Roscoe Club

[emjazz]

The MTD necks have a completely different carve. Thinner on one side than the other. Not sure who else does that. It’s very particular, especially for someone coming from that to anything else.

I went through a lot of custom basses growing up. One of the things that I learned from that is to have no expectations from a new bass. Shoot for a particular sound and then learn what the bass has to offer. Traditionally, Roscoe basses are more compressed sounding with a low mid emphasis and sweet, airy highs. MTD basses have a more even sound with extended, bright high end. Each builder has a different result in mind, but I love that they have such a personal vision. That’s what you go to them for.

 

[bearhart74]

DR Pure blues are the new perfect string for my Signature SKB 5. Usually use DR Low Riders but will probably only put them on my Jazz Bass in the future.

 

[Nightman]

MTD asymmetric neck shape is quite nice in my opinion. The one most thing I like about that brand. So much so, I had Randall of Wyn Guitars carve my custom build as such. (burp) But carved it to the neck for 18mm string spacing, not the 19mm that MTD often presents.
I have say that I’ve not owned many Roscoe basses, but I’ve never had an issue playing a Roscoe due to neck thickness or uncomfortable neck profile.
I will say that because of the specific neck carve on my Wyn that it is more comfortable for me to play than my Roscoe, but my Roscoe is still a great playing bass.

 

[toobuy]

Usually use DR Low Riders but will probably only put them on my Jazz Bass in the future.

I have decided the same. DR Loriders were my standard strings but with my SKB, i had to switch to elixirs for some added brightness. DRs will stay on my jazz bass.

MTD asymmetric neck shape is quite nice in my opinion. The one most thing I like about that brand.
I have say that I’ve not owned many Roscoe basses, but I’ve never had an issue playing a Roscoe due to neck thickness or uncomfortable neck profile.

Exactly, i am telling him because after an MTD neck, Roscoe will definitely feel different. This is something he needs to consider I believe. I would definitely ask about it from Keith had i known the neck profile before my order. That was my lack of experience in custom bass world.

But... I don't have any issue playing my Roscoe either. Absolutely love it.

 

[staccatogrowl]

My experience with new and used Roscoe basses is that variances are the norm. Hand-shaped body contours vary. Hand-shaped neck profiles vary. Pickup types and placements vary. There is no exact pattern for these and other attributes of Roscoe basses. Unless customer specified, many attributes are decided in the moment by the person performing the work. And, it's been this way for decades.

Practically every Roscoe bass is a one-off, and not identical to others. So, it is very important to specify things that you like as part of a build order. In my recent build, I requested a weight of 9-9.5 lbs. The bass I received weighed 9.2 lbs. I asked for a thin neck profile and received that. Same thing regarding pickup type and placement. Obviously, I chose the body type and finish, and wood type, but it didn't stop there.

I was fortunate to play several Roscoes before ordering, learning about the attributes that became apparent as being important to me. However, I created some stereotypes in my mind that were destroyed when playing subsequent Roscoes that were fabulous, and were far different from stereotypical expectation. It's been pleasant and surprising to realize that there's no one magic formula, other than choosing a Roscoe!

 

[Justin Keoni]

Hello Justin,
I also joined the Roscoe club with my Koa top custom SKB5 bass made this year. Our specifications are almost the same. Koa is a beautiful top wood and I strongly recommend that you pick the wood which shows the lightest golden yellows too... I think that's what makes the 3D effect and creates a striking contrast which draws people's attention.

Here is an example of the wood i picked and i am so happy that I didn't go with the brown-orange darker woods (which was my first intention);
View attachment 5160346

Turned into this;
View attachment 5160348

First of all, this turned out to be my favourite bass of all time. But listen to this;
After using a fender deluxe jazz5 with the sweetest trebles, this bart/bart combination is going to sound DARK! I am emphasizing this because you said you have been using those MTDs. It is so dark that i had a hard time to be able to get those trebles in slap style, which i still can't, caused me to consider selling the bass.

But i persevered and in time i realised how this bass carry the low end with so strong authority and definition that dropped the jaws it was an interesting transition in my feelings. Now i accepted it with it's darker high frequencies and i am so happy with it.

But i still consider trying those other preamps people are talking about here in order to brighten the tone a bit...

Another thing i wanted to add is the thickness of the neck. Roscoe neck is thick! Again, i am emphasizing this because i know you are coming from those MTD necks and this will be important for you. Sometimes i feel too much pressure on the root of my pointing finger on my fretting hand around the first fret. When i ordered my bass i didnt know if there was a neck thickness option, i still don't know but you might want to consider talking about it with Keith.

Other than these, i am sure this will be an awesome bass with an excellent build quality and a very strong presence in music. I can describe every sound coming from it is upgraded to Ultra HD quality after all those basses i have used.

You can ask about more, anytime you like.

This information is priceless and so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share it. I greatly appreciate it. You opening up this conversation really helped me set my expectations early so as not to be disappointed with the final product.
- I just reached out to Keith regarding neck thickness, as I have smaller hands and am more comfortable with a neck on the thinner side of the spectrum. I also took the opportunity to mention string spacing, so thank you!!
- Regarding tone, I’m hoping the Nordstrand pre helps unlock the upper end. Honestly, my old MTDs could get a little too zingy on the top end and had the potential of getting lost in a dense mix. My current Fodera has a much thicker sound in the mids which seems to help, without overwhelming lows. With that said, I’m hoping the Roscoe gives me the perfect balance. Not too zingy and not too bottom heavy.
- Regarding wood, the one that caught my eye the most is a darker color. Your bass is stunning, by the way! I totally understand and see what you mean by the 3d effect on the lighter honey colors, but there’s just something about that rich darker color that reminds me of the high end ukuleles and high end furniture of Hawaii that I love. Here’s to hoping that when the bright stage lights hit it the darker color pops and looks deep!

Thanks again for the thoughts and time. You all are so helpful! Keep it coming please! All the best!

 

[JOME77]

We’ll either Keith or Mike must have changed their neck profiles within the last 5-6 years then Because the 2 MTD’s that I owned (535 and 635) in 2006-2007 had necks that felt very close to my Roscoes. I’ve owned over 30 different 5 and 6 string Roscoes and never had one with a thick or chunky neck.
Regardless though, if Roscoe has changed the neck profile they can certainly make one for you like they used to make.
I’ve always felt that a Roscoe 6 was one of the best feeling necks I’ve ever played. Very thin top to back.

 

[Justin Keoni]

Keith replied that their necks are definitely on the thinner side. I don’t know if things have changed, but I’m expecting to be happy with it! I was also surprised to find out their standard string spacing is 18.3mm. My Fodera is 19, but, again, I think I’ll be happy with the Roscoe experience!

 

[Nine-and-three-Quarters]

Keith replied that their necks are definitely on the thinner side. I don’t know if things have changed, but I’m expecting to be happy with it! I was also surprised to find out their standard string spacing is 18.3mm. My Fodera is 19, but, again, I think I’ll be happy with the Roscoe experience!

You can get 19mm SS. I've had Keith build me a few 34" 19mm.

 

[Justin Keoni]

You can get 19mm SS. I've had Keith build me a few 34" 19mm.

Thanks for that info! Has anyone played both 19mm and 18.3mm? Is the difference noticeable? Which one felt more comfortable? What would be the benefits of either at such a small difference? Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[chadds]

I always got the impression that Alex Aguilar was the designer and Dave Boonshoft was the brains/marketing behind Aguilar (until Dave bought Alex out).

View attachment 5159526

We had a difficult time fitting that pre in my Roscoe LG 3005.

 

[JOME77]

We had a difficult time fitting that pre in my Roscoe LG 3005.

LOL
I guess that you could mount it on the back of the bass!

 

[steelin4u]

Thanks for that info! Has anyone played both 19mm and 18.3mm? Is the difference noticeable? Which one felt more comfortable? What would be the benefits of either at such a small difference? Any thoughts are appreciated!

On a 5 or 6 string, 18.3mm (or 18mm as I currently understand the Roscoe spacing coming out of the shop) is a bit more comfortable to me. It is a noticeable difference on a 5 to me, even more so on a 6. I also do not like the super skinny spacing of 16-17mm (like I remember on some Ibanez, etc.), so 18mm is the perfect spot for me.

I do also have a 20mm-spaced 5 string of a different brand, and could switch between it and a Roscoe with no problem.

Last note: if you spec the bass with a Hipshot A bridge, the spacing will be adjustable (plus or minus 1.5mm according to Hipshot). That said, Keith uses a special order Hipshot A style bridge with a base plate that is shaped to mimic the radius of the fretboard. You can search in this forum the discussions about flat-base vs staggered base bridges. The short of it is that a few Roscoe owners wanted to go lower with their action, but could not due to the higher saddle starting height on the E, A, and D strings. Those folks have usually just switched out the bridge to an off-the-shelf Hipshot A and been happy with the results. You could also just get a Hipshot B style bridge (I prefer them for some reason).

 

[SteveC]

I like my HipShot B. I go between my 18.3mm 5 and 19mm P without too much difficulty. I do notice it though. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like a 20mm 4 or 5.

 

[Nightman]

Thanks for that info! Has anyone played both 19mm and 18.3mm? Is the difference noticeable? Which one felt more comfortable? What would be the benefits of either at such a small difference? Any thoughts are appreciated!

I had the MTD’s 535 & ZX5, both 19mm, Sad’s MV5, another 19mm, and other basses that were either 17mm, 18mm or 18.3mm all at the same time.
Because I could feel the difference and didn’t like it, I either changed out the bridges to 18mm or sold them.
Now I only have, originally built, 18mm SS basses and the one 18.3mm Roscoe bass. I also dwindled down the varied scale lengths to my preferred 34”, except for two 35”s, Roscoe and a Stambaugh (Fodera-like).

 

[Nine-and-three-Quarters]

Thanks for that info! Has anyone played both 19mm and 18.3mm? Is the difference noticeable? Which one felt more comfortable? What would be the benefits of either at such a small difference? Any thoughts are appreciated!

Yes I've owned both, but the question as to which is more comfortable depends on the individual player. I'm a pretty tall/big guy with large hands so I prefer 19mm... I could even play 20mm no problem.

With that said, I can also play 18mm with no problem. Since you mentioned already coming from 19mm you will probably feel a slight difference but nothing major. Major would be going from 19mm to 16mm, you'd really feel a difference then! 16mm is just out of the question for me. The only real benefit I can see with string spacing is whether (16, 17, 18, 19, or 20mm) helps you feel more comfortable doing some bass tricks/techniques better?

The proper SS can also help you play faster.
For smaller hands the more narrow SS is definitely the way to go!

 

[Nine-and-three-Quarters]

I had the MTD’s 535 & ZX5, both 19mm, Sad’s MV5, another 19mm, and other basses that were either 17mm, 18mm or 18.3mm all at the same time.
Because I could feel the difference and didn’t like it, I either changed out the bridges to 18mm or sold them.
Now I only have, originally built, 18mm SS basses and the one 18.3mm Roscoe bass. I also dwindled down the varied scale lengths to my preferred 34”, except for two 35”s, Roscoe and a Stambaugh (Fodera-like).

I'm with you, I can only play 34"/ 18-19mm with 19mm SS preferred. After playing like this so many years its hard to feel comfortable on anything else.

 

[bgartist]

After playing 19mm 5 strings for over 20 years, the wider spacing was natural to me. I had the standard spaced Roscoes and I could really tell the difference. I could manage it but could still feel the difference. My 2 custom ordered Roscoes have 19 mm spacing and they fit and feel perfect in my hands.

 

[Nightman]

After playing 19mm 5 strings for over 20 years, the wider spacing was natural to me. I had the standard spaced Roscoes and I could really tell the difference. I could manage it but could still feel the difference. My 2 custom ordered Roscoes have 19 mm spacing and they fit and feel perfect in my hands.

I only play 5-strings basses, too! I tried to play and love the one Roscoe 6 that I bought, but I just couldn’t mentally /techniquely (looks like I just created a new word! Haha You may use it) adjust to it as quickly as I was expecting myself to. Too much of a challenge, I guess.
I’ve never owned a 4 banger! I tried them out at GC, but they just don’t feel right in my hands. It’s like, something is missing and I can’t put my finger on it.

 

[Chuck M]

Thanks for that info! Has anyone played both 19mm and 18.3mm? Is the difference noticeable? Which one felt more comfortable? What would be the benefits of either at such a small difference? Any thoughts are appreciated!

I owned a Century 5 with 19mm string spacing and that was the only thing about the bass that I did not like. It felt very slow to play for me. I get along fine with close spacing including my Modulus Q6 that is 17.5mm.

Each of us has to determine what is most comfortable for us. My preferences may not be the same as yours. I have medium size hands and play fingerstyle only.

There is the Century with 19mm spacing:

Here is my current Century with 18.3mm spacing: