Lakland Skyline 55-02 Standard 5-String with Maple Fretboard 2020's Black

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Bass Guitar
Made in Indonesia, c.2020s

A modern classic and one of the most versatile five-string basses ever produced, the Lakland Skyline 55-02 is a professional-grade instrument designed to meet the demands of serious working players.

This example is in excellent condition, showing only a few small marks and light swirl scratches consistent with careful use. It has been given a quality setup and is playing beautifully, ready for its next owner.

Included in the sale is a quality Gator hard case and a suitable stage-ready wide padded leather strap fitted with a locking system.

Lakland was founded in Chicago in the mid-1990s by luthier Dan Lakin and bassist Hugh McFarland, with a clear goal: to build instruments that combine classic designs with modern playability, consistency, and reliability. The Skyline series was later introduced to offer Lakland’s renowned designs at a more accessible price point, with overseas manufacturing overseen to exacting factory specifications and final inspection carried out in the USA.

The 55-02 has been in continuous production since the late 1990s and has become a benchmark five-string bass for players who need maximum tonal flexibility without compromise. Factory specifications include a 35-inch scale length for a tight, authoritative low B string, an ash body, a comfortable maple neck with graphite reinforcement, and a rosewood or maple fingerboard. The electronics feature Lakland’s MM-style bridge pickup paired with a J-style neck pickup, controlled by a three-band active EQ with coil-splitting options, allowing for a wide range of usable sounds.

Tonally, the 55-02 covers an enormous sonic palette. It can deliver deep, piano-like lows with excellent definition, punchy modern slap tones, articulate fingerstyle clarity, and convincing vintage-style warmth when required. The extended scale length and carefully designed neck profile provide exceptional string tension and note clarity across the entire range, making this an ideal instrument for studio and stage use alike.

The distinctive Lakland body shape and long upper horn provide excellent balance and ergonomics, while the overall build quality reflects the brand’s reputation for consistency and attention to detail. The 55-02 has been used by countless professional bassists across genres, including players associated with artists such as Toto, John Mayer, and Faith Hill, as well as many first-call session musicians worldwide.

A superb example of a modern, do-it-all five-string bass, offering outstanding playability, huge tonal range, and proven professional credentials. An excellent choice for the serious bassist looking for a reliable and inspiring instrument.