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Need help with 35" 5 stringer

tortoise.sg

tortoise.sg

Mar 10, 2004
355
1
42
Castle Hill, Sydney
#1
Hi guys,

I've been looking for an average priced 35" 5 string bass and it came down to these 2. I've never tried any of them but heard quite a bit about the Lakland. What do you all say? I'm open to other basses.. just that I wanna take advantage of the free shipping worldwide by BassNW. heh

Ken Smith Design V70J5 5 string Bass

http://www.bassnw.com/New Exotic Basses/ken_smith_design_V70J5.htm

Lakland Skyline 55-01 Standard 5 string Bass

http://www.bassnw.com/New Exotic Basses/lakland_skyline_5501_Natural_RW.htm

Thanks
 
#4
I own the KSD, can't really compare it to a Skyline, haven't really played em long enough, I'll tell you I love the KSD its pretty bright though, but what do you expect from an ash/maple combo? Its a beaut too! Just trying to find a gigbag that fits it was causing me some trouble :p
 
#5
Yeah, thanks guys.
I must agree the ash wood grains on the ksd is really ugly, but I'm not given much choice there... I already have a maple/ash combo with my G&L 5500 that why I'm more inclined to the Lakland with rosewood... It's just that I have this assumption that the 55-01 not as good tone wise compared to the 55-02. Could I get some help here.. Oh yeah, BassNW doesn't carry 55-02.... sigh. Would you all recomend any other basses?
 
#7
tortoise.sg said:
Hi guys,

I've been looking for an average priced 35" 5 string bass and it came down to these 2. I've never tried any of them but heard quite a bit about the Lakland. What do you all say? I'm open to other basses.. just that I wanna take advantage of the free shipping worldwide by BassNW. heh

Ken Smith Design V70J5 5 string Bass

http://www.bassnw.com/New Exotic Basses/ken_smith_design_V70J5.htm

Lakland Skyline 55-01 Standard 5 string Bass

http://www.bassnw.com/New Exotic Basses/lakland_skyline_5501_Natural_RW.htm

Thanks
Click to expand...

haven't played a lakland, I have an American model, so the comparison wouldn't be fair. I have palyed the Smith bass though. Very very nice for the money. Easily the equal of a Japaneese (and possibly MIA) Fender quality wise. I think you'd like it.
 
#8
I also own one of the KSD basses and it's really superb, especially for the price. Killer slap tone, well-balanced and easy to set up. It's a big ol' thing, tho! As has been pointed out, most gig bags won't fit. I found one but it took a bit of looking. The B string on the KSD is also very good, something that is certainly not a given at this price point. And personally, I think it looks great.
 
#15
I've tried the Skylines and they're very nice especially for the price.. My question is I know the Skylines are made in Korea.. Could the KSD's be also made in Korea and possibly from the same factory as the Skylines.. None the less, I don't think you can go wrong with either...
 
#16
I owned a Lakland 55-02 for a few months. Excellent quality and it played very good. Make sure that you get one that has the US electronics. I haven't played the 55-01 but a lot of TB'ers prefer it over the 55-02. I personally like the MM/J pickup configuration and I think it would give you some different sounds than the GL-5500 bass.
 
#17
Basically, the features are almost the same. Only differences being that the Lakland has Barts, and the KSD has a 2band instead of 3band eq.

I really like my 55-01, I prefer it over my Stingray 5. That KSD looks nice, but huge, my Lakland is nice and light.

I have the natural w/Rosewood board, I like the tone, bright but not harsh.
 
#18
I just purchased a 55-02 about 3 weeks ago. Definitely go with the Lakland! The 55-01 is ok, but it sounds just like a standard active jazz bass without alot of different sounds. Much like the Cort/Elrick Josh Paul (they have the same electronics BTW). The 55-02 can get a great Jazz sound, BUT....then you flip it to the MM pickup and you got a whole new world of sounds. Definitely would be my choice.

Go see www.basscentral.com and when you call, ask for Gard!

Best purchase I've ever made.....
SB
 
#19
No experience with the Ken Smith but I'm liking my Skyline 55-01 a lot.

One advantage is its structural integrity. I also have a Fender American Precision and a Godin BG-5. The neck on the Lakland required less adjustment during the dry winter months up here in the Great White North than either the Fender (with graphite rod reinforcement) or the Godin.

The string spacing on the Lakland is nice too. It's very fan-shaped (wide at the bridge like my Precision and as narrow as my Godin up by first fret).

The 35" scale gives a clear attack and tone to the B and E strings. I have the MIK Barts and electronics which many advise to upgrade from, but I'm quite happy. This thing has lots of sounds in it. The high end is not brittle at all, like I found on a Peavey Cirrus I test-drove the same day I bought the Lakland, but is mellow even with treble or midrange bumped a bit.

I admit to liking the aesthetics too. The tuners are retro-looking but are the light Hip-shot licensed type. The bridge is top-load or string-thru and has a nice vintage MusicMan look to it.

I got a cherryburst (grain could be better, especially on the back, it has quite a few dark mineral grain patterns) with rosewood fretboard and I am quite pleased with the bass. Even though it's a 35" scale, the body is short, so it doesn't feel too big. I will admit that it's a bit on the heavy side (not as heavy as my previous Fender Jazz V), but with a wide strap, there's no problem, it balances nicely for me.

I also like the passive / active switch which allows you to turn on the "kaboom" with one tap. It does have an audible thunk though as you engage the 3-band tone circuit.
 
#20
What about the Cort Elrick Josh Paul?
It's a really good bass. You may want to consider it.
Moreover if you're located in Singapore, you should be able to find one of these babes in your area.
So you can try it. If you can try a bass before to buy, Do It! Sometimes even if the bass looks perfect for you, the neck shape or anything else, doesn't fit you...I would be a pity.
 

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