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New Lakland Owner :)

Well I finally pulled the trigger on a bass. After much deliberation and talking with some of you fellas here, I decided on a Lakland 55-02D LTD tobacco flamed top with a rosewood fretboard.

I've been researching for the past couple of weeks starting with the EBMM. I love the sound, but could not get used to the feel. I then looked at a Skyline DJ4, but decided against that as its passive and may not cover all the genres I play. More recently, I looked at the Fender American Deluxe for the active electronics, but have read a lot of threads about noisy pickups when the pre-amp is switched on. Although the new Fenders look sharp, I really need playability and quality in a 1500+ instrument. I even played an Ibanez SR505 at one of my local GC's, which played a lot like my guitars. But for some reason decided against that as well.

I chose the 55-02 based on the discussions here and from calling around to different bass shops. As a guitar player getting back into bass, I think it's the best choice with the slim profile for the neck (depth wise), along with the active electronics, and general overall aesthetics. However, I purchased it without playing it. I hope it plays as good as I've heard. :)

I would love to post the picture, but I only have one from the store I purchased it from, and am not sure of the forum rules on that. However, I will post my own as soon as I receive it.
 
Congrats! You took your time and did the research, always a good thing.:) I've seen the flame top 55-02 in person and love the look. And the -02s truly are versatile beasts. Hope you dig it!
 
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Oh hey! It worked.
 
Congrats,......that is a beauty!

I am sure you will love it for a long time to come......the only reason I got rid of my 5502 was to buy a US lakie......

Make sure to post pics on the LOG (lakland owners thread) when you get it in person

Peace

Doug
 
I have a 55-02D and it's a great bass. I also have a Fender American Deluxe Jazz, and yes, in some environments the "noiseless" pickups do hum, but the Lakland is dead quiet.

I have agonized over my choice of basses, and feel like I have my tonal options covered with the three I have. My only negative for the 55-02 is that it doesn't have a passive tone control. Sometimes you want a passive vibe, but the 55-02 passive mode is more of a "finish the gig on a dead battery" switch. My Fender has a great passive mode with a tone pot, just like a passive Jazz.
 
I have a 55-02D and it's a great bass. I also have a Fender American Deluxe Jazz, and yes, in some environments the "noiseless" pickups do hum, but the Lakland is dead quiet.

I have agonized over my choice of basses, and feel like I have my tonal options covered with the three I have. My only negative for the 55-02 is that it doesn't have a passive tone control. Sometimes you want a passive vibe, but the 55-02 passive mode is more of a "finish the gig on a dead battery" switch. My Fender has a great passive mode with a tone pot, just like a passive Jazz.

Yeah I had a really tough decision to make, because despite having chosen the 55-02, I still do want a Fender American Jazz Deluxe. I mean I REALLY want one. I watched a couple Fender demos, and the passive mode really sounded stale and underwhelming, which is one reason I ultimately chose the 55-02. I do know that if you get the right Fender, it kills. But I just didn't feel comfortable buying one without playing it with all that I read. Too bad the GC's around here don't carry any of the deluxes... Actually that's probably a good thing. :)
 
chadhargis said:
I have a 55-02D and it's a great bass. I also have a Fender American Deluxe Jazz, and yes, in some environments the "noiseless" pickups do hum, but the Lakland is dead quiet.

I have agonized over my choice of basses, and feel like I have my tonal options covered with the three I have. My only negative for the 55-02 is that it doesn't have a passive tone control. Sometimes you want a passive vibe, but the 55-02 passive mode is more of a "finish the gig on a dead battery" switch. My Fender has a great passive mode with a tone pot, just like a passive Jazz.

A passive tone control (single knob) can be installed.....I have one on my 5507...if you want details let me know...