Machines

He'll probably reply if you email him and ask. I expect not though as they're made n batches overseas.

It may be because until the Shark - there is nothing you can't get from Lakland already (just in more colours). A few loyal players have followed Dan, others will not care for the history involved and just want a decent brand name.

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1472641644' post='3122812'] Good god what a mess! Lakin has swung and missed big time with the D Lakin brand in my humble opinion, which is odd, usually it's the original brand that fails after takeover and the original brains behind the operation carries on being great with their new project. As has been mentioned, the D Lakin brand very much feels like a hobby Si [/quote] G&L is hardly overtaking Fender. Brand establishment is a big thing.

[quote name='Misdee' timestamp='1472588802' post='3122447'] I'm not sure,but I think you get a quartersawn graphite-reinforced neck, for one thing, and that makes a huge difference between the USA basses and the Skylines. You really can feel the benefit. [/quote] Skyline is flatsawn but still has graphite reinforcement on 5 string models.

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1472557192' post='3122046'] I also looked at the Lakin stuff back in the days, but IMO it was overpriced and there weren't enough options. And then there was the headstock... [/quote] The Shark is what was missing from their line up to compete with the 44-02/55-02. It's a mashup of a Stingray/Sabre and I like it. I'd probably move that pickup an inch further from the bridge though. http://dlakinbasses.com/the-shark-4-tech-specs/

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1472556145' post='3122031'] It looks like you get the same pickups on the passive models.... [/quote] You get the same Hanson pickups and Lakland EQ regardless on US and Skylines. This tells me you will get pretty much the same sounds and any differences are going to be aesthetic or playability.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1472551897' post='3121979'] Warwick custom shop is crazy money - I don't understand how they sell anything... but I guess, if you must have a custom shop Warwick, there is only one place you can go! [/quote] The Basschat marketplace ? [quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1472551962' post='3121980'] Does anybody know if Dan has had any luck gaining a similar sort of success with D Lakin basses? He doesn't seem to have hit the radar much. Mind you, THAT headstock :-/ [/quote] Yeah, that's the biggest issue I have. I like that he is selling direct and trying to avoid the middleman and you can custom order what you want (within the set parameters). I do like their colour options.

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1472500730' post='3121655'] What you have to remember is - a lot of makers want to be able to advertise they have a custom shop... but there's more profit in production models... so they'll charge over the odds to try and get them to go with the production offerings by pricing a lot of people out of the market. [/quote] Yet Warwick Custom shop models seem very popular.

G&L I see as guilty of this too but without the crazy prices. I know their custom shop does some cool paint jobs but most of the instruments they spit out are very dull.

Like this US one for £2500: http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=160805301291007 Compared to this Skyline for half the price: http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=10030310482629

I think the 'overpriced' accusation is based around their generally understated looks.

It's generally a small number of people making a lot of posts that make something seem very popular, but really it's just a hot topic. This can give a different perception to reality.

[quote name='Bassnut62' timestamp='1471813077' post='3116125'] Absolutely awesome loan score from your Dad. I have exact same early 90s ST54 MIJ. Great guitar as good as any USA Strat; but I did find pups were a little anonymous, even tho US Custom Shop. I replaced mine with Lindy Fralin Vintage Hot pups and now this is my fave guitar. It has funkiest sound on the planet and has a kick too. [/quote] I agree, his other Strats are generally high spec pickups (Texas Hot Rods or Noiseless etc) so this is a bit weedy in comparison. I'd rather leave this as it is spec wise (as it's a very good exampl eof a period correct instrument) but perhaps just steal something else from him. That SRV Strat of his has been in the case for 6 months...

Nice. It won't disappoint you.

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1471562263' post='3114105'] Didn't Flea's own brand Flea bass, have QC issues? Could be the way he likes them [size=4] [/size] [/quote] It's certainly how Fender likes it. Low QA time means more profit margin per instrument. These issues simply wouldn't be accepted by distributors or buyers but the association to Flea and them selling out so quickly is covering it.

They're far from cheap. They seem to be top quality but I wouldn't pay that much when the Skylines have the same pickups and are Plek'd in the US anyway for a less than half of the price. You aren't getting over 2 x the bass here.

Some are neckthrough http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/ibanez_sr1400_t-vnf-yibanez34924.asp

All I know is every bass I've had with a good B has been 35" or more. The BTB is 35" and beats the Lakland any day.

It's meant to sound like an MOT and imply reliability and responsible ownership.

This is as close as I could get but not 35" http://www.warwick.de/en/Warwick---Products--Instruments--Customshop--Basic-Bass-Models--Signature-Models--P-Nut-III-Signature--5-string--Pictures.html

There is no real point of perfection. The fun is in the chase etc. I've recently bought something that filled a gap I created in my own mind and all gaps are filled now, won't stop me thinking of something else I don't need when I listen to a new band etc.

I generally use my B3 as a headphone preamp/drum machine/looper for home practice and had it 3 years. I'll use it for recording too once I sort myself out.