Plan to order my first roscoe and first high quilty bass

Jimin · #1 03-15-2008, 10:43 PM

Hi body, this is my first time to order a bass, so I need some help!

And I always think to a Roscoe for many years.
I think it’s time to order a Roscoe to celebrate I leave the army!
I am few to use slap, so I need a great finger tone Roscoe.
And I need a warm, fat, clear, punch mid, smooth high
Not boom, dark, compressed, tight, bright edge.

And this is my list:
SKB3006
Spanish cedar body
Koa Top
Wenge wedge neck
Fingerboard not decide
Graphtech nut
Black hardware
Nordstrand DC6 with Series/Parallel/Single coil switch
Audere 4-Band EQ 18v
Natural finish

I have some choice about fingerboard,
I think maybe I can use Purpleheart or Pau Ferro or Cocobolo (highly figured) or any suggestion?
And the Top wood does any body can give my some suggestion.
How about this option?
I afraid this will not bright enough!?

Thanks a lot !

xkimsungminx · #2 03-16-2008, 12:09 AM

Hey Jimin, congrats on completing your term with the military. I think what you have sounds cool and I say go for the Cocobolo board.

Gard · #3 03-17-2008, 08:58 AM

Jimin -

Koa with Spanish Cedar will definitely not be a very bright combination, no matter what fingerboard you choose. Koa is fairly soft, and sounds a lot like Mahogany to my ear, I would tend to suggest Swamp Ash for the body, as it will give a bit more bit and punch to the tone. As for fingerboard, I really like how Macassar Ebony combines with it, both visually and sonically, Pau Ferro looks somewhat similar to it, but is a bit softer. To my eye, Cocobolo is a bit too "reddish" for Koa, but tonally is fine. Purpleheart is definitely going to "clash" visually with the Koa.

If there is anything else we can help you with, please just let us know!

JOME77 · #4 03-17-2008, 09:37 AM

I agree with Gards comment on considering ash for the body.

Although I will say that the Nordstrand p/u's add a lot more clarity and brightness as compared to the Bart p/u's.
While I would probably prefer the Koa/Spanish Cedar combo with the Nords, as I prefer warmer tone, I am finding that most TB'ers seem prefer the sound of an ash body.

Either one will make a great Roscoe though!

Jimin · #5 03-19-2008, 12:43 AM

Thanks xkimsungminx Gard, Jome!

So Gard I will think about you suggestion, but if I still use Spanish Cedar for the body, how about the top and fingerboard you will prefer?

Many people say Nordstrand will be brightness, so I have decide to use Spanish Cedar for the body and Koa for Top.

And Gard I have a question!
I want to order a Roscoe and I need to wait how much time?

Gard · #6 03-19-2008, 07:43 AM

Jimin -

Yes, the Nordstrands will tend to be a bit brighter than the standard Barts, but not a huge difference. To my ears, the biggest difference is how they respond, they're more "open" sounding compared to the slightly compressed tone of the Barts.

Either way, if you get Spanish Cedar, that bass will sound good, but slightly fat/warm overall. If you go that way, I would strongly suggest a more bright fingerboard, like a maple. It won't totally change the tone of the bass, but it will give a brighter, quicker attack to the notes and help define things a bit.

CactusmanDoug · #7 03-19-2008, 09:30 AM

Jimin,

My compliments on your choice of bass manufacturer. Not only you but the people that hear you play will be glad you were so particular.

Although the Roscoe folks (Gard) will be very assistive in helping you configure an instrument to your specification, you will be looking at a considerable length of time before you see your bass.

I would recommend to keep your eyes on what's up for auction on ebay. There are some gorgeous previously owned Roscoes that you can find for sometimes as low as 50 cents on the dollar in comparison to new retail store prices.

I picked up an SKB 3005 (#4974) for $1500.00 plus shipping. That bass is lined diamondwood fretless, Ivory nut, Spanish Cedar body, Myrtle Burl top with the Bart/Barts and it feels like it was specially made for my hands. The only difficult thing about it is being able to set it down. I have 3 wonderful Roscoes; one was custom built to my specs, another I got new from Jimmy (Bunny Bass) and this ebay special which is my favorite.

I may alter the electonics later but it is such an amazing instrument and the price was great plus the fact I got it immediatly.

You might want to consider these things before you commit but you certainly wont be disappointed with your factory custom either. Toiling over which Roscoe you will ultimately own is a good problem to have.

Lord bless you,

Doug

Jimin · #8 03-25-2008, 12:17 AM

Thanks Gard, CactusmanDoug!

CactusmanDoug, thanks you advise!
I have consider to buy a secondhand Roscoe from ebay, but I am not live in US! So it’s not easy to buy from ebay for me.

And Gard
What different between to black ebony, ebony w/ sapwood and Macassar Ebony in sound?

And I decide to change the Bass model from SKB3006 to LG3006!
Yesterday I just play a LG3005 in local store, and I am very surprise with the small body, because it’s very comfortable and not affects your right-hand to play

And this is my new list:

LG3006
Swamp ash
Koa Top
Wenge wedge neck
Fingerboard Macassar Ebony
Graphtech nut
Black/Gold hardware
Nordstrand DC6 with Series/Parallel/Single coil switch
Audere 4-Band EQ 18v
Natural finish

JOME77 · #9 03-25-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimin

Thanks Gard, CactusmanDoug!

CactusmanDoug, thanks you advise!
I have consider to buy a secondhand Roscoe from ebay, but I am not live in US! So it’s not easy to buy from ebay for me.

And Gard
What different between to black ebony, ebony w/ sapwood and Macassar Ebony in sound?

And I decide to change the Bass model from SKB3006 to LG3006!
Yesterday I just play a LG3005 in local store, and I am very surprise with the small body, because it’s very comfortable and not affects your right-hand to play

And this is my new list:

LG3006
Swamp ash
Koa Top
Wenge wedge neck
Fingerboard Macassar Ebony
Graphtech nut
Black/Gold hardware
Nordstrand DC6 with Series/Parallel/Single coil switch
Audere 4-Band EQ 18v
Natural finish

That should be a killer Roscoe! The only thing that I'd change would be the Graphtech nut to Diamondwood nut. They just look very classy!

Jimin · #10 03-29-2008, 05:04 AM

JOME77

Cool, it’s seems to very mach to your head!

But I think maybe I can save some money and Graphtec’s color will be match with my head and black hardware (I just change my mind to black hardware)!

Gard

I am very appreciating you help!
And in e-mail you told me about the PU switch not practical, I think I will still add this option, because I hope this bass can have much more range tone, just like Fender RB switch to get more tone.
And I have a question about the PU switch.
You still use On/Off/On switch in PU switch or change to use On/On/On switch?
I just want to sure the PU switch will work very well.

And Gard thank for your patient!

Because this is my first time to decide to custom my bass, so I have a little nervous and a lot of questions.
And I think my Roscoe will be awesome in look and sound.