I'm looking to order my first Lakland, Classic Series Dual J, direct from Lakland so I can get choosey with the options. I'm still saving up, but hoping to put in an order in the next month. I play 5 string, and a lot of the B string above the fifth fret so I can play vertically instead of horizontally (if that makes sense). I've heard Lakland has killer B strings, so extremely intrigued by this. I currently have a Schecter Studio 5, which is a 35" scale, so no issues on scale length. I play rock, blues, funk, and want something that is versatile. Mostly play with a pick, but some finger style, and hope to one day get proficient at slapping. I actually prefer passive, a single tone knob is way easier to adjust live than messing with a 3 band EQ. Once I get this I will probably rarely play the Schecter and might even sell it.
Concerns:
- Mostly played P Basses, even put an EMG40 P pickup on my 5 string Schecter and love the way P's sound, I've played Jazz's in the store, but never gigged with one. I do really like how they sound both at a store and Youtube demos, but just nervous I'm not going to jive with jazz. Probably over analyzing this.
- String spacing on my Schecter is narrow, I think 16.5 mm. I have a 4 string Fender P Bass that is 19mm and don't find that too difficult to switch between. Is moving to 19mm on a 5 string a huge difference or something that is easily adaptable? I can imagine slapping is easier with 19mm, but for playing with a pick, not sure how much of a difference it is.
- I've never played a Lakland. None of the stores around my area (Portland, OR) seem to carry them. I've seen plenty of demos, good reviews all around, but spending this kinda money on something that can't be returned that I've never played is nerve racking. I am probably over analyzing this too. Or am I?
- Weight - My Schecter is ~9.5 lbs, and at the end of a 3 hour set starts to feel pretty heavy. Hoping that the Lakland won't be any heavier, but I've seen Skylines as high as 11 lbs.
Desired Config:
Potential Upgrade:
- Lake Placid Blue - Semi-Gloss (ideally non-metallic, but looks like that's the only option for this color)
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Pickguard: Black and/or Tortoise Shell
- Hardware: Chrome - (maybe black? I can't decide)
- Schaller strap locks
- Not sure if these are available, but figured might as well ask to have them factory installed
If you're used to playing P basses, a dual J may be either a revelation or a disappointment at first. Either case it may take some time to recalibrate your ears and get used to how that set up reacts to your playing and sounds. As other have said, B string is as about solid as it gets. Regarding the string spacing, you'll have to see for yourself. I wish I could tell you one way or the other but it's such a personal preference. I've tried 19mm spacing a number of times and decided it doesn't work for me on a 5 string. I prefer a tighter string spacing on 5 strings, somewhere around 17-18mm. I know that sounds subjective but its something that I realized over time.
Regarding weight, as Lomo said, if you're ordering a USA model then that should be something you can request. Otherwise, it's a crap shoot. I've seen/played Skylines that are super light and some that have the density of dying star. As far as color goes, if you're going with blue, look into their ice blue metallic. I don't typically gravitate towards blue but I have this on my 44-60 and love this color. The metallic is subtle and there are elements of silver in there. Under certain lighting different hues pop out a bit.
Otherwise very exciting. Good luck and let us know what you decide.