Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst
Description
Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst
The Skyline 44-02 Deluxe is engineered for long tracking sessions and daily studio work, with an ergonomic neck taper and balanced weight distribution that eliminate fatigue during extended takes. This instrument houses the same active electronics and pickup configuration found in Lakland's USA Series, paired with a body topped in figured quilted maple and finished in classic three-tone sunburst. The combination of premium hardware, Chicago-wound pickups, and a refined preamp delivers the clarity and punch needed to anchor a mix, cut through dense arrangements, and sit solidly in both contemporary and traditional recording contexts.
Playability & Build for the Control Room
The 1.6" nut width and Lakland neck taper enable rapid, accurate fretting across the 22-fret, 34" scale fingerboard, reducing hand strain during overdub sessions. Construction pairs an ash body with a quilted maple top, flat-sawn maple neck with graphite reinforcement, and Indian laurel fingerboard, while Hipshot Ultralite tuners and a Lakland Dual Access bridge (switchable between through-body and bridge stringing) provide tuning stability and allow rapid reconfiguration between different recording scenarios. The fingerboard radius of 10" and measured neck depths (.77" at the 1st fret, .87" at the 12th) create a consistent, playable profile that translates across varying playing techniques and dynamic requirements.
Tone & Recording Electronics
Active tone shaping comes courtesy of the Lakland LH3 preamp and MM-J pickup configuration, both wound in Lakland's Chicago shop and identical to USA Series specifications. Three-band EQ with cut and boost controls for bass, midrange, and treble, combined with a panning-style pickup blend and 3-way bridge coil tap, delivers articulate lows for definition, defined mids for presence in dense mixes, and present highs for clarity—all powered by a single 9-volt battery. The master volume includes a pull-for-bypass function to disengage the preamp entirely for passive operation when tracking demands a different tonal character.
Key Features
- Body: Ash with Quilted Maple top in Three Tone Sunburst finish
- Neck: Flat-sawn Maple with graphite reinforcement bars
- Fingerboard: Indian Laurel with 10" radius, 22 frets
- Scale Length: 34" with .75" bridge string spacing
- Nut Width: 1.6" Delrin nut
- Neck Dimensions: .77" depth at 1st fret, .87" at 12th fret, 2.46" width at final fret
- Tuners: Hipshot Ultralites
- Bridge: Lakland Dual Access (through-body or through-bridge stringing)
- Pickups: Lakland MM-J configuration
- Preamp: Lakland LH3 with bass/mid/treble cut and boost, pickup blend, 3-way coil tap, master volume with tone bypass
- Power: Single 9-volt battery
- Truss Rod Access: 4mm hex at neck heel
The 44-02 Deluxe combines the proven tracking platform of Lakland's mid-level workhorse with premium tonewoods and finishing to deliver professional-grade electronics and playability at the Skyline price point, making it a versatile foundation for diverse recording projects.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe is a studio-ready 4-string bass that captures articulate lows, defined mids, and present highs thanks to its active LH3 preamp and Chicago-wound MM-J pickups. The three-band EQ with cut-and-boost controls, pickup blend, and switchable coil tap give you extensive tone-shaping options to fit any track, while the pull-to-bypass master volume lets you go passive for vintage warmth when the mix calls for it. Its premium construction and consistent neck profile make it equally at home tracking multiple takes or sitting confidently in the final mix.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to play this bass?
The Skyline 44-02 Deluxe is designed for intermediate to advanced and professional players. The ergonomic neck taper and fast fingerboard are built for players with developed technique, though the 1.6" nut width and balanced weight make it accessible to anyone comfortable on a standard jazz bass.
What genres is this bass best suited for?
This bass excels in jazz, funk, and studio sessions where articulate lows and defined mids are essential. The active electronics and clear tone-shaping give you the control needed in these styles; it is not recommended for metal or thrash metal.
Can I switch between active and passive operation?
Yes. The master volume includes a pull-for-bypass function that disengages the preamp entirely, letting you run the bass in passive mode with just the pickups and no tone coloration.
What electronics and tone control options are included?
The bass features a Lakland LH3 preamp with a three-band EQ (bass, midrange, treble) with cut and boost, a panning-style pickup blend, and a 3-way bridge coil tap. It runs on a single 9-volt battery and gives you extensive sculpting of lows, mids, and highs.
What is the neck profile and fingerboard material?
The neck is flat-sawn maple with graphite reinforcement and has a tapered profile (.77" deep at the 1st fret, .87" at the 12th fret). The fingerboard is Indian laurel with a 10" radius and 22 frets on a 34" scale, providing fast, comfortable fretting.