Good eyes Andy. I didn't even notice the unusual (for Roscoes) pickup locations. I guess I was too busy lusting over the woods and finish!
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Roscoe Club
- Thread starter JOME77
- Start date
Good eyes Andy. I didn't even notice the unusual (for Roscoes) pickup locations. I guess I was too busy lusting over the woods and finish!
I walked into a mom and pop music store yesterday (in Phenix City Alabama) and found this rare piece of Roscoe history sitting in a stand.
It's in excellent condition for only $2250
It's in excellent condition for only $2250
@JOME77 Does that body ^ seem thicker to you, like it might be one of the hollow Brad Hauser(ish) SKBs? Also, that bass is listed for sale on Reverb, with some additional pics: <SKB 6 link> . Amber (Amboyna?) Burl: what a top!
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There's a thread in the TB electric bass forum for favorite body styles. Of course I listed my 3 favorites, all Roscoe originals, in order of my personal preference (which is definitely not consensus here : )
1) Roscoe SKB
2) Roscoe Century
3) Roscoe LG
Within these body-style designations, Custom and Signature models are preferred, as they have hand-contoured tops and sides, which I find aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing. All 3 bodies are available in 4-, 5-, and 6-string configurations, with wood types, hardware, and electronics buyer spec'd, in headed or headless configurations, fretted or fretless. Made in Greensboro, NC, by Keith and Kyle Roscoe. Available directly from Roscoe Guitars or one of their dealers.
(Shape silhouettes from Roscoe Guitars website)
Century – Largest Roscoe shape, while smaller than traditional "classic P/J" shapes and sizes
SKB – Mid-sized Roscoe, more compact than Century
LG – Smallest Roscoe body, compact, but still ergonomic. Most unique Roscoe shape
Something I didn't post on the other thread, is the perspective of Roscoe's largest shape relative to a J5. As much as I adore J sound, it's torturous ergonomics (weight, neck dive, shape that kills my rib cage, etc) prevent me from ever playing and enjoying one, although attempting many times.
(Photo compliments of @KJung)
1) Roscoe SKB
2) Roscoe Century
3) Roscoe LG
Within these body-style designations, Custom and Signature models are preferred, as they have hand-contoured tops and sides, which I find aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing. All 3 bodies are available in 4-, 5-, and 6-string configurations, with wood types, hardware, and electronics buyer spec'd, in headed or headless configurations, fretted or fretless. Made in Greensboro, NC, by Keith and Kyle Roscoe. Available directly from Roscoe Guitars or one of their dealers.
(Shape silhouettes from Roscoe Guitars website)
Century – Largest Roscoe shape, while smaller than traditional "classic P/J" shapes and sizes
SKB – Mid-sized Roscoe, more compact than Century
LG – Smallest Roscoe body, compact, but still ergonomic. Most unique Roscoe shape
Something I didn't post on the other thread, is the perspective of Roscoe's largest shape relative to a J5. As much as I adore J sound, it's torturous ergonomics (weight, neck dive, shape that kills my rib cage, etc) prevent me from ever playing and enjoying one, although attempting many times.
(Photo compliments of @KJung)
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Yeah, I'd much rather have a Century with jazz pickups, like the one on reverb right now.
Also, I think the Century "hangs" better than the others.
I think that the lack of a full radius on the edges of the body make it look thicker. I don't remember thinking that it was actually thicker.
The ad on Reverb states that the bass is a 2000-2001 model but in talking to Keith, he only made that version of the SKB in the late 1980's -1990's.. It also had the scarf joint for the neck which Keith went away from in the late 90's.
They must think the 2001 on the back of the headstock is a date? That's obviously an earlier model. The knob layout. The brand placement. Cool bass for sure if you need a fretless 6.
My first Roscoe back in the 90's was a 4 string LG2000. I'd buy it back in a heartbeat if it ever came up for sale.
CrashClint had a LG3000 from that era and Keith built a new neck for it. I eventually connected Clint up with Johnny R and he purchased it. That was an awesome playing and sounding bass. Keith just hit the ground running when he started making basses. He didn't have to evolve to producing great basses. He's always made great basses.
Speaking of great basses ......
Nobody does a finish as good as Keith!
Nobody does a finish as good as Keith!
I played this on the weekend. Have always wanted to try a Roscoe 6 (pity it wasn't an LG but oh well). It was wonderful. Sounded like thunder and the wide flat neck was a breeze to play. 38xx serial number is what - around 2010ish? The woods and finish made it look a little dated, but it played amazing.
Now I want to try a LG3006.
Now I want to try a LG3006.
Nice looking Roscoe 6.
Based on the scarf joint I'd say it's a mid to late 90's model (with updated tuners).
That tracks with the woods and finish. I'm amazed how solid and perfect the neck was then for a 30 year old bass.
Such a profound statement, befitting a profound, prolific luthier !
I don't think I've ever adjusted the neck on my Roscoe's.
I have adjusted the relief on my Roscoe basses. Once! I adjusted them when I got them and they have never needed another adjustment. Pretty incredible since my area is at times humid and dry at other times. Keith makes great necks.
Out of curiousity did it have the three band Bart Pre? It looks like a stacked bass treble there in the picture and based off the back of headstock I'd say that's a 90's build. I think that top is Cocobolo?
@JOME77 , I realize this is from a post in 2024, but I am wondering if you (or anyone here in Roscoe Club) have any other info about this bass pictured. If you can remember, where did you get this photo from? I recently acquired this bass and am looking for any available info. Sn5435. Haven't taken out the pups yet to verify make, but the preamp it had is some pcb in a red heat-shrink tube. Wondering if it's some old original or if a previous owner swapped one out. It does have the pups shown in the pic. Not shown in pic is that is has a Signature wenge-?-maple-?-wenge neck.
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So many amazing looking Roscoe's in that old post. I miss the days when we had so many builds going and progress pics. So fun. Just different times now. I still lol and I would love to have another Roscoe, maybe with jazz pups as I have P and soapbar versions, but it would have to be just the right thing and of course, priced right. I keep looking.
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