The 4401 had awesome pickups. Way better than the fanicer ones. I think barts are generally too polite for my taste, whereas the 4401 was suitably snotty
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Lakland vs Fender...
- Thread starter John Pierce
- Start date
Laklands are boutique basses, even the Skyline basses. I will always use a Fender Precision in the studio for recording which is why I always keep one on hand. But for technical parts, even a Skyline is preferred option. Take a listen to this Skyline!
I have both although most of my Fenders are older.
My 2 Laklands (both from Indonesia) play great and I love the necks (44-01 and 44-02).
One is 8.5 lbs; the other is under 8 lbs so the lightweight bass are out there.
These are much better than MIM Fenders IMO; I have a 2018 P.
As far as US Fenders; they are different and you would have to try one of each.
I think the Lakland build quality and designs are excellent.
The huge downside is that I can't try one without driving hundreds of miles.
It was a buddy that let me try his that got me hooked.
My 2 Laklands (both from Indonesia) play great and I love the necks (44-01 and 44-02).
One is 8.5 lbs; the other is under 8 lbs so the lightweight bass are out there.
These are much better than MIM Fenders IMO; I have a 2018 P.
As far as US Fenders; they are different and you would have to try one of each.
I think the Lakland build quality and designs are excellent.
The huge downside is that I can't try one without driving hundreds of miles.
It was a buddy that let me try his that got me hooked.
My go to P Basses are a Nash 57P Bass or a USA Lakland Bob Glaub.
I’ve had great success with Mike Lull’s P4.
Used G&L is another option.
If you up your budget a few hundred you will get into the price range for a great used hi End P Bass.
I’ve had great success with Mike Lull’s P4.
Used G&L is another option.
If you up your budget a few hundred you will get into the price range for a great used hi End P Bass.
I'm a Fender guy, currently own 6. Lakland Skylines have superior fit/finish, even over USA Fenders. I could never bond with their tone though.
I think a Standard LB-100 by G&L can be had for just under a grand!! And its American Made.
I’d have to say the same. I had a Skyline 44-02. Korean made. Gorgeous bass. But I couldn't get used to the neck and never really clicked with it. I’m just a Fender guy. The Skylines are great but like many have said you need to try one first.
They say vote with your wallet. Well...... For me Laklands are superior to Fender. Especially the 5 strings. To me the quality of the skyline basses far exceed us fenders in every way.
I have a CIJ P and the Lakland Skyline D Dunn P both are great, the best Pbasses I’ve ever owned and I’ve even owned a 61 Fender P. These basses are completely stock except for the pickups, the 62 reissue has 62 Custom Shops and the Lakland has EMG Geezers, just a personal choice, they sounded good with stock pickups...hope this helps.
I've owned many ( too many according to some).... And I've played Lakies (US....Korean...Indonesian) side by side with American Fenders....
Never even close.
IMHO Lakland shines
I even sold a special edition US Fender P bass when I got a used skyline 4464 (then called a Glaub) because it blew the Fender away in every way...fit and finish.. Feel... Sound.
Also...I play 5ers and the Fender fives never feel right to me...
Try one... If you like it... Keep it... If you don't... It'll be a very easy sell....
PS... Don't worry about the Indos...I've had 2 and still have one... Love them
Never even close.
IMHO Lakland shines
I even sold a special edition US Fender P bass when I got a used skyline 4464 (then called a Glaub) because it blew the Fender away in every way...fit and finish.. Feel... Sound.
Also...I play 5ers and the Fender fives never feel right to me...
Try one... If you like it... Keep it... If you don't... It'll be a very easy sell....
PS... Don't worry about the Indos...I've had 2 and still have one... Love them
Hard to speak in general terms but I have owned numerous Fender and Lakland instruments over the years and IMHO almost every Lakland Skyline is likely quite a bit better than every Fender USA. My guess is that one in fifty Fender USA's is really great while one in fifty Laklands is less than perfect.
That said the best "Fender style bass" I have ever owned is a 1977 Aria/Matsumoku Pro-II "Fender Jazz" lawsuit which is my go to everyday bass.
That said the best "Fender style bass" I have ever owned is a 1977 Aria/Matsumoku Pro-II "Fender Jazz" lawsuit which is my go to everyday bass.
I didn’t care for the neo punch pickups that came in my Skyline, I swapped them out for Geezers it has great tone now,the neo punch were too midrange and modern sounding for my taste..
Shop for a used Fender American P bass. Possibly upgrade the pickup and get it set up. Your good for life.
Fit and finish on Skyline Lakland basses are top notch, the necks are more comfortable for me, and the basic P or PJ is super rich sounding. I was looking into one when I was in a doom/stoner metal band and that sort of vintage tone was something I was after. If they had 35" scale basses I would have been all over it.
Dont even have to read the OP or any other replies.
Lakland 7 days out of the week and twice on Sunday.
No questions asked.
Every time.
Lakland 7 days out of the week and twice on Sunday.
No questions asked.
Every time.
55-02 basses are. I had one. But I don't think they make a 5 string 44-64. I also think their 5 string jazz basses are 34" scale.
The neck on the 55-02 was too thick so i sold it.
Too thick front to back or too wide?
I've found the neck on my 55-01 (exactly the same as the 55-02) to be very thin front to back. Plenty wide though to accommodate the 19mm string spacing, exactly what I like about it.
Great basses
I've found the neck on my 55-01 (exactly the same as the 55-02) to be very thin front to back. Plenty wide though to accommodate the 19mm string spacing, exactly what I like about it.
Great basses
