Lakland vs Serek

[artimus667]

I’m on the fence between a Lakland Classic Series SS and a Serek Midwestern 2. The Lakland is very much a known quantity for me, with its Fenderish lines and PJ configuration.

Serek for the most part has looked great to me. I don’t love their flat finish approach but I suspect it saves time and money. If I went the Serek route, I’d go with a natural or tobacco sunburst. The Lakland is a few hundred more, but all their finishes look great to me.

Does anyone own a Serek with B90s who’d take the time to share their experience? Will they come close to old school Fender tone?

I feel that I couldn’t really go wrong with either of these builders. Just looking to hear if there’s any passion for either that would sway me one way or another. Tell me your thoughts, basskateers!

 

[ebulakowski]

I have played many laklands over the years and they always feel consistent and good. But i've rarely been floored by them.
I have probably played 8 serek basses at this point, I reaaaaally like them. They certainly have a different vibe. But I feel they all had a unique character, which for me is more interesting. Especially in a short scale. I'd say I liked 6 of the 8 i've played. I don't love all the designs. But the Midwestern 2 with a B90 or the darkstar are on my short list. I still regret not buying the plum MW2 I played at CME a few years back!

 

[chris_b]

The Serek is probably a great instrument but the look does nothing for me.

I played a Lakland for nearly 14 years. After 6 years without one I'm seriously thinking of getting another. So Lakland gets my vote.

 

[blacktocomm]

Serek makes cool basses for sure, but at the 2-3k price point I would want a better finish than what they offer. Thin, flat and fragile aren’t exactly selling points to me.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Serek makes cool basses for sure, but at the 2-3k price point I would want a better finish than what they offer. Thin, flat and fragile aren’t exactly selling points to me.

My issue as well.
I love them on so many levels but the paint looks like I could scratch it off if I simply look at it too hard.

 

[CaptObvious]

So I just picked up my Serek last week. I ordered a year ago. I'll just say it was worth the wait.

I got a 34" scale Armitage. I got roasted maple neck with wenge fretboard. And a custom color. I agree, the finish is not the standout point of this. The build quality, though, is beyond excellent. And the neck is perfect. I'll say it again. The neck is perfect.

Jake worked at Lakland for a while, which is where he "honed his craft" as they say. He's said he loved Lakland necks, and it shows in his builds. He's openly stated that he wants his basses to be played not looked at. They are utilitarian by design. So, if you want a museum piece, you may not want to go this route.

I held back on some of the upgrades I had in mind. I didn't want to turn it into a Fender. I have two already. Why would I want a boutique builder that has his own line of instruments to build me just another one of what I already have?

Jake can do any finish you'd like. You only have to ask. Yes there will be an upcharge. His base prices are VERY reasonable, especially when you consider he is a boutique builder, he's in Chicago, and you have direct access to him. He'll build whatever you want him to build. He's done some crazy upgrades for many many builds. Take a look through the Serek owners group thread if you want some examples. Reading that thread pushed me over the edge to putting in an order.

Hope this helps in your decision process.

 

[artimus667]

So I just picked up my Serek last week. I ordered a year ago. I'll just say it was worth the wait.

I got a 34" scale Armitage. I got roasted maple neck with wenge fretboard. And a custom color. I agree, the finish is not the standout point of this. The build quality, though, is beyond excellent. And the neck is perfect. I'll say it again. The neck is perfect.

Jake worked at Lakland for a while, which is where he "honed his craft" as they say. He's said he loved Lakland necks, and it shows in his builds. He's openly stated that he wants his basses to be played not looked at. They are utilitarian by design. So, if you want a museum piece, you may not want to go this route.

I held back on some of the upgrades I had in mind. I didn't want to turn it into a Fender. I have two already. Why would I want a boutique builder that has his own line of instruments to build me just another one of what I already have?

Jake can do any finish you'd like. You only have to ask. Yes there will be an upcharge. His base prices are VERY reasonable, especially when you consider he is a boutique builder, he's in Chicago, and you have direct access to him. He'll build whatever you want him to build. He's done some crazy upgrades for many many builds. Take a look through the Serek owners group thread if you want some examples. Reading that thread pushed me over the edge to putting in an order.

Hope this helps in your decision process.

I actually jumped at an extremely cool looking Lincoln that was posted in Reverb. It wasn’t what I was envisioning but the price was right and it was available NOW. It arrives tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it! Now I’ll be liquidating some stuff. Anyone interested in an awesome player grade low serial number Jerry Jones Longhorn, hit me up.

 

[artimus667]

The Serek Lincoln 32” arrived yesterday and it’s awesome. The strongest points are comfortable neck and body and the two single coils wired together to create one glorious, rich and versatile humbucker. The finish isn’t the strongest selling point but the other winning qualities are so strong they render that point moot. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a bass that is as comfortable as this. New favorite bass will get played.