Considering Roscoe 5 string.

Zanderwestcoast · #1 10-03-2010, 10:25 AM

Hello everyone,

I have just set up my TB account and am excited to be here! I currently own a few basses primarily playing my 5 string Nordy Ash/maple 70's wind, passive J style bass. I get a very punchy, vintage tone, with a strong fundamental that sits in the mix very well for many styles of music particularly rock/jazz funk when going through my Ampeg SVT VR and 8X10. I also have a 1998 Lakland deluxe 55-94 ash/maple 5 string. Great B string, playable, versatile, and can dial in some great vintage music man sounds.

For some deep punchy fingerstyle tones with a kick ass low B I am considering getting a Roscoe 5 string. I am looking for the classic wood combo for the classic Roscoe sound. I was thinking of a LG3005 ash body with spalted purple heart board, maple/purple neck, aguilar pre.
I am looking at something a bit more aggressive as I may use it for drop tuned prog metal Anyone have any opinions on the sound between say ash/purple heart board vs. ash/maple board? Too bright perhaps? Another bass I am considering is the SKB3005 Ash/walnut top/ maple board/ bart pre. Anyone notice a different sound out of having the pickups on an angle versus straight? Find it uncomfortable if thumb on pickup? It looks like when they are on a angle they are a little closer to the neck which may change the tone a little on the lower notes.

Appreciate the input......Zander

JOME77 · #2 10-03-2010, 11:26 AM

Welcome to the Roscoe forum & TB!

The classic Roscoe sound would be the Bart preamp with the Bart P/U's. Going with the ash body over Spanish Cedar would give you more of an "in your face" tone. You may also want to consider going with the Aggie pre. It's a bit more aggressive sounding and it opens up the tone a bit (as compared to the Bart).
Personally, I don't hear much difference between the maple and purpleheart finger boards. Roscoe FB's are not real thick so that minimizes their effect on the tone. You might go for a wenge center neck stringer (verses the std. purpleheart). IMO it adds a bit more growl to the tone.
Good luck!

LightGroove · #3 10-03-2010, 11:35 AM

Welcome Zander... I think you will be overly pleased with a Roscoe.

I encourage you to check out the Rocket music forum just above this as one of the owners has posted a pile of clips to give you a good reference point for most Roscoe tones.

The slanted pickups have no impact..just asthetics. I would def. go with the Roscoe wound Barts and your personal flavor of preamp...Im an Aggie fan.

lowfreqman · #4 10-03-2010, 09:00 PM

Zanderwestcoast,

I just got an LG3005 with ash body, Aggie preamp, Bart CB pickups (slanted), BE maple board, and a wenge center stripe in the neck. It is very open, aggressive, and full of growl.

I couldn't be happier with the sound and, of course, the excellent playability.

Darkstrike · #5 10-04-2010, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanderwestcoast

Find it uncomfortable if thumb on pickup?

I don't find much difference between it and a straight pickup, honestly.

As for the rest, is there any dealer ner you, so you could try a few out and see what you prefer?

Gard · #6 10-04-2010, 08:01 AM

Zander, welcome to the forum!

There are a lot of guys here that will be very helpful, so keep asking questions.

As for the "classic" Roscoe tone, to my ears it's always been quilt maple on Spanish cedar, spalted purpleheart fingerboard, and Bart/Bart electronics. That said, I personally have two ash bodied basses that I just love. You can definitely "tweak" your choices to meet certain goals - ash is punchier and more aggressive than cedar or mahogany, etc.

Keep askin', and if you want to talk over anything at all, feel free to -hit me up on the phone: 336-274-8810

VroomVroom · #7 10-04-2010, 09:11 AM

Zander, any chance you're close to a Roscoe dealer? Probably stating the obvious, but there's nothing like playing/hearing for yourself.

Total IME/IMO here, but nothing on the planet plays as beautifully as an SKB five-string. It's totally the "just right" instrument. Body isn't too big or small, and offers plenty of mass for oomph and warmth. Playability? Fuhgetaboutit. It just doesn't get better. Personally, the LG feels a bit too small, and I'm not a fan of the angled pickups....having nothing to do with the sound, just the thumb positioning as you mentioned. Century? Love it, even though I've only played a few basses with that body style.

Woods...I'm on record as not being a fan of spanish cedar. That said, I LOVE every Roscoe I've played with a mahogany body, and I suspect my next one will have an alder core (still undecided between SKB and Century). Ash, however, is my go-to. In terms of fingerboard woods, I can't find much, if any, sonic difference between purpleheart and maple....very, very similar in my experience. As for the pre, at heart I always go for the Bart NTMB, but I do really like the Aguilar OBP-3. I find it to be a bit more open throughout, with an emphasis on the upper mids that adds some grind and sizzle.

All that said, wood is psychotic, and I'm one heck of a hypocrite. If you pour a cup of coffee and roam through the sound clip threads, you'll hear some amazing instruments (and players). It's incredible how good these folks sound through - say - cedar-bodied LG's.

Even though I can't find a voice on them, I absolutely love what I hear when others play 'em. So, in other words, back to overstating the obvious...if you can get your hands on a few different basses I think you'll quickly find a comfort zone. Good luck!

Joel B · #8 10-05-2010, 12:43 AM

Zander, where on the west coast are you. If you happen to be in the Bay area. I live in the east bay.

I have a spanish cedar body, "classic" setup in an LG as well as an ash bodied, SKB five string. I would be happy to let you play them and make a decision. I also have access to a couple more Roscoe's that I helped friends get hooked up with.

Just let me know.

Zanderwestcoast · #9 10-06-2010, 12:05 AM

Thanks very much for everyones feedback on this! Its much appreciated. I live in Victoria BC, Vancouver Island, and as far as I know do not have a dealer in Vancouver. I noticed Bass NW have a beautiful ash/walnut SKB, I may consider taking the boat down to Seattle to check it out. In the mean time I will continue to listen to sound clips and discuss the topic further....

Regards,

Zander

Zanderwestcoast · #10 10-06-2010, 12:10 AM

Thanks for the generous offer Joel. Since you have a LG and a Skb do you have any opinion on the larger body and how it compares to your LG as it relates to the weight, tone, feel?

Cheers

CactusmanDoug · #11 10-06-2010, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanderwestcoast

Thanks very much for everyones feedback on this! Its much appreciated. I live in Victoria BC, Vancouver Island, and as far as I know do not have a dealer in Vancouver. I noticed Bass NW have a beautiful ash/walnut SKB, I may consider taking the boat down to Seattle to check it out. In the mean time I will continue to listen to sound clips and discuss the topic further....

Regards,

Zander

Well worth the boat ride...the folks at Bass NW are knowledgeable and professional.

BTW- I love your island. I lived in SE Alaska for many years and used to trek to the lower 48 annually via Ferry Boat from Ketchikan to Point Hardy then drive down to Nanaimo and ferry again to the mainland. Beauty, eh!?

CrashClint · #12 10-06-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

I lived in SE Alaska for many years

That sure answers a lot of questions.

CactusmanDoug · #13 10-06-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

That sure answers a lot of questions.

Walk softly, my over medicated brother.

Hey man, the surgeons are still working on #5850 over at the shop. Swing by and see if she's done so you can check out the split-coil on the Nordy DCs before she comes home.

I think it's an option you will dig!

metalbob · #14 10-09-2010, 08:15 PM

Do it get one you will love it not that I am biased lol

CrashClint · #15 10-10-2010, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CactusmanDoug

Walk softly, my over medicated brother.

Hey man, the surgeons are still working on #5850 over at the shop. Swing by and see if she's done so you can check out the split-coil on the Nordy DCs before she comes home.

I think it's an option you will dig!

I was there on 10/8 and they didn't have the neck put back on the body yet so I couldn't play it, but man that fingerboard just looks so sweet!

CactusmanDoug · #16 10-11-2010, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashClint

I was there on 10/8 and they didn't have the neck put back on the body yet so I couldn't play it, but man that fingerboard just looks so sweet!

Cool...keep tabs on the progress so you can plug in and play. That split coil switch is the smartest, most inexpensive electronic mod there is. I'd really like you to post a review afterwards, Clint.

Once Keith checks it out I think it stands a good chance of becoming a standard Roscoe offering.