/ Register

Rogue Bass Problems: Advice Needed

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by MarcTheRogue, Jul 14, 2013.

  1. Jul 14, 2013 #1
    MarcTheRogue

    MarcTheRogue

    Mar 27, 2013
    Alright guys, time for another "I have a crappy bass and I need advice" thread.

    I've had my Rogue LX 205B since Christmas, and it came in pretty banged up condition. Scratches on the paint job, an inconvenient "handle" that blocks the 22nd - 24th frets, a missing cover on one of the tuning keys, a bridge that won't take B strings, a dent and gash-covered fretboard, and strap holders that just weren't meant to hold straps. I figured "screw it." I was going to tough it out and play it as it was. Minus all of the visible flaws, it worked great. Good sound, very deep low end.

    Until, three days after the full-price refund date expired, the bridge pickup decided it doesn't want to work anymore.

    There's a music shop about 45 minutes out of town that was rated as a Top 100 NAMM music store. They offer repairs and customization for any instrument, and what I am wondering is this:

    Should I just sell the bass now for $100, or make an investment and get a fully customized bass? The store might even let me have "Marc" put on the headstock of the bass over the new coat of paint. (It was an idea that the head of the bass department gave me.)

    If I go through with the repair/overhaul, I might need some advice first. I figured if I am going to get this thing fixed, I might as well have fun with it. I have a list below for anyone to look. Recommendations, tips, advice, and shop links are also appreciated.

    -New pickups
    -New paint job
    -Custom headstock
    -Remove the "handle"
    -Tuning key cover
    -Readjust bridge to fit thicker B strings
    -Fretboard repair

    Cheers!
     
  2. Jul 14, 2013 #2
    Jazz Ad

    Jazz Ad Mi la ré sol

    Mar 16, 2002
    Langueux, Brittany, France
    I see Rogues as disposable instruments. When you can't play them anymore, just buy a new one it's cheaper than any fix. The painting alone is twice the price of a new bass.
     
  3. Jul 14, 2013 #3
    MarcTheRogue

    MarcTheRogue

    Mar 27, 2013
    I find this all quite ironic, because I named my profile after that bass. :meh:
     
  4. Jul 14, 2013 #4
    lowfreq33

    lowfreq33

    Jan 27, 2010
    Nashville
    Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz Amplification
    That's a pretty inexpensive bass. I personally wouldn't put any more money into it. For what you'd spend to get it working you could get a Squier VM.
     
  5. Jul 14, 2013 #5
    dabbler

    dabbler

    Aug 17, 2007
    Bowie, MD
    Different strokes for different folks. I hear you, but some of us just like to roll our own. And modding teaches you a lot about basses. Plus, if you can be your own tech, you can save a fair amount of money in the long run.

    I guess I'm a gear- head... and I love it!
     
  6. Jul 14, 2013 #6
    lowfreq33

    lowfreq33

    Jan 27, 2010
    Nashville
    Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz Amplification
    I hear you, I just don't think a Rogue is worth modding. It's not even solid wood.
     
  7. Jul 14, 2013 #7
    Flyingfrets

    Flyingfrets

    Dec 25, 2011
    The bass lists for $119 on Musician's Friend (I believe Rogue is their House-brand). As others have noted, a refin will cost you at least twice that by itself (easily).

    I'd probably say "no" to having someone "professionally" mod it for you.

    OTOH: I'm all in favor of learning to mod the thing yourself...

    You may still end up spending more $$ than most folks will tell you it's worth, but it doesn't have to break the bank, it's a learning experience, you end up with something unique to you, and if it's comfortable to you, who cares what anyone else thinks?