Lakland Owners Group #69

[ejschultz]

I currently own a 98 Lakland 55-94 which I love. I’m contemplating ordering a US made Lakland jazz bass (Joe Osborn). Can I get some honest recommendation on what the build quality of newer made (post 2020) US Lakland basses is like? Do they stack up to the one from the 90’s?

I have a US Series JO I picked up new this year. It’s hands down the best jazz style bass I’ve put my hands on. The build quality is top notch. I know with the US Classic Series (the slightly less expensive Chicago made basses), they don’t put quite as much attention to detail into the neck. The frets are not hand dressed on them, they’re PLEKed like the Skylines. The US Series is all done by hand to perfection. I got that info from Steve at Lākland last year sometime when I was weighing my options before making a purchase.

 

[TedH]

Not a JO, but I ordered a 44-64 from Leo last year and the quality is outstanding.

 

[rictrose]

I concur with @basspraiser, they only got better over the years. Just curious, why "post 2020"? Did anything change that year?

I only mentioned post 2020 to be more specific about very recent builds. Nothing has changed to my knowledge.

 

[rictrose]

I have a US Series JO I picked up new this year. It’s hands down the best jazz style bass I’ve put my hands on. The build quality is top notch. I know with the US Classic Series (the slightly less expensive Chicago made basses), they don’t put quite as much attention to detail into the neck. The frets are not hand dressed on them, they’re PLEKed like the Skylines. The US Series is all done by hand to perfection. I got that info from Steve at Lākland last year sometime when I was weighing my options before making a purchase.

Thank you for this info.

 

[KevinMG]

Has anyone replaced their LH3 preamp but kept the LH3 J/MM pickups? Curious if it’s worth doing. The LH3 sounds fine but is so cheaply made the wires break off if you adjust the preamp too many times. I’m careful and it’s happened for a second time. Very frustrating since I don’t have a soldering iron or the skills.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

Recently replaced the LH3 pre with a John East Unipre. Audere would be another good choice. It all depends what you end tonal goals are. For many the stock LH3 system works very well, especially once you select the right mid frequency. Questions, hit me up!

 

[KevinMG]

Recently replaced the LH3 pre with a John East Unipre. Audere would be another good choice. It all depends what you end tonal goals are. For many the stock LH3 system works very well, especially once you select the right mid frequency. Questions, hit me up!

If not for how fragile the wiring is I wouldn’t even consider it. Tone wise it’s fine. Did you notice a huge difference with the East? How much of the LH3 tone was from the preamp vs. the pickups?

 

[MaxSpinrun]

Mostly from the pups. None of my basses are stock. I have modded them all. Just slight personal preference.
I didn’t have an issue with LH3 pre quality when changing mid frequency, just need to be careful. Room is tight in there.

 

[macribas]

Looking for a set of Hipshot LIC 1/2" satin chrome tuners for a Lakland Skyline 5-string neck.
3 on the bass side, 2 on the treble side. Let me know if you upgraded yours to US tuners and have a set sitting in your parts drawer.

 

[Rycebag]

This is a very random question, but would anyone be willing to upload a pic of the electronics/wiring of their USA (or skyline) 44-60 and 44-64? I'm going to overhaul the electronics in both my laklands and am curious to know how the USA models are wired.

 

[Naigewron]

Don't mind me, just dropping off a glamour shot

 

[basspraiser]

Don't mind me, just dropping off a glamour shot

View attachment 5171774

Ooooooo.....yeah!

 

[MaxSpinrun]

Sweeeeeet looking bass!

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Fretless 55-02 labeled (and priced) as a 55-01 (currently $825 shipped, plus tax, with a case)

Lakland Skyline 55-01 5 String Fretless Bass Guitar - Gator Case | Reverb

 

[Rycebag]

This is a very random question, but would anyone be willing to upload a pic of the electronics/wiring of their USA (or skyline) 44-60 and 44-64? I'm going to overhaul the electronics in both my laklands and am curious to know how the USA models are wired.

This is how my lakland skyline 44-64LE is wired:

Would love to see how a US version is wired up and what kinds of electronics are used.

 

[ejschultz]

This is how my lakland skyline 44-64LE is wired:
View attachment 5172531

Would love to see how a US version is wired up and what kinds of electronics are used.

That looks similar to how my USA 44-60 is wired. No cloth wiring, CTS pots, etc. the USA wiring is a little neater (twisted pickup wiring and shorter wires that are very purposefully routed for the pots). They say the Skylines use the same electronics as the USA models; I believe them.

 

[basspraiser]

Fretless 55-02 labeled (and priced) as a 55-01 (currently $825 shipped, plus tax, with a case)

Lakland Skyline 55-01 5 String Fretless Bass Guitar - Gator Case | ReverbView attachment 5172470

Oh my!

Great price .... Trust me .. This will sound GREAT!

 

[nervous]

Oh my!

Great price .... Trust me .. This will sound GREAT!

Does the placement of that info look odd? Wouldn't it be centered?

 

[basspraiser]

Doe the placement of that info look odd? Wouldn't it be centered?
View attachment 5172701

Good point

 

[Rycebag]

That looks similar to how my USA 44-60 is wired. No cloth wiring, CTS pots, etc. the USA wiring is a little neater (twisted pickup wiring and shorter wires that are very purposefully routed for the pots). They say the Skylines use the same electronics as the USA models; I believe them.

What kind of Capacitors do they use?