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What happened to D Lakin?
- Thread starter Runlikegregg
- Start date
I just got my dlakin bass a couple of weeks ago. I didn't post a NBD on TB because I didn't want the negative comments on trying to get ambassador points. Anyway I have talked quite a bit with Dan. I was waiting for an update with pics on his website but all his last order were already sold. I know he got about 20 J basses and they were all sold. I got a P bass but do not know how many of those he got in and they were all sold. I did get his gearbag which was quite nice, red in color so it looks different and had his name across the front pocket.
I got the jazz neck on the P bass and it plays very smooth. Bass sounds great. My band likes it a lot. Dan was very excited when I emailed him a rather long email about the bass. I also talked with him on the phone. I think his company is probably doing well. I know when he called me that the basses were in he was very excited and said he had some ex lakland employees setting the basses up before shipping. Mine came well set up. He even called and asked how I liked it the day I got it. I hope his company is successful as I think I got more bass than what I paid for.
I got the jazz neck on the P bass and it plays very smooth. Bass sounds great. My band likes it a lot. Dan was very excited when I emailed him a rather long email about the bass. I also talked with him on the phone. I think his company is probably doing well. I know when he called me that the basses were in he was very excited and said he had some ex lakland employees setting the basses up before shipping. Mine came well set up. He even called and asked how I liked it the day I got it. I hope his company is successful as I think I got more bass than what I paid for.
Ambassador points has to be one of the worst business moves in awhile. He should have done it like many other companies and hire individuals to post in social media and online threads to build word of mouth about the brand.
From what I hear locally. They are a firm competitor to Sadowsky at a much more affordable price range.
Glad to hear they're doing well. I seem to remember a thread a little while back where people were getting lots of delays in the direct-to-customer sales being delivered. If there was an issue, sounds like he must have ironed it out. Maybe it was related to him starting to work with dealers, I don't know.
I wasn't very enthusiastic when the first models were shown. Another Jazz Bass, how so innovative.
Sending a lemon to one of the first TB buyers certainly was an unwise move.
The ambassador program sealed the case for me.
Average products and price call for exceptional service, not discutable practices.
Sending a lemon to one of the first TB buyers certainly was an unwise move.
The ambassador program sealed the case for me.
Average products and price call for exceptional service, not discutable practices.
Apples and oranges. Sadowskys are modern active basses. Its probably more accurate to say they are competitors with Lakland/Lull/Fender CS.
If you ever play a Sadowsky you would know that's not true. They're both great instruments, but one is clearly superior. I have both, and have played many models of both brands. It may just be opinion, but Sadowsky is more boutique (referring to the NYC models). That's not to say Lakland isn't great...they are fantastic and not everyone likes Sadowsky--all I'm saying is the detail is more pristine on a Sadowsky than a Lakland.
As for D. Lakin, those basses are Korean made imports, and run about $1200-1500. They are comparable to the Lakland Skyline series, but are mostly just the passive models.
It's not so much wrong but just worded in a way that is confusing as heck....
"D. Lakin is one of the founders of Lakland Basses (SOLD HIS INTEREST IN THE COMPANY). His (DAN LAKIN) basses are now marketed under the Lakland brand (NO, D LAKIN BASSES).
The luthier I've been working with lately is the former head of production of Lakland. He (THE LUTHIER) left to open his own shop (AS DID DAN). He (THE LUTHIER) had a D. Lakin bass for sale that I asked him about and he told me the story. This guy (THE LUTHIER) still does overflow work for Lakland when production is backed up."
Now that is interesting! I'm thinking of grabbing a standard Glaub 4, but I can't deal with those model A bridges(too hard to get a good palm mute). I wonder if he would have one made for a Hipshop vintage style bent plate bridge?
Thanks everyone. I still can't seem to get into their site, but I'm glad to hear they are seemingly doing well.
To me they look pretty good! I'm sort of on the fence about another LB-100 vs. a Bob Glaub.
To me they look pretty good! I'm sort of on the fence about another LB-100 vs. a Bob Glaub.
Site works for me on Safari as of this writing. I imagine new content was added yesterday and whoever was doing it went to a baseball game, forgot to make the site go live, and finished later in the evening !
I saw the American made basses a few months back and then it was taken off the price list. I don't see it on there now and I am using Google. Anyway Dan did
say that this last batch was a much better batch as far as finish was concern and he said an overall really good build. No problems with mine. As far as the Company is concerned I think Dan has a passion. In this day of all the bass manufacturers and companies, him selling out his Lakland share, and then starting another company making basses it would seem to me to be more than a business decision but also a lot of love for the instrument. Just my thoughts anyway. I don't have GAS, not worried about Ambassador points, I have only had 4 basses in 52 years, still have three of the ones I have bought.
say that this last batch was a much better batch as far as finish was concern and he said an overall really good build. No problems with mine. As far as the Company is concerned I think Dan has a passion. In this day of all the bass manufacturers and companies, him selling out his Lakland share, and then starting another company making basses it would seem to me to be more than a business decision but also a lot of love for the instrument. Just my thoughts anyway. I don't have GAS, not worried about Ambassador points, I have only had 4 basses in 52 years, still have three of the ones I have bought.
I emailed Dan and he replied within minutes, USA basses are available $ 2,700 on any color you want, I did not ask any other spec but I wonder who is building these basses and what pickups he is using.
USA made D. Lakins? That's news to me, too.
Umm... Is it just me, or do other people also think that the D. Lakins headstock design is kinda, "Meh" ?
Umm... Is it just me, or do other people also think that the D. Lakins headstock design is kinda, "Meh" ?
There is only so much you can do when imitating-but-no-too-obviously a Fender headstock.
Definitely Meh. Not terrible, just lacking grace. The flat bottom of the headstock doesn't look quite right to me. I'm sure the bass is nice though.
Is there an unbiased/untainted review anywhere comparing D-Lakin Standard basses to Lakland Skyline?
