Lakland Skyline 44-01 with Upgraded Aguilar Preamp and Lakland Hardshell Case

The Lakland Skyline 44-01 stands out as one of the most highly regarded professional bass guitars in its price range, offering exceptional value for musicians seeking quality and performance. The instrument is celebrated for its impressive features right out of the box, making it a top choice among players who demand reliability and versatility on stage or in the studio. However, the particular version highlighted here includes an Aguilar OBP-3 Preamp, a well-known upgrade that significantly enhances the bass’s tonal range and flexibility. This premium modification takes the 44-01’s already strong foundation and elevates its sonic capabilities, offering a broader, more dynamic sound palette that meets the needs of discerning bassists.

Key Features

Lakland Skyline 44-01: Design and Key Features

The Skyline 44-01 combines Lakland’s boutique ergonomic design with reliable, high-quality hardware. This instrument is engineered for comfort and durability, ensuring it stands up to the demands of both stage and studio environments.

• Body & Neck: The bass typically features an Ash body paired with a flat-sawn Maple neck. Lakland’s signature offset body shape contributes to exceptional balance and comfort, whether you’re playing seated or standing.
• Pickups: Outfitted with Bartolini MK-1 split-coil soapbars, these quad-coil pickups deliver a deep, rich tone while remaining free of unwanted hum.
• The Upgrade (Aguilar OBP-3): The Aguilar OBP-3 preamp represents a substantial improvement over the stock Lakland electronics. With 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz (Bass), 400Hz or 800Hz (Midrange), and 6.5kHz (Treble), it provides enhanced clarity in the high end and a more aggressive punch, broadening the instrument’s tonal options.
• Hardware: The hardware includes the Lakland Dual Access bridge, which allows for both top-load and string-through-body options, as well as Hipshot Ultralite tuners that help to prevent neck dive and improve overall balance.
• Scale & Nut: Featuring a standard 34" scale length and a 1.6" nut width, the neck offers a sleek, fast feel reminiscent of a refined Jazz Bass profile.

Why You Should Buy It

• Pro-Level Versatility: The combination of Bartolini pickups and the Aguilar preamp makes this a "Swiss Army Knife" bass. It can handle everything from warm, vintage Motown thumps to modern, hi-fi slap tones.
• Boutique Feel, Import Price: Skyline models undergo the same final "leveling and dressing" process at Lakland’s Chicago workshop as their US-made counterparts, ensuring the playability is far superior to most standard factory imports.
• The Hardshell Case: Lakland Skyline basses usually ship in a gig bag or without a case entirely. Finding one with an original Lakland Hardshell Case is a major plus, as these cases are custom-fitted to the unique offset body shape.