Lakland v Sadowsky

[baxter_x]

Neither Lakland or Sadowsky make genuine entry instruments. Adjusting for inflation, I would say entry level instruments run between $250 and $750 new. I don’t think Sadowsky or Lakland make anything $1,200.

True. My point was entry level instruments were at the price you mentioned.
You're right in your post

 

[JazznFunk]

Neither Lakland or Sadowsky make genuine entry instruments. Adjusting for inflation, I would say entry level instruments run between $250 and $750 new. I don’t think Sadowsky or Lakland make anything under $1,200.

I agree. I've always thought of the Skyline, and now MetroExpress, as mid-level instruments, not entry level.... even when they were first introduced. That said, in 2006/2007 we had an interesting time where MusicMan's USA-made SUB line was priced around $600/700, but Lakland Skylines started in the mid $700s. You could get a fantastic 'upper entry level' instrument for well under $1k.

For perspective, when the Korean Skylines first appeared, the 55-01 and 44-01 basses I bought were around $750, which was in 2007. My 44-02 Deluxe was $1,200 in 2007. Now, the -01 series basses are over $1k, and the 44-02 Deluxe is over $2k. Prices have gone up about 95% on average.

Even Sadowsky's MetroLine offerings are approaching the cost of a USA-made Lakland, which is interesting. But Sadowsky's USA basses are twice what a USA Lakland costs, generally speaking.

The most economical option of them all, in terms of average price point.... MetroExpress basses.

If I were to point someone to the best 'entry level' bass at present, I usually send them to the Squier Classic Vibe line.

 

[JazznFunk]

Can you all believe we are talking about thread that basically was nonsense assuming what OP was saying??

Anyway, let's keep on talking, we all enjoy it anyway.

We made chicken salad out of chicken , and learned a few things along the way! Go team!

 

[bass12]

I actually tried hard to make it shine.

Some basses just don't cut. It's not necessarily a question of the model/brand but of the individual bass. Wood is like that.

 

[Z-Bass]

Can you all believe we are talking about thread that basically was nonsense assuming what OP was saying??

Anyway, let's keep on talking, we all enjoy it anyway.

I know, right? Has the OP even chimed back in yet? Either case, yes, ended up having stimulating conversation.

 

[kokorollc]

While I'm a Sadowsky player and agree with your message, I don't see the relationship between your message and the title of your thread

You’re right. I sometimes react to these threads emotionally. I just want to try to add value to the discussion. I get carried away.

 

[ModuMan]

I say... why not both? They are killer instruments.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I say... why not both? They are killer instruments.
View attachment 7466843

Oh my, oh my!

 

[baxter_x]

I say... why not both? They are killer instruments.
View attachment 7466843

The last thig I need is someone encouraging me to get another bass. Especially since I bought another Sadowsky Modern 5 last week....

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I say... why not both? They are killer instruments.
View attachment 7466843

Let’s see that entire rack. I spy a Smith. What else you hiding back there?
Any stand out as a favorite ?

 

[Bass Viking]

They could have gotten something that simple done in a week.

Right, they could crank that out schnell!

 

[Z-Bass]

Let’s see that entire rack. I spy a Smith. What else you hiding back there?
Any stand out as a favorite ?

Yes, we'd love to see a full family photo. In addition to the Smith, I see a Modulus and a P-bass perhaps. But the rig! SWR into an Eden 4x10 cab.......superb tone.

 

[Fondsdale]

Leo Fender invented the Fender bass, making many significant changes over many models and years. And no, he didn't set up shop in NYC to refurbish his tired old basses for a prolific performance/studio trade. He was far too busy for that.

True and actual Fender innovation and transformation? Witness Fender's evolution in bass and electronics in the original company, and in subsequent Leo Fender endeavors of Music Man and G&L. That same innovation (across all 3 companies) has been copied and incorporated by a plethora of companies/luthiers/kit assemblers/brands. All anyone needs to do is look at Fender patents/copyrights/trademarks to witness the true genius of Leo Fender, whose legacy is copied to this day.

None of the Fender copiers would be known without Leo Fender's intelligence, innovation, and prolific design. That the copiers never acknowledge this, several even taking credit for Leo's designs, is just part of copier facade and charade.

Leo sold Fender to CBS, a record/TV company who essentially ran it into the ground. Then it pretty much disappears for a few years in the 80s. They had to subcontract to Japan to keep stock moving (to a factory, who, you guessed it, made Fender copies previously).

Who takes credit for Leo's designs? Everyone knows a J shaped bass is a Leo design. Leo made the Tele, Strat, Jazz, Precision and Stingray (plus others); I think his place in guitar & bass history is firmly cemented, no amount of copies will change that.

If CBS made better quality instruments that reflected the needs of the players at the time, then there would probably be much less copies around today.

 

[Bass Viking]

The trick is finding a little rod that is stiff and sturdy.

 

[Type-55]

This discussion is a classic rabbit hole. I owned a Lakland 2006 Skyline jazz and it played really well.
Came with Fralins as stock. Never should have sold it.
The USA Lakland 4-94 Classic I had from when Dan still owned the company, had one of the best feeling
necks I ever played. The Sadowsky I had was really nice but the neck on the Lakland to me had a better
Playing feel. Also, didn’t really care for the preamp. Now I own a D. Lakin USA jazz bass with a custom neck
and it plays like butter. All great basses and to each his own. So much great stuff out there.

 

[ModuMan]

Let’s see that entire rack. I spy a Smith. What else you hiding back there?
Any stand out as a favorite ?

Yes, we'd love to see a full family photo. In addition to the Smith, I see a Modulus and a P-bass perhaps. But the rig! SWR into an Eden 4x10 cab.......superb tone.

Well... if you insist! And at the risk of being immodest, given the day, any one could be a favorite! The other Lakland is a fretless so it's mostly there to remind me I need to play it more if I ever expect to get better at it.

In addition to most of the basses here, the rig is also a bit of a 90's Classic!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Well... if you insist! And at the risk of being immodest, given the day, any one could be a favorite! The other Lakland is a fretless so it's mostly there to remind me I need to play it more if I ever expect to get better at it.

In addition to most of the basses here, the rig is also a bit of a 90's Classic!
View attachment 7467673

Thank you!!! Wow!!!

 

[Joelc73]

Awesome collection!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Well... if you insist! And at the risk of being immodest, given the day, any one could be a favorite! The other Lakland is a fretless so it's mostly there to remind me I need to play it more if I ever expect to get better at it.

In addition to most of the basses here, the rig is also a bit of a 90's Classic!
View attachment 7467673

Now that is an impressive collection!

 

[Substrate]

Well... if you insist! And at the risk of being immodest, given the day, any one could be a favorite! The other Lakland is a fretless so it's mostly there to remind me I need to play it more if I ever expect to get better at it.

In addition to most of the basses here, the rig is also a bit of a 90's Classic!
View attachment 7467673

Fantastic!

Do the Fender 4's get picked on by all the 5 strings? Or does the six stick up for them?