This bass is from early 80s with serial number close above 1000. Before I email Roscoe, I ask you for info.
Email Keith. Only he can confirm. It's an interesting bass, but I estimate it was not made by Keith Roscoe. Here's why:
• The logo is unlike any I have seen on a Roscoe
• There is an "R" after the logo instead of "TM"
• The neck lacks a scarf joint
• The neck plate uses regular screws, not allen heads
• The neck plate has an engraved serial number above 1000. Early Roscoe serial numbers may have reset to zero after reaching 99
• Early Roscoe neck plates were typically engraved with Roscoe logo, and no numbers
• The finish on the bass in question does not appear to be of Keith's quality
• The hardware doesn't seem consistent with early Roscoe hardware
• Your bass appears to be more of a replica than typical for early Roscoes. Those usually had "performance enhanced custom designs" or Roscoe artistic elements that are missing from your bass
Two attributes of the bass make me question my estimate
• The nice flame and carve of the neck (skunk stripe is atypical, though)
• The nut appears to be well crafted
Here's a link to the earliest Roscoe I could find:
Roscoe #2: 1984
Another (snake trigger alert, haha):
Possible 1984 custom guitar (maybe '90s)
Here's a link to an old brochure:
Roscoe Guitars brochure
There may be some additional clues for your bass. It would be cool to see markings in the neck pocket and interior part of the neck heel, if any. Interested in removing the neck and taking a couple of extra pictures, sharing them here?
Please let us know what you learn from Keith Roscoe if you email him. Regardless of your answer, your new bass looks great, and I hope you enjoy it very much. An amazing gift, for sure. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
