Lakland Skyline values?

[Felix1776]

I've been curious about Lakland basses for quite a while. I figured out early on that the USA models are pretty far beyond what I can expect to spend anytime soon. So, I've been researching the skyline models. No one around me a carries Laklands so I've never been able to play one but I've looked at a few in the classifieds. It's my understanding that the skylines are all imports (Indo or korea?). Aside from a few outliers, I've found that used skylines are selling for as much and sometimes more than very similar MIA Fenders which I found very surprising. I'm not really in the market for one right now but I'm curious. So, what's the deal with these skylines?

 

[jasper383]

They are all, as far as I know, imported from Korea (up to a few years ago), and now Indonesia.

They are comparable, IMO, to MIA Fenders.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Skylines cost about the same as Fender Standards. I think they are better, especially the fives since I think Lakland five string necks are pretty dang close to perfect.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I have owned two a 55-01 and a 55-02.. I still own the 55-01.. both were very well made basses..

 

[mmbongo]

Even though I now have two Roscoes I still have my Skyline 44-02. I just can't part with it yet. Have never played a Fender that can even come close to it.

 

[mark beem]

I have 4 Skylines currently. I wouldn't have them if they weren't fantastic basses. Playability is top notch and the necks are some of the best I've played.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I recently purchased a used 5502 from Guitar Center for $599 so there are deals to be found. Mine is an '06 Korean model with the Hanson pickups and was modded with an Aguilar OPB3 preamp.

Great deal!

 

[pedroims]

I have a DJ5, made in Indonesia, great quality, superb feeling , amazing tone and fantastic B string. I paid $ 1,200 for it brand new, way less than a brand new Fender V MIA.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I recently purchased a used 5502 from Guitar Center for $599 so there are deals to be found. Mine is an '06 Korean model with the Hanson pickups and was modded with an Aguilar OPB3 preamp.

Great deal!

You call that a great deal? That is a FANTASTIC deal!! 55-02s usually go for around $700-$900 used depending on condition .. $600 is a 55-01 price !

 

[socialleper]

I've been curious about Lakland basses for quite a while. I figured out early on that the USA models are pretty far beyond what I can expect to spend anytime soon. So, I've been researching the skyline models. No one around me a carries Laklands so I've never been able to play one but I've looked at a few in the classifieds. It's my understanding that the skylines are all imports (Indo or korea?). Aside from a few outliers, I've found that used skylines are selling for as much and sometimes more than very similar MIA Fenders which I found very surprising. I'm not really in the market for one right now but I'm curious. So, what's the deal with these skylines?

I'm a bit of a Skyline junky, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
The Skyline series, if Lakland's marketing to to be believed, are "assembled" overseas from US designed parts. The electronics and hardware are the same as the US models. There are some minor differences in the nut and the necks of the US ones are quarter sawn. The US models also have a lot more finish options and can be built to order. The Skylines are massed produced and you have to just go with what is available. I don't know where the Asian models source their wood from.
Some people have made a fuss over whether they were assembled in Korea, Indonesia, or where ever. I don't care too much about that, but I'm picky about the years only because I prefer the Bartolini electronics over the LH-3 electronics.
Tone wise, the US and Skyline models are near impossible to tell apart. When I bought my first one new in 2006 I was flush with cash and could have bought a US model, but after playing both, couldn't find a reason not to buy the Skyline for half the price.
The 44-01 and 55-01 basic design is similar to the staple 44\55-02, but with a simplified electronics package. The -02 is where it is at. It is one of the most flexible designs you will come across. Instead of switching between serial and parallel, the MM humbucker splits, giving you a MM tone, a 70s jazz tone, and a 60s jazz tone. The single coil at the neck does a great imitation of a P bass and its dead quiet. The pan, three band EQ, mids adjustment in the cavity, and spliter give you an endless supply of tones. The biggest downside is the Bart and LH electronics are a little on the polite side, meaning if you like the gritty snarl of open pole piece pickups like Seymour Duncans, you might find the Skylines a little subdued in the highs. The jazz settings will never give you a Fender Marcus Miller or Geddy Lee brightness. The articulation is very high-mids focused.
Because they are Asian assembled, the Skylines don't hold there value at all. They go for $1400 new and $700-800 used; so a roughly 50% loss of value. If you buy one new, you are screwed. If you buy one used, its a tremendous value. I now have three; a maple and natural finish 4, rosewood and black finish 4 with a tort pg, and a rosewood and black finish 5. The 5s are 35" scale BTW, which is a must for me. I also like the string-through-body construction.

 

[socialleper]

I have a DJ5, made in Indonesia, great quality, superb feeling , amazing tone and fantastic B string. I paid $ 1,200 for it brand new, way less than a brand new Fender V MIA.

Does the DJ get the same snap as a MM or Geddy jazz? I've always been curious about these and the AJ series.

 

[Eilif]

Most info related to skylines has been printed already, and as you have found, used Skylines often hold their value better than many other brands, but I will add this regarding skyline bargains. Skyline's have been around just long enough that I am starting to see some in stores that have notable cosmetic wear for quite a bargain. A clean used 55-02 might easily fetch 8-9 hundred, but I saw a perfectly playable example at a local shop recently with some road wear. (a few dings, a bit of buckle rash, but nothign structural) for around $700.

If you're willing to accept some cosmetic flaws, keep your eyes open. Bargains are out there.

Also, I love my 55-01.

 

[pedroims]

Does the DJ get the same snap as a MM or Geddy jazz? I've always been curious about these and the AJ series.

Yes it does, even better to my ears, here is a good video of DJ5

 

[mark beem]

Yes it does, even better to my ears, here is a good video of DJ5

Great tone!!! May have to snag myself a DJ5!!!

 

[Jhass]

I have a Indonesian Skyline 44-51. Aside from some humidity-related fret sprout when it was new (had that easily taken care of), it has been great. It sounds powerful and punchy (Lakland US-made electronics), the neck is stable, it has PLEK'd frets, it seems never to go out of tune, and it looks great IMO. I brought it to a well-respected Boston-area luthier (who is also a professional bass player) with a set-up question, and he had nice things to say about the build quality.

 

[Felix1776]

I'm a bit of a Skyline junky, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
The Skyline series, if Lakland's marketing to to be believed, are "assembled" overseas from US designed parts. The electronics and hardware are the same as the US models. There are some minor differences in the nut and the necks of the US ones are quarter sawn. The US models also have a lot more finish options and can be built to order. The Skylines are massed produced and you have to just go with what is available. I don't know where the Asian models source their wood from.
Some people have made a fuss over whether they were assembled in Korea, Indonesia, or where ever. I don't care too much about that, but I'm picky about the years only because I prefer the Bartolini electronics over the LH-3 electronics.
Tone wise, the US and Skyline models are near impossible to tell apart. When I bought my first one new in 2006 I was flush with cash and could have bought a US model, but after playing both, couldn't find a reason not to buy the Skyline for half the price.
The 44-01 and 55-01 basic design is similar to the staple 44\55-02, but with a simplified electronics package. The -02 is where it is at. It is one of the most flexible designs you will come across. Instead of switching between serial and parallel, the MM humbucker splits, giving you a MM tone, a 70s jazz tone, and a 60s jazz tone. The single coil at the neck does a great imitation of a P bass and its dead quiet. The pan, three band EQ, mids adjustment in the cavity, and spliter give you an endless supply of tones. The biggest downside is the Bart and LH electronics are a little on the polite side, meaning if you like the gritty snarl of open pole piece pickups like Seymour Duncans, you might find the Skylines a little subdued in the highs. The jazz settings will never give you a Fender Marcus Miller or Geddy Lee brightness. The articulation is very high-mids focused.
Because they are Asian assembled, the Skylines don't hold there value at all. They go for $1400 new and $700-800 used; so a roughly 50% loss of value. If you buy one new, you are screwed. If you buy one used, its a tremendous value. I now have three; a maple and natural finish 4, rosewood and black finish 4 with a tort pg, and a rosewood and black finish 5. The 5s are 35" scale BTW, which is a must for me. I also like the string-through-body construction.

Thanks for the insight. Good info. I'm dying to try out a Lakland. I'm sort of searching for the last Jazz V (whatever brand that happens to be) that I'll ever buy. Lakland's "jazz" v basses seem to have a great reputation. The 35" scale seems to set them apart from the Fender. I'm really only used to Fender basses: 34" 20 (?) frets. Seems Laklands are all 35" and 22 frets. How big of a change is that?

It also seems Lakland's have a narrower nut too.

 

[Felix1776]

Most info related to skylines has been printed already, and as you have found, used Skylines often hold their value better than many other brands, but I will add this regarding skyline bargains. Skyline's have been around just long enough that I am starting to see some in stores that have notable cosmetic wear for quite a bargain. A clean used 55-02 might easily fetch 8-9 hundred, but I saw a perfectly playable example at a local shop recently with some road wear. (a few dings, a bit of buckle rash, but nothign structural) for around $700.

If you're willing to accept some cosmetic flaws, keep your eyes open. Bargains are out there.

Also, I love my 55-01.

I actually kind of dig basses that show honest (key word) wear as long as they are still structurally sound.

 

[Felix1776]

I have a Indonesian Skyline 44-51. Aside from some humidity-related fret sprout when it was new (had that easily taken care of), it has been great. It sounds powerful and punchy (Lakland US-made electronics), the neck is stable, it has PLEK'd frets, it seems never to go out of tune, and it looks great IMO. I brought it to a well-respected Boston-area luthier (who is also a professional bass player) with a set-up question, and he had nice things to say about the build quality.

Man, I dig that.

 

[Gougedeye]

Lakland Skylines are a great value, in my opinion. I have 4 Skylines, a 55-01, 55-60 fretless, DJ5, and LOG 55-64 and 1 American made 55-94. All of these have great playability and construction. I am on the hunt for more! A 5 string Scheff, a 55-02 and another 55-64. They really are good and can be had for a bargain price on the used market!

 

[johnson79]

The handful of Skyline basses I've played were outstanding. I was in love with a pre-owned Decade but didn't have the cash. It was one of the best basses I've ever played and I 100% mean that.