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Roscoe Club

#21,961
JOME77 said:
That’ll work Steve. I’m sure that Keith would sell you one. If the saddles are not bottomed out on yours (and the action is as low as you like it) I’d go that route. If you’d like lower action and the saddles are bottomed out I’d get the standard Hipshot. Keith’s bridges are aluminum with steel saddles. The standard is available all aluminum or all brass.
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Not to side track the conversation, but I just had a similar conversation with Keith. When using a non tapered B, the string is unplayable due to the distance from the frets. He tells me that his bridges are radiused because B strings are floppy, I’m paraphrasing. He did offer to add 1 degree to the neck if I sent him the bass.

So, what I’m hearing now is, I can order a standard hipshot bridge to address this “feature” of his basses?
 
#21,963
BassJuju said:
Not to side track the conversation, but I just had a similar conversation with Keith. When using a non tapered B, the string is unplayable due to the distance from the frets. He tells me that his bridges are radiused because B strings are floppy, I’m paraphrasing. He did offer to add 1 degree to the neck if I sent him the bass.

So, what I’m hearing now is, I can order a standard hipshot bridge to address this “feature” of his basses?
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Yes. It’s much cheaper than shipping your bass there and back and you’ll be able to lower your strings as low as you want. I’m not a fan of the Roscoe proprietary Hipshot bridge. I’ve seen way to many Roscoes with bridge saddles bottomed out and still high action.
The Roscoe proprietary Type A bridge works but only if the shop angle the neck pocket correctly. Unfortunately it doesn’t always happen.
 
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#21,965
SteveC said:
Hmm. I don’t use tapered B strings (D’Addario or DR) on my Century 5 with a HipShot B bridge and my action (especially after they PLEK’ed it) is really low on all strings.
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Yeah, wish that was my case. It came with a tapered B, but I wasn’t a fan. Put on DTF’s with a tapered B, liked them even less. Tried a set of GHS Balanced Nickels, but could or get the B lower than 3.5mm with the saddle at the bottom. The E is about 3mm with the saddle all the way down.

I love the tone and overall playability. I’d hate to need to replace a bridge at this point. Hope I can get this sorted out.
 
#21,968
SteveC said:
So would a Type B be better for my LG or stick with a “standard” HipShot A? I don’t mind the B bridge on my Century.
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They aren't an exact replacement for each other, so you're better off sticking with the same bridge.

BassJuju said:
Yeah, wish that was my case. It came with a tapered B, but I wasn’t a fan. Put on DTF’s with a tapered B, liked them even less. Tried a set of GHS Balanced Nickels, but could or get the B lower than 3.5mm with the saddle at the bottom. The E is about 3mm with the saddle all the way down.

I love the tone and overall playability. I’d hate to need to replace a bridge at this point. Hope I can get this sorted out.
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I just recently swapped out the bridge on a Roscoe 6er, it's not that big a deal, and was worth it for getting the action on the B and E strings lowered (stock bridge on the left, replacement on the right). Just an 18mm Hipshot A style aluminum bridge. My 5er is able to get the action low enough with the stock bridge, but I'm not a fan of the stock Bartolini electronics on that bass- it's always something :rollno:

tempImageehqSkv.png
 
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#21,969
MattLplaysBass said:
I just recently swapped out the bridge on a Roscoe 6er, it's not that big a deal, and was worth it for getting the action on the B and E strings lowered (stock bridge on the left, replacement on the right). Just an 18mm Hipshot A style aluminum bridge. My 5er is able to get the action low enough with the stock bridge, but I'm not a fan of the stock Bartolini electronics on that bass- it's always something :rollno:

View attachment 4741470
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Dear, Lord… I can see why I have the challenges with the string heights that I’ve had.

FWIW… mine came with the Aguilar stuff and from what I can tell, I like it. My MTD USA has their proprietary Barts and they are sweet too. General issue Barts… not so much.
 
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#21,971
MattLplaysBass said:
They aren't an exact replacement for each other, so you're better off sticking with the same bridge.



I just recently swapped out the bridge on a Roscoe 6er, it's not that big a deal, and was worth it for getting the action on the B and E strings lowered (stock bridge on the left, replacement on the right). Just an 18mm Hipshot A style aluminum bridge. My 5er is able to get the action low enough with the stock bridge, but I'm not a fan of the stock Bartolini electronics on that bass- it's always something :rollno:

View attachment 4741470
Click to expand...

Wow didn't know about this bridge. Just checked my LG3000 and it has this staggered arrangement too. Interesting.
 
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#21,972
It is my understanding that the proprietary design is intended to allow a string saddle flat surface to touch the bridge plate. So, there is positive design philosophy, goal, and benefit not mentioned in posts found here.

In my Roscoe use and experience with proprietary Hipshot bridges, action and neck pockets were all good. I have played or owned 10 Roscoes in this experience. All B strings were extremely playable and sweet sounding for me, presenting no limitation.

If one dislikes the Roscoe Hipshot, a standard Hipshot is an inexpensive and direct replacement. It is simpler, easier, and cheaper than a common and mundane pickup or preamp replacement.
 
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#21,973
staccatogrowl said:
Right, but you bought used basses for not much more than $1,500. And all you really needed to do was spend $100 more to switch out a bridge to get exactly what you wanted? That's real too, right?
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If you can find a Hipshot A style bridge for $100, you should buy it ;)
 
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#21,975
A happy anniversary post. .

Working with Keith Roscoe (KR) in designing a new bass allows great latitude in specifying exactly what is desired. I had the pleasure of receiving my special-order fretless SKB-5 Custom 3 years ago, July, 2019. The build fully met my order request, hopes, and requirements.

• Slim neck profile
• Low action (Roscoe proprietary Hipshot bridge, of course)
• Pickups located in specific positions
• Woods, finish type, and color
• Lined Diamondwood fingerboard

IMG_6085 copy.jpg


My experience with the order process, and the resulting bass have me 100% happy and satisfied, then and now. Beyond this experience, KR has Plek'd several instruments for me, modified existing instruments, repaired finish damage, sold me replacement parts for things that have worn out (on used, old basses), and sells me bulk strings at discount.

We exchange pleasantries often, and I find great value in his products and service. I am grateful for this experience and relationship. I hope to special order another bass from KR when my finances allow, and I solidify my requirements. Color me a super happy Roscoe bass owner.
 
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