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Lakland Owners Group #69

Hi LOG,

Looking for a 55-64 if anyone is selling.
(I did see there is one in the classifieds but sadly a little too heavy for my liking)

I hope I’m not breaking any rules by inquiring.

please and thank you.

They don't come up for sale very often, so I wouldn't hold my breath for a light one. Some of our LOG Basses were around 9.5 pounds but the next batch was mostly over 10.
 
Posting a follow up on a newly purchased 55-02 Deluxe 2022 build that I had noise/hum issues with.

I sent it back to the dealer and got a replacement today.

The Bad:Unfortunately it has the same issues and a few more. The replacement 55-02 along with the hum definitely has a ground problem when touching the bridge etc which the first one didn't have.
Also if I tap the rear control plate there is popping and clicking which happens sometimes just moving the bass. I think the first one may have had this also to a much lesser degree. I went into the battery compartment and looked at the connections which seem fine and it seems the popping and clicking decreased somewhat after pulling the battery but the issue is still there.

The Not So Bad :This one didn't come with wrenches for the neck and bridge which is not a big issue. I have a ton of neck wrenches and bridge tools but it supposed to be included. Also the rear pup coil switch is North and South and not East and West meaning up is the front coil down is the back coil and middle is still middle. This isn't big deal either that doesn't bother me at all. I might even prefer it this way.
The input jack is different from the first 55-02 in that the first 55-02. You really had to push the cable in to get it to seat which was ok. It felt very secure. With the new 55-02 a cable goes in very easy like many other of my basses. The connection seems good though. With the 55-02 I returned I figured the jacks they used were like that just harder to seat a cable.

The Good: The neck feels really great. The playability feels great and somewhat better than the first
55-02 which felt great also. This new one out of the box just felt like whoa!! sweet. There's something about the feel of this new one that's a little better than the first one.

The Decision: I'm taking my talents to Fender.(Joking a la LeBron James)
So I'm going to decide over the next few days If I'm going to send it back for a refund and chalk it up as bad luck with Lakland's or keep it (because it feels so bleeping good) and get my repair guy to straighten out the grounding/hum/popping issues or based on what my repair guy says throw in new electronics. I like the LH-3 Pre and the pickups. I like getting the 60's and 70's J placement flavor and the P flavor with the front PUP.

Stay Tuned.LOL
 
Posting a follow up on a newly purchased 55-02 Deluxe 2022 build that I had noise/hum issues with.

I sent it back to the dealer and got a replacement today.

The Bad:Unfortunately it has the same issues and a few more. The replacement 55-02 along with the hum definitely has a ground problem when touching the bridge etc which the first one didn't have.
Also if I tap the rear control plate there is popping and clicking which happens sometimes just moving the bass. I think the first one may have had this also to a much lesser degree. I went into the battery compartment and looked at the connections which seem fine and it seems the popping and clicking decreased somewhat after pulling the battery but the issue is still there.

The Not So Bad :This one didn't come with wrenches for the neck and bridge which is not a big issue. I have a ton of neck wrenches and bridge tools but it supposed to be included. Also the rear pup coil switch is North and South and not East and West meaning up is the front coil down is the back coil and middle is still middle. This isn't big deal either that doesn't bother me at all. I might even prefer it this way.
The input jack is different from the first 55-02 in that the first 55-02. You really had to push the cable in to get it to seat which was ok. It felt very secure. With the new 55-02 a cable goes in very easy like many other of my basses. The connection seems good though. With the 55-02 I returned I figured the jacks they used were like that just harder to seat a cable.

The Good: The neck feels really great. The playability feels great and somewhat better than the first
55-02 which felt great also. This new one out of the box just felt like whoa!! sweet. There's something about the feel of this new one that's a little better than the first one.

The Decision: I'm taking my talents to Fender.(Joking a la LeBron James)
So I'm going to decide over the next few days If I'm going to send it back for a refund and chalk it up as bad luck with Lakland's or keep it (because it feels so bleeping good) and get my repair guy to straighten out the grounding/hum/popping issues or based on what my repair guy says throw in new electronics. I like the LH-3 Pre and the pickups. I like getting the 60's and 70's J placement flavor and the P flavor with the front PUP.

Stay Tuned.LOL

That's a bummer on the new bass issues. I haven't shared my Lakland experiences online but will say that my 44-OS from Sweetwater had a mechanical issue with the volume pot. Upon my investigation into the electronic cavity, I was not impressed. I had to fix a lot of bad solder joints and there were solder balls and splash floating around. They sent a replacement bass that was terrible. Bad pots and the PUP mounting holes and screws were chewed up and sharp. Sent it back and kept the first one. Then Lakland attempted a replacement and it was even worse. It was returned.

I think I would keep one that felt good to play and just address any issues with a local tech. I think it will be hard to beat the way a Lakland plays when in shape.

I get it with the feel etc. I thought I would reward myself with a US Lakland after the first headaches. I loved the Lakland neck and thought I should get the USA bass I originally wanted. That one came with a new set of issues and an interesting CS story. I ended up fixing it myself with a replacement bridge. I was then ignored after a email follow up.

I don't mean to bash Lakland but if you are on the fence about moving to Fender I thought I would share my experience. I am brand loyal and am hoping to get past the issues now resolved.

I am installing a J. East UniPre in my 44-94 next week. I will then probably go with some Nordy's, maybe Big Blades. A heart transplant will make me feel better about everything.

I will also say that I prefer the Skyline neck to the US version. The rolled fingerboard radius is bigger on the Skyline. More comfortable to me. I think the 55-02 is a great bass to tuneup and make your own.
 
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That's a bummer on the new bass issues. I haven't shared my Lakland experiences online but will say that my 44-OS from Sweetwater had a mechanical issue with the volume pot. Upon my investigation into the electronic cavity, I was not impressed. I had to fix a lot of bad solder joints and there were solder balls and splash floating around. They sent a replacement bass that was terrible. Bad pots and the PUP mounting holes and screws were chewed up and sharp. Sent it back and kept the first one. Then Lakland attempted a replacement and it was even worse. It was returned.

I think I would keep one that felt good to play and just address any issues with a local tech. I think it will be hard to beat the way a Lakland plays when in shape.

I get it with the feel etc. I thought I would reward myself with a US Lakland after the first headaches. I loved the Lakland neck and thought I should get the USA bass I originally wanted. That one came with a new set of issues and an interesting CS story. I ended up fixing it myself with a replacement bridge. I was then ignored after a email follow up.

I don't mean to bash Lakland but if you are on the fence about moving to Fender I thought I would share my experience. I am brand loyal and am hoping to get past the issues now resolved.

I am installing a J. East UniPre in my 44-94 next week. I will then probably go with some Nordy's, maybe Big Blades. A heart transplant will make me feel better about everything.

I will also say that I prefer the Skyline neck to the US version. The rolled fingerboard radius is bigger on the Skyline. More comfortable to me. I think the 55-02 is a great bass to tuneup and make your own.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. The clicking and popping I hear may have something to do with the front pup wiring. If I wiggle the front pup I get the popping and clicking. It's crazy LOL.
Yeah I gotta give it some thought.
 
I own a 55-94 and a 55-02, currently looking at adding a 55-14.
Can anyone tell me if the Hipshot tuners on the 55-14 are licensed or USA?
The Lakland website just says Hipshot Ultralight. However, the 55-94 specs also say Hipshot Ultralight tuners as well as the 55-02. There is no distinction between them being licensed or USA.
 
I own a 55-94 and a 55-02, currently looking at adding a 55-14.
Can anyone tell me if the Hipshot tuners on the 55-14 are licensed or USA?
The Lakland website just says Hipshot Ultralight. However, the 55-94 specs also say Hipshot Ultralight tuners as well as the 55-02. There is no distinction between them being licensed or USA.

They are Lic. I posted about it on this thread a while ago:

I think the Classic line is awesome. Ultralites are still LIC. And 5 strings don't even use vintage style tuners anyway, so you'd be hard pressed to know the difference.

BTW, if you're thinking "hey I'm going to buy a Classic and install USA Hipshots", I'm sorry you can't do it. Because of the thick headstock, the regular USA line has recessed slots for the ferrules to make USA Hipshot Ultralites fit. The Classic line doesn't have it, so you'd have to have a way to drill those recessed holes to install USA Hipshots.
 
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I own a 55-94 and a 55-02, currently looking at adding a 55-14.
Can anyone tell me if the Hipshot tuners on the 55-14 are licensed or USA?
The Lakland website just says Hipshot Ultralight. However, the 55-94 specs also say Hipshot Ultralight tuners as well as the 55-02. There is no distinction between them being licensed or USA.
That would be a nice trio. Haha, now you got me thinking of adding a 44-94 and 44-14 to go along with my 44-02.

Other than completing the series, just curious why the interest in a 55-14 as well? Isn't it the same as the 55-94?
 
Posting a follow up on a newly purchased 55-02 Deluxe 2022 build that I had noise/hum issues with.

I sent it back to the dealer and got a replacement today.

The Bad:Unfortunately it has the same issues and a few more. The replacement 55-02 along with the hum definitely has a ground problem when touching the bridge etc which the first one didn't have.
Also if I tap the rear control plate there is popping and clicking which happens sometimes just moving the bass. I think the first one may have had this also to a much lesser degree. I went into the battery compartment and looked at the connections which seem fine and it seems the popping and clicking decreased somewhat after pulling the battery but the issue is still there.

The Not So Bad :This one didn't come with wrenches for the neck and bridge which is not a big issue. I have a ton of neck wrenches and bridge tools but it supposed to be included. Also the rear pup coil switch is North and South and not East and West meaning up is the front coil down is the back coil and middle is still middle. This isn't big deal either that doesn't bother me at all. I might even prefer it this way.
The input jack is different from the first 55-02 in that the first 55-02. You really had to push the cable in to get it to seat which was ok. It felt very secure. With the new 55-02 a cable goes in very easy like many other of my basses. The connection seems good though. With the 55-02 I returned I figured the jacks they used were like that just harder to seat a cable.

The Good: The neck feels really great. The playability feels great and somewhat better than the first
55-02 which felt great also. This new one out of the box just felt like whoa!! sweet. There's something about the feel of this new one that's a little better than the first one.

The Decision: I'm taking my talents to Fender.(Joking a la LeBron James)
So I'm going to decide over the next few days If I'm going to send it back for a refund and chalk it up as bad luck with Lakland's or keep it (because it feels so bleeping good) and get my repair guy to straighten out the grounding/hum/popping issues or based on what my repair guy says throw in new electronics. I like the LH-3 Pre and the pickups. I like getting the 60's and 70's J placement flavor and the P flavor with the front PUP.

Stay Tuned.LOL

Sorry to hear you now have another with issues. You should reach out to Leo Lopez at Lakland to see if he can assist. He is a good guy and very responsive. I can give you his info should you want.
 
I have sold my 55-02 and now planning a new USA build. Thinking of a custom 55-60? The 55-02 got me started and I enjoyed playing this bass. But, once my 55-AJ arrived I haven’t played it that much. The new owner is very happy and now the fun planning begins!!:cool:
1AE95C39-ECC0-43A4-BE03-BB475E3A4834.jpeg
 
Posting a follow up on a newly purchased 55-02 Deluxe 2022 build that I had noise/hum issues with.

I sent it back to the dealer and got a replacement today.

The Bad:Unfortunately it has the same issues and a few more. The replacement 55-02 along with the hum definitely has a ground problem when touching the bridge etc which the first one didn't have.
Also if I tap the rear control plate there is popping and clicking which happens sometimes just moving the bass. I think the first one may have had this also to a much lesser degree. I went into the battery compartment and looked at the connections which seem fine and it seems the popping and clicking decreased somewhat after pulling the battery but the issue is still there.

The Not So Bad :This one didn't come with wrenches for the neck and bridge which is not a big issue. I have a ton of neck wrenches and bridge tools but it supposed to be included. Also the rear pup coil switch is North and South and not East and West meaning up is the front coil down is the back coil and middle is still middle. This isn't big deal either that doesn't bother me at all. I might even prefer it this way.
The input jack is different from the first 55-02 in that the first 55-02. You really had to push the cable in to get it to seat which was ok. It felt very secure. With the new 55-02 a cable goes in very easy like many other of my basses. The connection seems good though. With the 55-02 I returned I figured the jacks they used were like that just harder to seat a cable.

The Good: The neck feels really great. The playability feels great and somewhat better than the first
55-02 which felt great also. This new one out of the box just felt like whoa!! sweet. There's something about the feel of this new one that's a little better than the first one.

The Decision: I'm taking my talents to Fender.(Joking a la LeBron James)
So I'm going to decide over the next few days If I'm going to send it back for a refund and chalk it up as bad luck with Lakland's or keep it (because it feels so bleeping good) and get my repair guy to straighten out the grounding/hum/popping issues or based on what my repair guy says throw in new electronics. I like the LH-3 Pre and the pickups. I like getting the 60's and 70's J placement flavor and the P flavor with the front PUP.

Stay Tuned.LOL

Sorry this has been such an adventure for you!

2 in. Row....

That is a bit concerning...

Good luck.

Let us know.

It may be worth a call/ email to Lakland directly
 
That would be a nice trio. Haha, now you got me thinking of adding a 44-94 and 44-14 to go along with my 44-02.

Other than completing the series, just curious why the interest in a 55-14 as well? Isn't it the same as the 55-94?
Yes, it is. However, My 55-94 has Barts with an east uni-pre, I'm going to drop Nordy bigblades in the 55-02 and more than likely a uni-pre. I'll leave the 55-14 stock.
 
I have sold my 55-02 and now planning a new USA build. Thinking of a custom 55-60? The 55-02 got me started and I enjoyed playing this bass. But, once my 55-AJ arrived I haven’t played it that much. The new owner is very happy and now the fun planning begins!!:cool:
View attachment 5004091
You sold a bass before ordering a new one? Is that how it’s supposed to work? ;)

Looking forward to what you end up picking. I was always surprised the 55AJ’s weren’t more popular, yours is a beauty (and looks great in those live pics)!
 
I got a new 55-02 with a roasted maple neck last year, and it came with a small crack running length-wise like that from around the 18th to 22nd fret. Ended up returning it as it's certainly not acceptable in a brand new full-price instrument. I actually returned another one just previous to that as well due to some scrape marks on the fretboard. Decided not to try a third time as then I was paranoid about the neck issues and ended up going with a different bass.
Bought a new neck direct from lakland
 
I'm thinking of changing strings to D'Addario Chromes on my US 55-94. The string gauges are 45; 65; 80; 100; and 132. The Standard Lakland B string is 128.

Will this new B string be too large for the bridge or nut? I do not want to file the nut or alter the bridge.

These are super long Flat Wound strings. I saw conflicting advice regarding whether Flat Wounds could or should be routed through the body. Can I do so? I appreciate your collective experience. Thank you.
 

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I'm thinking of changing strings to D'Addario Chromes on my US 55-94. The string gauges are 45; 65; 80; 100; and 132. The Standard Lakland B string is 128.

Will this new B string be too large for the bridge or nut? I do not want to file the nut or alter the bridge.

These are super long Flat Wound strings. I saw conflicting advice regarding whether Flat Wounds could or should be routed through the body. Can I do so? I appreciate your collective experience. Thank you.

I've used them in my Lakland 5ers, sometimes I need to remove some of the silk by the ball end so it can go through the bridge.

Oh, and I don't like using flats through the body, ever. But it is one of those discussions on TalkBass that you will find a 50/50 split opinion.
 
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