Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe

[Ruknrole]

I’m thinking about picking up a Lakeland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe.
Have never tried one but I’m intrigued by it. No stores in my area carry them so I can’t try before I buy.

Looking for opinions. Is there something similar I should also consider?

Arbitrary photo just to have something in the post.

 

[Ric Vice]

I have the lined fretless version of this bass and it plays easy and sounds incredible. Mine weighs in at @ 9 lbs which is very close to the weight

of my 55-94 from 1999. The Lakland Pickups are just slightly brighter than the original Bartolini’s on the 55-94. I did have the nut changed over to bone vs delrin

the necks are flat sawn on the Skylines, but their still Lakland quality with superior fretwork and profiling. The preamp and electronics are similar. Some have

mentioned that the Hipshot licensed tuners aren’t as sturdy as the true Hipshots, which may be true over

time but easily replaced. I put a tortoise shell pick guard on mine.

 

[Basselink]

I was in the same spot a few months back, with part of the concern being the 35" scale and not having a local place to try out even that scale of bass much less this specific model. I decided to bite the bullet on a blemished deal from GC (being able to return it was key). So far I really like it - the scale isn't really an issue although I notice the weight of it when I pick it up after playing my Fender MM Jazz. Do you have any specific concerns in mind, and are you anywhere close to a GC which I think has a few used models available (and 45 days to check it out)?

 

[Johnny Alien]

Some have mentioned that the Hipshot licensed tuners aren’t as sturdy as the true Hipshots, which may be true over

I have found the licensed Hipshots to be just as good quality wise as the American made version. I have never seen a need to change them and have actually replaced some tuners with the licensed variety because they are very nice and way more affordable.

 

[Ric Vice]

I have found the licensed Hipshots to be just as good quality wise as the American made version. I have never seen a need to change them and have actually replaced some tuners with the licensed variety because they are very nice and way more affordable.

Good to know, I have only had mine for 2 years, but there have been no issues with the Hipshot Licensed tuners on my instrument.

 

[Ruknrole]

I was in the same spot a few months back, with part of the concern being the 35" scale and not having a local place to try out even that scale of bass much less this specific model. I decided to bite the bullet on a blemished deal from GC (being able to return it was key). So far I really like it - the scale isn't really an issue although I notice the weight of it when I pick it up after playing my Fender MM Jazz. Do you have any specific concerns in mind, and are you anywhere close to a GC which I think has a few used models available (and 45 days to check it out)?

I do have a GC close by. I guess I could order online an have it delivered to store.
No specific concerns, just wanted to get opinions on the bass.

 

[Ruknrole]

I have the lined fretless version of this bass and it plays easy and sounds incredible. Mine weighs in at @ 9 lbs which is very close to the weight

of my 55-94 from 1999. The Lakland Pickups are just slightly brighter than the original Bartolini’s on the 55-94. I did have the nut changed over to bone vs delrin

the necks are flat sawn on the Skylines, but their still Lakland quality with superior fretwork and profiling. The preamp and electronics are similar. Some have

mentioned that the Hipshot licensed tuners aren’t as sturdy as the true Hipshots, which may be true over

time but easily replaced. I put a tortoise shell pick guard on mine.

View attachment 4110496 View attachment 4110497

I like it with the pickguard!

 

[Ric Vice]

I like it with the pickguard!

If you like the pick guard you can just contact Leo at Lakland and order it. I don’t know if you’d want one if you bought the deluxe version with the figured maple top. Unless it were neutral or clear.

 

[Ruknrole]

I do have a question, what’s a good weight for one of these?

 

[JSandbloom]

I’m thinking about picking up a Lakeland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe.
Have never tried one but I’m intrigued by it. No stores in my area carry them so I can’t try before I buy.

Looking for opinions. Is there something similar I should also consider?

Arbitrary photo just to have something in the post.
View attachment 4110129

If you want a good bass that sits well in a mix then get it.

 

[Jaycephas]

I have a 55-02 and it’s been a great, versatile bass. Probably a little over 10 lbs. Mine has a maple fretboard.

I wasn’t in love with the Lakeland pickups and electronics, so after awhile I replaced them with Nordstrand pickups and an Audere preamp. I love this combination. I use the coil tap switch to get a convincing Jazz tone, or the humbucker with the neck pickup to get a nice, fat tone that also cuts through the mix.

I grabbed a couple of pick guards from Lakland - mint green and tort.

I also have a Lakland Skyline DJ 5 that is my “Swiss army knife” bass (has Nordstrand pickups also), but I never hesitate to use the 55-02 as well.

The necks on the Laklands are awesome, and the fretwork is excellent. I’ve never had any issue playing a 35” neck because of the PLEK and profile of their necks.

I highly recommend their basses.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Always thought they sounded and played great, but I personally don't like 19mm spacing on a 5 so never bought one. They are great basses

 

[krfoss]

I have one with the bartolini pups. It's fantastic. Huge sound. Great feel. Fantastic b. Pretty affordable.

 

[baxter_x]

Great basses. Very particular tone il really enjoyed. I've owned both the 55-02 and the 55-94.i still regret a bit selling both. But my sadowsky were being played most of the time.

 

[Ric Vice]

I do have a question, what’s a good weight for one of these?

They vary in weight from @ 8.5 for the 55-94’s lbs to 10 lbs. Skylines are generally @ 9.5. because they are ash or alder, but each bass is different.

 

[Chef]

I had a 5502 I really enjoyed. pretty flexable, tone, wise

 

[InhumanResource]

I’m thinking about picking up a Lakeland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe.
Have never tried one but I’m intrigued by it. No stores in my area carry them so I can’t try before I buy.

Looking for opinions. Is there something similar I should also consider?

Arbitrary photo just to have something in the post.
View attachment 4110129

Super nice construction and comfortable to play. Probably the best value in terms of construction vs. price that I have run into.

I don't get along with the bartolini electronics (I had upgraded US pickups and pre in mine) but plenty of people do.

 

[Ric Vice]

Super nice construction and comfortable to play. Probably the best value in terms of construction vs. price that I have run into.

I don't get along with the bartolini electronics (I had upgraded US pickups and pre in mine) but plenty of people do.

If I remember correctly, for a brief time Lakland was offering an upgrade for previous owners to change over to the Hanson made Lakland pickups. I A/B a friends upgrade with my Bartolini's and decided to keep the Bart's but

many players preferred the Lakland's because they were more responsive to slaping. Since I did very little of that at the time, the Bartolini's suited me better. Just my take however. Lakland was smart to do that, because before

they changed over a lot of players were putting Agulliar pickups and preamps into their 55-94's.

 

[InhumanResource]

It was smart to give options. I think in that price range you're going to find a lot of customers in bands with thicker mixes and the Bart's just disappear in something like that.

 

[Thumpinshelton]

I have several 55-02's, a couple 55-01's, a DJ5, and a 55-94.....I think I may be a Lakland fan...ha! I love my Laklands and they are just great basses. I think you will enjoy it!