 lbs. Sounds great though and plays really well!

 

[SCT1422]

This is a Skyline Chi Sonic 5 that I changed out the pickups to Aguilar single coils.. I bought it with the block and bound neck already on it and had the headstock painted to match.. I had it up for sale recently and than I played it, it's not going anywhere !!

 

[PraiseBassing]

Still haven’t had a chance to swap out the pickups in my 55-01, but lately I’ve been contemplating also swapping out the Glockenklang 3-band that is in it for an Audere. I just wish there were more and higher quality sound samples of the Audere’s.

 

[basspraiser]

What is everyone’s thoughts on the 55-60?

Thanks

Shaun

love it....I've had a few...now have two (1@ fretless with LH3 preamp 1@ chisonic pickup)

 

[basspraiser]

While I'd love some day to have a US 55-60, I currently have two Skylines and I really like them. My 55-60 Deluxe gives me a great, classic, Jazz bass tone and is surprising comfortable to play. I generally use it for practicing or as a backup for my other 55-60.
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I've added an Audere Pro-Z preamp to my gigging 55-60 ("Old Glory") as I go direct and prefer to have a bit more tone-shaping capabilities live. It sounds amazing but is a bit rough on the shoulder at 10 1/2 lbs. Sounds great though and plays really well!
View attachment 3574089

love the flag! looks really cool and fits well.

 

[basspraiser]

This is a Skyline Chi Sonic 5 that I changed out the pickups to Aguilar single coils.. I bought it with the block and bound neck already on it and had the headstock painted to match.. I had it up for sale recently and than I played it, it's not going anywhere !!

that can happen at times!!!
great to hear it

 

[Jamvan]

love the flag! looks really cool and fits well.

Thanks! I'm not real big on stickers but I added the tattered Old Glory this summer for a 4th of July show and I liked the way it looked so decided to keep it.