I love the Roscoe I have, but honestly these kinds of posts make me quite sure I will never try custom-ordering another one.
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Roscoe Club
- Thread starter JOME77
- Start date
Yeah. I’ve had 6 new Roscoe builds and they were all a blast but in the end, the two that I have now (both purchased used) are the best I’ve owned. You never really know exactly how they’ll play and sound until they arrive. With a used one, if it’s not all that, you just catch and release (and try again). It’s a bit harder to do that after waiting months (or now a year or years) for a new build.
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All of my Roscoe basses were used but like new when I bought them. I am very pleased with the three I own.
I suspect some players buy a handmade bass in the hopes that it will take their playing to the next level. While a great bass is inspiring to play, the best way to improve is to practice. So many wonderful basses are put up for sale in the hopes that buying a different one will be the magic one.
There is a story about the great bassist Ray Brown. Someone asked him for lessons and Ray turned him down because he didn’t have sufficient calluses on his fingers to indicate many hours spent playing.
I am certainly not wanting to discourage anyone from ordering a Roscoe. If I were wealthy, I would order several.
I suspect some players buy a handmade bass in the hopes that it will take their playing to the next level. While a great bass is inspiring to play, the best way to improve is to practice. So many wonderful basses are put up for sale in the hopes that buying a different one will be the magic one.
There is a story about the great bassist Ray Brown. Someone asked him for lessons and Ray turned him down because he didn’t have sufficient calluses on his fingers to indicate many hours spent playing.
I am certainly not wanting to discourage anyone from ordering a Roscoe. If I were wealthy, I would order several.
My guess is that Roscoe Guitars has longer build times for many reasons. Two common reasons are parts constraints and labor shortages. These have been at play for just about every luthier and manufacturer. Extended build times seem to be a new normal for many custom builders post Covid. It's not just Roscoe. It's also MTD, Sadowsky USA, and Sadowsky Germany (Warwick). Ibanez has also had supply chain issues, with their basses back ordered 9-mos to a year, previously unheard of before Covid.
Meanwhile, I have been thinking about a new Roscoe build for a long time. Finances haven't been right to move forward. Soon though, very soon. . Sound familiar?
Meanwhile, I have been thinking about a new Roscoe build for a long time. Finances haven't been right to move forward. Soon though, very soon. . Sound familiar?
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Wow, that's the longest build time I've heard of at Roscoe. Your frustration and apprehension during the extended waiting period is completely warranted and understood. That you persisted in patience and grace, embracing and enjoying the resulting build is a testimony to you being a treasured friend, ally, and customer of Roscoe guitars. Thank you, @sunnycal !
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Can anyone tell were to get Wood Knobs? I have a LG5 with Aguilar OP3, and I am trying to shave some weight and I want to replace the metal knobs to either aluminum or wood knobs.
Lots of folks like THG knobs ..never used em but like what I’ve seen
Yep. THG is great. DCline designs might have capacity to make some too.
D-Cline is who I mostly use. DKnob is another maker that I've used. Both are great.
Yeah. Roger at THG does a great job finding wood that matches your top and/or finger board. I’ve had 4-5 sets of knobs made as well as wood covers to replace the plastic rear access covers.
Always very pleased.
Always very pleased.
I appreciate everyone for the advice.
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I have to disagree with you there. While there were some issues during the Pandemic I ordered a Valenti P bass and got it exactly within a year as promised and I got two Vintage Bluesman basses that were built and delivered within even less time. There were financial issues with Roscoe and the fact that he said numerous times "in a few weeks" and then when I followed up did not respond. That is the part that I have a hard time with. I am a small business person and understand difficulties so communication would have been appreciated. I love my new bass but the experience is hard to forget.
It's hard to hear the issues. I bought/built my basses in the before times. Keith is so awesome. The basses are so awesome. I hope it can get figured out.
Yes likewise I have to agree. Keith has always been an outstanding and upright guy and has shown me the upmost integrity. My guess is they are trying to upright the situations to get everyone current. This happens in business but open and honest communication goes a long way.
My 2019 build was 6ish months. The longer wait seems really odd to me.
I know that finishing takes a lot of time, and I know they've moved a couple of times to different spots, and I know they have had some people come and go.
The financial thing wasn't too concerning to me. Just restructuring some debt incurred right before COVID. While the musical instrument industry soared as people were staying home, they were not buying boutique, high end instruments- as they didn't have the income source. Lots of $200 basses were sold. $4000? Not so much.
Though I don't suppose I'll be in the market for another Roscoe anytime soon. I keep kicking around the idea of a 6 string, and a few folks have messaged me about it, but I don't really have the need right now. And I've had to invest in other hobbies (like new ice skates... $1000 and they don't even come with steel anymore... ugh).
I know that finishing takes a lot of time, and I know they've moved a couple of times to different spots, and I know they have had some people come and go.
The financial thing wasn't too concerning to me. Just restructuring some debt incurred right before COVID. While the musical instrument industry soared as people were staying home, they were not buying boutique, high end instruments- as they didn't have the income source. Lots of $200 basses were sold. $4000? Not so much.
Though I don't suppose I'll be in the market for another Roscoe anytime soon. I keep kicking around the idea of a 6 string, and a few folks have messaged me about it, but I don't really have the need right now. And I've had to invest in other hobbies (like new ice skates... $1000 and they don't even come with steel anymore... ugh).
Nothing to do with build time, but I must confess to my Roscoe brethren. Both my main basses are Roscoe. Century 5 for almost 12 years. My Classic P for about 4. Love them.
There’s a 96 Warwick Thumb 4NT at a local shop. It sounds amazing. I’m tempted. I don’t need another bass at all. $2,500 is the going rate, but still a lot. But there’s something about that bass.
There’s a 96 Warwick Thumb 4NT at a local shop. It sounds amazing. I’m tempted. I don’t need another bass at all. $2,500 is the going rate, but still a lot. But there’s something about that bass.
