old six string

bassfreakah · #1 10-10-2011, 06:11 AM

I have had this old sixer for ever and a day. I would love to know some history on it. I got it from galaxy music in atlanta when i was going to AIM. I did not get any info on the bass at all, because it was used and the guy who sold it was a dick, so any info would be heplfull. I love the bass and do not want to sell it, just would like to know more about it. the serial # is 3381 sorry I got 4 kids sippy cups and such. It is a roscoe......

**Pacman** · #2 10-10-2011, 07:09 AM

I think you might need to give a little more info than that...

JOME77 · #3 10-10-2011, 08:36 AM

Yep. Give Gard the Serial number and he can probably help you.

I've visited Galaxy a few times back in the day when they carried Roscoe's (around 1998-2001). They seemed like decent folks to me. Maybe you caught one of their salesmen on a bad day.

Good luck finding out the details on the bass. Worse case is post some pic's. We're all fairly good at identifying wood types (or at least enjoy the challenge!).

**Pacman** · #4 10-10-2011, 09:43 AM

Galaxy was the first place I ever saw a Roscoe. Definitely got my attention back then!

LilRay · #5 10-10-2011, 10:40 AM

Are we sure this is a Roscoe? Doesn't the OP say no info on builder?

If it's a Roscoe, wouldn't Keith and crew have built it?

God Bless, Ray

bassfreakah · #6 10-10-2011, 01:24 PM

Sorry i was a little slow on info I got four kids. It is nice to see these fast replys. Dont freak out LilRay it will be OK. It really is a great bass it would be nice to know who built it. thanks everyone.

LilRay · #7 10-10-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfreakah

Sorry i was a little slow on info I got four kids. It is nice to see these fast replys. Dont freak out LilRay it will be OK. It really is a great bass it would be nice to know who built it. thanks everyone.

Im Not freaking out brother. Just trying to make sure that you get the info you're looking for. Got anything that might help? Serial #, description, etc?

Are you looking for an individual name that built it?

God Bless, Ray

bassfreakah · #8 10-10-2011, 04:46 PM

the serial # is in the first post 3381 and everything is cool Ray just messing with ya bro. I would like to know the individual who built the bass. or at least all the info that comes with roscoe basses when you buy them new.

bassfreakah · #9 10-10-2011, 07:23 PM

No really the guys at galaxy are great it was just one who was a ass I think he got fired for stealing or something after. I have delt with galaxy and got lots of gear from them, good people. I just remember having to fight with this guy when buying the roscoe for a case and new strings when paying a good bit for bass with no papers or any info whats so ever. but i think i came out on top the bass has been a work horse for lots of years on road. People have always told me the bass has a p type tone to it. That is the best thing you could say about any bass imo.

Gard · #10 10-11-2011, 08:52 AM

Hey!

OK, from the photos, it's pretty tough to be sure of anything, lot of glare and overflash (not criticizing, just explaining why I am not 100% sure).

From what I see, the most I can say is that it appears to be a koa top and a rosewood (of some type) fingerboard. No idea on the back without photos of that, and not sure of the preamp either. Based on the serial number and a few other clues (hardware, carve on the top), that is a late 90's bass, and the "who" would be impossible to let you know, as there were several people that did that work at the time, and none of them (other than Keith himself) are now here.

If you can get some clearer photos of the front and back, it would be helpful. Unfortunately, our records from that period are incomplete, so the serial number doesn't give us any information on the bass itself, sorry...

JOME77 · #11 10-11-2011, 10:19 AM

^ Right arm!

From the pic's I'm thinking Koa top and rosewood FB too. I don't believe that I see a concentric pot so I'm betting a 2-band Bart (but that would be easy to verify by removing the rear access cover and taking a look see).
It's also got the Wilkinson bridge and Keith was installing a lot of the 2-band Bart's in those days.

bassfreakah · #12 10-11-2011, 10:39 AM

Thanks guys I will get some better shots up. Thank you very much for you posts!!!!It is a two band pre bass and treble, pick up blend with one nine volt. Sounds great just flat.

Gard · #13 10-11-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfreakah

Thanks guys I will get some better shots up. Thank you very much for you posts!!!!It is a two band pre bass and treble, pick up blend with one nine volt. Sounds great just flat.

Then Joe's correct, it's a Bartolini NTBT preamp.

Look forward to more pics, I am diggin' that top!

bassfreakah · #14 10-13-2011, 04:44 AM

It is funny how that happend, I dont wear a belt. the bass is on top of my phat belly most of the time. Its the only scar on the bass and it is just the finish, the wood it not effected. It would be nice to fix that one day.

Gard · #15 10-13-2011, 07:50 AM

OK, nice pics!

Still not 1000% sure on the top, everything about it screams "KOA!!!", but there just isn't enough for me to be definitive on that call. The back however, is definitely mahogany.

Also, confirmation on Joe's preamp ID, Bart NTBT 2-band preamp w/output gain control.

By the way, however that "rash" on the back got there, we LIKE it - means it's been played!!!

bassfreakah · #16 10-14-2011, 07:23 AM

It was my main bass on the road with AncientHarmony for six years. This bass pluged straight into a svt 2pro and 810 cab = great sound every night and a happy sound man.

Gard · #17 10-14-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfreakah

It was my main bass on the road with AncientHarmony for six years. This bass pluged straight into a svt 2pro and 810 cab = great sound every night and a happy sound man.

Nothing like good pure TONE, is there?

bassfreakah · #18 10-14-2011, 05:49 PM

Hell that thing is a tone monster!!! really guys i have played a bunch of phat basses but the roscoe has the sound that sits right in the mix with little or no eq. As soon as things get better money wize i will be checking into a sweet 4 string roscoe. It would be cool to have a 4 banger other than fender to kick around on.( though a p bass is super nice and always works) I bet you guys could build a killer p!!!!!!

bassfreakah · #19 10-27-2011, 06:55 PM

what kinda paperwork comes with a new roscoe?

VroomVroom · #20 10-27-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfreakah

what kinda paperwork comes with a new roscoe?

Well, first is the embossed and notarized letter of certification. This is good. Then there's the autographed picture of Gard, from his David Lee Roth days, complete with long hair, bare chest, and backless chaps. This is not so good, but you've always got the Roscoe itself.

Seriously...you get a nice letter offering an overview of your bass, signed by the same guy who puts his name on the headstock. Worth keeping, for sure.