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LAKLAND USA VS SKYLINE?
- Thread starter Beaver Felton
- Start date
Beaver,
You have started about five threads and you are already trying to get a flamefest going?
Laklands are great basses. Get Dan to start making some Skylines in lefty and I would be happy.
You have started about five threads and you are already trying to get a flamefest going?
Laklands are great basses. Get Dan to start making some Skylines in lefty and I would be happy.
Same feelings here.
It's all in the neck. Few companies make one that nice Skylines are fine for the price, but the necks don't begin to compare. Also, in the several skylines and USA's I've owned I have found the USA to be more resonant.
If Joey Squid didn't ship my old Sherwood Green JO overseas somewhere it would be sitting next to me right now.
Beaver,
You have started about five threads and you are already trying to get a flamefest going?
Laklands are great basses. Get Dan to start making some Skylines in lefty and I would be happy.
David, sorry, I'm unclear on what you mean by flamefest....
I'm not sure if Lakland has plans to produce lefty Skylines, but I doubt it, sorry....Other Lefty interests?
BF
Beaver,
Just joshing you! A flamefest is when one posts a controversial topic that leads to posters taking very strong positions and sometimes leading to personal attacks. For instance: in the bass forum someone recently started a thread with the premise that the MTD Z was almost as good as an MTD American. Guys that have the Z think they are great, obviously, and the guys that spent the money for the real deal think it's laughable that they do. Post your same thread in the Bass Forum and you would probably see some highly agitated people with wildly differing opinions.
Other lefty interests: I would love to find a used lefty four string Jazz either Lakland or Sadowsky. Eventually, and probably in the not to distant future, I will cough up the bucks and order a new one.
Beaver,
Just joshing you! A flamefest is when one posts a controversial topic that leads to posters taking very strong positions and sometimes leading to personal attacks. For instance: in the bass forum someone recently started a thread with the premise that the MTD Z was almost as good as an MTD American. Guys that have the Z think they are great, obviously, and the guys that spent the money for the real deal think it's laughable that they do. Post your same thread in the Bass Forum and you would probably see some highly agitated people with wildly differing opinions.
Other lefty interests: I would love to find a used lefty four string Jazz either Lakland or Sadowsky. Eventually, and probably in the not to distant future, I will cough up the bucks and order a new one.
David, understood to all the above. Thanx for the explanation.
Please let me know when in the market and I'll take care of you.
BF
To me there is a significant difference in feel. The USA 5 string necks are amazingly sleek and fast, the skylines are a little chunkier. The fretwork on the USAs is also amazing with the rounded fret ends and tucked fingerboard edges (the "broken in" feel) ... the skylines are better than other production basses but not on the same level as the USAs.
Its not fair for me to compare tone, since my USA JO is alder and my skyline DJ (w/fralins) was ash ... but my USA is much more resonant (it really sings) and sits better in the mix. The bass itself has better tone, even though the pickups are identical.
I do think the best bet is to just play them and see for yourself, especially since each specific instrument is a little different. I didn't like the USA Glaub that I ordered from you Beaver (felt great in the hands, but that specific bass seemed like it was a little too light/resonant for its own good as a roundwounds bass) ... but I love the USA JOBO and 55-94 that I have now. Basses are like a living thing ... they've all got a personality that has nothing to do with quality.
Its not fair for me to compare tone, since my USA JO is alder and my skyline DJ (w/fralins) was ash ... but my USA is much more resonant (it really sings) and sits better in the mix. The bass itself has better tone, even though the pickups are identical.
I do think the best bet is to just play them and see for yourself, especially since each specific instrument is a little different. I didn't like the USA Glaub that I ordered from you Beaver (felt great in the hands, but that specific bass seemed like it was a little too light/resonant for its own good as a roundwounds bass) ... but I love the USA JOBO and 55-94 that I have now. Basses are like a living thing ... they've all got a personality that has nothing to do with quality.
Understood to all the above. Yeah, each bass can have its own vibe, pros, and cons. I'm sorry you didn't like the USA BG, but glad you dig the other two. Please let me know if you need anything at all....
BF
Ha! That was me.
I own a Skyline Scheff and a USA Deluxe Scheff. I use the Skyline more than any other bass I own. The USA is fretless and was Dan Lakin's own, (so you know it's a sweetie). It is a beautiful, handmade axe, but the Skyline has sonic qualities that the Deluxe does not and I find them appealing. It's also nice and light. USA necks are far more refined and I think would give it away in the blindfold test.
But they share the same excellent design, and that is trickle-down value for sure. You would be foolish to assume Skylines are not worthy instruments just from a price bias. I expect most of the cost difference can be traced to what the respective workers are paid, not so much 'cheaper' materials.
I've always found people's willingness to quote this sentiment as strange, since ordinary experience tells us that, in fact, often you don't always get what you pay for. In fact, think how much easier life would be if "you get what you pay for" were actually true... pay more for something, get more; pay less get, less. We all know that this is just not true, even as a generalisation.
I also find it interesting that people think "boutique" or "high end" = "pro", when in fact, the mark of a real pro is generally they have the ability to sound good without using particularly expensive gear. I've heard pros play on very ordinary "off the rack" equipment and sound great, whereas the guys with the _really_ expensive gear tend to be middle-level players that are trying to get to next rung via the credit card... they have come to believe that the difference between their sound and a "pro" sound is in the gear. Again, ordinary experience tells us that rarely is that the case.
I love beautiful, well-made instruments as much as the next guy, and would never criticise someone for paying a substantial amount for an instrument if it pleases them and they derive happiness and pleasure from owning and playing such an instrument; but I'm too hard headed to make the mistake of thinking you need the top-shelf stuff to be "pro". These days, you can get a perfectly professional level instrument for < $1000... the bang-for-buck these days is truly remarkable.
-Mark
I used to have a 55-01. While I've never tried a Lakland USA model and can't comment on the difference, I imagine the point of diminishing returns comes into play....hence value of the purchase. In other words, if you like the tone/feel/look better, do you like it $XXX.00 better?
Considering the reputation of the Skylines, I doubt the difference would justify the increased cost in my world.
Considering the reputation of the Skylines, I doubt the difference would justify the increased cost in my world.
Guys (and girls), thanx for the feedback, which, is predictably, still quite varied. Lot's of valid points made, no doubt, but in the end, as usual, it comes down to the individual's personal preference/"reality".
thanx again,
BF
thanx again,
BF
I felt more of a weight difference in Skylines (not that I've picked up too many of them - just recently at Lakland's open house). I have a 55-94 that's about nine years old and it only needed about 1/8 turn of the truss rod to bring it to factory set-up specs. I don't know if that would have been true with the flat sawn Skyline necks (vs. quarter sawn w/graphite on USA necks).
I also prefer the feel of the oiled neck vs. the satin on the Skylines but that's just a personal preference thing. Had Skylines been available when I bought my 55-94, I might have bought one. I do think they're a great value for the money.
I also prefer the feel of the oiled neck vs. the satin on the Skylines but that's just a personal preference thing. Had Skylines been available when I bought my 55-94, I might have bought one. I do think they're a great value for the money.
+1. Beaver and Grasshopper always told me to make sure I get exactly what I want-- and 3 Skylines would not be a replacement for my 1 55-94. I bought a 55 01 last year and sold it a month later because it didnt' sound anything near to what my USA did to my ear. Beaver you know how I feel too.
Hey Beaver,
I did this project for Lakland:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I spent a RIDICULOUS amount of time with these basses - both Skys and US models.
I liked them all - but have to say my absolute favorite was the USJO4. Somehow it sounded 'older' and more resonant and warm than its Skyline counterpart. I also recorded a USBGPJ that stood out over the Sky BG to me.
I just thought I'd shoot that link to you. Same player - same lines - same backing tracks - different basses. I think it's a pretty cool way to check out the sonic characteristics of these instruments short of having them in your hands.
And YES Skylines are great . . . but the US basses are better!
Ian
I did this project for Lakland:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I spent a RIDICULOUS amount of time with these basses - both Skys and US models.
I liked them all - but have to say my absolute favorite was the USJO4. Somehow it sounded 'older' and more resonant and warm than its Skyline counterpart. I also recorded a USBGPJ that stood out over the Sky BG to me.
I just thought I'd shoot that link to you. Same player - same lines - same backing tracks - different basses. I think it's a pretty cool way to check out the sonic characteristics of these instruments short of having them in your hands.
And YES Skylines are great . . . but the US basses are better!
Ian
Ian, Agreed, as everyone would probably concur. but it still comes down to perceived value, budget, etc., etc. thanx for your input.
FTR, the USA models are still in demand and we have a zillion on order, many of which are pre-sold!
Thanx,
BF
As long it's Lakland I think we're all .
I own a 5501, 5502D, and Sky JO5.
My mission in life is to own one of every 5 string Skyline. I only have one to go.
I also want a BG (may do US for the color).
If I had all Skylines or all US's or some combination, I'd still be happy...
.I own a 5501, 5502D, and Sky JO5.
My mission in life is to own one of every 5 string Skyline. I only have one to go.
I also want a BG (may do US for the color).
If I had all Skylines or all US's or some combination, I'd still be happy...
Odd. I've had two Skylines. A 44-02 and BG. I had to re-nut and realign both the neck's on them. Can't say as I'm overwhelmed with the famed USA setup... After I (and my luthier) got done with the setup's - they were two nice working stiff (blue collar ?) basses. I can't get too wound up about it though - both basses were correctable with minor neck pocket work. Being picky about my setup, I expect to re-nut just about everything ...
I've never had a USA Lakland in my hands so I can't make any comparison there. Will I purchase another Lakland. Probably. I'll be a little cautious about the mechanicals if it's a Skyline. Unlikely that it will be a US Lakland as with a studio to feed as well, I can't let the budget all go to just one place... would that I could. If boats are a hole in the water into which one pours money, project studio's are a close cousin...
I've never had a USA Lakland in my hands so I can't make any comparison there. Will I purchase another Lakland. Probably. I'll be a little cautious about the mechanicals if it's a Skyline. Unlikely that it will be a US Lakland as with a studio to feed as well, I can't let the budget all go to just one place... would that I could. If boats are a hole in the water into which one pours money, project studio's are a close cousin...
I started playing bass again after a near-20 year layoff with a Skyline 5501. I loved it but made several attempts to add a second "more professional" five string to my closet. After two years of trying Fender, Yamaha and Music Man I gave up and traded a Gibson Ripper and a Sting Ray 5 toward the Lakland 55-94 you see in my avatar. It is my main bass now. The 5501 has fewer tonal options than the 55-94 and didn't seem as well rounded. It was a bit heavier in weight. The necks were close, but the 55-94 neck has spoiled me for nay other neck. The response on the 55-94 is absolutely even at every spot on the neck, even when I play the B string at the 12th fret. No dead spots, no note dropout. even the high notes on the G string are full sounding.
