Best Lakland Miscellaneous 5-String Basses 2026
Premium Lakland miscellaneous 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous 5-string basses in 2026 are Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom WPG (top pick), Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG for tighter budgets, and Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM for pros — selected from 8 options, priced $1,505–$2,322, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom WPG
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 602294
$2,181
#2
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 602288
$2,216
#3
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 574855
$2,322
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 5-String BK
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 574854
$2,205
#5
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-01 5-String 3TSB
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574767
$1,505
#6
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NAT
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 574912
$2,322
#7
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Lakland Skyline 55-01 5-String NAT
by
Lakland
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 574851
$1,505
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 SMT VIB
by
Lakland
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
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.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 599542
$2,322
Miscellaneous 5-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 278 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,341
from $361 to $6,533
Nut width
median 45 mm (1.77")
from 43 mm (1.69") to 47.5 mm (1.87") · 213 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 864 mm (34.02") to 889 mm (35") · 242 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 35 models
Body
okoume, ash, alder
most common · 211 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 271 models
Weight
median 4.04 kg
from 3.8 kg to 4.8 kg · 41 models
Frets
median 24
from 21 to 24 · 109 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 279 mm (10.98") to 660 mm (25.98") · 89 models
Fingerboard
maple, rosewood, ebony
most common · 152 models
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 8 of 278 miscellaneous 5-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 8 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 5-String Basses
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced miscellaneous 5-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
