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Some pretty mismatched grain on a Lakland
- Thread starter Alder P Ashman
- Start date
The front is the same two pieces that the back is. I don't see how you guys think the front looks better? I think it is just the angle plus the pickguard. If the angle was straight on like the back is it would look as bad I think.
Wood is never the same on one side as the other, certainly not at that sort of thickness. The grain on the top just happens to match better than that on the back.
And that's where it matters most IMO. If you want a bass with similar grain front and back then buy an MDF body. And don't you dare complain about it being heavy...
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Terrible match. I'm not saying it has to be bookmatch, but the grain has to at least be similar and in the same direction.
mark beem
Wait, how does this song start again??
I'd hit it!
If it sounded great and playability was there, I'd definitely rock it.
Sound and playability > Looks - Always
Edit: Plus if I could get it at a discount because of the mismatched wood, so much the better!
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The grain doesn't look the same on both sides though, it's clear they took advantage of the pickguard placement and made an effort to at least make the front look halfway decent with the pieces they had. Also your statement at least semi agrees with us, you imply that the front looks better than the back, even if you don't care for the front either. I've seen just as bad a pairing of pieces on plenty of basses from plenty of brands, nit pick much
?
It definitely looks better from the front. I'm sure it's a great-playing bass, but I don't think I'd ever be happy with the grain on that one.
Matching both the front and back is a lot harder. They needed to use 2 similarly-grained pieces and chose not to. I'd pass unless the price was right.
wmhill
Inactive
- Aug 20, 2012
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I kind of dig it. I don't know if I could live with it long term, but it's definitely a conversation starter. If I picked it up used, and everything else (sound, playability, weight, etc.) were spot-on, I wouldn't give it a second thought. Heck, with the toasted and roasted finishes and everything else out there, that wood grain is relatively benign.
I'm guessing that the ventilation system went down in that area of the shop and the guy doing assembly was a little in the clouds.
Seriously though, it was probably in the "paint" pile, or at least was supposed to be.
Seriously though, it was probably in the "paint" pile, or at least was supposed to be.
All that matters is whether you're comfortable with it. If it bothers you now, it will probably always bother you. I'm a big Lakland fan and have a USA Joe Osborn (natural) and USA Glaub (sunburst) -- the mismatch grain on back would bother me -- even on a Skyline -- but obviously doesn't bother everyone.
Lakland can do better. (2008 MIK)
No, a $300 bass has plywood body.
The back kinda looks like plywood.
I've seen plenty of $300 basses with better grain match.
