Lakland 55-02 vs Ibanez EHB

[BassApprentice]

Now, you might say it's hard to compare these two as they go about the same task in a completely different way. But for tone perspective they are actually quite close. For some reason, I've never tried a Lakland until today. Still speculatively looking for a new 5 string so thought I would see what was in stock in Guitar Guitar. 

I think I've always been put off by the 35" scale of the Lakland stuff, just seemed imposing. Turns out it's not a big deal actually. What a great bass, the satin neck is really nice and smooth and quick felt pretty at home at once. Big ol sound too, after a bit of tinkering I got a really good sound, slightly favoured the bridge pickup with the bass and treble boosted. 

The Ibanez, almost but not quite for me. I had previously tried a fan fret of the non Nord version, this was the standard fret EHB1505. Very light, nice finish flat fast neck and after tinkering I did get a decent sound but I just don't think the Ibanez preamp set up is for me. 3 band layed out with a knob for each cut/boost is what I seem to favour as it far more clear where you're settings are. 

I really appreciate the innovation in the Ibanez but I think I'm a bit more traditional in my tastes and a Lakland would win this one. 

Just random Friday evening ramblings 😅

[Sibob]

Definitely Lakland all the way, they make excellent basses, even the Skylines. I have a Skyline DJ5, a US custom 44-94 and if I could buy back my old Skyline 55-01, I would!

Si

[BassApprentice]

I really liked it, don't get me wrong the Ibanez has its place but it didn't feel *complete*

It's between a Lakland 55-01 and a Reverend Mercalli 5 for the next bass. 

[ebenezer]

I had the 55-02, now have the 55-01....as good as the 02 and also much more upgradeable!... great the 02, but a modded 01 is the nuts nuts.

[BassApprentice]

Interesting, what have you changed on the 01? I did prefer the colour of the vintage white 01 over the cherry burst 02

Edited October 1, 2020 by BassApprentice

[ebenezer]

Got a set of Nord big splits...as to what preamp, I am undecided.