If not Roscoe, then....?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by nostatic

To be fair to Roscoe, it is a trick that no one else really does. Rob's basses are a unique vibe that is very different than typical electric bass, yet familiar at the same time.

+1 I find them almost the 'definition' of the 'Bartolini soapbar tone'. VERY round and warm down low, very smooth, relaxed and polite in the upper midrange, and then that sort of 'Bartolini ping' up top.

The Sadowsky Modern has a similar vibe. The Ken Smith takes that tonal footprint to extremes, as does the Peavey Cirrus. However, all these basses are in that 'big dose of lower midrange/upper bass', relaxed in the 'grind' area of the upper midrange, and a clear, pingy, modern treble response.

That of course, is just the tone profile I try to avoid, but many love it! I like the Sadowksy Modern version of this general tone profile the best, primarily due to the full string spacing (19mm) and the 34" scale. Pure IMO there, all these basses are great, and while they are in the same tone universe, they all sound and feel different enough that most would have a favorite.

[phillybass101]

My advice is to buy the bass you want. That way if you don't like it later you will know it. To get something else means you'll still want a Roscoe. Fortunately for me while I like other basses, I've found my bass and my tone in Brubakers. It only took me 42 years :-)

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by KJung

Sadowsky Metro 'Modern 5'. Has that strong low mid presence of the Roscoe's, but has full 19mm spacing and, in general, a bit lighter weight.

+1...... BUT.... A used Japanese Metro is generally the same price as a used USA Roscoe.... In the $2k range.

I have owned 2 Metros and 2 Roscoes.... The Roscoes are much better and "boutique-y basses than a Metro IMO.

[thebandcircle]

Roscoes have that wonderful Dymondwood fingerboard. Great consistency and stability. "Greg Curbow" was the best craftsman with this material IMO. Check out "Shuker" basses in England! Also "Thor" Basses in New Hampshire..amazing prices for what you get! One of the greatest basses I have played was a Roscoe, but haven't found another like it. Don't forget "Hanewinkel" as well...

[Sywannab]

maybe Fender jazz bass, but IMO no bass really can replace roscoe.
a used Roscoe standard is normally under $2000 and is relatively cheap but is also great, so that could be a good choice before a fancy Roscoe.(custom or signature)

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Sywannab

maybe Fender jazz bass, but IMO no bass really can replace roscoe.
a used Roscoe standard is normally under $2000 and is relatively cheap but is also great, so that could be a good choice before a fancy Roscoe.(custom or signature)

The "standard" Roscoe is really close to a "fancy" one. They are built in NC, by the same people at the same shop. Tony did the finish work on my standard. He did the finish work on someones signature. He hand fit my neck. All thats different from the fancy Roscoe's is the "pretty" stuff really. Same electronics. The hardware is different, but still good. I think I almost prefer the "plain" Standard basses without all the fancy tops and stuff...but the Signatures sure are nice.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Baird6869

+1...... BUT.... A used Japanese Metro is generally the same price as a used USA Roscoe.... In the $2k range.

I have owned 2 Metros and 2 Roscoes.... The Roscoes are much better and "boutique-y basses than a Metro IMO.

The Metro's are made in a small shop in Japan, pretty much the same as the NYC models, without a few of the bells and whistles. They don't have the 'fancy hippy sandwich' look of some of the Roscoe's, but they are primo quality to me. Again, both great instruments, and IMO the Modern would tend to appeal to the player who likes the Roscoe tone (again, just responding in the spirit of the thread, where the OP asked about 'other basses versus Roscoe).

[scubaduba]

After having owned an SKB and LG as well as a number of others already mentioned in this thread I'd advocate a Pedulla Thunderbass IMHO. Actually, I'd choose a Thunderbass over a Roscoe. Better ergonomics, 34" scale, faster neck, better balance and one of the finest B string growls in the business. Use Pedulla strings for the true effect. I suppose all of this is IMHO... but at least its an informed opinion.

[Fishheadjoe]

Originally Posted by scubaduba

After having owned an SKB and LG as well as a number of others already mentioned in this thread I'd advocate a Pedulla Thunderbass IMHO. Actually, I'd choose a Thunderbass over a Roscoe. Better ergonomics, 34" scale, faster neck, better balance and one of the finest B string growls in the business. Use Pedulla strings for the true effect. I suppose all of this is IMHO... but at least its an informed opinion.

I would agree with this to a point... I own both a Roscoe (Signature) and a Pedulla (Rapture single soap bar).
The Roscoe is definately a P Bass on steriods, has a dream neck and fit and finish is second to none, based on what I've had my hands on.
The Pedulla has a different vibe... still very much P Bass in tone, but alot more "grind" then the Pedulla. The Rapture's neck feels much more like a Jazz, then a P Bass.
The best advice I can give you is to try everything that you can and get what feels right in yer gut. Otherwise, you will be having gut aches, wondering if you should woulda ....
Fishheadjoe

[scubaduba]

The Rapture and Thunderbass are two different animals. I would not suggest a Rapture as a Roscoe replacement, especially the single soapbar or Jazz pup versions.

And while the dual pup Bartolini Roscoe's can cop somewhat of a P bass vibe I wouldn't consider it a "P bass on steroids".

[Roy Vogt]

C'mon, why wouldn't you just get one? Great basses!

[scubaduba]

There's a couple in the classifieds right now.

[El-Bob]

Hey, I don't think anyone has suggested this yet, so.... you should just get a Roscoe.

[scubaduba]

Originally Posted by El-Bob

Hey, I don't think anyone has suggested this yet, so.... you should just get a Roscoe.

Exactly. Just try one. Then you'll know. Put it up on classifieds of you decide it's not quite for you.

[Jerry Ziarko]

A small disclaimer: The Sadowsky Modern is my choice for almost everything. I own a Metro as well as a NYC. I respect the hell out of kjungs opinions, but in this case, I disagree. I owned an amazing LG3005 for some time. The only resemblances I found between that particular bass and my Sadowskys was that they both have strings, both used straps, and they both get plugged in. As far as weight goes, my LG was about the lightest instrument I've ever owned. (7.6 lbs) It clearly had it's own voice. My NYC had a very slight kind of tone, (very slight) when I first got it. It had Nordrstrand Big Singles in it. Since then, I installed stock Sadowsky soapbars to get it back to more familiar territory. My Roscoe came with a Bart pre, and it was a mid centered beast, kind of too much of a good thing. I swapped pres to a Demeter and the bass settled in to a very versatile beauty. The downside was I just could not get used to the width of the neck. That's NOT a slam on the neck profile in any way, it just never felt comfortable in my hand. The Sad profile just fits much better.
I also owned a very nice Pedulla Thunderbass at one point. Again, a beautiful instrument, but even with Bart electronics, was nothing like a Roscoe.
If that is the tone you desire, there will be no substitute. If it's a monetary thing, keep saving. In time you'll get there, and it will be worth the wait. The nice thing about high end basses, is in most cases, the original and often second or third owners take extremely good care of their instruments. Roscoes of all styles and finishes show up here on the TB classifieds. You may find exactly what you are looking for at a significantly reduced price over consigning a custom build. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Roy Vogt

C'mon, why wouldn't you just get one? Great basses!

[NeilGB]

Talkbass is a great community. People have put a lot of thought into their answers and I really appreciate that.

My original post was deliberately non-specific as I wanted to get peoples reactions unfiltered (by a long and tedious description of the music I play and the gear I had and my thoughts about this, that and the other).

A Roscoe 5er or something Roscoe-esque is definitely on the cards and the right one will present itself soon enough.

I would be interested in any other comments any one has.
Cheers
Neil

[JOME77]

I've seen some great deals on used Ristola basses. I suspect that Brian's basses would sound very similar to a Roscoe. Also, as Ben mentioned, the USA Cirrus basses are somewhat similar, although I put them more in the tone family of the Smith's.

But like most of the others, I'd say save yourself some time and money, just go for the Roscoe. I've certainly tried them all and it's what I choose to play. Great playability and sound.

[Jeff Scott]

Martin Keith

http://www.martinkeithguitars.com/

[SteveC]

Save your money, buy used. Great basses come up all the time.

[kander]

MTD.