Lakland 55-01 or 55-02???

[bubinga5]

Hey people, im shortly to buy a new bass to keep my Jazz company. Im gasing for a Lakland 55-02 deluxe, but was curious to know what the difference is between this newer model and the 55-01. I know there is quite a price difference, but was wondering if the 55-01 was any lesser a bass.

Any thoughts..

[Bigwan]

Both excellent basses. Both feel the same (other than where you can place your right hand due to pickup differences). If it were me I'd opt for the 55-01 and spend the difference putting Nordstrand pickups and a better preamp in it... Electronics seem to be the 55-01's only weakness, but that really is knit-picking to say that as the standard pickups are fine.

Have you considered a Joe Osborne 5? It's be my pick of the Lakland Skyline 5 strings I've played, although I haven't played the DJ model...

Edited May 30, 2008 by Bigwan

[Rumble]

If you go onto the Lakland website they have loads of sound files for their basses to give you an idea of the noises you can get from each. I've had a JO5 and currently own a 55-02. The feel is very similar (and very nice) and I'm actually really surprised at what a good impression the 55-02 does of a jazz. Not so good at mimicking a Stingray (which I also have) though. The only downer with the JO5 was the weight; other than that it was an awesome bass. Laklands are just fab IMHO.

[Hamster]

I spent some time doing an A/B on these. In the shop I preferred the sound of the 55/02 over the 55/01 - but I didn't prefer the price. IMHO spending a few quid on a decent pre-amp (I chose an Audere) makes the 55/01 sound better than the stock 55/02.

Hamster