I just got a used Conklin GT-7. How do the various Roscoe 7 string basses compare with respect to string spacing, body size, and upper horn length. I'm finding the larger bout on the GT-7 to be a boon for my right hand technique, and I'm liking the tight string spacing, and finally a bass with an upper horn that extends past the 12th fret.

well, first of all, be aware that the conklin gt's are built in korea, and while they are very nicely made, they are -machine-made, and so there's going to be a distinct improvement going to a hand built instrument like a roscoe just on that fact alone.

i actually consider the gt7's spacing to be a bit wide (all my 7's are 2" at the nut, as opposed to the 2.25" for the gt). i've played a few extended range roscoes and found them all to be great basses. in fact, i came very close to buying a roscoe 6 with lanepoors about 10 years ago to use as a backup to my main basses (heh before i just ended up buying a bunch more custom conklins heh). i really liked it, sounded awesome, build quality was superb, great action, nice solid neck, great intonation. would've definitely bought it if it was a 7.

No doubt the Roscoe is of a finer construction. However, if the design doesn't fit (my technique) that is largely irrelevant. All of the basses I've ever played have too small a body and are too prone to neck dive for my taste. The Conklin is the first instrument I've owned that has 'got it right':

- Large bout that allows me to rest my forearm on the instrument and let my right hand float comfortably over the strings classical guitar style.

- Upper horn that extends *past* the 12th fret. Balance is pretty good out of the box. If not, the strap pin is even positioned back from the end so it can be moved forward to almost the 10th fret.

I am intrigued by many things about the Roscoe basses (MIDI especially), but if it isn't going to fit my body and my playing style, my GAS has been cured :)

I'm certainly not a Conklin expert and I'm even less of a Roscoe expert. I have owned 5 different GT7's over the past few years (still have one of them) .... I've never owned a Roscoe or a custom Conklin, but I have played several of each.

With that said, I agree totally with John, you're comparing a custom built bass with a production bass. While I also agree with you (it has to feel/fit right), your comparisons would be much better suited to a custom Conklin vs a Roscoe.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Roscoe shop last summer (2005) and I was dazzled by what I saw ... it was a great experience. The craftsmanship is of the highest level and the basses are worth every penny. But for me, the bodies are on the smaller side and that doesn't work (for me).

I'm a big guy, and I need a lot of bass size for the axe to be comfortable. As beautiful as the Roscoes are, they are just too small for me. Based on my limited Conklin experience (production GT7's only) I can tell that the Conklin body style is far better suited to my needs.

In my case, I ended up ordering a custom 7 string bass built to my specs by another builder that I have a great relationship with. My advice, as with so many threads here, is to try the basses if at all possible. But, if you know that the Conklin is your size preference, it's unlikely that the Roscoe will work for you ... it's quite a bit smaller.

But dang, those Roscoe basses are just amazing ..... :cool:

edit: Forgot to answer one of your questions ..... every Roscoe I've ever played was perfectly balanced, no neck dive at all. If it wasn't for the smallish (by my standards) body, I'd be playing one right now ....