I played a lakland P bass at the sam ash other day.. Oh my . loved the look, sound and most importantly the feel was awesome. better than any fender i've ever played. In short, its the next bass i want to get.
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Lakland, why did you choose ?
- Thread starter JAUQO III-X
- Start date
I owned a sweet 55-02 Deluxe cherryburst. I recorded with it, played it live at my church, and used it at home. Loved the tone and feel. Neck was simply amazing (not too thick, string spacing felt good). Before the 55-02, I owned a '96 fretless EBMM Sterling (which sold for the 55-02, no biggie cause it had a nasty dead spot) and also a '00 Stingray5 (which I sold, bought back,and still own). So, I kinda stepped up from the 34" scale SR5 to the 35" scale 55-02. Anything below a low D sounded frightening through the subs at church.
I sold it to cover the cost of a minty used Dingwall ABII-5 which was such a great deal I couldn't refuse. I actually sold the 55-02 to my guitartist brother who lives 3 hours away so i still get to see it once in a while.
I really wouldn't mind owning another Lakland, in fact I'm tempted with getting back a fretless bass into my toolbox (maybe a 44-02 fretless deluxe, I'm a sucker for fancy wood).
I had heard on another board that Laklands were great, so when I had the chance to pick up a used Skyline JO in 2004 for cheap, I jumped on it. Great bass, fantastic neck, one piece ash body, 8 lbs. Never fails.
A year or so later, I saw a 1995 4-94 on eBay, figured I needed it, got it. The preamp takes some getting used to, but it sounds great on live recordings.
Last year, I picked up an early US JO, which I like, but would be the first of the three to go if I had to sell.
A year or so later, I saw a 1995 4-94 on eBay, figured I needed it, got it. The preamp takes some getting used to, but it sounds great on live recordings.
Last year, I picked up an early US JO, which I like, but would be the first of the three to go if I had to sell.
Briefly had an alder 94-04 w/ Rosewood. Great workmanship and playability, loved the small frets which for me facilitated a nice legato approach when desired, but completely underwhelmed by the Bartolini electronics and the very shallow neck didn't feel right in my hands, so sold it. For that kind of $$$, even used, I'm looking for unconditional love.
Am now awaiting delivery of a 55 dual-J - hoping that passive operation w/ reportedly strong Duncan pickups, and hopefully a bit more wood in the neck due to 5-string/35" configuration, will work better for me...although this is an expensive way to explore whether 35" is my groove.
There's no denying these are beautifully-made instruments, and resale value seems quite strong if you buy used...the question is whether the sound and feel is for you.
Am now awaiting delivery of a 55 dual-J - hoping that passive operation w/ reportedly strong Duncan pickups, and hopefully a bit more wood in the neck due to 5-string/35" configuration, will work better for me...although this is an expensive way to explore whether 35" is my groove.
There's no denying these are beautifully-made instruments, and resale value seems quite strong if you buy used...the question is whether the sound and feel is for you.
When I first began looking for a bass I was committed to Fender but I could never find one that did not have some kind of issue - finish, setup ect.
Picked up a Lakland on a whim and bam -it was all there - finish, setup, tone. It was the same with each one I tried. Finally an instrument "off the rack" that did not require some kind of aftermarket ca$h/tweak.
I have owned a Duck version 1.0, 44-01, DPLEII and currently own a US Glaub with a Darkstar.
The neck is art. Could not be more satisfied.
Thinking about a Scheff.......
Picked up a Lakland on a whim and bam -it was all there - finish, setup, tone. It was the same with each one I tried. Finally an instrument "off the rack" that did not require some kind of aftermarket ca$h/tweak.
I have owned a Duck version 1.0, 44-01, DPLEII and currently own a US Glaub with a Darkstar.
The neck is art. Could not be more satisfied.
Thinking about a Scheff.......
I was fascinated by pictures I'd seen of the Scheff, so when a used one came up for sale here, I grabbed it. Great bass, perfect neck, unique tone.
I've really liked most of the other Laklands I've played, particularly the USA Joe Osborn. I wish I'd bought one the first time I played it, back around 2001 or so. They were a lot less expensive then..
I've really liked most of the other Laklands I've played, particularly the USA Joe Osborn. I wish I'd bought one the first time I played it, back around 2001 or so. They were a lot less expensive then..
I have always wanted a Fender Jazz and decided to buy one when the 2008 model came out. I had read everyone's opinions of Laklands on here and decided to give them a go and they are amazing. I played 4 different Laklands and every one felt and sounded great.
I very nearly bought a Duck Dunn even though I wanted a jazz just because it felt so so nice to play but I ended up following my head and getting a Lake Placid Blue DJ-4 which is the nicest jazz I have ever played.
I spent a week after I had tried the Laklands trying to convince myself that I still wanted a Fender but it didn't work so I went back and bought the DJ!
I very nearly bought a Duck Dunn even though I wanted a jazz just because it felt so so nice to play but I ended up following my head and getting a Lake Placid Blue DJ-4 which is the nicest jazz I have ever played.
I spent a week after I had tried the Laklands trying to convince myself that I still wanted a Fender but it didn't work so I went back and bought the DJ!
I played a beautiful 55-94 for a couple of years as my primary bass. I had one of the early ones when they were first introduced, and I replaced my Fodera Emperor with it.
At the time, I found the 55-94 (I think that was the only model for a while) to be unique...a super high quality, boutique instrument (amazing top wood, beautiful birdseye neck, etc.) that had all the stuff I loved about those 'hippie sandwich' boutique basses, but it was a real 'players bass' at the same time. It felt very much like an upscale evolution of the classic Fender design. It was so much lighter and ergonomically so much more comfortable than my very large, heavy Fodera, and actually was IMO of similar quality.
I was also impressed by all the thought that went into the design... perfect balance, low weight, dual use strap locks, the ability to get 'sort of' a J bass and 'sort of' a MM tone, 35" scale,etc., etc.... very well thought out, and more unique back then than today, with the many, many boutique bolt-ons available.
I eventually moved away from the bass primarily due to the tone of the original Bartolini pickups and pre... a little too mid wooly and dark. I also tired a little bit of the 'close but no cigar' J and MM tone. The new pickups and pre are awesome, and if I wasn't so happy with my current bass line-up, I would consider one of these again in a minute.
At the time, I found the 55-94 (I think that was the only model for a while) to be unique...a super high quality, boutique instrument (amazing top wood, beautiful birdseye neck, etc.) that had all the stuff I loved about those 'hippie sandwich' boutique basses, but it was a real 'players bass' at the same time. It felt very much like an upscale evolution of the classic Fender design. It was so much lighter and ergonomically so much more comfortable than my very large, heavy Fodera, and actually was IMO of similar quality.
I was also impressed by all the thought that went into the design... perfect balance, low weight, dual use strap locks, the ability to get 'sort of' a J bass and 'sort of' a MM tone, 35" scale,etc., etc.... very well thought out, and more unique back then than today, with the many, many boutique bolt-ons available.
I eventually moved away from the bass primarily due to the tone of the original Bartolini pickups and pre... a little too mid wooly and dark. I also tired a little bit of the 'close but no cigar' J and MM tone. The new pickups and pre are awesome, and if I wasn't so happy with my current bass line-up, I would consider one of these again in a minute.
After starting out on an passive MIM Fender Jazz and MIM Fender P Special, I wanted to move up a single, active bass and not carry so much lumber to gigs.
Last December, after A LOT of Talkbass research and visiting local stores, I was hellbent on getting an EBMM Sterling because I wanted the MM sound and at the time wasn't comfortable with feel of the Stingray.
I spent about 2 hours at BassCentral auditioning several Sterling HS's. I was sold on everything about them except for the body size. It felt too small, but I figured I could get used to it.
My friend that was with me suggested I try a Lakland 4402 before I committed to the Sterling. I tried a 4402 deluxe, Amber quilt, maple fretboard with LH3. Before I even plugged it in, I was sold! The neck felt great. The balance felt great. It was light. I plugged it in and was ready to lay down my cash shortly after!!
The only bummer was I wasn't sold on the Amber finish. The only other finish they had for that model was the Tobacco Sunburst, which I did not like at all. Then I saw a Cherry Sunburst quilt, rosewood fretboard with Barts. I slung that one on and it felt equally as good! At the time I did not notice the tonal difference between it and the LH3 system (my ears were done after 2 hours of noodling, hearing other people noodle and just the general chatter from the BC guys taking care of phone and web orders), but it still sounded good to me compared to my MIM Fender experience (no knock on those as they served their purpose, just wanted something different). Besides, I was already sold on the feel and the finish. So I bought it.
Fast forward to now and I just bought a used 5501 from here and am considering moving my 4402! Call me crazy, but I kind of like the tonal variety of the 5501 more than my 4402! I just have to become more proficient on 5 string before I make that decision though!
Finally, a Stingray is still on my GAS list! I always play one when I'm at GC and ask myself why I didn't go ahead a get one in the first place!! But still I'm glad I discovered Lakland!
As much as I enjoy my 4402, there's just something about the 'Ray that I can't get it out of my head or ears!!
Last December, after A LOT of Talkbass research and visiting local stores, I was hellbent on getting an EBMM Sterling because I wanted the MM sound and at the time wasn't comfortable with feel of the Stingray.
I spent about 2 hours at BassCentral auditioning several Sterling HS's. I was sold on everything about them except for the body size. It felt too small, but I figured I could get used to it.
My friend that was with me suggested I try a Lakland 4402 before I committed to the Sterling. I tried a 4402 deluxe, Amber quilt, maple fretboard with LH3. Before I even plugged it in, I was sold! The neck felt great. The balance felt great. It was light. I plugged it in and was ready to lay down my cash shortly after!!
The only bummer was I wasn't sold on the Amber finish. The only other finish they had for that model was the Tobacco Sunburst, which I did not like at all. Then I saw a Cherry Sunburst quilt, rosewood fretboard with Barts. I slung that one on and it felt equally as good! At the time I did not notice the tonal difference between it and the LH3 system (my ears were done after 2 hours of noodling, hearing other people noodle and just the general chatter from the BC guys taking care of phone and web orders), but it still sounded good to me compared to my MIM Fender experience (no knock on those as they served their purpose, just wanted something different). Besides, I was already sold on the feel and the finish. So I bought it.
Fast forward to now and I just bought a used 5501 from here and am considering moving my 4402! Call me crazy, but I kind of like the tonal variety of the 5501 more than my 4402! I just have to become more proficient on 5 string before I make that decision though!
Finally, a Stingray is still on my GAS list! I always play one when I'm at GC and ask myself why I didn't go ahead a get one in the first place!! But still I'm glad I discovered Lakland!
As much as I enjoy my 4402, there's just something about the 'Ray that I can't get it out of my head or ears!!
I own a Skyline Duck Dunn. For me, it has a terrific jazz neck (dig the blocks and binding), a high quality pickup and bridge, fine quality, excellent playability, and a great P-bass sound. It is also modestly priced and a great value for the $. I have some real nice basses (not boutique) but the Duck is a keeper- there is no way I'll part with this one.
After reading about the lakland build quality and customer service and hearing a few on recorded albums I thought I should give one a try. I jumped right into a 55-94 quilted blue top with birds eye maple board with blocks and binding. It has the LH3 system. The build quality is right up there with the other great luthiers. The neck and playabilty are awesome, but the sound is reason I traded it. I actually like the sound, but not enough to warrant having a $2700 bass around. So I traded it for a MTD 535 and then immedialtely bought supertankers 55-02 deluxe with the LH3.
The 55-94 with the LH3 was fat and smooth but lacked a bit of high end openess I like to hear. I had the same issue with a Roscoe of mine, but much worse and ended up getting rid of it too. At least with the lakie, I just traded down a model, so it the sound is still useable for me just not at that price. I am really hoping to tinker around with the 55-02 more and maybe try some flats on it. I think it will shine with that type of vibe since it already has some natural "lack of openess" on the high end (IMO).
The 55-94 with the LH3 was fat and smooth but lacked a bit of high end openess I like to hear. I had the same issue with a Roscoe of mine, but much worse and ended up getting rid of it too. At least with the lakie, I just traded down a model, so it the sound is still useable for me just not at that price. I am really hoping to tinker around with the 55-02 more and maybe try some flats on it. I think it will shine with that type of vibe since it already has some natural "lack of openess" on the high end (IMO).
I think for me it was the neck. I wasn't a big fan of the 55-02's Musicman-esque look (I think it's pretty obvious that Dan was *sorta* doing for the Musicman what Roger Sadowsky was doing for the Fenders at that time. Dan was changing up the shape a bit more, though) or the weird 3+2 headstock, but the bass I tried was pretty light, sounded good and had a freakishly comfy neck.
The shape has grown on me in a big way, but not nearly as much as that headstock, which I now *love*. I still think I paid $200 extra for the world's least impressive quilted top, but the 6 packs of strings that Lakland sent me for it sorta mitigated things.
Since I found out about S.Korea's green track record, I won't buy another brand-new Skyline, though. I might one day pick up a Dunn or JO, but they'll have to be used.
The shape has grown on me in a big way, but not nearly as much as that headstock, which I now *love*. I still think I paid $200 extra for the world's least impressive quilted top, but the 6 packs of strings that Lakland sent me for it sorta mitigated things.
Since I found out about S.Korea's green track record, I won't buy another brand-new Skyline, though. I might one day pick up a Dunn or JO, but they'll have to be used.
i didn't read a single post but i bet it's because they like it for x reason over x bass and it's x reasons.
I ordered my Decade on the spot after dropping by the factory in January 2005. I sampled the whole line, but when Carl put several Dark Star prototypes in my hands it was THE sound I was looking for. As versatile as other Lakland models are, that's not what I wanted at the time. Neck feel is awesome on every USA Lakland. I agree that Skylines can feel different. The other reason I bought my Decade is that it's a tribute to Lakland's first 10 years and I wanted to endorse that. Now that Lakland is producing pickups I'm trying to decide which Lakland 5-er to buy.
I've owned.
Skyline JO.
Skyline Duck Dunn.
USA Glaub.
USA Decade.
Lakland are simply some of the finest passive basses on the market.
Great feeling necks.
Solid construction.
Quality pickups.
To me, they are as good as Fenders that where made in the 60's.
I had a 55-01 maybe 5 years ago or so. I couldn't get with the string spacing and the tone mainly, but nothing about the bass spoke to me. It was obviously a nicely crafted axe, it just wasn't for me. I've been considering giving the JO a spin.
Chef
In Memoriam
I've owned most of what they make in the Skyline range.
I've never laid hands on a US Lak, and don't want to, fearing they might, somehow, be worth the price difference.
First, still owned:
5502. Great combination of sounds, tho I'd prefer it if it were more aggressive. The Barts are smoooooth, a little too much so, even with stainless rounds.
Great, great neck, nice radius, smooth edges and fretwork. Beautiful wood, beautiful finish.
The preamp works well, the pickups may get replaced with Nord's/Duncans for more grind.
5501, still owned:
Loved the 5502, figgered that the 5501 would be "same bass, different and more aggressive flavor.''
It is that.
But as DKWilkins noted, the choice of harsh non-us pickups, and the also harsh MK1 preamp is, well, really harsh.
Shoot, there's several whole threads on XX01 mods.
Something will be done to mine; not sure what yet.
Otherwise, stellar bass. Kinda the opposite of the 5502 tho: I wanna calm this one down a tad!
The Hollowbody was the next aquired, still owned.
Flat out amazing quality. Fit and finish on a par with anything out there. Superb playability. The Barts in this are an excellent, excellent choice.
Wouldn't change a thing. Between single coil and dual coil, neck and bridge, there's worlds of excellent tone in this one.
Scheff: now sold.
Ergonomically, the best Jazz 4 I ever owned; the neck was just dreamy!
Sonically, an oddball.
Nice flavor, not so much of a workhorse tho.
C-ya...sniff.
JO5: still owned
Fralin equipped
Flat out, best passive Jazz bass I've ever owned.
Same excellent neck as 01, 02.
Beeeeeuatiful three tone sunburst.
Massively huge, clear, grinding J tone.
Records very well, blows holes thru a live mix.
This bass, and one particular 1981 G&L L1000 are my two favorite basses right now.
I hope this is helpful;
alan
I've never laid hands on a US Lak, and don't want to, fearing they might, somehow, be worth the price difference.
First, still owned:
5502. Great combination of sounds, tho I'd prefer it if it were more aggressive. The Barts are smoooooth, a little too much so, even with stainless rounds.
Great, great neck, nice radius, smooth edges and fretwork. Beautiful wood, beautiful finish.
The preamp works well, the pickups may get replaced with Nord's/Duncans for more grind.
5501, still owned:
Loved the 5502, figgered that the 5501 would be "same bass, different and more aggressive flavor.''
It is that.
But as DKWilkins noted, the choice of harsh non-us pickups, and the also harsh MK1 preamp is, well, really harsh.
Shoot, there's several whole threads on XX01 mods.
Something will be done to mine; not sure what yet.
Otherwise, stellar bass. Kinda the opposite of the 5502 tho: I wanna calm this one down a tad!
The Hollowbody was the next aquired, still owned.
Flat out amazing quality. Fit and finish on a par with anything out there. Superb playability. The Barts in this are an excellent, excellent choice.
Wouldn't change a thing. Between single coil and dual coil, neck and bridge, there's worlds of excellent tone in this one.
Scheff: now sold.
Ergonomically, the best Jazz 4 I ever owned; the neck was just dreamy!
Sonically, an oddball.
Nice flavor, not so much of a workhorse tho.
C-ya...sniff.
JO5: still owned
Fralin equipped
Flat out, best passive Jazz bass I've ever owned.
Same excellent neck as 01, 02.
Beeeeeuatiful three tone sunburst.
Massively huge, clear, grinding J tone.
Records very well, blows holes thru a live mix.
This bass, and one particular 1981 G&L L1000 are my two favorite basses right now.
I hope this is helpful;
alan
+1...the most comfortable 5 string neck I have ever played, especially the DJ5. I have owned a 5502 which I dearly miss and would love to pick up a JO5 with a maple neck someday.
I think the DJ with the blocks and binding is the best bang for buck on the market today for a passive bass. IMO and YMMV
My only gripe is lack of color options available on the Skylines.
Every lakland I've had has been great. I now have a matching pair of sunburst USA 5s. They have the best feeling necks on earth, play like butter, and sound absolutely amazing with stronger mids and more old school character than pretty much any other high end bass. So I get the feel I want with the sounds I like.
This gruesome twosome can handle pretty much any tune you could come up with between them. The ash/maple 55-94 gets all the modern tones (but still with great thick mids), and I set it up low low low with light strings -- for fast, bright, complex playing. Total funk machine. The Alder/Rosewood JO5 is strung with heavier strings and a higher action. I use that one for anything calling for rock punch, edge, depth, and vibe (everything I don't want to use the 55-94 for).
I put a series switch on the JO and made it all passive, so I can get a thick P-esque tone from it as well.
I've had pretty much everything -- and Laklands are pretty much the top of my list.
This gruesome twosome can handle pretty much any tune you could come up with between them. The ash/maple 55-94 gets all the modern tones (but still with great thick mids), and I set it up low low low with light strings -- for fast, bright, complex playing. Total funk machine. The Alder/Rosewood JO5 is strung with heavier strings and a higher action. I use that one for anything calling for rock punch, edge, depth, and vibe (everything I don't want to use the 55-94 for).
I put a series switch on the JO and made it all passive, so I can get a thick P-esque tone from it as well.
I've had pretty much everything -- and Laklands are pretty much the top of my list.
I have (still) a Lakland US Joe Osborn. It played very very well, sounded fantastic and looked great. I got a Sadowsky NYC recently and within a few days I decided to sell the US Joe Osborn (currently for sale in London). For me, there is only one brand of J bass in that price range which I will buy now.
