cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I'm in a pickle. Here's the problem, I have GAS for a new bass. I thought I wanted a P Bass, love the sound I can get from them, so I went and tried a few in Guitar Guitar. The American standard felt great, so did the Lakland Skyline P I tried. But then I tried the Lakland 44-02 they had on the wall, wow! Neck felt amazing and the action was nice (I'd still tweak it though) and the tone. I played it through a TC combo set flat but it still sang. Easy decision, right? Then I see on TalkBass a guy selling a Stingray Family Reserve in turquoise with a roasted birdseye maple neck and board, absolutely stunning. Importing here to the UK will cost roughly as much as a the Lakland. I've owned a Stingray before and I did like it but the unfinished board didn't really click with me (the Lakland is also unfinished but feels nicer to my hand), so this BFR has a glossy board so I should like it more than my previous one. As it's online though I won't get a chance to play it before buying it. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 (edited) If you like the Lakland after playing it in the real world then logically I'd advise you go with that. But of course I realise logic and economics can be ignored when making a bass-purchasing decision! So I'll say... follow your heart. I'm not helping much, am I? Edited May 22, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 My heart says the Lakland will always be made so I can buy it any time, but that Stingray is a rare bird and I should buy it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Are you allowing for the import, handling & VAT costs that will add approximately another 23 - 25% to the price of the Stingray? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 Yeah have all that factored in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Seems like you've made a decision! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingraybassman Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I think we need pictures to help decide!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 (edited) Hmm... OK - you have the Ray and I'll have the Lakland... Job done! Edited May 22, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 If I had the choice between those two I would definitely go for a Precision.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 If it was me, I would buy all three. In some ways, you can't go wrong whichever of the three options you end up choosing. The Lakland is a very playable and very, very versatile bass ( I was playing my fretless 44-02 last night in fact, and I'm always very impressed with how it sounds and the overall feel of that bass) and if you know you like that particular example, that makes it the most sensible choice. Regarding the EBMM BFR, if weight is an issue for you then make sure you know what it weighs, because a lot of those basses are on the weighty side. That is a very lovely looking bass though, and could be a sound financial investment , too. Just be sure you are being realistic and accurate about the cost of importing it. A Precision is a Precision . Everybody needs one, but the other basses offer a bit more variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 The other thing I should mention is I'm waiting on a build from Nino Valenti as well, so I'm really overdoing it on basses at the moment. Currently have a Valenti Jazz, Fender Jazz and a Rickenbacker 4003 in the stable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I saw that Stingray and thought it looked cool but the total price came in at £1,200 after cost of currency, shipping and taxes and I thought that was a bit too much without being to play it and/see it in the flesh. Should be able to get a used Lakaland or P Bass for way less than that (even a new 44/02 should be available for about £1,000)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 That 12th fret inlay would be enough to put me off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 [quote name='cana.dan' timestamp='1400768149' post='2456808'] The other thing I should mention is I'm waiting on a build from Nino Valenti as well, so I'm really overdoing it on basses at the moment. Currently have a Valenti Jazz, Fender Jazz and a Rickenbacker 4003 in the stable. [/quote] In that case, the Precision or the Stingray would be most different to what you already have in a way, although the Lakland does do a very passable Stingray impersonation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 (edited) I've passed in the stingray. I just don't need the tone right now. I'd occur be buying it for the amazing looking neck. I might have a wild card lined up. Watch this space. Edited May 22, 2014 by cana.dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 I dislike how the lakland goes from fancy to very plain wood body to head, should've got a matching top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Sounds to me that your hands and ears have made the choice already, and are waiting for your head to catch up. The Lakland 44-02. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1400781229' post='2457002'] I dislike how the lakland goes from fancy to very plain wood body to head, should've got a matching top. [/quote] If you want a figured fingerboard you can get that, but you would have to buy a USA model at about three times the cost of the Skyline. Edited May 22, 2014 by Dingus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassassin Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 [quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1400767921' post='2456805'] If it was me, I would buy all three. [/quote] There's your answer. Obvious, really. Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 [quote name='cana.dan' timestamp='1400768149' post='2456808'] The other thing I should mention is I'm waiting on a build from Nino Valenti as well, so I'm really overdoing it on basses at the moment. Currently have a Valenti Jazz, Fender Jazz and a Rickenbacker 4003 in the stable. [/quote] tell us about that one. I had Valenti No. 42 for a brief period - lovely lovely bass.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share Posted May 24, 2014 Decision was made... In the end it was neither! I'm now the proud owner of an ACG Graft J Type bass. Bought from lovely BC'er ead. Stunning instrument. Will take some time to properly play it before I venture forth any opinions but so far it sounds bloody amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 [quote name='cana.dan' timestamp='1400953599' post='2458561'] I'm now the proud owner of an ACG Graft J Type bass. Bought from lovely BC'er ead. Stunning instrument. Will take some time to properly play it before I venture forth any opinions but so far it sounds bloody amazing. [/quote] Well there's a lateral solution. How about some pics?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cana.dan Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share Posted May 24, 2014 Ask and ye shall receive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Ooh. Don't usually like natural finishes but that's a stunner. Zebrano? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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