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MTD USA-6 vs ROSCOE SKB-6

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Fire-Starter, Nov 18, 2005.

  1. Nov 18, 2005 #1
    Fire-Starter

    Fire-Starter Supporting Member

    Aug 11, 2002
    MINNESOTA
    The MTD USA bass is the only bass now that I have an interest in, but I certainly dont want to get one without trying one first, as so many of you here at TB suggest to people in my position, so I would like some feed back on the comparison between what I have in a six...the ROSCOE SKB-6

    I am sure some of you have tried, or maybe even own both of the above basses, so your comments would be appreciated, since I have actually picked up a bass or two with the help of members here w/o haveing access to one, and have not regretted it. maybe my Roscoe does what the MTD USA does and I would not need to even to consider this, but as one TB members says..."I could be wrong"
    so...

    PLEASE ADVISE

    MY CURRENT ROSCOE.....
    http://www.talkbass.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1877&password=0&sort=1&cat=500&page=1
     
  2. Nov 18, 2005 #2
    Lo end PUNCH

    Lo end PUNCH

    Jan 28, 2005
    Racine,Wi
    They're both the cats meow if you ask me :) . The MTD's are just tad bit livelier but they both have that clarity and punch.
     
  3. Nov 18, 2005 #3
    Halftooth

    Halftooth

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tri-Valley, NorCal
    Well, I have both basses, not 6 strings, but the sounds are a bit different depending on preamp choices in the Roscoe. Overall, I'd say that the MTD is going to be a clearer or cleaner sound than the Roscoe, especially when comparing the Roscoe with a Bart preamp. I think the Demeter pre in a Roscoe will be the most similar to the MTD as it really cleans up the tone. The Aggie to me is pretty much in between them both and not nearly as "wooly" as the Bart. If you're looking to get your Roscoe to be more MTD like, I wouldn't hesitate to do a Demeter preamp swap.
     
  4. Nov 18, 2005 #4
    jokerjkny

    jokerjkny

    Jan 19, 2002
    NY / NJ / PHL
    wow,

    riiiiiiiiiiiiiight up my alley... :p

    but in all honesty, you've got a killer bass, and i think its just GAS talkin'. heck, i tried a "Gard era" SKB3006 at jivesound, and slap me like a donkey, that sucker was AWESOME. actually has me thinking about getting a fretless lined 6 because of it. :cool:
     
  5. Nov 18, 2005 #5
    Indi86

    Indi86

    Nov 15, 2004
    Washington, DC / Ithaca, NY
    Haha joker... talk about having a similar issue.

    Fire-Starter: Seriously, you have a great instrument that's easily on par with MTD stuff.

    As a TB member though, I must advise that you buy the second bass while keeping the first one. If anyone asks why, reply with one of the following:

    1. The Roscoe has mojo
    2. They do different things
    3. You'll never understand
    4. Talkbass made me do it (mumble something about carrots and a mysterious man named Qintar)
     
  6. Nov 18, 2005 #6
    Fire-Starter

    Fire-Starter Supporting Member

    Aug 11, 2002
    MINNESOTA
    Oh yes! my Roscoe is all that and more, I had heard so much talk at Roscoe this, Roscoe that, and when I first heard a bass back in 1989 on a Gospel tape by Mississippi Mass Choir, The bass player Sam Scott jr, I found out played a Roscoe, and that was pretty much it for me then, and now, my Roscoe is not going any where, but I must admit, looking and hearing about the MTD-USA stuff, does make me have a need for gas relief, plus I have a PRE-gibson TOBIAS Basic, which is somthing else, so, I am itching to get me hands on a MTD-6 fretless or fretted, I just want to be sure, If I dont get a fretless Roscoe first. I actually owe TB membrer OLDIE BUT NOOBIE...(HOPE i SPELLED IT RIGHT) thanks for having the chance to purchase the Roscoe from him, if I ever win a bunch of money, I will buy him one as thanks :cool:
     
  7. Nov 18, 2005 #7
    Fire-Starter

    Fire-Starter Supporting Member

    Aug 11, 2002
    MINNESOTA
    Ah yes, you are the man of the hour are you not? you just got your MTD-6 a few days ago yes????? man, love the look of that MTD-6!!!!! are you gonna post some sound clips???? :hyper:
     
  8. Nov 18, 2005 #8
    T. B. Player

    T. B. Player

    Apr 8, 2004
    Southwestern Pennsylvania
    You gots that lovely family portrait, and you're looking for another nice one? Damn!!!

    Now I know why bass players are homeless when their girlfriends walk out on them :)
     
  9. Nov 18, 2005 #9
    Vic

    Vic There's more music in the nuance than the notes. Gold Supporting Member

    Oct 14, 2002
    Central Illinois
    Staff, Bass Gear Magazine
    Well, I have an LG-3005 and an MTD 535, so not the 6 string version and not an SKB, but I did have an SKB for a while and it didn't really sound much different to me.

    Ok, so qualifiers out of the way, I'd say this...

    The Roscoe is a much more traditional tone, with a modern edge, and a HUGE thick low end. The Roscoe B string has been known to topple large buildings. :)

    The MTD is "beyond HiFi" to quote our own JAUQO III-X. I'd say that's probably accurate. Extremely bright and clear, with a present, but not dominating low end (unless you dial it in). I'd also say, of ALL the basses I've owned and/or played, the MTD's preamp is the most usable. I had to learn not to be afraid to really use it, as most bass preamps I've played with are really best used for only mild tweaking before they actually start to do more damage than good.