• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NBD: Dan Lakin JO

Status
Not open for further replies.
#484
elBandito said:
Probably a 19mm bridge. Jazz pickups need 20mm bridge to line up with strings.
Click to expand...

So, I broke out some Science in the form of calipers and a Mitutoyo ruler. The bridge pickup is indeed 20mm spacing and the bridge is designed for 19mm so hats off to elBandito!

Regarding the possible crookedness of the bridge pickup or the bridge itself, I believe it is just a perception thing in the pics. Looking at it in person there isn't anything discernible and the calipers seem to back that up. The pickup cavity is somewhat large for the pickup so maybe shadows come into play. I measured from the front edge of the bridge to the edge of the cavity and the E and G ends were well within a mm of each other.... 41.4 to 41.6mm and that could just be human error on my part.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: basspraiser, elBandito and GregC
#485
ModuMan said:
It's been some time but I'd like to provide an update and happy conclusion. The lighting in my pics isn't that good but I hope they will illustrate the improvements.

Dan had the body buffed and the wear marks are now gone, a really nice job. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice the addition of felt washers under the strap buttons, bonus upgrade.

The string alignment is set as well as it can be and the bridge is now fully adjustable.

I had initially asked for a mint guard which Dan has graciously provided. I had my choice of parchment or mint but I really like the mint. In my pics it may be tough to see the difference but the comparison shot with the stock guard should give you an idea.

Last but not least I bought a hard case. It's a G&G and I think it's really lovely both inside and out. The one pictured on the website under the various sold basses had a ding but this one is perfect. Dan also had my original numbered cardboard box shipped as well so I've got the whole package now.

I really feel like *this* is the bass that I wanted and I'm very happy to have it now in great shape with the guard and case. I'd like to thank Dan for putting in the time and effort, I think this is the best result all around.

View attachment 458459 View attachment 458460 View attachment 458461 View attachment 458462 View attachment 458463 View attachment 458464
Click to expand...

The control plate looks too wide for the pickguard.
 
#491
ModuMan said:
I think that's the understatement that sums up this entire thread.:roflmao:

I'm at peace with this thing now. Time to play and enjoy it. And I am!
Click to expand...


Please tell us about how the bass performs on the gig. I'd love to know what bandmates, sound guy, etc. has to say about it. And YES, it seems the lynching has been called off!!!
 
#495
Smooth_bass88 said:
OP, I was reading your profile...you have an absolutely impressive collection of basses. How do you decide which to play?? And how does the D.Lakin compare to such greatness?
Click to expand...

Thanks, it has turned into something of a bunch over the years. The short answer is that I try to rotate. I can really only keep a few out at a time and some stay in the "active" rotation longer than others. My Lakland USA 55-69 is my main bass and there are a couple of others on the short list. Beyond that, if I have something new then that stays until I get a good handle on it. So the Lakin JO is part of that process now.

Others may need some repair work and it's nice to get those fixed up and enjoy them again.

But of course I can't play them all at once. So the rest are cased until I need them. I should probably let some go and that will not only clear some space but also clear out my mind a little bit!

I've also found that it's beneficial to try a lot of things and then find what really, really works for you. Maybe you get something because of its cache or just because you've always wanted one. Or "I don't have a fretless." "I don't have a 6-string... or an 8-string!". It may seem indulgent (and I won't argue that) but if it expands your range, your abilities, your songwriting and musical voice then I think it's worth exploring.

That's not really a short answer after all...

steveinohio said:
That color looks great! How is the quality compared to tge Lakland Skylines?
Click to expand...

As for how the JO compares to a Skyline, that's a good question. The closest comparison I can make (since I don't own a Lakland JO) would be the DJ4. They are pretty different though. I think the D. Lakin JO features one important thing that you can't see: the graphite in the neck. I noticed it right away in comparing my DJ4 to DJ5. The Skyline DJ5 has graphite rods, the DJ4 doesn't. And that neck is very stable. Not that the DJ4 suffers for it but I know which one I had to adjust more often! I'm not a fan of the reverse tuners but I prefer the D. Lakin Hipshot USA tuners over the Skyline licensed version. Different style though.

I know some of this is subjective. If the question is if the D. Lakin is on the same level as the Skylines, I think I'd say yes. You might prefer some aspects of one over the other. I think there is some room for improvement. The string alignment thing still bugs even if it may be purely cosmetic. But the bass feels good and sounds good. I think that the hardware is a plus. Having a truss wheel is an A+.

I'm also really happy with the way the Fiesta Red turned out :)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Runlikegregg
#497
ModuMan said:
Thanks, it has turned into something of a bunch over the years. The short answer is that I try to rotate. I can really only keep a few out at a time and some stay in the "active" rotation longer than others. My Lakland USA 55-69 is my main bass and there are a couple of others on the short list. Beyond that, if I have something new then that stays until I get a good handle on it. So the Lakin JO is part of that process now.

Others may need some repair work and it's nice to get those fixed up and enjoy them again.

But of course I can't play them all at once. So the rest are cased until I need them. I should probably let some go and that will not only clear some space but also clear out my mind a little bit!

I've also found that it's beneficial to try a lot of things and then find what really, really works for you. Maybe you get something because of its cache or just because you've always wanted one. Or "I don't have a fretless." "I don't have a 6-string... or an 8-string!". It may seem indulgent (and I won't argue that) but if it expands your range, your abilities, your songwriting and musical voice then I think it's worth exploring.

That's not really a short answer after all...
Click to expand...


Yeah, I've played/owned many, many basses over the years, but I think I've settled on the six I own currently, although I'm in process of building a j-bass in the vein of an early 70s Fender. But with the ones I own, I can cover pretty much anything any gig or session requires tone-wise (passive, active, 4 string, 5 string, fretless, hollowbody, P bass w/flats). I must say, I'd love to get my hands on a D.Lakin and just try one out a bit. Guess I'll have to wait till I'm in Chicago again! (who knows when that will be!)
 
#498
ModuMan said:
So, I broke out some Science in the form of calipers and a Mitutoyo ruler. The bridge pickup is indeed 20mm spacing and the bridge is designed for 19mm so hats off to elBandito!

Regarding the possible crookedness of the bridge pickup or the bridge itself, I believe it is just a perception thing in the pics. Looking at it in person there isn't anything discernible and the calipers seem to back that up. The pickup cavity is somewhat large for the pickup so maybe shadows come into play. I measured from the front edge of the bridge to the edge of the cavity and the E and G ends were well within a mm of each other.... 41.4 to 41.6mm and that could just be human error on my part.
Click to expand...

Or they could be off-kilter. .2mm is small, but it is perceivable. That said, it looks off by more than a mm or so, to me...glad to hear it's not.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back