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Lakland vs Sadowsky

Personal experience with both. I've owned dozens of Lakland US basses and a couple of German Metrolines. I still own 5 US Laklands and the Metrolines are long gone. They are gorgeous and neatly built, but can't hold a candle to a US Lakland.
After a few days with my US 55-14 I'm starting to agree, although I don't have the Metroline for comparison. I think for me the Lakland ergonomics are the best I've ever played. Nothing is a chore to play on this thing.
 
I own two Lakland 55-94’s they are premium instruments absolutely no issues. So the 55-14 should be a winner.
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I've got both a 55-94 and a Japan Metroline RV5.

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I would say build quality is comparable between the two...I certainly don't have any complaints when playing either bass.

Both sound very good, but have different "personalities" to the sound. The Lakland sits underneath and blends into the mix supporting everything, while the Sadowsky has a tendency to stick out a bit more. Both sounds absolutely have their place.

The Sadowsky feels really good to play, but the ergonomics, small frets, neck shape, and neck finish on the 55-94 are absolutely perfect for me.

I'm not sure I could pick a winner. I'm glad I don't have to! :D
 
I've got both a 55-94 and a Japan Metroline RV5.

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I would say build quality is comparable between the two...I certainly don't have any complaints when playing either bass.

Both sound very good, but have different "personalities" to the sound. The Lakland sits underneath and blends into the mix supporting everything, while the Sadowsky has a tendency to stick out a bit more. Both sounds absolutely have their place.

The Sadowsky feels really good to play, but the ergonomics, small frets, neck shape, and neck finish on the 55-94 are absolutely perfect for me.

I'm not sure I could pick a winner. I'm glad I don't have to! :D
I love the Laklands so far. I could see my self picking up a metroline in the future....but I'd look at more Laklands as well. Looking at a nice 55-94 fretless on reverb now.
 
Here's the thing. When you get into basses in this range, personal preference is really the deciding factor. Neck profile, string spacing, scale length, pickups and preamps all come into play.

I own/have owned Lakland (USA and Skyline), Sadowsky, Lull, PRS, Fbass, MTD, Wilkins, Ken Smith ,etc etc etc. All have their loyal fans and for good reasons. But what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.

From a quality standpoint, I still prefer the Japan metro lines over the newer German ones. I would also give the edge to a USA Lakland over a German Sadowsky. Even Steven with Sadowsky Japan or USA.
 
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Any of these basses are good. I don't have any insight that hasn't been said. I have had 3 Sadowsky basses. Modern 5, a nice jazz and a 5 string jazz. They were nice for sure, but I don't have them any more so...

I have had a number of Lakland basses and I really loved my 55-02's. Easy to play. Sounded good. Looked good.

I have mostly Roscoes now. One early 2000's Fender P and a G&L JB2 with some custom pickups.

The Roscoe and Fender P's get the most play time, but I did use the G&L for a musical pit gig, and I use the Roscoe 5 when I need some extended range. Just play what you like.
 
Here's the thing. When you get into basses in this range, personal preference is really the deciding factor. Neck profile, string spacing, scale length, pickups and preamps all come into play.

I own/have owned Lakland (USA and Skyline), Sadowsky, Lull, PRS, Fbass, MTD, Wilkins, Ken Smith ,etc etc etc. All have their loyal fans and for good reasons. But what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.

From a quality standpoint, I still prefer the Japan metro lines over the newer German ones. I would also give the edge to a USA Lakland over a German Sadowsky. Even Steven with Sadowsky Japan or USA.
Yeah my 55-14 is a winner, big time. I've honestly never played something that sounds or feels this good. Last night was first rehearsal with it. Pure magic. Not sure what they do, but there's some mojo there. Honestly makes my G&L' with baseball bat necks feel uncomfortable, but my l-1000's still have some major slam.
 
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