Lakland 5501

[basslinedesign]

Anybody have (or had) one of these? I've been thinking about acquiring a used one at the local shop, seems to be a solid instrument, very nice B string definition, fret spacing is a bit wider than I am used to (with respect to my Rick, Jazz, Ibanez SRX). Opinions appreciated.

[JBFLA]

I have a 44-02D (similar body style) and a JO5 (similar scale length). I'm assuming you are referring to the scale length when you mention "fret spacing a bit wider".

 

The 35" scale length is fairly common for 5 strings - one way to give you that "very nice B string definition". You'll get used to it, just give it time and practice. Soundwise? I'd expect it to be different than the 3 basses you referred to.

 

My guess is that the p'ups are Barts. I haven't used those, but Lowdown member *way2fat* has a JO with Barts. He can probably give you a better idea what to expect.

 

I think Laklands are a great buy, especially used. I have 3, and one on the way - all but the last, bought used. The XX-01 series can be found fairly inexpensive, only because they were less popular. Nothing to do with workmanship or playability, people just liked the configuration of the MM/J p'ups in the XX-02 line better. All the better for someone in the market for a good used bass.

 

How does it feel, and sound, to you?

 

Jim

[basslinedesign]

Thanks Jim, I could not really take it for a spin on the freeway, you know those stores, everything and everyone is happening at the same time, and the test amp was a really small Ampeg. What I could hear over the guitarist practicing Van Halen licks seemed distinctive and as you say different, punchy, not much bottom end which was probably a function of the amp. It's on consignment, perhaps I should do the deal and see if my relatively short fingers will adjust to the spacing, if not, re-consign accordingly. Actually wider frets on the upper end may be helpful, my two octave SRX on a 33" scale puts them really close in that range, perhaps too close. They want $595 for it, seems to be in keeping with what I see on the market.

[JBFLA]

How long has the bass been there? Do you think they may want to move it? $595 isn't a bad price, but there may be room to bargain some.

 

I hail from the "finger-length-compromised-species" myself. All of my fivers have been 35" scale. It's just a different set of 'muscle memory', although there is more of a difference between 33" and 35".

 

With a good bit of practice, it will seem less of a chore going from 33" to 35", and more like a vacation break going from 35" to 33".

 

Jim

[way2fat]

I've only played the Skyline w/barts through my practice amp. Maybe I'll borrow it home after practice this week and plug it into the Whappo Jr. I think $595 is a little high for a used Skyline, not that it isn't worth that much, but I'll wager you can find a better price with a little patience.

 

JB - What's a JO?

[JBFLA]

JO is the Joe Osborne model - standard Jazz body/neck. You mentioned Forest Green before - that was a popular finish for the JOs.

 

On the right is a JO, in the middle a 44-02D, and the left is a Darryl Jones:

 

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TAD7AnEWD0ffCBpckcl0rmFbTQjHOiXGoHwzxiK2Xvp*PXzphowYoCOOLXjqVY27mX4HrTAiPjqM19Tzq5WNOihyZhOHg1NcJa*KQYd99duIyAkpjKkxAw/HPIM0360.JPG

 

An XX-01 would have the same body as the 44-02 in the middle, but without a MM-type p'up at the bridge position.

 

Jim