Looking for a Six String Smith Alternative? Roscoe?

[Damian Coccio]

I really like the Roscoe neck profile but the SKB is a bad design ergonomically. Not only is it a 35" scale (longer than your Smith) but it's a longer reach to the first few frets because the upper horn doesn't reach far enough. I can't see this being the answer. If Ken won't make you a custom bass with different specs (which I can understand) than you may want to look at Roscoe if you dig the one that's on the way. I'd suggest a 33" scale length with a 17mm string spacing. They can do it where you'll still have a great sounding B string. I will say that the first and most important thing to look at though is your technique. Where are you located?

Abe Laboriel had his Tyler basses made with a thinner string spacing years ago because he was having trouble with his hands. I've read about other bass players that turned to 5 strings for the thinner necks because they were having issues. Some things to consider. I believe that any well designed bass with a thinner strings spacing (17mm) would be helpful though.

Hey Emjazz, Thanks for the input!

Im in Eastern PA.

I checked out one at a local music store and it felt pretty comfortable strapped on and standing up, but this is why I bought it used. If I cant bond with it, I figured can sell it without a total beating $$$.

Interestingly, Im not convinced on the scale length being so important for comfort, but your right its the upper horn that matters alot. I made a 35.5" scale length 6 string fretless that is very comfortable because of how the body is positioned with repect to the neck. I can play this with no wrist issues. On a properly designed bass I should be able to play donna lee or teen town without pain, whether its 4,5, or 6, but that just MO.

Check out the image. I liked CT's Design, so made this bass from a piece I bought from exotic woods and a carvin neck. I put the brige way back in the "foot". Its an awesome and very erg. bass. I dont understand why I couldnt find a bass this erg. FYI: two barts near the bridge, cocobolo over mahogony, with the 3 band eq this thing sings, growls and has a huge, focused bottom.

 

[emjazz]

Nice looking bass. You should make yourself a fretted one to go along with it.

I agree completely about setting the bridge further back like that making a big difference. For me, a shorter scale works if you're playing chords where the reach is a bit further. That's where I find the shorter scale makes the biggest difference to me. I also happen to like the sound more of a shorter scale bass.

I can't for the life of me figure out why the majority of bass builders don't think about the ergonomics of their instruments first and foremost.

 

[jokerjkny]

my hands arent the biggest either, and the ken smiths i've played did seem a little wide for me. my MTD 635 is a much better fit, and the roscoes i've played similarly so.

 

[Damian Coccio]

Tried the used Roscoe SKB 3006 I bought from an online store today and ...well, its in the box and going back due to the condition of the bass not being even close to what was communicated when I bought it.

Ok, I always wanted to give a bass a review so here it goes...LOL:

Roscoe SKB-3006

Ergonomics (for me):
I liked it, but EMjazz you are right on the money, the 35" scale made the reach quite far with the short horn. I liked the neck profile and the radius of the fretboard. Pretty comfortable, but I couldnt get the action low enough. Probably would have to shim the neck, but there was serious fret buzz anyway. Liked the design of the adjustable bridge.

Tone:
I really liked the slap tone, it sounded a bit like my Spector, but with more punch (bolt on) and high end sizzle. The fingerstyle tone was good, real snappy. I could get a real growly Jaco tone dialed in too. I liked how clear and sort of glassy it was, but I felt the tone really lacked the warmth I am used to from my smith. It was kind of twangy in the upper C string registers (most 35s seem to be) where the smith almost has a LES paul warmth. The Roscoe B string was awesome, one of the best ive heard, but not as deep as my NS-5XL, sustain wasnt as good either (but plenty good). Without any doubt, a much better B string than the smith on sustain, depth and clarity.

Quality:
(Aside from the damaged condition): I cant judge much based on just one, but this bass isnt even in the same league as the smith, mostly aesthetically speaking. My smiths are perfect. The Roscoe had little things I didnt like: - frets not pressed in all the way, side maker dots not even, bridge not centered with the pickups (maybe intentionally I dont know).

Maybe somebody will find this useful, I dont know. And again this was just one bass and just my opinion im not an expert. My Smith experience has been 99% positive. If Ken can just make me a 32" scale length with tighter spacing I would be in heaven.

I wanted to add that I probably would have kept it if it was in better used condition. I really liked the tone overall and its seems tough to beat at below $2K used.

Thanks again for everyones input on this thread.

 

[Damian Coccio]

Just wanted sum up this thread. I picked up a used MTD 635 at a decent price. This is the most comfortable bass Ive played. Ive been playing it for a few weeks now and I love the tone and the ergonomics are well thought out. Its light too. Great neck, no wrist issues whatsoever. Awesome Bass! I should have some basses for sale soon.