The 55-02 and 55-60 (FKA Joe Osborn) are both 22 fret which leads me to suspect the necks are probably identical. I have a 55-60 and used to have a 55-02, and the neck sure does feel familiar.
In terms of sound - obviously different. The 55-60 is unmistakably a classic sounding J bass but I wouldn't go as far to call it polite (not how I play it anyway). The 55-02 can do that sound too but a few others thanks to the humbucker, coil tap and preamp.
I have considered adding a preamp to my 55-60, but it sounds so good as it is i'm reluctant to mess with it.
Overall, it's down to a compromise between looks and versatility. I find the 55-02 to always look a bit dull without a pickguard and the fairly boring colours it comes in.