S44-02D TTS vs S44-64 Custom BLK — Compare
Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst vs Lakland Skyline Series 44-64 Custom PJ Electric Bass Black
The 44-02 Deluxe is an active, feature-rich instrument with advanced tone-shaping electronics and a quilted maple top, ideal for players who want studio-grade versatility and sonic precision. The 44-64 Custom PJ is a passive, straightforward workhorse built around classic P/J pickup design, better suited to touring musicians and those who prioritize touch-responsive playing over electronic controls.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst
Lakland Skyline Series 44-64 Custom PJ Electric Bass Black
Specs side by side
| Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst | Lakland Skyline Series 44-64 Custom PJ Electric Bass Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,471.52 | $1,399.00 |
| Brand | Lakland | Lakland |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 20 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Laurel |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Condition | New | Used |
Why choose Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe Bass in Three Tone Sunburst
- ✓ Active 3-band EQ with cut/boost, pickup blend, and 3-way coil tap for precise tone shaping
- ✓ Identical LH3 preamp and Chicago-wound pickups to USA Series models
- ✓ Quilted maple top with three-tone sunburst finish offers premium aesthetics
- ✓ Dual Access bridge allows switching between through-body and bridge stringing
Why choose Lakland Skyline Series 44-64 Custom PJ Electric Bass Black
- ✓ Lower price point while maintaining Lakland build quality and reputation
- ✓ Passive electronics reward technique and require no battery management
- ✓ P/J pickup configuration delivers warm, focused midrange with articulate highs
- ✓ J-style neck taper (1.5") mirrors Fender ergonomics, familiar to many players
Frequently asked questions
Which bass cuts through better in a band mix?
Both cut well in different ways. The 44-02 Deluxe's active electronics and MM-J configuration let you dial in presence precisely via treble boost and coil tap. The 44-64's focused midrange and P/J design naturally sit well in a mix through tone character rather than EQ manipulation.
What is the main playability difference?
The 44-02 Deluxe has a 1.6" nut width and refined Lakland taper, while the 44-64 uses a narrower 1.5" J-style taper more similar to Fender basses. The 44-02 offers a 10" fingerboard radius with variable neck depth; the 44-64 specs are not detailed but follow solid ash/maple/rosewood construction.
Why is there a significant price difference?
The 44-02 Deluxe includes active electronics (LH3 preamp, USA Series pickup specs, battery/bypass circuit), a quilted maple top, and more hardware versatility. The 44-64 is passive with a solid ash body and standard construction, positioning it as an entry point to high-end Lakland instruments.
Which requires more maintenance?
The 44-02 Deluxe requires occasional battery replacement and has more complex electronics to troubleshoot. The 44-64's passive design has no battery and fewer components, making it more straightforward for touring or remote gigs.