Lakland USA or Mike Lull P5

Two great choices, no disappointments either way. I went Lākland because I like the 4-94 features and design. I couldn't be happier with my choice. The neck is simply wonderful and seems to make the notes bloom unlike any other bass I've played.

A US 55-64 will certainly have a quartersawn neck and the Lull may or may not. Both will have a premium, well oriented and seasoned piece of neck wood, so either should be awesome. Other than that, electronics and ergonomics will be the tippers. Have fun deciding and stand by your choice!

 

I have a Mike Lull P-5, 35" scale, with a maple neck, and it is an awesome instrument. Mike and Paul at ML Guitars are fantastic to work with and the fit and finish is perfect (my experience) they offer options for the bass and make the experience first class. My bass moves allot of air!!! Big sound, even across the strings and easy to play and set up.
Lakland - another great instrument, great fit and finish, great folks to work with, another great experience and John is a great guy.
You really couldn't go wrong with either bass.
If I had to pick one it would be the Lull. Good luck.

 

To me, it would mostly come down to what kind of neck finish you prefer:
USA Lakland necks are oil finished, Lulls are satin urethane I think.
Lulls are probably lighter on average, too.
Also, I love the birdseye maple dots on rosewood fingerboard Laklands.

 

What is it about the Fender that you don't like, or needs to be upgraded?

 

You can't go wrong with either one. My Lakland JO4 is the best 4 string J I've ever played, and my Lull M5V's are the best 5 string J's I've ever played.

Another difference would be string spacing and scale length.
The Lull is 18mm at the bridge while the Lakland is 19mm.
The Lull is available in both 34" and 35" scale and I'm pretty sure the Lakland is only available in 35".
The Lull has a straight 12" radius vs. the 10-13" compound on the Lakland.

 

+1

This seems like a lateral move to me.

 

If the OP would prefer 35" scale or 19mm spacing, I can see it. If not, he is just spending for the same thing.

 

I had a very nice AmerDlx Jazz. My Lakland was not a lateral move, it's much more satisfying in every way.

 

Lakland or Lull...
That's like flipping a two-headed coin (assuming you choose "Heads")

You'll always win!

 

A USA Lakland will have more attention to detail than a Fender, as would a Lull P5. My question is why the change because both Lull and Lakland are 35" scale, and Lakland also has 19mm spacing at the bridge. Both of the "upgrades" will feel and play differently than a Fender P5. If the OP simply wants a better made Fender style P5, he might want to look into ordering a Moollon. I don't know if they are 18 or 19mm at the bridge.

 

I just checked Moollon online, I get the feeling they only five string Jazzes.

 

Lakland by far. Lulls are nice. Lakland are amazing. I literally only have Laklands and a fodera. That is how good Lakland is

 

The neck profiles are different. You might like the feel of one over the other.

 

I say my Lull PJ5 (J switched off, don't need it) with TI flats is one of the best basses I've owned.

IMO you can't go wrong with a Lakland either. Currently my other bass is a 55-94. Buy both, they compliment each other.

 

I love my Lull P4. I considered Laklands too, but couldn't find one that met all my criteria. My Lull comes in under 8 pounds and everything about it is great. I think Lulls are amazing, and Laklands are nice...seriously though, you can't go wrong with either one. I'd say it will come down to features and details, e.g. string spacing, neck profile and finish, etc. As others have mentioned...

 

Both basses are very nice but let's throw in a new Roscoe Classic Custom, mine plays really sweet 19mm spacing 34" scale! Also available in PJ configuration. 5 string will be 19mm spacing with 35" scale.

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There are more Laklands out in the world, but everyone who has played them raves about Mike Lull.

That's what I'd go with.

DISCLAIMER: Although I have a G & L, I don't play or lust after Fender-type basses. If I was going to get one, it would probably be a Sadowsky or a Dingwall.

 

I would disagree- there are very few US Lakland P5's (BG5/55-64) out there... there's definitely more basses out there with a Lakland sticker on the headstock though...

For the OP, I own a Lakland BG5, it's great and I love it. But you'll probably have to custom order one as they are not currently in production. Lakland uses the same neck shape for all their US 5 strings though, so you can get an idea of the neck and if you like it. If you're in the Chicago area, you're welcome to check mine out. It was just set up by Carl Pedigo, so it's like butter.


I have never played a Lull, but they have an excellent reputation. As others have said, I doubt you'll go wrong either way.