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Lakland vs Fender...

J

John Pierce

Nov 6, 2016
2
1
#1
The time has come for a new instrument and I’m finding myself extremely torn between two directions. In an effort to keep this concise, I’m essentially looking for the best ‘Precision Bass’ for around $1000.
I’ve got my eye on a couple of the more recent series of Fender Precision basses, but I’ve also heard fantastic things about Lakland basses. There are a few listings online of the Lakland 44-64 model and it looks to be right up my alley. The only issue is the fact that I have never touched a Lakland bass. I don’t want to make a big online order only to be disappointed and regretful in the end. If I could choose, I would like an American made instrument but with my budget I recognize that might not be possible.
I’m wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience with Fender Precision vs Lakland 44-64, or any similar Lakland models. Thanks in advance!
 
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#3
There was a time when I would have always voted for the Lakland Skylines but I have found that since the move to Indonesia I find the Skyline series rather generic and heavy. The price is close to a TON of great Fender stuff. If you want to spend time looking for a Korean Skyline prior to 2005 then you will have a bass that kills pretty much anything Fender puts out in that price range but if you are looking new go Fender.
 
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#5
Johnny Alien said:
There was a time when I would have always voted for the Lakland Skylines but I have found that since the move to Indonesia I find the Skyline series rather generic and heavy. The price is close to a TON of great Fender stuff. If you want to spend time looking for a Korean Skyline prior to 2005 then you will have a bass that kills pretty much anything Fender puts out in that price range but if you are looking new go Fender.
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I agree. Those Korean skylines are spectacular, I've found the Indonesian ones more hit or miss (but there are still good ones).

I haven't played a fender Vintera bass yet, but I played one of their Teles a couple weeks ago, and it was a spectacular instrument.

The other thing would be to look used. You ought to be able to get any number of used fenders or laklands under a grand
 
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#8
I’ve owned plenty of Fender P and Jazz basses. I currently own a Fender MIM P and a Lakland Skyline P as well as a Fender MIA Jazz and a Lakland Skyline Jazz. Both of the Laklands were made after 2010. I guess that means they were made in Indonesia.

Although I am biased in favor of Fenders, I have found the Laklands to be nicer basses. I don’t know what the guy above is talking about when he says Skylines are “heavy”. That’s not true. My Lakland Jazz is a feather. The P bass is light, too. My Laklands are definitely lighter than my Fenders. I also like the additional 21st frets you get on the Laklands.

My Skyline jazz, which came Pleked from the factory, is probably the best playing bass I’ve owned. I just bought a brand new Fodera and the Lakland plays better. Yes, really.

I love the cosmetics of Fenders. Better looking headstock, better looking (but cheaper) bridge and the classic Fender logo. But, the I think the Laklands are “nicer” instruments.
 
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#15
I should note that I’m happy with all my Laklands and Fenders. Fender does give me that warm and fuzzy feeling, but only because of the name. If I’m gonna play a song like Chick Corea’s “Got a Match?” that has crazy fast runs in the upper register, I’m undoubtedly using my Lakland. It’s next to impossible for me to play a song like that on a Fender.

You will most likely be happy with either bass.
 
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#17
I've had both and I like both.

One of the things I like about the Laks is that if I've ever had a problem I could call them up or email them and find a remedy for the problem pretty easily. I've ordered or been sent replacement pots, screws, knobs, etc... from a live person at the factory in Chicago. I've asked them questions about replacing PUs and preamps and have always gotten honest advice, and that's for Skylines AND US models. All that goes a long way for me.

But that's not to say that I'm not still jonesin' for an Fender Elite, lol!
 
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#18
A dozen Korean Skylines over the years here....several models. Only one light weight one in the bunch (a 4402 Dlx @ 8lbs, 2oz), a couple that were pushing 10lbs, the rest in the 9 - 9 1/2 lb range. The only Skyline that's still here is a 4401 with its import Bart MK elecs. Oddly, it met my tone goals much better than the others, despite their more expensive elecs packages, including one with a pair of Darkstars. At a portly-ish 9lbs, 4oz.....if it was 8lbs my 4401 would be pretty close to perfect for me.

Skyline better than Fender? Certainly a cut above a typical MIM Fender. In the same class as a Fender Roscoe Beck?...or a Fender American Deluxe Dimension? For me...no, not even close.
 
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#19
I just played the Vintera the other day at GC and it's a pretty sweet bass. I can't vouch for the newer Laklands but I've heard nothing but good things about them and their customer service.

I did own a first-run ('01) Korean Skyline 55-01 for about 10 years and it was a very good instrument, no real issues to speak of.
 

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