Any difference in tone between Century Signature VI and SKB3006?

[Tony G]

I miss my old SKB3006. It was made incredibly well, and incorporated a lot of my favorite features. However, the tone didn't win me over in the long run. I have to say though, the Century Signature VI body style is really calling to me, but how does the tone compare? Is it very similar? I'm looking for a direct comparison if both basses were to have the standard Bart pickups and electronics. I think in the end I wasn't crazy about the pickup placement of the SKB3006, with both pickups being a bit further back towards the bridge than I would usually like. I am a big fan of the jazz bass on steroids tone, and the SKB3006 I had reminded me more of a Ken Smith tone which I am not a fan of.

So, what makes the Century Signature and SKB different? Is it just the body style? Or are the pickups placed differently? If the Century Signature's pickups are placed more traditionally, then I'm in trouble.

[Peter Parker]

The two essentially sound the same. As you suspect the pickup placement really helps get the Roscoe tone. I too prefer basses with the pups further from the bridge, in the 60's Jazz location to exact. I had Roscoe build me 2 basses with a third on the way with the pups placed in 60's position. As I understand it, this is now an option with an upcharge. For my needs, these basses that were built for me are the best I've ever played. Great tone, incredible playability, and they look fantastic.

[Gard]

I'm going to go with Spidey's assessment, the model itself has little or no affect on tone.

However, many other things will, wood choices and pickup placement will indeed be large factors.

To me the primary advantage of the Century body is the ergonomics. The bass hangs just slightly more to the right, making the reach to the lower positions a bit more comfortable, and the longer horn also aids in balance (not that the SKB or LG are uncomfortable, just not as comfortable TO ME).

[gkbass13]

that century 6 that was for sale in the classsifieds last week and on ebay was/is amazing. not sure if it sold of not. i personally prefer that aesthetics of the century body style more as well. good luck with those gas pains tony!

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by gkbass13

that century 6 that was for sale in the classsifieds last week and on ebay was/is amazing. not sure if it sold of not. i personally prefer that aesthetics of the century body style more as well. good luck with those gas pains tony!

Yes, that is the bass that is calling to me, especially at the current eBay price. But I have a feeling that with the pickups in the stock Roscoe position, I'm not going to be happy with the tone. Now, if it was a fretless, that is a different story. I was actually thinking about buying it and having it converted with matching maple lines, but I don't think I can swing it right now.

[JPJ]

As usual, Gard beat me to the punch on this one! One question I get from potential customers quite often is regarding the tonal differences (or other build or quality differences) between the models: LG, SKB, Century Signature, etc.

The key thing to remember is that the only significant difference between these models is the shape of the body itself. They're all made with the same woods, pickup, preamps, and the same hands are making the entire line of basses, regardless of which model you're talking about. There are different body shapes because different people like different things. Granted, the smaller size of the LG body might be better for smaller folks, and the more traditional sized bodies might look better on someone of a larger stature, but all Roscoes are created the same with respect to components, overall build quality, playability, and tone.

[JOME77]

Originally Posted by xgabriele

Yes, that is the bass that is calling to me, especially at the current eBay price. But I have a feeling that with the pickups in the stock Roscoe position, I'm not going to be happy with the tone.

Gabe,
I think that your question has already been answered but I'll add one thing.

While p/u placement may have had an affect on what you were hearing on your former Roscoe, IMO a large part of what you were hearing was the sound of the Roscoe Bart p/u's.

I've owned 4 3006 Roscoe's with the Bart p/u's and although I really like the sound of the Roscoe Bart p/u's (especially with the Aggie and Demeter pre's), my new 3006 with the Nord p/u's is a MUCH more open and clean sounding bass and the slap tone (especially with the p/u's in single coil mode) is killer and much more Jazz sounding.
Granted, different body/neck/FB woods enhance and emphasize different tone/frequencies, which can greatly vary the sound. And all of those previous Bart equiped Roscoe's I owned had Spanish cedar bodies verses this one that has ash. But I still believe that most of the difference that I'm hearing is from the Nord p/u's.

[Basso Gruvitas]

Originally Posted by JOME77

Gabe,
I think that your question has already been answered but I'll add one thing.

While p/u placement may have had an affect on what you were hearing on your former Roscoe, IMO a large part of what you were hearing was the sound of the Roscoe Bart p/u's.

I've owned 4 3006 Roscoe's with the Bart p/u's and although I really like the sound of the Roscoe Bart p/u's (especially with the Aggie and Demeter pre's), my new 3006 with the Nord p/u's is a MUCH more open and clean sounding bass and the slap tone (especially with the p/u's in single coil mode) is killer and much more Jazz sounding.
Granted, different body/neck/FB woods enhance and emphasize different tone/frequencies, which can greatly vary the sound. And all of those previous Bart equiped Roscoe's I owned had Spanish cedar bodies verses this one that has ash. But I still believe that most of the difference that I'm hearing is from the Nord p/u's.

+1
Always evaluate a Roscoe with the electronics possible. It TOTALLY changes the character of the bass. Even if this bass comes with an all-Bart package, you can picture it with Nordstrands and an Audere preamp and have a totally different animal!

[Peter Parker]

I agree, different pickups and electronics will produce different results. But, no matter what, the placement makes the most difference. I've played many Roscoe's with different pups and electronics and while they had different characters they all still sounded like a Roscoe. Not a bad thing at all, it's a very good thing actually. But if you're wanting a more traditional Fender sort of tone but with the looks, playability and superior build quality of a Roscoe the pickups must be moved.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Peter Parker

I agree, different pickups and electronics will produce different results. But, no matter what, the placement makes the most difference. I've played many Roscoe's with different pups and electronics and while they had different characters they all still sounded like a Roscoe. Not a bad thing at all, it's a very good thing actually. But if you're wanting a more traditional Fender sort of tone but with the looks, playability and superior build quality of a Roscoe the pickups must be moved.

Thanks. Overall I feel this is likely what I'd have to do, but there is no way I could afford the cost of getting a new Roscoe made.

[Peter Parker]

One option would be to get a regular Roscoe, have it routed for a pickup closer to the neck and then put a ramp in between the two pickups to cover up the original route. I don't like ramps but if you do this could work well.