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Lakland vs Sadowsky

#61
I currently own two Sadowsky NYC Super PJ 5’s and a Lakland 55-02.

For my needs the Sadowsky just fits perfectly to what I’m used to and ultimately where my comfort level is. I do prefer the sound and feel of a 34” Sadowsky but the 35” Lakland is a growing on me, however the somewhat hi-fi sound of the Lakland (to my ears anyway) is not working for my current gig and what’s likely to have me selling it when I get back from tour if a pickup and preamp upgrade don’t fix it (the Lakland is currently on the road with me as a backup to my Bluesman Vintage Deville 5 2T).

Both companies make great instruments at every price point, so you really can’t go wrong.
 
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#62
Kevan Campbell said:
I currently own two Sadowsky NYC Super PJ 5’s and a Lakland 55-02.

For my needs the Sadowsky just fits perfectly to what I’m used to and ultimately where my comfort level is. I do prefer the sound and feel of a 34” Sadowsky but the 35” Lakland is a growing on me, however the somewhat hi-fi sound of the Lakland (to my ears anyway) is not working for my current gig and what’s likely to have me selling it when I get back from tour if a pickup and preamp upgrade don’t fix it (the Lakland is currently on the road with me as a backup to my Bluesman Vintage Deville 5 2T).

Both companies make great instruments at every price point, so you really can’t go wrong.
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Yep. I love my 55-02. I also just bought a 55-14 here in the classifieds for less than a new 55-02.

I think I really like the MM/J pickup config and if I do ever buy a sadowsky, I'll buy that config even though its more of a Warwock take on a Sadowsky than the traditional one.
 
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#63
The best Sadowsky value today is a used JAPAN built. MetroExpress JAPAN ( ESP factory) or Metroline Japan. Woudnt go near a chinese Sadowsky. Too risky in quality and the whole Okoume/roasted neck/no VTC is a lesser design. But I’ve owned half dozen Japan models and they were excellent. ( Both JJ & Modern)

Ive owned US and Skyline 55-02’s. Theyre build quality is fantastic in either line, especially the older Korean/Bart loaded skyline models. But they can be heavier than I like. Which is why, after 10 years with Lakland, I moved to Sadowsky’s, which were all around 8 1/4 lbs. I’m in the minority as I prefer the modern over the JJ model.

Ironically, I have a 44-02 deluxe arriving tomorrow from GC used. A series 1 Korea built unit with the Bart electrics. Looking forward to A/B’ing it against the Japan Modern in my stable.

Enjoy your 55-14. Thats a quality instrument.
 
#64
pb9717 said:
The best Sadowsky value today is a used JAPAN built. MetroExpress JAPAN ( ESP factory) or Metroline Japan. Woudnt go near a chinese Sadowsky. Too risky in quality and the whole Okoume/roasted neck/no VTC is a lesser design. But I’ve owned half dozen Japan models and they were excellent. ( Both JJ & Modern)

Ive owned US and Skyline 55-02’s. Theyre build quality is fantastic in either line, especially the older Korean/Bart loaded skyline models. But they can be heavier than I like. Which is why, after 10 years with Lakland, I moved to Sadowsky’s, which were all around 8 1/4 lbs. I’m in the minority as I prefer the modern over the JJ model.

Ironically, I have a 44-02 deluxe arriving tomorrow from GC used. A series 1 Korea built unit with the Bart electrics. Looking forward to A/B’ing it against the Japan Modern in my stable.

Enjoy your 55-14. Thats a quality instrument.
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Thank you.

Next up on the list Sadowsky German M/J 5 string
 
#65
It's really unusual to have dead spots on a Lākland. One of the design features of a 55-02 (and most of the Lākland fives) is two carbon-fibre stiffener rods embedded under the fingerboard to prevent dead spots. You mentioned getting the bass on the cheap and it needed some work, could it possibly have been whacked hard enough to crack one of those rods?
My 55-02D has no dead spots that I detect, response in very even across and throughout the neck.
 
#66
fishdude101101 said:
All you have to do is pull out on the tone control and its passive.

But why would you bother? The secret sauce is the preamp in this case.

Personally I'll never buy another passive bass.
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Perhaps you haven't played the right passive bass, yet?
DuluthDank said:
I like my preamps outboard, so if I wanted the sadowsky sound I'd put their preamp on my pedalboard. Also if I'm paying that kind of money, I don't want extra unused dials hanging out on my bass.
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Agreed.
 
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#69
MoireBass said:
It's really unusual to have dead spots on a Lākland. One of the design features of a 55-02 (and most of the Lākland fives) is two carbon-fibre stiffener rods embedded under the fingerboard to prevent dead spots. You mentioned getting the bass on the cheap and it needed some work, could it possibly have been whacked hard enough to crack one of those rods?
My 55-02D has no dead spots that I detect, response in very even across and throughout the neck.
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I mean anything's possible right?

Oddly if I tune the bass 1/2 down the dead spot goes away.
 
#70
fishdude101101 said:
I've played and have owned a ton. Still own several.

I just prefer active. Not sure why TB has such an issue with people not loving a passive fender with tone/volume wide open and all eq knobs at noon on an amp.

I like a more produced/polished sound.
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It's all just personal preference for each of us. I did like the few actives I had, in particular the two Rick Turner basses.
 
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#71
pb9717 said:
The best Sadowsky value today is a used JAPAN built. MetroExpress JAPAN ( ESP factory) or Metroline Japan. Woudnt go near a chinese Sadowsky. Too risky in quality and the whole Okoume/roasted neck/no VTC is a lesser design. But I’ve owned half dozen Japan models and they were excellent. ( Both JJ & Modern)

Ive owned US and Skyline 55-02’s. Theyre build quality is fantastic in either line, especially the older Korean/Bart loaded skyline models. But they can be heavier than I like. Which is why, after 10 years with Lakland, I moved to Sadowsky’s, which were all around 8 1/4 lbs. I’m in the minority as I prefer the modern over the JJ model.

Ironically, I have a 44-02 deluxe arriving tomorrow from GC used. A series 1 Korea built unit with the Bart electrics. Looking forward to A/B’ing it against the Japan Modern in my stable.

Enjoy your 55-14. Thats a quality instrument.
Click to expand...
I understand the idea that not having the VTC is "less" but what makes the okoume/roasted neck a "lesser design" (keeping in mind that both okoume and roasted necks are common on NYC builds)?
 
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#79
murphy said:
I kept my Lakland 5502s qnd sold my Metrolines.

Then I finally discovered Fender 5vers that I actually loved...Marcus Miller 5ver and older American Standard 5ver
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I have an American Pro II Jazz V with Nordstrand pickups in it that is the best pure, passive jazz bass I've ever touched.

I got the 55-14. The build quality though on that thing wow......you can tell someone who knew what they were doing and cared built it.
 
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