Upgrading a Century Standard

[LilRay]

Guys,
If I were to get a Century Standard, can I "upgrade" the Pickups and Pre to the Nord/Aggie combo without much modification?

It's kind of a silly question but I dig the sounds I heard from that combo. I Know it's not "neccessary" but I'm curious if the routs are close enough etc.

Goofing off and bored. This is the best I could come up with.

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Ray, you silly@$$ed Cowgirls fan....

(Think early SNL Dan Ackroyd )

Yes, you can do both without making major mods to the instrument. The preamp is definitely a "plug & play" swap; the pickups should be.

However, I would suggest before anyone put a set of Nords in a Standard, that they spend a bit of time with the Bart CB's, because they may not want to go that route. To my ears, the CB's sound a great deal like the Nord DC's.....and that can be a pretty penny to purchase a pair of those pickups...pppppt pbbtpttt pppptttt!!!!



...sorry, got a bit of a peach inspediment....

[VroomVroom]

LOL @ "peach inspediment." That will be used.

Ray, have you played a Standard? I've only tried one, so this is by no means a blanket assessment, but it's a pretty aggressive sounding instrument. No doubt about cut, and it's got fat lows and crisp highs to match the mids. At first I didn't know what to do with it...if only because it didn't fit my mental description of "the" Roscoe sound. But the more I play that thing, I've come to realize it's a pretty versatile instrument with no lack of bite. The closest comparison I can offer is against my Sadowsky Metro M-24. The Sad obviously has its own thing going, but I could definitely hear the Standard working on the same types of gigs and sessions. Were I in the market today (my Sadowsky is almost five years old) it would be a really tough choice between the two.

So...not that you asked ... my assessment is that you may not want to do any electronics swapping. And in fact, I'd guess that the OBP-3 would be too much of the good thing that the instrument already offers.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

LOL @ "peach inspediment." That will be used.

Ray, have you played a Standard? I've only tried one, so this is by no means a blanket assessment, but it's a pretty aggressive sounding instrument. No doubt about cut, and it's got fat lows and crisp highs to match the mids. At first I didn't know what to do with it...if only because it didn't fit my mental description of "the" Roscoe sound. But the more I play that thing, I've come to realize it's a pretty versatile instrument with no lack of bite. The closest comparison I can offer is against my Sadowsky Metro M-24. The Sad obviously has its own thing going, but I could definitely hear the Standard working on the same types of gigs and sessions. Were I in the market today (my Sadowsky is almost five years old) it would be a really tough choice between the two.

So...not that you asked ... my assessment is that you may not want to do any electronics swapping. And in fact, I'd guess that the OBP-3 would be too much of the good thing that the instrument already offers.

I like the comparison to the M-24, that's exactly what I see as our "direct competitor" bass. The Sadowsky is an excellent instrument, I've spend a good deal of time with them.

However, ours is made entirely in the US and costs $300 less*.



(*Sale price for M5-24 $2595, sale price for Cen Std 5 $2199)

(This doesn't come across as "snarky", does it? )

[LilRay]

Jerry, I haven't played any Roscoes. But I'm assuming that the standard will be more accessable to me. I could either go used, or maybe a new CS. The nearest Roscoe Dealer is the Atlanta Bass Gallery and it's about 100 miles away from me, one way.

Out of your Sadowsky and the CS which is the more comfortable for you to play? Which would you recommend as a first fiver?

Would you recommend something else? (PM details).

God Bless, Ray

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by Gard

However, ours is made entirely in the US and costs $300 less*.



(*Sale price for M5-24 $2595, sale price for Cen Std 5 $2199)

Yours also has the 35" on the five string models, which is favourable, IMO, for both the low B, and low action across all the strings.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

I like the comparison to the M-24, that's exactly what I see as our "direct competitor" bass. The Sadowsky is an excellent instrument, I've spend a good deal of time with them.

However, ours is made entirely in the US and costs $300 less*.



(*Sale price for M5-24 $2595, sale price for Cen Std 5 $2199)

(This doesn't come across as "snarky", does it? )

I've bolded the two points that are very important to me

Having never played either, the CS looks like it'd be more comfortable and less "cookie cutter". However, to gather an appopriate assessment, I'll have to "lay hands" on the Basses

BTW I had to Google "Snarky". Thanks Gard, I gots mo book learnin' now. Reckon you can learn me to 'cipher, without takin' off my shoes?

God Bless, Ray

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

I've bolded the two points that are very important to me

Having never played either, the CS looks like it'd be more comfortable and less "cookie cutter". However, to gather an appopriate assessment, I'll have to "lay hands" on the Basses

BTW I had to Google "Snarky". Thanks Gard, I gots mo book learnin' now. Reckon you can learn me to 'cipher, without takin' off my shoes?

God Bless, Ray

God Bless, Ray

Ray, the M5-24s I've played are a bit less "rounded" over all in the body radius, so to me they were not quite as comfy, but playability and tonally, they're excellent. DS makes a good point about the scale length, I don't think the B quite matches up, but otherwise, it's a "rub" in a lot of ways.

I don't know if ABG has Sadowsky in stock, but you can call Jim and he'll be able to let you know right away.

I can definitely help you with the ciphering thing, and I think you can do it without toes, but you will have to renounce your Cowpatties fandom and join the Black & Gold Nation first.

[VroomVroom]

Ray, I'm happy to take a shot at your questions...just remember that I'm as full of crap as the next guy, and ultimately this is really subjective stuff. What's comfortable to me may not work for you...yada yada.

I find the Century Standard to be a great fit - it's comfortable and the playability is great. No one does 35" like Roscoe, IMO. I can go from any 34" instrument to any Roscoe, and scale length just isn't an issue. In fairness, Sadowsky does a remarkable job of nailing the low 'B' on a 34" scale instrument.

In terms of sound, however, I find much of the Sadowsky sound (especially the extremes...50-100Hz lows and ~ 3kHz + upper mids and highs) to be a function of the electronics. In that regard, you either dig the sound, or you don't. It cuts through any mix, but it can be very hard to dial back those extremes and fine-tune for versatility. The Roscoe Standard, on the other hand, has a lot of that versatility built-in. A la the Sadowksy, it's aggressive by nature, but has much more fatness down low, and much less harshness up high. (Another caveat...I'm currently retrofitting my Sad with a VTC, which should help address the crispness of those highs.)

Bottom line. The Century Standard is a great bass. It's a different animal than other Roscoe models - at least the SKB & LG basses I've played...I've yet to play a Century Signature - so I definitely encourage everyone to explore it without any preconceptions. It's an instrument I'd definitely consider, from all perspectives...playability, sound, and certainly value for the dollar spent. I'd easily compare it against the Sad M5-24 (which, I suppose, I already have...a bit more arbitrarily than Gard, but I'd easily say they're similar instruments) as well as many others in the marketplace. Which speaks to your other question...

Which instrument for a first-fiver? Play 'em all! Sonically, I'd put the Standard in with the Sadowsky Metro line...and not just the M5, but also a number of Lulls, Laklands, and the Zon Sonus RT...speaking to various basses I've played. See which one really does it for you, but definitely include the Roscoe on your list.

I hope that helps...

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

Ray, I'm happy to take a shot at your questions...just remember that I'm as full of crap as the next guy, and ultimately this is really subjective stuff. What's comfortable to me may not work for you...yada yada.

I find the Century Standard to be a great fit - it's comfortable and the playability is great. No one does 35" like Roscoe, IMO. I can go from any 34" instrument to any Roscoe, and scale length just isn't an issue. In fairness, Sadowsky does a remarkable job of nailing the low 'B' on a 34" scale instrument.

In terms of sound, however, I find much of the Sadowsky sound (especially the extremes...50-100Hz lows and ~ 3kHz + upper mids and highs) to be a function of the electronics. In that regard, you either dig the sound, or you don't. It cuts through any mix, but it can be very hard to dial back those extremes and fine-tune for versatility. The Roscoe Standard, on the other hand, has a lot of that versatility built-in. A la the Sadowksy, it's aggressive by nature, but has much more fatness down low, and much less harshness up high. (Another caveat...I'm currently retrofitting my Sad with a VTC, which should help address the crispness of those highs.)

Bottom line. The Century Standard is a great bass. It's a different animal than other Roscoe models - at least the SKB & LG basses I've played...I've yet to play a Century Signature - so I definitely encourage everyone to explore it without any preconceptions. It's an instrument I'd definitely consider, from all perspectives...playability, sound, and certainly value for the dollar spent. I'd easily compare it against the Sad M5-24 (which, I suppose, I already have...a bit more arbitrarily than Gard, but I'd easily say they're similar instruments) as well as many others in the marketplace. Which speaks to your other question...

Which instrument for a first-fiver? Play 'em all! Sonically, I'd put the Standard in with the Sadowsky Metro line...and not just the M5, but also a number of Lulls, Laklands, and the Zon Sonus RT...speaking to various basses I've played. See which one really does it for you, but definitely include the Roscoe on your list.

I hope that helps...

I've got to get to a store with some pro gear. Nothing like living in the backwoods

I appreciate your ear for tone, and I've bolded the part that intrigues me most.

Truth is I like most things a little Fat down low with a lot less harshness up top.

Originally Posted by Gard

I can definitely help you with the ciphering thing, and I think you can do it without toes, but you will have to renounce your Cowpatties fandom and join the Black & Gold Nation first.

NEVER!!!!!!!

Besides If I were to do that, I'd have nothing to bust your chops about.

I'd rather go without shoes. I'd fit in better with the locals anyway.

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

Truth is I like most things a little Fat down low with a lot less harshness up top.

Don't we all, don't we all...

NEVER!!!!!!!

Besides If I were to do that, I'd have nothing to bust your chops about.

I'd rather go without shoes. I'd fit in better with the locals anyway.

God Bless, Ray

What, you mean they actually LET Cowpatties fans wear shoes?



Oh wait...that's right, they have those velcro laces now!

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

What, you mean they actually LET Cowpatties fans wear shoes?



Oh wait...that's right, they have those velcro laces now!

I'll have you know that I've got laces AND velcro on my shoes

Reebok Ex o Fit Hi Tops. Old School Short Bus equipment

An my official Cowboys bike helmet barely has any scratches on it.

You just wait till I get gnawed through my harness. I'll be in the 'boro 'fore you can prepare yourself

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

I'll have you know that I've got laces AND velcro on my shoes

Reebok Ex o Fit Hi Tops. Old School Short Bus equipment

An my official Cowboys bike helmet barely has any scratches on it.

You just wait till I get gnawed through my harness. I'll be in the 'boro 'fore you can prepare yourself

God Bless, Ray

ROFL!!!



...guess I need to upgrade my home security system now.

[VroomVroom]

Originally Posted by LilRay

I'll have you know that I've got laces AND velcro on my shoes

Reebok Ex o Fit Hi Tops. Old School Short Bus equipment

An my official Cowboys bike helmet barely has any scratches on it.

You just wait till I get gnawed through my harness. I'll be in the 'boro 'fore you can prepare yourself

God Bless, Ray

Absolutely a hall of fame post. The first sentence is hilarious, and each one that follows is funnier than the last. Kudos, Ray.

[CrashClint]

Originally Posted by LilRay

Guys,
If I were to get a Century Standard, can I "upgrade" the Pickups and Pre to the Nord/Aggie combo without much modification?

It's kind of a silly question but I dig the sounds I heard from that combo. I Know it's not "neccessary" but I'm curious if the routs are close enough etc.

Goofing off and bored. This is the best I could come up with.

God Bless, Ray

Honestly, the Nords sound good and look cool but to me it is not worth the extra cost because they sound very close to the Classics.

I just spent some time with a friend's Solid Maple Century Sig. It has the Bart Classics with the Aggie. I must say that I have a little more appreciation for the Aggie now. The solid maple body toned down some of the mids of the Aggie and it actually sounded good. I bet it would sound good in a solid Alder body as well.

[Ryan L.]

Originally Posted by CrashClint

Honestly, the Nords sound good and look cool but to me it is not worth the extra cost because they sound very close to the Classics.
.

This.

Having owned a Roscoe with Nords, and now owning one with the CB's, there is no way that I personally could justify the extra cost of the Nordstrand pickups when I order/buy another Roscoe. They are great pickups, no doubt, but I have been so pleasantly surprised by the CB's that they are what I would ultimately go with again.

[CliffD]

I have to agree with the consensus. My first CSVI had nord DCs, but my CSVI I'm ordering now will have CBs or Roscoe Barts. I just don't think they're worth the $$ after gigging them and hearing sound samples of CBs.

[Funky Stuff]

Are there stock Barts Classic Bass serie pickups in the century standard line ? I thought it was an option for all the roscoes...

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_gui...V_Natural.html

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_gui...rd_IV_Red.html

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Funky Stuff

Are there stock Barts Classic Bass serie pickups in the century standard line ? I thought it was an option for all the roscoes...

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_gui...V_Natural.html

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_gui...rd_IV_Red.html

The CB Barts are available on all Roscoes IIRC. The have the "Roscoe" Barts available for a different tone.
The reason I'd guess of using the classic Barts in the Century Standard series is most likely availability more than anything else. That keeps the Century Standard line "boutique on a budget" where folks who can't drop the $ for a fully Custom Roscoe, can still enjoy their level of craftsmanship and their handmade feel

God Bless, Ray

[bassWR]

Ray,
I was at ABG back in November. They have a great selction for you to try out and compare.
FWIW...In my limited experience with Roscoes the CS is like a brutha from anutha mutha. (How's that for a 70s funk reference) It feels like a traditional Roscoe in your hands but has an entirely different (and cool) personality. I agree with what others have said in the thread.
So take a Saturday and check out ABG and try stuff out. You'll probably meet and hear some great players while you're there.
IMHO the Roscoes will keep sucking you in so take some cash or plastic or the family jewels...
JUST DON'T WEAR YOUR COWBOYS BIKE HELMET.