Lakland USA or Mike Lull P5

[Gizmot]

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.
View attachment 1183053

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

Yeah - that was my inference- there are a lot more Lakland basses out there. I'd go for the Lull for some exclusivity and the cool guy factor.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Yeah - that was my inference- there are a lot more Lakland basses out there. I'd go for the Lull for some exclusivity and the cool guy factor.

It'll take more than a Lull to make me a cool guy

 

[Gizmot]

It'll take more than a Lull to make me a cool guy

Love your profile quote! I'd have to admit the same thing, but good gear helps you sound better even if you don't have the chops

 

[joebar]

I just picked up a fender USA P5 professional last week.
That bass hits on all cylinders and has a lovely neck profile and a really good B string.
A top of the line fender will be on par with these other two models; we're talking about a hammer here and not a surgical instrument (P bass).
It will come down to the details.
It still leaves the dilemma of finding these exact basses to play before plunking down the dough.

 

[Crash 56]

I currently own a Lull M5, a g&l M2500, and a American Fender Jazz. The Lull is a fabulous instrument, and probably the lightest bass I have great tone and neck. But if G&L made a five string P bass, I would have one. The neck on the M2500 is just the best . Of course, I like the tight string spacing....Never mind I guess you are going to have to play everything and decide for yourself!

 

[chris_b]

My experience is that my Lull PJ5 effectively retired my Lakland 55-94 and the Sadowsky Metro RV5 I bought earlier this year is struggling to get onto the gig.

 

[ricknote]

I have both although my Lakeland is a Skyline. I agree with other posters that it would be a best case senario if you could play both brands first, even if they aren't the exact same model you're looking for. They feel quite different and as previously mentioned the string and nut spacing are very different. Both USA models are wonderful instruments.
For the record, my Lull P5 is on par with the very best basses I've ever owned. Impeccable fretwork, perfect balance, light weight and a killer B string. Best of luck, whichever one you choose will likely be a keeper.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

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.
View attachment 1183053

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

That's a real beauty!

 

[MattLplaysBass]

That's a real beauty!

Thanks- it's even better in person. Nice dark rosewood board and starting to get that vintage tint on the neck. I really lucked out with it!

 

[PGold]

Thanks all for your input and comments. I picked up a Mike Lull P5 off Reverb. It arrived a few days ago.
It's killer. Everything is perfect on the instrument. Very pleased.
Peace.

 

[phillybass101]

Sounds like....I know you are, so what am I.

 

[ksukev]

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.

Dude, read your post from 2017. I too have a Lull PJ5 and my 55-94 will be delivered on Monday. LOL

 

[songwriter21]

Lull all day. I've played both, and Mike (RIP) has a phenomenal line of basses. Lakland have always just been "meh" to me...feel bulky, heavier, sound is sort of blanketed, etc.

 

[nonohmic]

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

What is the difference?