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Lakland skyline 44-60 vs Sadowsky MetroExpress????

#41
JazznFunk said:
I think the most accurate description of the working relationship is probably that Sadowsky designed it and Aguilar built it with Roger's specific direction and overall concept in mind throughout the development process. Obviously that process then later informed the initial build of the DB924 outboard pre since it is very similar to the original Sadowsky outboard preamp belt clip unit, including its frequency points. Much like David Nordschow building the first SWR cabinets for/alongside Steve Rabe, nothing great is conceived in a vacuum. ✌️
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I agree but I'm not sure Roger had the electrical know-how. If you have evidence to the contrary I'd like to see it. But I'm sure Roger knew what he wanted and conveyed that to Alex.
Either way, we agree that they were both involved in the development of the preamp and it is a rousing success.
re: SWR and EDEN, I know EDEN built SWR's earlier Goliath cabs. I had an EDEN D410T and took it to compare with a newer Goliath loaded with PAS speakers.They were very different sounding in spite of identical cabinet proportions. Goes to show just how much speakers, crossover and tweeter can make a difference in the same box.
 
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#42
SJan3 said:
I agree but I'm not sure Roger had the electrical know-how. If you have evidence to the contrary I'd like to see it. But I'm sure Roger knew what he wanted and conveyed that to Alex.
Either way, we agree that they were both involved in the development of the preamp and it is a rousing success.
re: SWR and EDEN, I know EDEN built SWR's earlier Goliath cabs. I had an EDEN D410T and took it to compare with a newer Goliath loaded with PAS speakers.They were very different sounding in spite of identical cabinet proportions. Goes to show just how much speakers, crossover and tweeter can make a difference in the same box.
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Circuitry and components, and the details of their execution even if the container is the 'same', will indeed make the difference.
 
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#50
Just a heads up if weight matters to you buy from a store that lists the weight or will tell you. Most of the ones I see are over 10lb but there is one on Reverb from a store that's closing that is a notch over 9. You can find them even lighter if you look around but most of them seem to be in the 10-11 range. You will love it when you find the right one though
 
#51
I am kinda bummed. I’m returning a new Metro Expo Vintage JJ5 that I had the VTC installed on. The fretwork is pretty bad and requires super high action to play without unacceptable buzz.The worst is the B string unfortunately, Almost every fret up to the 12th has a very bad buzz. Not a normal amount for a B string either (which is expected to a degree) either, some of the worst I’ve encountered, even with the action too high to play. I considered having having a Plek done but that’ll put me at almost $2k invested in this, which I just can’t justify. May as well look at a used Metroline for that price range.

It’s a shame because it sounds so good with the stock pickups and the upgraded preamp. It has an absolutely killer J bass tone and can sound huge if you want it to. The versatility with the VTC is just awesome.

I’m not sure about exchanging it or just going in another direction. Because Lakland does Plek their basses, I’m probably going to look at them.

Not being able to play an instrument before buying it is frustrating and I hate sending things back, because my rep at Sweetwater is awesome and I don’t want to be a PITA to him.

I want that Sadowsky tone but I’m hesitant to try another one unless I can play it first.
 
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#52
markbmbass said:
I am kinda bummed. I’m returning a new Metro Expo Vintage JJ5 that I had the VTC installed on. The fretwork is pretty bad and requires super high action to play without unacceptable buzz.The worst is the B string unfortunately, Almost every fret up to the 12th has a very bad buzz. Not a normal amount for a B string either (which is expected to a degree) either, some of the worst I’ve encountered, even with the action too high to play. I considered having having a Plek done but that’ll put me at almost $2k invested in this, which I just can’t justify. May as well look at a used Metroline for that price range.

It’s a shame because it sounds so good with the stock pickups and the upgraded preamp. It has an absolutely killer J bass tone and can sound huge if you want it to. The versatility with the VTC is just awesome.

I’m not sure about exchanging it or just going in another direction. Because Lakland does Plek their basses, I’m probably going to look at them.

Not being able to play an instrument before buying it is frustrating and I hate sending things back, because my rep at Sweetwater is awesome and I don’t want to be a PITA to him.

I want that Sadowsky tone but I’m hesitant to try another one unless I can play it first.
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I'm sorry about your situation. Such a bummer after the anticipation of getting a new bass only to result in disappointment. I wouldn't feel bad about engaging your sales rep. That's what they're there for and customer satisfaction should be their priority.

Regarding the Plek, I purchased my Lakland Skyline 44-60 new back in 2018 and it had the Plek but I still needed some fret dressing. Luckily the shop I purchased it from did me a solid and didn't charge me but may not always be the case.
 
#53
I love my MEs. Admittedly ive never played a Lakland though. Good luck with your decision!
Screenshot_20251117_185848_Gallery.jpg
 
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