Looking for feedback. I currently have a 2011 MIM Fender Standard Jazz. I’m considering upgrading to the Skyline 44-60 Vintage J Custom. Am I going to hear and feel a noticeable difference?
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The only way to compare them would be side by side. I’ve been told that the MIM Fender instruments have 5 piece bodies vs 2 piece in the Lakland’s
Lakland necks and fretwork are without question some of the best in the business. So for what it’s worth I think the Laklands Skyline’s are better playing and sounding basses.
Lakland necks and fretwork are without question some of the best in the business. So for what it’s worth I think the Laklands Skyline’s are better playing and sounding basses.
If you really want to move up from the 55-02 then save your funds for a used 55-94 or 55-15. By the time you buy a 55-01, replace the pickups and preamp, upgrade the tuners, nut, and add a pick guard (optional) you could be within “spitting” distance of either of the Lakland USA models used. Alternatively, just enjoy the 55-02, it’s a stellar bass.Just my take of course. When I purchased my Amber Flame 55-94 in 1999, they could be had for considerably less than $2,000.00.
I haven't had the chance to play a 55-94 or 55-15 but I have seen others mention that the 55-02 comes very close to the 55-94 in playability. Sound wise, the 55-02 use the exact electronics and pickups as the 55-94 correct?
If you bought either bass new today today, the pickups and electronics are identical (as far as I know) however older 55-94’s have Bartolini pickups and a Bartolini Preamp.
Not to correct the most die hard of us all, but the Lakland site says they do have quarter-sawn necks
Classic Series 55-14 - Lakland Bass Guitars
they don’t offer birdseye maple or ebony fingerboards, and have the skyline hardware (licensed tuners and skyline bridge), no fancy tops/deluxes, but are now offered in 17 colors (assuming because Lakland is doing in house finishing).
So did older 55-02’s (and 44-02’s).
Hey all, thought I’d grab your thoughts here. I spent some time setting up my bass today. Been two years since I’ve made any adjustments and I got some nice enhancements done.
I ran into something that surprised me in two ways. I basically managed to make my neck as straight as an arrow with no relief, AND took my saddled all the way down. And 1. I have no buzz at all, and 2. My action still sits a bit higher than I would care for on the higher half of the neck. Any thoughts or insight? Showing bridge, 5th fret and 12th
I ran into something that surprised me in two ways. I basically managed to make my neck as straight as an arrow with no relief, AND took my saddled all the way down. And 1. I have no buzz at all, and 2. My action still sits a bit higher than I would care for on the higher half of the neck. Any thoughts or insight? Showing bridge, 5th fret and 12th
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Wow... That does look high..
Sorry... I'm not a technical guy when it comes to bass... But their are many here who are.... And they will assist you!!!!
Sorry... I'm not a technical guy when it comes to bass... But their are many here who are.... And they will assist you!!!!
Do me a favor and hold down the E string at the first fret with your left hand. Stick out your right pinky and hold it down at the 12th fret. Approximately what sort of distance do you see between the bottom of the E string you’re holding down and the top of the 6th and 7th frets?
There may be unusual things happening with the nut or possibly a shim, but this is a place to start.
There may be unusual things happening with the nut or possibly a shim, but this is a place to start.[/QUOTE]
My first thought b/c it was not mentioned-- new strings? are the strings nestled in the nut slots or sitting on top?
My first thought b/c it was not mentioned-- new strings? are the strings nestled in the nut slots or sitting on top?
New strings as of a few weeks ago. They are in the nut, but the nut does seem maybe a little high?
6/7 fret shown. Very little relief as you can see.
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My first thought b/c it was not mentioned-- new strings? are the strings nestled in the nut slots or sitting on top?[/QUOTE]
nut
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All classic series US Laklands have quarter sawn necks. I have a number them and all quarter sawn.
nut[/QUOTE]
If the strings slide into the nut properly and go all the way down into it, it looks fine - I’m assuming you’re using “normal” gauges. This is really, really, really, weird - it’s almost as if the neck pocket is too deep for the neck. I’ve literally seen nothing like this in decades of playing and working on instruments. A dead straight neck and saddles lowered all the way to the bottom is the recipe for an ultra low action. In no way should the strings be sky high as pictured here.
Did you or someone else ever take the neck off at some point?
Unless someone has a miracle solution I’m totally missing right now, I would take this into a qualified tech or even to Lakland themselves if you’re nearby in Chicagoland.
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If the strings slide into the nut properly and go all the way down into it, it looks fine - I’m assuming you’re using “normal” gauges. This is really, really, really, weird - it’s almost as if the neck pocket is too deep for the neck. I’ve literally seen nothing like this in decades of playing and working on instruments.
Did you or someone else ever take the neck off at some point?
Unless someone has a miracle solution I’m totally missing right now, I would take this into a qualified tech or even to Lakland themselves if you’re nearby in Chicagoland.[/QUOTE]
I am in Chicago burbs and could easily get there. I have not taken the neck off, bought it brand new from the music zoo which is a highly reputable place. I kinda had the same thought, like the neck sits too low off the strings...
That's actually a lot more relief than I use on my US Laklands and my better playing basses. I could maybe slide a piece of thin paper behind my strings (fret 7 area) when held down at fret 1 and 15. As for nut slot height, this is one thing that Carl and I don't agree totally on... I like my nut slots to feel like a zero fret would. Carl believes the nut slot should be a little taller than fret 1.
Whats your action like at the 12th fret? My neck is basically straight. This is a little more than a sheet of copy paper but definitely less than a flimsy business card in terms of relief.
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