Century Standard Tone

pbasswil · #1 03-18-2009, 09:05 AM

Hi there,

Would anyone care to describe the difference in tone of the Century Standard bass compared to other Roscoe models? The simplicity of construction and materials must have some effect on the sound, right? I believe the Bartolinis are a more standardized model, as well...

Also, can someone confirm that the CS's preamp has the same push-pull switchable mids frequency switch?

Thanks in advance!

CrashClint · #2 03-18-2009, 12:03 PM

In my opinion, I thought they sounded like the old Ash Body Jazz basses but with a lot more punch and tone selection. The Bart preamp in the CS is the same as ones used in the other models. So it does have the mid switch.

Gard · #3 03-18-2009, 12:59 PM

Clint got it about right:

Very punchy, open, and aggressive sounding. It does have the same exact Bart 3-band preamp that is standard on the LG/SKB/Century Signature models as well, so the mid switch is there as well.

pbasswil · #4 03-18-2009, 01:32 PM

Thanks for the quick and descriptive responses, guys.

I'm trying to decide between a used SKB and a Century Standard, sight unseen (no dealers in Montreal that I'm aware of). I think I like the Century shape a bit better, but I suspect I might find the SKB a bit smoother and richer sounding. I particularly prize throaty, low-mid growl, over higher-mid attack.

That previously mentioned Pink Ivory Wood SKB that's now for sale: would anybody know if that's a particularly good sounding one?

thanks,

davecheng · #5 03-18-2009, 07:25 PM

It might be worth your while to make a trip to Toronto and check out some of the Roscoes at Club Bass. They usually have at least one or two Centurys and LG/SKB models on display.

I have a LG, and I've compared it at length with a friend's Century. I like the shorter upper horn of the LG because the bass hangs (on me, at least) in a way that favors upper fret access.

Tonally, the LG is more... complex? I've a/b'ed two different purpleheart/maple/spanish cedar LG3005 models with the maple/swamp ash Century Standard and the difference is especially notable in the upper registers of the D and G strings to my ear. I'd call the LG rounder and warmer in the mids.

pbasswil · #6 03-19-2009, 06:01 AM

>It might be worth your while to make a trip to Toronto and check out some of the Roscoes at Club Bass.<

Thanks Dave. I'd love to get to Club Bass, but it's not going to happen at the moment. :^(

>...the difference is especially notable in the upper registers of the D and G strings to my ear. I'd call the LG rounder and warmer in the mids.<

This was exactly the specific observations I was looking for -- appreciate it.

If Big Mother happens to be around, maybe you could give me your opinion on if that Pink Ivory wood SKB 5 is a nice sounding/playing example... :^)

Big Mother · #7 03-19-2009, 07:56 AM

I am going to take a walk down to BNW today or tomorrow just to be in the presence of the Pink Ivory. I will let you know what I see and hear.
At that price, how could you go wrong? A super unique Roscoe for 2k? Insane.
We all know Keith makes brilliant basses, I could not love my SKB3005 more!
If the Pink were a fretless, it would be mine already.

BM

pbasswil · #8 03-19-2009, 08:52 AM

BigMo:>At that price, how could you go wrong? A super unique Roscoe for 2k? Insane.<

I know, huh? -- I'm feeling just about that way.

My only slight hesitation is... the color! I'm not sure how my fragile male ego would hold up if I became known as the guy with the pink bass. :^D
Now on my computer it sure isn't anything like pink-as-in-Barbie-pink, thank god. It looks more like the color of some sea creature on coral reef.

What's it look like in the flesh, in your opinion?

VroomVroom · #9 03-19-2009, 09:12 AM

FWIW...and granted I'm obviously a huge SKB fan, but IMO there is no better playing five string than an SKB. Balance? String spacing? Neck feel? All perfect. I've laid hands on a Century Sig V, and really liked it...but for me the SKB is like coming home to mom's cooking. Sonically, I'll actually do something new and keep my mouth shut, since I've not experienced a Century Standard....other than to say that to my ears, an SKB with Bartolini electronics IS Roscoe, and certainly seems to fit the bill for what you've described as ideal characteristics.

What's the return policy like where you're looking to purchase? If you can spend a day or two with one of the basses and only lose out on return shipping if you don't like it, I'd consider that to be cheap insurance. Good luck. I think the great news here is that you can't really make a bad decision.

pbasswil · #10 03-19-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks Jerry; sometimes it takes a little encouragement for a struggling musician to part with his cash. Your words are lubricating my wallet pocket. :^)

pbasswil · #11 03-19-2009, 10:50 AM

Btw, all, my name's Pete Wilson, freelancer from Montreal, mostly working in one wedding/party band.

The "pbasswil" evolved not because I play Precision basses, but because I was looking for a short but unused hotmail user name that involved both my name and "bass".

I just added a signature in my profile, but it doesn't seem to be appearing yet...

-- Pete

VroomVroom · #12 03-19-2009, 11:02 AM

I'm almost as good at spending other folks' money as I am doing so myself.

Cool username - I won't bore you with how 'VroomVroom' evolved.

Good luck with your decision...

pbasswil · #13 03-19-2009, 04:38 PM

Sold. I mean: Bought.

The pink ivory wood SKB 5-string has been expatriated, and will henceforth reside in the charming heart of French Canada.
I don't think many people up here have seen anything quite like one of these Roscoes -- F-Bass is definitely the boutique bass of choice in Montréal (although there are a lot of little luthier/makers up here).

I don't part with my dough very easily, but in this case I'm serene about my outlay. I've got a peach of an instrument at a peach of a price. And the color's literally pretty peachy, too!

I think I'll have a beer now, eh? ;^)

pbasswil · #14 03-19-2009, 04:40 PM

Couple more:

VroomVroom · #15 03-19-2009, 05:06 PM

Cheers! Congratulations to you - I suspect you're going to love it, and I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.

pbasswil · #16 03-19-2009, 07:40 PM

Thanks Jerry, I'm really pleased.

I think I've made a really good investment in my musical career -- I've never had an instrument anywhere near this caliber. It's got to have an effect on my playing, if only in the number of hours I spend with a bass in my hands.

And then to steal it for $2000, to boot... However, Evan at Bass Northwest must have made his cut, cuz he sounded perfectly happy. (He's a real gentleman to do business with, by the way.)

And if I ever get tired of playing it, it could easily be turned into a fantastic coffee table! :^D

Anyway, thanks for your good wishes, and I sure will let you all have my impressions, when it gets here late next week.

Cheers,

Pete Wilson

Big Mother · #17 03-20-2009, 07:59 AM

Oh My, Look at you go!
That bass is going to make you soooooooooooo happy.
Congratulations!
Please give us updates on how it is.

BM

VroomVroom · #18 03-20-2009, 08:33 AM

FWIW, back in 2001 I bought my first-ever Roscoe from Evan @ BassNW as well. Great fellow!

Congrats again, and I think you will love the effect it has on your playing.

Big Mother · #19 03-20-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

FWIW, back in 2001 I bought my first-ever Roscoe from Evan @ BassNW as well. Great fellow!

+1

I have purchased a few basses, amps, and many accessories from BNW. Chad (sorry to see he is leaving BNW) and Evan are nothing short of excellent.

BM

JOME77 · #20 03-20-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbasswil

And then to steal it for $2000, to boot...

+1 Great deal and a great looking Roscoe!