Lakland vs Sadowsky

[wujuu]

im sure this has been discussed at least a little bit here and there, but i couldn't find too much info from a search. so...anyone with experience? the metro and skyline series both have had very good things said about them, but what have you players noticed? im sure build quality is great on both, but what is the difference in tone?

 

[Earwigger]

Well, I see a LOT of Sadowsky 70s on Ebay. Very few Laklands. That should tell you something, like that Sadowskys aren't that great. I don't know personally of course but I've heard complaints about them, minor ones though.

 

[cheezewiz]

Well, I see a LOT of Sadowsky 70s on Ebay. Very few Laklands. That should tell you something, like that Sadowskys aren't that great. I don't know personally of course but I've heard complaints about them, minor ones though.

With all due respect, Earwigger is full of crap. The Sadowskys are INCREDIBLE basses. Just read the threads and see what top talkbass pros rave about them. The Laklands are also great basses on par with the Sadowskys. I prefer Sadowsky, just because I'm not a fan of the Barts used in the 55 series Laklands.

Lakland/Sadowsky = pick what fits you best. It's a win/win.

 

[tombowlus]

Lakland/Sadowsky = pick what fits you best. It's a win/win.

+1 big time.

 

[KeithPas]

When you are comparing basses that are of the quality of Lakland and Sadowsky it is a matter of what suits your personal preference for tone. Both are some of the best insrtuments that can be found.

 

[wujuu]

yes i know they are both quality, that's why im asking about the tone. specifics would be nice

 

[jive1]

yes i know they are both quality, that's why im asking about the tone. specifics would be nice

They both have good tone, and some prefer the sound of one over the other.

If you want specifics, you need to give specifics.
Which models are you talking about?

My Jerry Scheff sounds different from my Joe Osborn which sounds different from my 4-94, and those are just Laklands.

 

[vacman]

Well, I see a LOT of Sadowsky 70s on Ebay. Very few Laklands. That should tell you something, like that Sadowskys aren't that great. I don't know personally of course but I've heard complaints about them, minor ones though.

Just some food for thought: Quite a few musicians are not that well off financialy. When some of these folks spend two to three grand on a bass we sometimes have to ask ourselves: "Do I pay for health insurance for the kids or do I have a killer ax with tone to die for?" Most musicians, myself included are guilty of what I call overbuying. We really can't afford the ax of our dreams but usually buy it anyway on credit and then are racked with guilt after the purchase. When this happens we attempt to sell it. E-bay. Craigslist. Classifieds. Whatever. We just want to get back some of the purchase price. As far as tone is concerned the difference between a Lakland and a Sad is in your own personal taste.
Both IMHO have tone that is killer. And both have very good reputations in terms of after the sale service.Play both if you can and remember that if it sounds good to your ears then it probably is.

 

[cheezewiz]

What the others said. What models are you interested in?

I mean, each and every model sounds different..

Sadowsky M524?
Vintage J?
Modern J?
single coils?
hum cancelling?
Ash?
Alder?
Morado board?
Maple board?
Ebony board?

Lakland Osborne?
Glaub?
55 series?
Hollowbody?
Darryl Jones?
Bartolinis?
Lakland pickups?
Duncan pickups?


I'm sure you get the point

 

[wujuu]

lol...good point

well im looking mainly at the skyline 55-02 vs the metro ash/maple5

so i guess its the bart mm+single // sadowsky hum-cancelling, with the same wood specs, what are the tonal differences?

and..while we're at it, i can't seem to tell too much a difference in alder vs swamp ash body woods..i haven't been able to try them side by side in a live setting. any experience/preference you guys have when used in a live setting, preferrably rock music? which is heard a little better? and alder is said to be warmer, but is it really that big a difference in the mix? i doubt it...but am curious as some ppl seem to think it makes a huge difference..perhaps im wrong

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Their both fine instruments I tend to favor the Sadowsky's myself but they really are quite diffrent with the electronics and designs they use.

 

[wujuu]

care to elaborate on the differences major metal? im asking these questions because i dont have access to sadowsky or lakland where im at.. so i have to ask about all the details and such since i can't find out for myself.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

care to elaborate on the differences major metal? im asking these questions because i dont have access to sadowsky or lakland where im at.. so i have to ask about all the details and such since i can't find out for myself.

One of the big Lakland trademarks in electronic configuration is the J MM set up, Lakland has ventured outside of the traditional vintage tone of Fender into its own Sound. Sadowsky's on the other hand have more of a traditional character to their Pick Up and Electronics package in their basses.

 

[adrian garcia]

Sadowsky- 34 in scale
Lakland 5 strings -35 in scale
Lakland 4 strings - 34 in scale

Sadowsky Preamp- 2 band boost only - bass & treble, vintage tone control ( passive treble rolloff= $150 or $80 D.Y.I )

Lakland Preamp - Three Band boost and cut with mid freq selector ( inside cavity )

I am comparing Sadowsky with the Lakland 55/ 44 series.
Like has been said before.. you should play them , they are both excellent- i like the Sadowsky traditional Jazz shapes better, but find the electronics on the Laks more versatile. I ove the Sad, but sometimes miss a midrange control. that's just me.

 

[tommixx]

I'll take a stab at this....if you are talking 55-02 versus Sadowsky Metro MVor RV5, the Sadowsky Metro will win every time for me. The Lakland will give you several good usable tones and the playability is OK compared to the Sadowsky (YES I have owned and played both!!!) The Metro on the other hand FEELS much different to me and has several GREAT tones to choose from. The fit and finish of the Sadowsky is a noticeabale improvement over the 55-02 and the neck on the Sadowsky is much more comfortable to me. Now, if you were comparing the Metro to a Darryl Jones 4 (NOT 5, I don't agree when comparing the 5's) then it would be a VERY close race and for the money, I would go with the Lakland Darryl Jones 4.

I hope that helps.....

Peace,

T

 

[tombowlus]

Now, if you were comparing the Metro to a Darryl Jones 4 (NOT 5, I don't agree when comparing the 5's) then it would be a VERY close race and for the money, I would go with the Lakland Darryl Jones 4.

I hope that helps.....

Peace,

T

Yup, the DJ4 is the best Lakland Skyline out there, IMHO. Heck, I think you just helped talk me out of selling mine...

Tom.

 

[Nino Valenti]

I've owned

Lakland CHI (1)
Lakland SkyLine (3)

Sadowsky Metro (2)
Sadowsky Tokyo (1)
Sadowsky NYC (6-7? I lost count)

On the Import Models, IMO, Sadowsky have a clear edge in craftsmanship. Both Companies make excellent basses and I had a 44-02DLX that sounded and felt awesome. I'm really not a fan of Barts but this bass fit very nicely in my band.

MIA Models from both companies are IMO the best Fender inspired basses (Remember Music Man is Leo's creation) available.

IMO, asking people what is best for you is not fun, The fun (and unfortunately expensive) part is owing some of these great basses and gigging out with them. All the opinions in the world can't compare to real world experiences.

 

[tommixx]

Yup, the DJ4 is the best Lakland Skyline out there, IMHO. Heck, I think you just helped talk me out of selling mine...

Tom.

DOHH! Didn't know you had one like that...How Much???? I need another one and the Maple is exactly what I want....D I B S !!!!!

PM me SERIOUSLY!!

Peace,

T

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I would add that the Lakland Daryl Jones and Joe Osborn models are configured the same as a traditional Fender Jazz: they are passive with VVT controls. I recently played a JO5 and I really liked it. It was at the Guitarcenter off Watson Rd. in South St. Louis for about $750 if any wants it. I did want it, but a new radiator sank that plan.:scowl:

If you like wide necks and booming, piano like B strings, the Lakland may be the bass for you.

 

[king_biscuit]

I've owned

Lakland CHI (1)
Lakland SkyLine (3)

Sadowsky Metro (2)
Sadowsky Tokyo (1)
Sadowsky NYC (6-7? I lost count)

On the Import Models, IMO, Sadowsky have a clear edge in craftsmanship. Both Companies make excellent basses and I had a 44-02DLX that sounded and felt awesome. I'm really not a fan of Barts but this bass fit very nicely in my band.

MIA Models from both companies are IMO the best Fender inspired basses (Remember Music Man is Leo's creation) available.

IMO, asking people what is best for you is not fun, The fun (and unfortunately expensive) part is owing some of these great basses and gigging out with them. All the opinions in the world can't compare to real world experiences.

Are you saying that US Sadowsky/Lakland are of better quality than Ernieball Musicman basses?