• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

lakland skyline 55-01

R

Ryanrocksursock

Jan 17, 2008
49
0
#1
Im looking at getting a 5 string and i heard about laklands and there killer low bs... so i played one and WOW there right the bass kicks major but! i just had a question on the reliability of the skyline series... i know there made overseas. are they still well built basses? any problems?

Thanks!
 
#3
Like getting a bum one? I wouldn't be too concernd, the overall quality control is very good. The biggest variable is the weight. Other than that, they are what they are and if you dig the one you tried you should be very happy. Really the best boom for the buck in a 5.
 
#4
The only weakness is the electronics, and they're really not that bad as long as you roll off the treble. The good point to these is that they're very easily upgradeable and Nordstrand's signature pickups, (Big Singles, Big Splits, Fat Stacks, etc.) drop in there with no modifications or routing and Bartolini also makes a US made pickup that's a direct drop in too. I put the Big Singles and a Bartolini NTMB 18v preamp in it and it turned it into a beast. The B strings are killer and the neck profile is perfect IMO.
 
#5
FWIW, the only problem I've ever had was my own fault...I replaced the battery on my 55-01 backwards, which fried the preamp circuit. I didn't realize what I had done, only that it wasn't working. I emailed Dan Lakin and explained that it wasn't working, and without question he just sent me a replacement circuit. I popped it in (no soldering required), problem solved. I think that speaks to their commitment to quality and customer service.

I would not hesitate to buy this bass based on it's country of origin.
 
#6
i've had my 55-01 for about 2.5 weeks now, so i won't comment on long term reliability.

it has replaced my american jazz as my main bass, and not just because i wanted a 5 string. the playibility is outstanding, it stays in tune like nothing i've ever played before, and sounds great. it's the only bass i've ever purchased that hasn't needed any set up work when i got it home. so far, i've changed the strings to elixer nanoweb (personal preference) and changed the battery to a duracell (cheap battery that came with it was fine, i just like to know i have a good battery).

i've hauled this thing around the area already, and it's surprised me more than once. i've driven 20 miles to a band practice, set up, went to tune... didn't need it. 6 hours later, i check the tuning again... barely out... my fender has never done that. i did a recording with a friend of mine with the lakland, and was very pleased with the whole experience. jam sessions with other friends of mine... no problems whatsoever.

the 55-01 is quality, for sure. i'd definately rate it as high or higher than my american fender jazz(wich has no problems, either). the only complaint i've ever even heard of was the bartolini pickups/preamp, and i don't see why anyone would complain about it.
 
#7
I had a 44-01 (4 string version) and while I liked it I found it to be quite heavy, and im not a small guy. I also found that the electronics cavity needed to be shielded as well. Overall it was a very solid bass, very well built, stayed tuned for days but I couldnt get the sound out of it that I wanted...The bart pickups/pre were not what I was looking for so I sold the bass rather then try to mod it (im pretty dumb when it comes to that).

If the bass speaks to you then i would go for it, they are great basses, well made and you should be happy with it! I would love to try one again and give it a second chance but no one sells them in stores here so im SOL....
 
#13
Mine's six years old and never had any issues at all with it. I loaned it to the guy who plays bass at church, and he fell in love. So he bought one about four years ago. Ron plays it for two rehearsals a week, and the services so he's putting about 15-20 hours a week on it. He just changes strings and batteries, and tweaks the truss rod periodically.

Go for it.

John
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back