Anyone play 4 string Roscoe's?

SteveC · #1 12-25-2009, 09:00 PM

Hey all,

I think I have abandoned the 6 string idea for a while. The guys I play with and I just aren't going to do anything that will require that kind of instrument - which is fine.

I have noticed when looking for a Roscoe 6 string that there don't seem to be many people playing 4 string Roscoe's? I may still be looking for a more "modern" sounding bass than my Sadowsky RV4 and thought maybe a Roscoe 4 string.

What can you all tell me about them? Does anyone play one?

Thanks.

Darkstrike · #2 12-26-2009, 03:01 AM

You see a few around, but they're pretty rare, compared to their big brothers, I know TBers LightGroove, and René_Julien both play four stringed Roscoes. I'd love to try one myself too, sometime.

IIRC, their necks are supposed to be similar to EBMM Sterlings.

Main reasons, IMHO, for this, is that there are a lot of good four string options out there, but not many great 5+ options, that with the fact that Roscoe make one of the most killer B's about(if not the most killer), and put it on a neck to die for, and a body that just molds to your body, its pretty much what Roscoe specialize in.

Again IIRC, but 5ers are about 80% of what Roscoe do, and the greater part of that last 20% are 6ers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc0uxg40V70 This four banger sounds pretty ok to me.....

**Freddels** · #3 12-26-2009, 06:03 AM

I have a 4 string Roscoe and it's a killer bass. I wouldn't call Roscoe's modern sounding though. They sound a bit like a P bass on steroids to me (at least the Bart/Bart ones).

I also have a 6 string Roscoe that has taken some time to get used to the wider neck, string spacing and 35" scale but it's a killer bass too.

On the used market, you're probably more apt to find 5 stringers as they seem to be the most popular.

René_Julien · #4 12-26-2009, 06:29 AM

I have a fretless 4-string I got since september.
In case some of my fellow Roscoeheads were wondering why I didn't came here to rave a lot about it in the meantime:
1) It took me a while to get used to. Coming from a fretless Tony Franklin precision bass which I love.
2) rheumatism... I have not got a chance to play much the last months, any bass or guitar I have.

But I did get the hang of the Roscoe. Very ergonomic.
And as for the fretless aspect: diamondwood fingerboard is simply amazing.

I have often wondered why I didn't got a 6-string.
Since the B-string is praised a lot.
But then I realise, I don't need it.
If Roscoe makes amazing 5-strings (and 6) that means they also make amazing 4-strings. This goes for any company.
It's not the other way around.
A company that makes good 4-strings does not automaticly can make good 5 and 6 strings.

So consider a Roscoe 4-string. If you are like me and are sure you don't need a 5-string.
FWIW, I tune DADG, and the Roscoe is amazing in handling the drop D. Might be because of the other specifications I choose on the bass.

My fretless Roscoe is an instrument that cuts through a metal band mix without any problem. Not many fretlesses can do that easily I know from experience.
In fact the tone is so well rounded and consistent... always present I have to resort to a bit of mid-sooping on my rig to give the guitarist and keyboardist dome sonic space.

Bottom line is: Roscoe might atract more 5-string players because of the character of their basses. But that doesn't mean they can't satisfy a 4-string player.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

They sound a bit like a P bass on steroids to me (at least the Bart/Bart ones).

Really?

I was considering a Century Standard anyway. Didn't knew what to expect from the Barts, but this will win me over.
I need that thump.

Would be something for well into next year, another Roscoe.
If budget allows (

) maybe another Century Signature.

LightGroove · #5 12-26-2009, 06:47 AM

4 BANGERS UNITE

On a serious note....Ive owned 4, 4 string Roscoes.

1 LG - Roscoe Bart/Demeter
1 LG - Roscoe Bart/Bart
1 LG - Roscoe Bart/Aggie (own current)
1 CS - Bart Classic/Bart (own current)

...planning on a SKB for make the family complete..

Each has had its own thing going for obvious reasons. I can honestly say there has been some variance in the neck profile on all of them. I believe they are hand done...so its all in how Jason/Tony were feeling that day (I think) I personally dont feel like they are anything like a Sterling neck. Not sure how I would describe them really. They arent really flat (for stability reasons apparently) not extremely uncomfortable and chunky.

I would def. put them all in the Pbass realm..Very punchy and girthy. They all have had a distinct growl of sorts with some being more pronounced than others (strings do play a part)

**Freddels** · #6 01-01-2010, 03:21 PM

I was switching back and forth b/w my 4 and 6 string Roscoe's today. The 4 string has a deeper, thicker tone to it. I tried to set everything the same. I can't explain it.

Funky Stuff · #7 01-02-2010, 06:30 AM

I own a a century standard 4 and I think it is a wonderful bass. And for the price, it's just a gift compared to some other brands.

But according to me, the sad is definitively a more modern sounding bass. The Roscoe is warmer, thicker but have also a clean higher register.

The neck is not very thin but comfortable however.

Darkstrike · #8 01-02-2010, 11:56 AM

This thread makes me badly want a Roscoe 4 banger, to drop to Eb, and grind out some rock......

René_Julien · #9 01-03-2010, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

This thread makes me badly want a Roscoe 4 banger, to drop to Eb, and grind out some rock......

Don't you already grind out some rock for a living?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funky Stuff

The neck is not very thin but comfortable however.

Actually the thin neck is my only problem on my 4-string Roscoe.

I have big hands and long fingers.

My left fingers are to angled... resulting in stretching my ring finger, cramping index, and lifting my middle finger...
My hand got used to the thin neck by now, it's about training the muscles and muscle memory.
But when I pick up my precision bass my fingers seem less strained.
This is just nittypicking, it isn't that much of a big deal.

Next time, if I order another custom Roscoe I'll have to ask if a thicker neck is possible.

Darkstrike · #10 01-03-2010, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

Don't you already grind out some rock for a living?

Exactly!

Imagine how much easier that would be, with a Roscoe four banger to come home to, along with my V's....

PlanetEarth · #11 01-03-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

Hey all,

I think I have abandoned the 6 string idea for a while. The guys I play with and I just aren't going to do anything that will require that kind of instrument - which is fine.

I have noticed when looking for a Roscoe 6 string that there don't seem to be many people playing 4 string Roscoe's? I may still be looking for a more "modern" sounding bass than my Sadowsky RV4 and thought maybe a Roscoe 4 string.

What can you all tell me about them? Does anyone play one?

Thanks.

Same thing -2 strings.. ???

-PE

SteveC · #12 03-31-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

I have a 4 string Roscoe and it's a killer bass. I wouldn't call Roscoe's modern sounding though. They sound a bit like a P bass on steroids to me (at least the Bart/Bart ones).

Holy thread revival.

I'm looking for a 4 string again as I'm leaving the 5 (and hopefully my sore hands) behind. I have been looking at and listening to You Tube Roscoe LG3000 clips. Sounds nice. I don't really want a "modern" sounding bass (was thinking of getting a passive jazz type bass) so this is good to read. A passive jazz fits all my gigs, but I've been doing the "jazz" thing for a long time and wonder if a change would do me good.

jebmd · #13 03-31-2011, 01:27 PM

Here you go:

Rocket Music - Roscoe LG-3000 (XQM, Orange) **NEW, OLD STOCK** in Roscoe Basses (In Stock)

Rocket Music - Roscoe LG-3000 (Exh Burl Maple) in Roscoe Basses (In Stock)

Rocket Music - Roscoe LG-3000 w/ Dual J PUPs in Roscoe Basses (In Stock)

Gard · #14 03-31-2011, 01:35 PM

Dude, that LG 3000 J at Rocket is STOOPID good, seriously. I try not to "tout" basses too much, but that one deserves a shout out - probably one of the best basses I've EVER played, and I am a 5-6er to the core, I don't and won't ever own anything less than 5.

SteveC · #15 03-31-2011, 01:41 PM

I'm actually debating this one in the TB Classifieds:

F/S Keith Roscoe LG-3000 Mint

I can barely think about a used one, let alone afford a new one.

jebmd · #16 03-31-2011, 01:54 PM

The one in the classifieds is a nice one but, I'd rather have stupid good.

SteveC · #17 03-31-2011, 02:01 PM

As I said...money is an object for me. The whole Roscoe thing is probably a pipe dream anyway. I'll end up with a lesser Lakland or something.

Darkstrike · #18 03-31-2011, 02:05 PM

You could get a Century Standard, lot less cost, equal quality.

Gard, ya'll doing Standards with J pickups, or is that just Standard Plus models?

Gard · #19 03-31-2011, 02:16 PM

Steve, that used one would be in the brighter territory, and I think an excellent choice for you. Does the seller offer any kind of trial period? If so, I'd say give it a whirl, see what you think, and if you just can't do it, you'd only be out shipping costs most likely....

...Bill, yes, we do offer the JJ pickups on everything - including standards, there is a bit of an upcharge for them though.

Darkstrike · #20 03-31-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

...Bill, yes, we do offer the JJ pickups on everything - including standards, there is a bit of an upcharge for them though.

Cheers!