Lakland vs. MusicMan

[Johnny Alien]

Jack....I'm glad you came back. That Sterling of your looks like it has an amazing rosewood neck. Can you get a photo of the grain on that?

 

[bovinehost]

Jack....I'm glad you came back. That Sterling of your looks like it has an amazing rosewood neck. Can you get a photo of the grain on that?

Your request is my command, sir. I've just been up to my buttocks in carnivorous aquatic reptilians, as it were, during the day when the light is good. But they're coming.....and the rosewood is really nice on it, you're right - red streaks and stuff. Yum.

 

[IotaNet]

...What are, in your opinion, the major pros and cons of the Lakland Skyline 55-02 and the MusicMan Sterling 5 HH?

I realize that they are completely different pieces of equipment but I'm just interested in some opinions. You know, things that the "specs" lists on the websites or Musician's Friend can't tell me ...

Christian -

Let me say up front that I have never owned or played a Sterling 5HH. I have however, owned a Stingray 5 and currently own a Bongo 5HH. I have also owned multiple Lakland 55-02's, JO5's and 55-01's.

I think the quality of the instruments is equal. I also think that the customer service and reputation of the respective companies are equal. Additionally, (as you can see in this thread), the customer loyalty to the respective brands is equal.

With that said, this is truly a personal preference decision for you. And there are several factors to consider:

1) Very different form factors (34" scale vs. 35" / 17.5MM string spacing vs. 19MM / different neck profiles & body shapes.)
2) Very different electronics packages. Which leads to ...
3) Very different tonal characteristics.

I believe that either bass can handle any gig you throw at it, albeit probably in different ways.

Either bass is an excellent, excellent option. Don't be swayed by the opinions of the rabid fanboys* here --You will really have to play each one and decide which one speaks to you.

* For what it's worth, I consider myself a rabid Lakland fanboy. I've met and like the owner, Dan Lakin. I've visited the factory and hung out there. A lot of my best bass-playing buddies are Lakland fans and as a Chicago native, I personally like the idea of supporting Lakland. I have also owned some very nice Lakland basses and am even a member of the Lakland owners group. I'm absolutely positive that I'll have another Lakland in the future. With all that said, my current "go-to" bass is an EBMM Bongo. No negative reflection on Lakland at all -- this bass happened to be a gift from my wife and it just "spoke" to me and continues to. Go figure.

 

[Aspidites]

Your request is my command, sir. I've just been up to my buttocks in carnivorous aquatic reptilians, as it were, during the day when the light is good. But they're coming.....and the rosewood is really nice on it, you're right - red streaks and stuff. Yum.

A Crocodilian? Do tell.

And to stay on topic I much prefer MM to Lakland, can't stand Lakland necks nor the body or bridge shape.

 

[bovinehost]

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I liked this one a LOT. Dumb move, getting rid of it.

 

[christianharger]

I appreciate all of your opinions very much. I'll keep on researching (hands-on style).

Fortunately (well, UNfortunately), I have a good amount of time before I will be able to make the purchase. Stinkin' school.

 

[SteveC]

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I liked this one a LOT. Dumb move, getting rid of it.

As an endorsing artist for Ernie Ball, I can't imagine you have much choice, right?

What model is that? I don't see it on the Lakland site.

 

[Sten]

Fortunately (well, UNfortunately), I have a good amount of time before I will be able to make the purchase.

A time to cool off and consider all the aspects is always a good thing when making such a purchase.

 

[Smallequestrian]

As an endorsing artist for Ernie Ball, I can't imagine you have much choice, right?

What model is that? I don't see it on the Lakland site.

Unofficial, but he mods the EB forum so he felt it was appropriate to note that. I believe he sold that to buy another Bongo

Thats a Jerry Sheff. Twas a nice sounding bass, I believe I may have taken that picture.

 

[IotaNet]

...What model is that? I don't see it on the Lakland site.

That's the Lakland "Unobtanium" Bass. (Or it might as well be).

It is indeed, the "Jerry Scheff" model. Initially, this bass came in both 4 and 5 string models. The 5 was discontinued and there aren't a lot of them out there. The 4 stuck around for longer but it, too, was eventually discontinued.

The JS 5 is very scarce and people who have them now tend the keep them. Those who have sold them tend to regret it.

 

[Johnny Alien]

As an endorsing artist for Ernie Ball, I can't imagine you have much choice, right?

What model is that? I don't see it on the Lakland site.

I am sure I was one of the people that complained that Jack should disclose his relationship with Sterling Ball. He is not an "official" endorser (at least I don't think so) but is a loving fan and supporter of Music Man and their many instruments.

And as shown above this is a Scheff model. I am thinking of trying to find a used one this year.

Maybe I should go on a used hunt for one of those Gold Music Man's though.

And I am still waiting for that fretboard porn!