I`ve bought 55-94 Deluxe (USA,2001, "Old" Barts) three years ago. Some of my fellows said US Lackie is one of few basses you can buy without holding it in hands. So I decided to give it a try.
My bass had hardly been used for 10 years, and lived in damp climate US state. When it came, I was greatly dissapointed. It didn`t sound as should sound US $2k bass. In fact, I thought then that it sounds not better than my previous instrument - korean-made $500 Tune 5-stringer. The neck was very unstable also, I used to adjust the truss rod once a week.
Well, time went by and the bass have been used to our climate. Now I play it regularly, more then earlier, and it sounds better and better, and it`s not only my opinion. In fact is sounds terrific now Huge, very defined, with soliid bottom and low-mids, the highs are enough but not harsh. The old barts (recessed logo) do lack high-mids to some extent, but I`m ok with that. People usually reflect it in saying that those barts sound "mellow". I love it. It`s just like bass canon. One thing I should add - the more instruments are in a band, the better you hear the bass. Strange, but true. Don`t even think to hide in the mix with ash-body 55-94
Personally, I think the process of wood drying (and constant playing) is the key to great sound. This makes 70`s Jazzes sound good now (although It`s known they was regarded as deteriorated that time). This is the very fact that makes older 90`s Lackie sound so good. And I believe, I'm just experiencing this with my bass right now.
