One of the real gems of the show was the Lakland booth. They had some phenomenal basses on display, and a rather interesting story to tell. Everyone knows the Lakland name, but there are some very interesting developments taking place in Chicago. Rumors had been floating of an external purchase of Lakland (possibly by some folks out in California), but as it turns out, control shifted within the company. A group led by Hanson Musical Instruments, Ltd. (who have been making the Lakland pickups since 2005, and who are located within the same building as Lakland in Chicago) bought the company, and former Lakland COO and Global Sales Director John Pirruccello takes over as President of the new entity, Lakland Guitars, LLC. Dan Lakin is no longer involved with the company, but it appears that all Lakland luthiers and support staff will be reatained. This is going to be a very interesting story, which we will delve into much deeper in future issues of Bass Gear Magazine. I have to add, though, that playing an alder/rosewood USA-made Joe Osborn (now known as a “44-60”) was a transcendent experience! Leo also showed me an equally cool "Joe Osborn" that had been made for Adam Clayton.

The GK mini-might MB112 made its debut, and joined the MB115, MB210, and MB212 in GK’s lineup of killer, lightweight, powerful, affordable combos. And yes, it too passes the “pinky test!”
Newcomer Better Audio had some interesting cabs based upon 6” and 8” woofers married up with planar tweeters. In addition to this 4x8, Better Audio featured two 4x6” bass enclosures (straight-front, and one with the top two drivers angled up), as well as small “monitors” and some 4x6” guitar cabs.