Lakland Owners Group #69

[Stedkey]

I just wanted to thank everyone who helped me make my decision to purchase the 2010 Lakland 44-94. $2000 is the most I have ever spent on a bass, but man, this bass is worth it. The craftsmanship and attention to detail, and that neck, is just top notch. For a 2010, it's in pristine condition. I am absolutely pleased and any doubts I had about making such an expensive purchase are gone. So thanks everyone! I appreciate your help. Oh, and it also came with a G&G hardshell case.

One questions, I put on a set of DR Sunbeams that I had but was thinking of giving the Lakland Nickel Bass String 45-105 set a try. Anyone have any experience with them?

Also, if anyone is interested in a 2007 44-02 in very good shape for $900 with a Lakland hardshell case, let me know.

Here are some pictures of the 2010 44-94 in quilted maple tobaccoburst.
View attachment 4919604View attachment 4919605View attachment 4919606View attachment 4919607

Looks great! Hope you get many years of playing enjoyment.

 

[macribas]

Hey all. Last night I was looking at Sweetwater and came across this beauty.

View attachment 4919700

This is a Lakland USA 44-64 PJ bass in a relic’d sonic blue. Anyone have experience with these?

I saw a couple at the factory before they got shipped to Sweetwater. They surprisingly feel like new instruments, although they look beat up. It’s kind of cool not to have to worry about carrying a case or a stand. Just lean it on a wall or leave it on the floor. Very refreshing.
In a world where most are trying to look younger, it is interesting that we want our instruments to look older.

 

[Johnny Alien]

I don't think the baked maple/dark neck looks quite right with the relicing. Mainly because I attribute that look to vintage instruments and that dark baked look is a current thing. On top of that nitro finishes and severe wear is not something I connect to Lakland basses. I am sure it plays well but it's not my style as far as Lakland is concerned.

 

[Si-bob]

I don't think the baked maple/dark neck looks quite right with the relicing. Mainly because I attribute that look to vintage instruments and that dark baked look is a current thing. On top of that nitro finishes and severe wear is not something I connect to Lakland basses. I am sure it plays well but it's not my style as far as Lakland is concerned.

FWIW, they’re not nitro finishes, they’re poly. Lakland finishes are very thin, which allows them to get away with the relic’ing. This is info from Lakland directly.

I wish they did offer nitro finishes though, I’d order a 44-64 with a ‘tweener neck in a shot….minus the relic’ing.

Si

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Anyone have any thoughts on Lakland Nickel bass strings? I have a set of DR Sunbeams on my new 44-94 but was thinking of giving the Lakland set a try. I can't find much info out there other than they a similar to GHS Boomers, which I have never tried. Thanks.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Hey all. I got good news about my new Lakland 44-94. I was told it was a 2010. I emailed Lakland with the serial number to get some more information. The serial number is 1023. It’s actually a 2015, not 2010! No wonder it’s in fantastic shape. And the owner told me he got it from Chicago Music Exchange 3 years ago so now I’m thinking it may be NOS. All for $2000.

 

[Jon Draffan]

Hey everybody, I'm looking at upgrading my 44–01 to a 44–14. I haven't heard a lot about the 4–14s... Are they the same as the 44–94s (cavity shielding, fretwork, etc...) except for the custom options? That's the way I read the Lakland site... can anyone confirm, is anybody playing one?

... Happy new year by the way

 

[macribas]

Hey everybody, I'm looking at upgrading my 44–01 to a 44–14. I haven't heard a lot about the 4–14s... Are they the same as the 44–94s (cavity shielding, fretwork, etc...) except for the custom options? That's the way I read the Lakland site... can anyone confirm, is anybody playing one?

... Happy new year by the way

The only difference I could tell were the tuners, they are import Hipshots. In the 4 string versions like the 44-14 this difference is a bit more noticeable, since they are replacing HB1s by Ultralites.

 

[Father Gino]

I have a 2011, Indonesian 44-02. I love the small frets. When I bought it new at Bass Central I also played some Skyline Ps and Js. It seemed that the frets on the 44-02 were smaller. Is this my imagination?

 

[JazznFunk]

Anyone have any thoughts on Lakland Nickel bass strings? I have a set of DR Sunbeams on my new 44-94 but was thinking of giving the Lakland set a try. I can't find much info out there other than they a similar to GHS Boomers, which I have never tried. Thanks.

Lakland Nickel Rounds in a light gauge are my go-to along with DR Sunbeams lights. They feel a little stiffer than DR's because they're a hex core, and have a slightly less warm sound to my ears. The feel is a little different, but not much. Overall I think DRs are a little more 'polite' and sculpted in the midrange, but both are fantastic strings.... and will go thru-body on any Lakland right out of the package.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Lakland Nickel Rounds in a light gauge are my go-to along with DR Sunbeams lights. They feel a little stiffer than DR's because they're a hex core, and have a slightly less warm sound to my ears. The feel is a little different, but not much. Overall I think DRs are a little more 'polite' and sculpted in the midrange, but both are fantastic strings.... and will go thru-body on any Lakland right out of the package.

Thanks. I appreciate the information. Exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.

 

[fenjazz]

This is a Lakland USA 44-64 PJ bass in a relic’d sonic blue. Anyone have experience with these?

I got a 44-64 P green relic from TB recently. Love the roasted neck, incredibly stable and has a nice satin feel on the back. Haven't had a relic'd bass in years, but it looks great in person. Very tasteful and has already received a lot of compliments in the few times I've taken it out.

 

[basspraiser]

Hey all. Last night I was looking at Sweetwater and came across this beauty.

View attachment 4919700

This is a Lakland USA 44-64 PJ bass in a relic’d sonic blue. Anyone have experience with these?

No experience with the relics.
They are newer and a sweetwater exclusive.

As for Lakland pj's in general... love em

 

[Ric Vice]

Very nice comparison. Congratulations on getting a 44-94 at a reasonable price! Purchasing a great one used
eliminates the new bass” sticker shock.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Hey there 44-02/44-94/44-14 users. I’m still getting used to the active preamp on my 44-94. I have mid toggles set to default 600 hz. Is that what most of you do or is there a better preferred setting for that? Thanks.

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

you should consider a 55-OS. It already has the upgraded Bartolini preamp.

 

[fenjazz]

Here's a better shot of the relic job on the Sweetwater 44-64:

 

[macribas]

Anyone have any thoughts on Lakland Nickel bass strings? I have a set of DR Sunbeams on my new 44-94 but was thinking of giving the Lakland set a try. I can't find much info out there other than they a similar to GHS Boomers, which I have never tried. Thanks.

Last I heard (a month ago) they were out of Lakland-branded strings to sell. I was told that they never keep a large stock for retail, Lakland strings are not a revenue stream, they are just provided as a courtesy to Lakland owners that want to keep the same feel as when they come from the factory. So you're better off if you find another brand that you like and that is more widely available.

 

[Ric Vice]

As long as you don't want to run the strings through the ferrules in the body, then you have lots of better choices than the Lakland's. I like the sound and feel of D'Addario Half Rounds, Ernie Ball Slinky Colbalt Flats, and Thomastick Jazz Flats.
Just my take of course, if you're a round wound player others can suggest what which ones you can try. Just my take of course, I'm a DB player so round wounds just don't feel right under my fingers.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

As long as you don't want to run the strings through the ferrules in the body, then you have lots of better choices than the Lakland's. I like the sound and feel of D'Addario Half Rounds, Ernie Ball Slinky Colbalt Flats, and Thomastick Jazz Flats.
Just my take of course, if you're a round wound player others can suggest what which ones you can try.

Thanks. I have DR Sunbeams on the 44-94 now and like the tone. I do have a set of EB Cobalt flats which I am thinking of putting on, and maybe taming some of the high end.