SKB 3005 for gospel/r&b?

[fLaT-fIfTh]

I'm interested in a beautiful SKB 3005 that I recently spotted at an online retailer. After searching the forums extensively, I'm not sure if this is the right bass for the job. These basses are absolutely stunning! However, my concern is with the strong mid tones that everyone is talking about. I prefer a booming low end with a scooped midrange. I find the sound works well in black gospel and I have achieved it with an MTD. I'm almost tempted to buy the Roscoe for the sheer looks, but I don't want to purchase it if I can't achieve the sound I'm looking for. With so many wood types to choose from, I need some help. Roscoe is using some different woods that I don't see other luthiers using. What gives? Is my question a simpple matter of electronics?

Here are the specs on the bass I'm considering for my first Roscoe purchase:

SKB 3005
Swamp ash body
Exhibition quilt maple top
Antique yellow finish
Pau ferro fingerboard
Nordstrnad Dual Coil pickups
Audere 4-band preamp
Graphtech nut

Opinions please...

[T. B. Player]

With the Nordies and Audere, I don't think you'll have ANY trouble getting what you want. If you're even THINKIN' about a Roscoe and have the $$ to go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Z

P.S. - If you don't think this will work for you, let me know where you found it..

[JOME77]

IMO most of the darker mid based tones associated with Roscoe's are a product of the std. Bart p/u's.

You'll be fine with the Roscoe with the Nord p/u's.

I've got a 3006 with the Nord p/u's and Aggie pre and the slap tone is killing! It actually sounds very close to my former MTD 635 (maple neck/rosewood FB).

[Basso Gruvitas]

Originally Posted by T. B. Player

With the Nordies and Audere, I don't think you'll have ANY trouble getting what you want. If you're even THINKIN' about a Roscoe and have the $$ to go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Z

P.S. - If you don't think this will work for you, let me know where you found it..

+1

Although, if I could tweak, I would also prefer a maple fingerboard.

[Joel B]

Flat, I have played both the MTD's and the Roscoes. I no longer own an MTD.

The Nordies were the ticket for me. The Roscoe has it all over the MTD in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I really like MTD basses, but when it comes down to sheer funky slapability and overall tone, the Roscoe wins hands down.

I play both black gospel and R&B, and everywhere I go people come up to ask what kind of bass I am playing.

Seriously, you wont be dissapointed. You may even sell your MTD.

A friend of mine is a MTD endorser, and even he loves the playability and tone of my Roscoes.

They just have more presence than MTD basses. Thats my commercial for the day, God bless.

[T-MOST]

My SKB 3005 works great for me every Sunday and R&B, smooth Jazz sounds like a dream! Mahogany body, Spalted/flamed maple top, Chechen board, Bart/Bart 'tronics.

[Basso Gruvitas]

Originally Posted by T-MOST

My SKB 3005 works great for me every Sunday and R&B, smooth Jazz sounds like a dream! Mahogany body, Spalted/flamed maple top, Chechen board, Bart/Bart 'tronics.

I think this illustrates that you have to check the instrument to make sure it comes close to "the sound in your head" - and your concept of "gospel/RnB" - because T-Most's construction and electronics choices would not be mine.

No offense T. I'm sure your Roscoe sounds awesome, but I would go more the Marcus/Ash/Maple/Nordy/Aguilar route.
Different strokes....