LAKLAND
Skyline J-Sonic
A classically-styled Jazz with a sonic twist... does that sound interesting? You bet it does, says Mike Brooks
LAKLAND
www.lakland.com
$1349
This five-string Lakland may look like a familiar J-Bass, but look—there’s something a little different in the pickup department. Instead of a standard set of single-coils, Lakland have utilized a pair of Chi-Sonic Jazz units which claim to offer increased upper-mid focus, as they’re modeled on Hagstrom Bi-Sonic pickups, but with improved warmth and a rounder response. We ask—why reinvent the wheel?
Build Quality
Resplendent in a luscious Candy Apple Red finish over an ash core, the J-Sonic looks the part, with the very familiar offset body-shape, mint green three-ply scratchplate, extensive lower cutaway, and chrome control plate. The instrument feels substantial, weighing in at a sturdy 10 pounds, so it’s not surprising that there’s some headstock bias. Contouring at front and back is as expected, and allows the bass to sit comfortably against the player.