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Lakland vs Sadowsky

#81
I owned a 55-02 for about a minute. I promptly sent it back for a 55-01. The 55-01 is still the best sub-$700 bass I've ever played. I preferred the tone of the two soapbars of the 55-01 over the MM/J setup of the 55-02.

My first Sadowsky Metro was an MV5 (maple fingerboard, ash body) and I currently own and play an RV5 (morado board and alder body).

I personally can hear (and more importantly feel) the difference between a maple fingerboard and non-maple board (morado, rosewood or ebony). I cannot hear or feel the difference between an ash or alder body. If you can, then you're a better man than I, Gunga Din.

The Sadowsky preamp and pickups (my RV5 has the single coils) are vastly superior to the Barts that come in either the 55-01 or 55-02. I'd say "IMHO"...but truthfully I'm neither humble nor do I consider it an opinion.

The fit and finish are also superior on the Metro.

It's been 2+ years since I owned the Skylines, but weight-wise they were boat anchors. My Sadowsky is just over 9 pounds, so I'd guess the Skylines were easily 12+.
 
#82
Thanks for the replies guys. Remember what the first questions were!! I wasn't asking to hear "they are both great just try them out and pick whatever is right for you" and "it depends on the player not the gear." I can't try them out, that's why I'm asking lol. (with a focus on tone, because im sure both are comfortable to play)

To whoever was saying it all depends on the technique and not the gear--no. Something like that isn't even logical. A skilled touch does not make a cheap bass with cheap pickups through a cheap amp sound good. It's just impossible. Yea a skilled player may be able to sound a bit better than an amateur, and perhaps because of his touch the tone may be a little different, but the natural tone from gear is the only one it'll produce. The player cannot make that huge of a difference. Of course, this just just my opinion. ;)
 
#83
I would say that if you are partial to jazz bass inspired instruments then a Sadowsky is what will do it for you even though the Daryl Jones and the Joe Osborne are both great basses. If you like the sound of a Musicman Stingray the 55-94 will do it for you ( I know the 55-94 does not sound exactly like a Ray but it was inspired by it).
 
#86
Of course not. Is a skilled player going to alter the frequency response and innate physical characteristics of a bass with his single finger alone? What about the amp? Now, they can make an instrument sound better, but...a crap bass is a crap bass.
 
#88
wujuu said:
Of course not. Is a skilled player going to alter the frequency response and innate physical characteristics of a bass with his single finger alone? What about the amp? Now, they can make an instrument sound better, but...a crap bass is a crap bass.
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Well, you can argue as much as you want, but most people who know anything about anything will disagree with you, so you should stop using absolutes like "impossible"... Mmmmkay? ;)
 
#89
wujuu said:
A skilled touch does not make a cheap bass with cheap pickups through a cheap amp sound good. It's just impossible...The player cannot make that huge of a difference.
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In the past few days, I've seen a number of posts by this new arrival that I've disagreed with completely. This being just the latest. For me to be annoyed after 37 posts is indeed an accomplishment. Reminds me of a long-departed little fellow in the UK...
 
#90
wujuu said:
Of course not. Is a skilled player going to alter the frequency response and innate physical characteristics of a bass with his single finger alone? What about the amp? Now, they can make an instrument sound better, but...a crap bass is a crap bass.
Click to expand...

I know what I have seen and heard. You are free not to belive it. I will leave it at that.
 
#92
"In the past few days, I've seen a number of posts by this new arrival that I've disagreed with completely. This being just the latest. For me to be annoyed after 37 posts is indeed an accomplishment. Reminds me of a long-departed little fellow in the UK..."

nice to hear your opinion about me Dr. Phunkypants, i'll try not to annoy you any more, it means a lot to me. After all, if you disagree with me, i'm wrong right? Your opinion is the end-all, i apologize for offending you. ;)



"I guess I have seen the impossible many times. A skilled player can bring an instrument to life even if it is not an especially good sounding or playing instrument."

You're right Cheese, and Kurisu. Cheese put it well, they can "bring the instrument to life," and I've seen that happen too. However, what I'm arguing is simply that cheap gear will not feel, sound, and perform like more expensive gear. Or rather, I should switch cheap and expensive with well and poorly made gear. I don't think one can place TOO much emphasis on the player only. Is that agreeable?

"I guess if a good player can't make cheap gear sound good... that leads me to believe that I can quit practicing, and just buy better gear.."

Biker4him, I didn't say buying better gear would make you a better player, and cheap gear certainly doesn't make you a bad one. :smug: :bassist:
 
#93
HI

Here ya go

I've never owned the import Lakland but I did own a 4 string USA with the MM/J setup. Quilt top, rosewood board. Great bass. Neck was very thin, very fast. Thought the bass lacked a bit of booty but overall quite nice. That being said, I own 4 Sadowsky USA's at the moment. I've owned, I think, 15 overall. 3 have been metros. I feel any of the metros was equal if not better a bass than the USA Lakland. Fit, finish, tone, playability, etc.

As far as ash/alder goes, three out of four of my Sad's are swamp ash. My pj 4 is alder. I've also owned a metro in alder. I felt the bass was warmer and less agressive than swamp ash, A/B'd. I feel, though, fretboard has just as much if not more effect on tone.

I prefer the Sad preamp, body size, look, tone, etc. Also, Sad's are generally quite light. Great for me. I gig about 175 shows per year and love a light bass on my shoulder. No anchors for me.

Its too bad you arent able to try them both and judge for yourself. Thats the only way to know for sure. Good luck in making a decision.

Rob
 
#94
Kurisu said:
That is a pretty inaccurate statement.
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I am in agreement with you that alot of tone comes from the player not the gear but I saw in your profile that you upgraded from a MIM to a Sadowsky (the bass that I have the most GAS for). Lets not pretend that all the tone comes from the player, that is nonsense and if it were true you would still be playing your MIM.
 
#95
wujuu said:
I wasn't asking to hear "they are both great just try them out and pick whatever is right for you" and "it depends on the player not the gear." I can't try them out, that's why I'm asking lol. (with a focus on tone, because im sure both are comfortable to play)
Click to expand...

I checked out your website (nice stuff)

I personaly would prefer a Sadowsky tone over a lakland or any bartolini tone in that music.
 
#96
I've heard amazing players sound great on crappy basses and rigs, only to hear the exact same player playing the exact same set, but on much better gear (usually mine if we happen to be playing together), and guess what, they sounded a thousand times better.

In fact, I remember letting a local guy use my sadowsky and the sound difference from his regular fender 5 was astounding. I even remember a non-musician coming up to me and saying how great my bass sounded. But then again, I guess I should sell the sadowsky and play an SX to prove that its all in me as a player, and not in the instrument.:cool:
 
#97
lol elmon. hurry and make the switch to sx! :D

thanks bikertrash...thats actually not even me on the recordings. Those were done with a geddy lee by the producer (in case you were wondering). I don't like how he mixed the songs(too soft and pretty), but hey, I hopped on the project later so I guess I'll have to deal with it.
 
#98
KeithPas said:
I am in agreement with you that alot of tone comes from the player not the gear but I saw in your profile that you upgraded from a MIM to a Sadowsky (the bass that I have the most GAS for). Lets not pretend that all the tone comes from the player, that is nonsense and if it were true you would still be playing your MIM.
Click to expand...
Yep, that's pretty much how I see it. I agree a lot of the tone comes from the bass and gear, and I've upgraded (although technically my Sadowsky is in OH right now, en route, so I don't even know how much my overall tone will improve). But the bass is certainly not all the tone, as the starter of the discussion stated.
 
#99
To be objective, I should say this.. Even with the N+TMB pre upgrade the 5501 has a hard time with treble and bass boost. What I mean to say is that when I wan to play ppure slap, I rather prefer the sound of the Mesa Walkabout with treble + than the bass preamp with the treble +. The bass preamp makes it very harsh, while I get a great sound by running the treble flat on the bass, and boosted at the Mesa. Same with bass. I get a floppy sound from the bass, and a tighter sound from the amp.

And thats with the US NTMB. So the stock, what Fishman, would probably leave much to be desired. This with SunBeams, a maple board and very low action.
 
#100
Heck, forget all this debate.. just get a real Fender!

j/k.. :D

know you guys love your copy's.. not trying to change any minds, I really don't care as long as we're all happy with what we own.
 

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