Roscoe Basses and their resale value

[AdmiralBumblebe]

So I've been playing this Roscoe SKB Custom at a local shop on/off for a year, always turning away from it because it's rather dark sounding (Bartolini Quads). The instrument has been sitting on the shelf for a good time, while many other similar basses are sold.

Yesterday I finally "got it" and understood how to get the instrument to sound fantastic.

So I started investigating resale values, as I always do, and I noticed that the resale value on Roscoes tends to be way below the general % of retail that I see for other boutique instruments. I frequently was seeing <%50 of retail, while other makers tend to stay within 80% or sometimes even appreciate.

I talked to a few folks about Roscoes in the last 18 hours or so, never mentioning the price, and a number of folks brought up the value on their own as well. So clearly this isn't something that just I'm noticing.

So what's up with this?

(note: I'm not implying that they aren't worth the price. I believe the instrument I played was fully worth the asking price as a matter of sound, looks, pedigree and build quality.)

 

[WorktheWood]

Roscoe's use to be known as the best value in boutique instruments when bought new. Years ago, compared to other boutique's, the new price of a Roscoe was very reasonable. The relatively low new price allowed for a great used price. Then right around the time when Gard started working there Roscoe raised their prices considerably. For whatever reason, the used prices on Roscoe's did not raise an equal amount. In fact, they pretty much stayed the same. I don't know why that is. Maybe the market remembers what Roscoe's used to go for both new and used and just aren't willing to pay a higher price on a used one based on that. Roscoe's continue to be an excellent value when bought used. The build quality and playability are second to none.

 

[scubaduba]

If you like that bass, grab it. Roscoes are fantastic basses. Shoot, just look at my profile and see the laundry list of basses I’ve owned over the years and yet I have a Roscoe today in my arsenal.

Good news for you is that since you are buying used someone has already taken the hit on that Roscoe. Just enjoy it.

 

[AdmiralBumblebe]

If you like that bass, grab it. Roscoes are fantastic basses. Shoot, just look at my profile and see the laundry list of basses I’ve owned over the years and yet I have a Roscoe today in my arsenal.

Good news for you is that since you are buying used someone has already taken the hit on that Roscoe. Just enjoy it.

Yeah, I'm waiting on another instrument that's coming in. I still might grab that Roscoe, since finding an instrument I like is a relatively rare event (relative to the number that I buy/try).

I'll just have to frame it in my mind as paying a premium for the opportunity of finding something I enjoy

 

[Bassworship1]

I’ve owned what many on this board consider some of the best basses money can buy in the $3000-6500 range. Some of those builders include Roscoe, Devon, a Warrior, MTD, Lakland, STR, Ristola, Handmade Bacchus; Mayones Benavente and many more. Some of these I’ve owned 8-9 of each brand so I know good basses. IMO, Roscoe is up there with anything you can find for total value of playability, exceptional build, tone that stands out, and longevity of quality. You see many people that own Roscoes that have put heavy use for 20-25 years and they still play like new.