did Bass Player mag ever review the LG or other Roscoes?

quadrogong · #1 03-29-2010, 08:38 PM

I have an bookcase full of BP mags,I canbot recall them reviewing the LG series or any of the classic roscoe models..
did they?
if so,gotta link?

lowfreqman · #2 03-30-2010, 04:55 AM

I remember a review from about 10 years ago as a part of a 5-string shootout, I believe. I found it hard to believe that they did not give the Roscoe a very favorable review. (They did like the B-string, though.)

I like Ed Friedland's review much better: http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html.

Addison · #3 03-30-2010, 08:55 AM

Yeah, it was the January '97 "5-String Shootout" and it wasn't exactly favorable... but it wasn't horrible either.

The fact that it made the review at all means a lot... as many other "un-named" basses never even made the cut.

BUT...

That was a long time ago, and... I'm not claiming to be an expert on Roscoe history or anything, but I believe that was near the beginnings of what we know as Roscoe LG basses today.

Sometimes it takes some time to iron out the wrinkles in the building processs... epsecially with a design as unique and modern as the LG.

And, honestly, kudos to Keith for submitting a bass to the RIGOROUS testing and review process that Bass Player had at the time.... especially going up against the likes of builders like Roger Sadowsky, Michael Tobias and Ken Smith.

Speaking of their review process... it was anal retentive madness... what they considered "flaws" seemed to be some "nitpicky" stuff that neither you nor I would ever notice... but, to this day, I know of no other magazine that pays that much attention to detail, and I admit that I repsect them dearly for it.

You also can't tell me that Keith didn't take that review VERY personally and take the steps that were necessary to improve his building process... so, regardless of what it said, I'm sure it has done more good than harm.

I don't know the man personally, and I'm not trying to speak on his behalf... but he's obviously been able to keep the dream alive all these years later, so he's definitely doing SOMETHING right.

Ironically, the highest reviewed bass in the shootout was the Musicman Stingray 5 (overall score was a 4.5 out of 5), and, in my humble opinion, their build quality (choice of woods, quality control, tolerances, etc.) have gone down over the last 10+ years.

Anyway... that's my $0.02.

JOME77 · #4 03-30-2010, 10:06 AM

Yeah. They loved the bass but dinged it for construction flaws, specifically sharp fret edges and exessive neck socket gap.

My first Roscoe from that era actually did have exessive neck pocket gap but it didn't affect the sustain or stability of the neck. That's actually the bass that won me over! I've owned a Roscoe ever since (1995).

Since that time, you'd be hard pressed to put a business card between the side of the neck and the body neck pocket and I don't recall playing any Roscoe's since with sharp edges on the fret ends (although I'mm sure that some severe weather conditions could casuse that to happen on any instrument).

Of course IMO, these days BP reviews carry little weight with serious players.

**Bipslapper** · #5 03-30-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addison

Ironically, the highest reviewed bass in the shootout was the Musicman Stingray 5 (overall score was a 4.5 out of 5), and, in my humble opinion, their build quality (choice of woods, quality control, tolerances, etc.) have gone down over the last 10+ years.

Anyway... that's my $0.02.

+1 Addison- I own a Musicman and 2 Roscoes and agree the MM quality has gone down; mine is 2004 and "it is what it is", it looks, sounds and feels like it is factory made. Not a knock, just sayin'. The maple neck gets bowed all too frequently.

Hard to believe a 34" scale 5 string would be out the other 35"'s when it comes to the B string, etc..

lowfreqman · #6 03-30-2010, 12:17 PM

I didn't get a chance to play a Roscoe until 2003 when I made a trip out to Seattle. I got to play just about every high-end bass that BassNW had in stock. The Roscoes were a cut above all the others that I tried. It was very difficult to leave the shop that day without taking one of those Roscoes with me.

Obviously, that review did not affect me much.

SteveC · #7 03-30-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfreqman

I like Ed Friedland's review much better: http://www.bassemporium.com/newslett...ewsletter.html.

I like Ed's reviews of ANYTHING. They are always very useful and informative and I think unbiased.

quadrogong · #8 04-02-2010, 05:45 PM

yeah..his review on the Roscoe site is really good,

that photo of the string bass next to the amber quilt topped Roscoe was what really caught my eye, it really made me appreciate their quilt tops w the trans finishes,
(which i hadn't really liked much in the past)

..those tops always seemed too blingy/flashy for me,
but the Roscoe in that photo just epitomizes class,to me,anyway.. it has that Strad-classic vibe to me.
but honestly, the looks is just a bonus for me,
there's a warmth and smoothness that I've searched for,for so long..and my LG nailed it,
..finally! "my" sound.

LightGroove · #9 04-03-2010, 12:14 PM

Im still in the shadows..if that Smoothness ever becomes too much for you...

quadrogong · #10 04-14-2010, 12:47 PM

from my cold,dead hands,Lightgroove.
I want to die with that LG clutched tightly in my greedy little claws..

did u ever sell the other one? u have such wonderful taste in basses,my brother.

LightGroove · #11 04-14-2010, 04:29 PM

Eh eh eh...Glad your diggin her.

Actually going to hang onto my new one for awhile. Thinking about a pickup swap next month just to try for a little more meat. Still struggling with things but the majority of the mess has come to pass.

Basso Gruvitas · #12 04-15-2010, 07:06 AM

In defense of Keith and Crew, Bass Player REALLY should take a fresh look at Roscoe basses. A car magazine does not review cars only every 10 years, but every two-three years.

Considering all the newer models, options, etc. that Keith is making available, (plus the addition of Gard on staff) it would be entirely appropriate for them to review one again.

lowfreqman · #13 04-15-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

In defense of Keith and Crew, Bass Player REALLY should take a fresh look at Roscoe basses. A car magazine does not review cars only every 10 years, but every two-three years.

I totally agree. The quality to cost ratio of Roscoe basses is unbeatable, IMO.

Gard · #14 04-15-2010, 08:07 AM

Been tryin' to interest 'em in a review for a while...gave up, they're either too busy or just don't wanna...got a spike of interest back at the Winter 2008 NAMM show, Jonathan Herrera stopped by the booth, gave me his card, said he really wanted to do something...then...essentially nothing.

We should have a pretty big review coming out in Bass Gear Mag soon, still waiting to hear when, but they got a couple of Century Standards and a Century Signature to go over a while back.

We'd love to have BP take a look at a few things, that's for sure. Maybe after the BGM review, I'll try to get in touch with JH again, it's been about a year since the last time I tried.

Gard · #15 04-15-2010, 08:42 AM

Just heard from my friend Marty @ BGM that our issue hits the news stands now!

(Driving furiously to the nearest Barnes & Noble as soon as I hit "send"!

)

EDIT: Marty was bustin' my chops...next time I'm in Miami...

**Bipslapper** · #16 04-15-2010, 08:45 AM

Suggestion Gard: maybe BP could also do a story on Anthony Crawford, his new Roscoe, new album, unique style, etc.
He told me he loves his new Roscoe.

IMO BP loves the older Fenders, Musicman vibe. Not the upscale basses as much.

JOME77 · #17 04-15-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

Just heard from my friend Marty @ BGM that our issue hits the news stands now!

(Driving furiously to the nearest Barnes & Noble as soon as I hit "send"!

)

EDIT: Marty was bustin' my chops...next time I'm in Miami...

Cool! I'm checking at Bookamillion on my way home today!