Best Lakland 5-String Basses 2026
So, you're looking at a Lakland 5-string? Smart move. They're not the cheapest basses out there, but they offer something that a lot of other brands just don't: a blend of vintage vibe and modern functionality, built to a standard that's often missing these days. We're going to break down what makes Lakland 5-strings special, from the woods they use to the way they feel in your hands, and which models are worth the investment.
Last updated: April 22, 2026 • Next update: April 29, 2026
#1
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom WPG
by
Lakland
Professional Use
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
This Skyline 55-02 is a seriously impressive instrument—Lakland’s commitment to quality shines through. The 35” scale gives it a deep, fundamental low end, and the active EQ provides a ton of tonal shaping. It’s a great choice for players seeking a premium, versatile 5-string bass for a wide range of modern and classic genres.
PROS
- • Ash body provides a resonant, balanced tone with excellent sustain.
- • Lakland LH55 pickups deliver a versatile range, from growl to clarity.
- • Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability for both chords and solos.
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures flawless intonation and comfortable playing experience.
CONS
- • The extended scale length (35") might feel unwieldy for players with shorter arms.
- • High-gloss pearl finish is beautiful but a fingerprint magnet, requiring diligent care.
- • Coil-split functionality, while useful, doesn't offer truly single-coil character.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 602294
$2,409
#2
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NAT
by
Lakland
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This Skyline 55-02 Deluxe is a serious contender for players wanting a versatile, high-end 5-string. The active electronics and spalted maple top deliver a unique voice, while the PLEK'd neck makes it a joy to play. It’s ideal for session players and gigging musicians who need a bass that can cover a wide range of genres.
PROS
- • Spalted maple top adds stunning visual flair and unique character.
- • Lakland LH3 electronics offer exceptional tonal shaping and flexibility.
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures incredibly smooth and buzz-free playability.
- • Dual-access bridge facilitates easy string changes and intonation adjustments.
CONS
- • The ash body can contribute to a slightly 'woody' tone, less suited to modern metal.
- • Active electronics require a power source, potentially impacting battery life.
- • Spalted maple can exhibit inconsistencies, affecting the final appearance.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574912
$2,199
#3
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-01 5-String NAT
by
Lakland
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-01 is a seriously impressive bass. The combination of the ash body, Bartolini pickups, and compound radius neck makes it a joy to play and record. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for gigging musicians needing a versatile and articulate 5-string with a modern feel.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers a balanced, articulate tone with warmth
- • Bartolini pickups offer a powerful, defined low-end presence
- • Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel and attack
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures exceptional playability and intonation
CONS
- • Ash body can be somewhat resonant, requiring careful amp EQing
- • Bolt-on neck might not appeal to players preferring a set-neck feel
- • Natural finish shows every fingerprint and requires diligent care
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574851
$1,539
#4
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG
by
Lakland
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Professional Use
Key Feature:
This Skyline 55-02 Deluxe is a seriously versatile 5-string – the longer scale gives it a deep, fundamental growl, while the active electronics and coil-splitting options let you cover a huge range of tones. It’s a great choice for players wanting a premium instrument with modern features and a really comfortable feel, especially if you're into modern funk, fusion, or need a bass that can really cut through a mix.
PROS
- • Ash body provides resonant, articulate tone with a balanced attack.
- • Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of extra brightness.
- • Lakland LH3 electronics offer exceptional tonal shaping and active boost.
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures effortless playability and intonation accuracy.
CONS
- • The 35” scale can feel slightly unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
- • Active electronics require a power source, potentially limiting versatility in certain situations.
- • The high-gloss finish, while beautiful, is a fingerprint magnet.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 602288
$2,409
#5
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Lakland Skyline 55-01 5-String 3TSB
by
Lakland
Unique Designs
Extended Range
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-01 is a seriously well-built bass—Lakland really nailed the balance between modern features and vintage vibe. It's a fantastic choice for players seeking a versatile, punchy 5-string with a comfortable neck and a professional feel, perfect for everything from funk to rock and beyond.
PROS
- • Ash body provides a resonant, punchy low-end with excellent sustain.
- • Bartolini pickups deliver a focused, articulate tone with plenty of growl.
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures incredibly smooth playability and intonation accuracy.
- • Hipshot Ultralite tuners offer rock-solid tuning stability and reduced headstock weight.
CONS
- • The bolt-on neck, while reliable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
- • The 35” scale can feel a little unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
- • The active electronics require a power source, adding a potential point of failure.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 574767
$1,539
#6
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM
by
Lakland
Professional Use
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-02 is a seriously well-built bass, combining a comfortable feel with a modern, powerful sound. It’s a fantastic choice for players who want a 5-string with serious versatility – think modern funk, rock, or even some heavier genres. The active electronics give you a ton of control, and the overall package delivers a premium feel without the truly exorbitant price tag.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers a resonant, articulate low-end with excellent sustain.
- • LH55 pickups provide a versatile, modern tone – punchy and clear.
- • Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability, comfortable for both chords and solos.
- • Active LH3 electronics offer precise tonal shaping and noise reduction.
CONS
- • The bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
- • High-gloss finish might be a fingerprint magnet for some players.
- • The longer 35” scale can feel a bit unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574855
$2,309
#7
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 5-String BK
by
Lakland
Experimental Music
Extended Range
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-02 is a seriously well-built bass offering a fantastic blend of vintage vibe and modern functionality. It's a great choice for gigging musicians or studio players wanting a versatile, punchy 5-string without the absolute premium price tag. The active electronics really shine for funk, R&B, and anything needing a defined low-end.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers a resonant, articulate tone with a pleasing warmth.
- • Lakland LH55 pickups offer a balanced, modern sound with excellent clarity.
- • PLEK'd fretwork ensures incredibly smooth playability and intonation accuracy.
- • Active LH3 electronics provide precise tonal shaping and a clean, powerful output.
CONS
- • The bolt-on neck, while reliable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • High-gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and requires diligent care.
- • The longer 35” scale might feel unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574854
$2,309
#8
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 SMT VIB
by
Lakland
Extended Range
Alternative Styles
Professional Use
Key Feature:
This Skyline 55-02 Deluxe is a serious contender for players wanting a modern 5-string with vintage vibes. The spalted maple top is gorgeous, and the Lakland pickups deliver a fantastic blend of punch and clarity. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and feel justify the investment for discerning bassists.
PROS
- • Spalted maple top provides stunning visual flair and unique tonal character.
- • Lakland LH55 pickups offer a balanced, articulate, and powerful sound.
- • The compound radius fingerboard enhances playability for both fast runs and comfortable chording.
- • PLEK fretwork guarantees exceptional intonation and effortless playability.
CONS
- • The weight, while not excessive, might be tiring for some players over extended gigs.
- • The active electronics require a power source, adding a potential point of failure.
- • Violet Burst finish, while beautiful, might not appeal to players seeking a more understated look.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599542
$2,408
#9
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG
by
Lakland
Professional Use
Custom Features
Extended Range
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-02 Deluxe is a seriously impressive 5-string – Lakland’s active electronics and pickup combination offer a huge range of tones, from smooth and round to aggressive and punchy. It's a fantastic choice for gigging musicians wanting a premium-priced, versatile instrument that can cover a lot of ground, especially in modern rock and funk.
PROS
- • Ash/Quilted Maple combo delivers a resonant, articulate, and visually striking tone.
- • Lakland LH55 pickups provide a versatile range, from growl to clear articulation.
- • The compound radius fingerboard (10”-13”) offers comfortable playability across the fretboard.
- • PLEK fretwork guarantees exceptional intonation and effortless playing feel.
CONS
- • The extended scale (35”) might feel unwieldy for players with shorter arms.
- • Active electronics necessitate a power source, adding a potential point of failure.
- • Honey Burst finish, while beautiful, might be prone to fingerprints and care.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 602290
$2,409
#10
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 BKS
by
Lakland
Professional Use
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The Skyline 55-02 is a serious instrument – the longer scale really stretches those low notes, and the active pickups give you a huge palette of tones from growly funk to tight, modern rock. This bass is perfect for players looking for a 5-string with a premium feel and a versatile voice, without venturing into truly high-end territory.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers a focused, articulate low-end response.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides exceptional clarity and sustain.
- • LH55 pickups offer a versatile, modern tone with excellent definition.
- • PLEK'd fretwork guarantees smooth, buzz-free playability across the entire neck.
CONS
- • The extended scale length (35") may feel unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
- • Active electronics require a power source, adding complexity and potential failure point.
- • Black Sparkle finish, while striking, can be a fingerprint magnet.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574856
$2,199
How to Choose the Best 5-String Basses
1
Neck Profile
Lakland's necks are a major draw. They offer a few profiles, but their 'C' shape is a sweet spot - comfortable for long gigs without being too thick or unwieldy. It's got that vintage feel without feeling like you're wrestling a 40-year-old instrument.
2
Tonewood Selection
They lean heavily on ash and mahogany, often with figured tops like flame or quilt. The ash gives you that characteristic Fender-esque bite and clarity, while the mahogany adds warmth and sustain. It's a recipe for a versatile tone that works in almost any genre.
3
Pickup Voicing
Lakland's custom-wound pickups are a big part of their sound. They're not overly bright or scooped; they aim for a balanced, articulate tone with a good low-end thump. You get clarity without the ice-picky harshness you sometimes find in modern pickups.
4
Hardware and Construction
The hardware is solid - generally Kluson or Hipshot tuners, and well-built bridges. The attention to detail in the construction is noticeable; the finish work is consistently excellent, and the overall feel is rock-solid. This isn't a bass built to be a disposable instrument.
5
String Spacing and Scale Length
The 35" scale length on many models helps tame the inherent muddiness that can plague 5-string basses. The wider string spacing gives your fingers room to breathe, which is crucial for clean articulation, especially when playing complex lines.
Buying Guide
Lakland 5-strings aren't cheap, but you're paying for a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that's hard to find elsewhere. Don't be swayed by the figuring on the top - a plain ash body will sound just as good. Focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing; those are the things that will really impact your tone. Used models are a great way to save some money, but make sure to check the neck relief - they can sometimes need a little adjustment after years of use.
Our Methodology
We're not basing this on spec sheets. We've spent years playing Laklands live, tracking in studios, and A/B'ing them against other high-end basses. We're looking at how they sound plugged into a variety of amps, how they feel under the fingers, and how they hold up to the rigors of a gigging life - because that's what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on your budget and what you're looking for. They offer a quality and feel that justifies the price for serious players, but there are certainly cheaper options out there. Consider them an investment.
The 5-string adds a low B string, obviously. This changes the tonal character - it adds low-end thump but can also introduce muddiness if not handled correctly. The 5-strings also have a slightly wider neck.
They're incredibly versatile. You'll hear them in funk, jazz, blues, rock, and even some metal. The balanced tone and articulate pickups make them suitable for a wide range of styles.
Like any bass, they benefit from a proper setup. The wider string spacing on the 5-string might require a slightly different approach to action and intonation.
They're not as common as Fender or Ibanez, but you can find them at most major music retailers or through online dealers. Used market is a good bet too.
