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Lakland Owners Group #69

#19,344
#19,347
Jamvan said:
I don't know if this will help but it gave me a good reason to get them out side by side and do a visual comparison:

The Classic and the Skylines share the import Hipshot Lic. tuners as you can see here whereas the 55-94 is the US version.

View attachment 5195454

This is more evident from the front side as the US versions use a narrower shaft than the barrel shafts on the lic. version. The tuners, again, are the same on the Skyline and the US Classic so I've only taken a picture of the Classic in comparison to the US 55-94.

View attachment 5195459


I can not identify any visual differences between the bridges. I'd heard that the imports are supposedly inferior but short of dismantling my basses and measuring for weight and size, there is nothing visually apparent. Even the saddles appear to be similar.
View attachment 5195455

The backs of the basses show the most finishing distinction between the different models. The Skyline uses black pot metal(?) hardware to attach the neck whereas both the Classic and 55-94 use chrome. The battery box on the skyline is a Fishman box whereas the Classic and the 55-94 use a sturdier box. and the electronics cavity covers are attached via round headed Phillips screws screwed directly into the wood whereas the 55-94 uses flush mounted Phillips flat head machine screws that screw into inserts in the body. (Pay no mind to the dodgy looking cavity cover on the Classic as I still have the plastic on it and it's gotten bubbled up in a couple areas.) From what I can tell, the string ferrules are the same as well. At least no visual discernable difference.

View attachment 5195456

Taking the covers off reveals a world of difference in the electronics cavity. Between organization, shielding, and overall craftsmanship, the quality does not compare at all. (Note the inserts in the 55-94 cavity for the cover screws.)

View attachment 5195476

Now, from a general playing standpoint for me with these three examples, the 55-94 is the most enjoyable to play. Just a pleasure to have in my hands. I like the US Classics overall tone the best (likely Alder vs Ash but I won't go down that rabbit hole) and the Skyline is the lightest of them all coming in at 7lbs 14oz.

Again, not sure if this helps but it gives a good visual overview of the three different models.
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That is an awesome comparison

Thank you for sharing that.

That should become a sticky post for sure

Maybe you can convince Lakeland to put that on their website? It is very well done
 
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#19,351
oysterphish said:
Follow-up from my noisy bass (last post, I promise):
A luthier ran a grounding wire that was absent and perhaps should have been done in-factory. It did not resolve the noise, but corrected some buzzing. The usual single coil hum is present, but doesn't bother me at all. I don't think I'm going to attempt shielding....we'll see. The cavities all have the shielding paint, so I'm wondering if copper will be an added benefit.
At this point, it's pretty much silent with fingers anchored to a string. The noise creeps in a little when slapping. I rarely play with a pick...so we'll see how how that goes. There's also a gnarly buzz when touching the exposed poles on the neck pup. Forget playing in dirty power. I don't think I will ever record with this bass.
At the end of the day....best 5er I've ever played (I've tried so many to get to this point). I might mod the pups in the future, but I really love the sound of the stocks.

I was going to purchase a Skyline 44-64 Custom PJ, but I admit I have been a little turned off by my experience.
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Sorry to hear your dichotomy

You might want to give a 4464 a shot though.

Then you can decide whether it really is the build quality or just your particular bass

I have my suspicions :-)
 
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#19,356
20230923_054852.jpg

Forgot to share a photo of the new, noisy family member.
 
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#19,357
JEDI BASS said:
I would reach out to Howard Ulyate. Let him know Joseph Jordan recommended him. Given the option, I put (and have put) his pickups in every bass that I can- those I've built and those I've modified. So far, no one has complained. Two Lakland guys know exactly what I'm talking about - @basspraiser and @nautipaul . I've also got Ulyate singles in my only Serek. They're magnificent! If only he made darkstar style pickups!
Click to expand...
I agree with everything Joseph said.
 
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