Lakland
Since 1994
Founded in Chicago in 1994 by Dan Lakin and master luthier Hugh McFarland, Lakland Basses is widely celebrated for revolutionizing the modern 5-string electric bass. By combining a 35-inch extended scale with tight, organic low-B articulation and dual bridge/neck pickup versatility (the iconic MM/J configuration), Lakland quickly became the go-to studio and touring axe for legends such as Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Donald 'Duck' Dunn, and Joe Osborn. Today, Lakland produces world-class handcrafted USA Series basses alongside the highly accessible, Chicago-inspected and Plek'd Skyline Series.
32
Years in Business
60K+
Guitars Sold
$10M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Lakland Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Lakland guitars.
Lakland Price Overview
Lakland covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,650
+5.2% vs last year
eBay Listings
195
Active listings
Sold This Month
48
+4.8% vs last month
Price Range
$650-$4,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Lakland Timeline
Lakland Founded in Chicago
Dan Lakin and Hugh McFarland joined forces to design modern basses blending vintage Fender comfort with modern Music Man punch.
The 55-94 Flagship Launch
Debuted the 55-94 5-string with an unprecedented 35-inch scale and versatile MM/J pickup configuration, setting a new industry standard for low-B clarity.
Artist Signature Collaborations
Partnered with Joe Osborn (1960 Jazz Bass spec) and Bob Glaub (1964 P-Bass spec), cementing Lakland's vintage-reissue authority.
Skyline Series Introduced
Launched the Skyline import line, crafted overseas but final-assembled, Plek-dressed, and wired in Chicago, Illinois.
Hanson Guitars Ownership Transition
Acquired by Hanson Musical Products (John Pirruccello), integrating proprietary Lakland LH3 active preamps and hand-wound pickups.
Benchmark Modern & Vintage Workhorse
Lakland remains one of the most reliable and respected bass brands for live touring and Nashville/LA studio tracking.
Complete Lakland Product Lineup
A Lakland 5-string eliminated the floppy low B forever. It is the premier 35-inch scale instrument in modern live performance.
USA Series (Chicago Master Handbuilt)
Built completely in Lakland's Chicago facility with quarter-sawn maple necks, graphite reinforcement rods, bone nuts, and hand-selected tonewoods.
Flagship MM/J pickup configuration with 3-way coil tap switch ($3,800 – $5,200 used)
Historically known as the 'Joe Osborn' model with 60s J-bass spacing ($3,400 – $4,600 used)
Originally the 'Bob Glaub' signature with classic split-coil thump ($3,200 – $4,400 used)
Skyline Series (Overseas Build, Chicago Plek'd)
Manufactured overseas then shipped to Chicago where technicians perform Plek fret leveling and electronics installation.
The import counterpart to the 55-94 with LH3 preamp and coil tap ($1,100 – $1,550 used)
Workhorse with dual Bartolini MK-1 split-coil pickups ($650 – $900 used)
Precision body with an ultra-comfortable 1.5-inch Jazz nut width ($950 – $1,350 used)
Artist Signature Models
Collaborative models designed with rock and funk legends.
Curved aerodynamic body contours and block inlays for The Rolling Stones bassist ($1,400 – $3,800 used)
Black Sabbath bass tone machine with EMG signature pickups ($1,350 – $3,600 used)
"A Lakland 5-string eliminated the floppy low B forever. It is the premier 35-inch scale instrument in modern live performance."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Ultimate 5-String Working Musician Workhorse
35-Inch Scale Tension
Extended scale provides tight string tension that keeps the low B fundamental pitch-perfect and punchy down to 30.87Hz.
MM/J Pickup & 3-Way Coil Tap
Mini-toggle switch splits bridge humbucker coils for 60s J-growl, parallel MM-slap bite, or 70s bridge cut.
Chicago Plek Fret Dressing
Computerized German Plek machine levels frets in Chicago to 0.001-inch tolerance, guaranteeing buzz-free low action.
The Chicago Handcrafted Recording Studio Icon
Quartersawn Maple Neck with Graphite Reinforcement
Unshakable neck stability across extreme climate changes with visible graphite stripes on the headstock rear.
Dual-Access Oval Bridge
String through the body for maximum sustain and attack, or top-load for softer vintage feel and string bends.