+1. I think if my entire bass collection were to be destroyed or stolen I'd be tempted to replace with less expensive stuff. My Ibanez is just great and costs a fraction of my pricier instruments.
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Roscoe Club
- Thread starter JOME77
- Start date
+1. I think if my entire bass collection were to be destroyed or stolen I'd be tempted to replace with less expensive stuff. My Ibanez is just great and costs a fraction of my pricier instruments.
Right. If I lost it in a fire I think I’d go with a less expensive instrument...unless I found one used that was the same but I don’t know hat that would happen. Even if it was just psychological I don’t know that any bass would be the same. I’d probably just get a production something - Lakland, Fender - and call it good.
I don’t know what it takes to stay in business as an independent instrument maker (it can’t be easy), but in an era where new USA Fenders, Musicman, or G&L easily cost over $2k, Roscoe prices don’t seem so out of line to me.
When I visited Greg at Rocket last fall I tried out a lot of basses, and the one that impressed me the most was a Roscoe Classic PJ with Honey Badger pickups. You can say what you like about Roscoe producing Fender clones, but that was one sweet sounding and playing bass that I’d be happy to own!
It does seem unfortunate that Roscoe hasn’t yet had anyone pick up Gard’s role of active engagement with the bass player community - that kind of direct communication with a company goes a long way toward increasing a maker’s reputation.
When I visited Greg at Rocket last fall I tried out a lot of basses, and the one that impressed me the most was a Roscoe Classic PJ with Honey Badger pickups. You can say what you like about Roscoe producing Fender clones, but that was one sweet sounding and playing bass that I’d be happy to own!
It does seem unfortunate that Roscoe hasn’t yet had anyone pick up Gard’s role of active engagement with the bass player community - that kind of direct communication with a company goes a long way toward increasing a maker’s reputation.
Totally agree. All we hear now is the voice of the customer ....... Quite one sided.
Some of my one-sided observations. Draw your own conclusions:
1) It was great to have Gard in this thread, and as a liaison at the factory.
2) It is the Roscoe factory. Gard was hired and employed by Keith. Good choice, Keith. Keith always ran the show.
3) Since Gard's departure, Keith has been (and is) my liaison. I communicate with him by phone & email.
4) Gard is still on Talkbass, and you can message him, keeping contact.
5) Keith's current model line (LG, SKB, Century, and Traditional) is based on adaptation of customer feedback.
6) Keith is a bit of a mad scientist, willing to accommodate odd requests. I've made some. Keith delivered.
7) No one on Talkbass wants anything stock. There is always some mod or special request. "I'd buy, if only. ."
8) Most on Talkbass want it all now, cheap. Call the cavalry if a wait or expense are involved. It's all life and death.
9) Many on Talkbass change gear as if it is a pair of socks. Some are never satisfied.
10) Many makers utilize dealers as a buffer from all of this (Ken Smith, Mike Pedulla, Fodera, etc).
11) If someone wants a custom order, do you talk with Ken, Mike, Vinnie, or a dealer rep?
12) Many makers have stock models that they crank out like pizza. Some populate mass retailers like Sweetwater, and others.
13) Some makers license their designs, partner with offshore companies, or commission offshore production.
14) No good deed goes unpunished. No matter what, someone on Talkbass will be offended.
15) Often the best response to internet nonsense is internet silence.
16) Have been an entrepreneur and small business owner for most of my adult life. Change, competition, and market challenges are unending. Add "art" to the equation and issues compound immensely. I sympathize with small business owners in this environment, and recent previous ones where attaining small business financing was virtually impossible.
17) Am grateful for the privilege and good fortune to enjoy playing Roscoe instruments.
18) Have much hope for the company's well being and success.
1) It was great to have Gard in this thread, and as a liaison at the factory.
2) It is the Roscoe factory. Gard was hired and employed by Keith. Good choice, Keith. Keith always ran the show.
3) Since Gard's departure, Keith has been (and is) my liaison. I communicate with him by phone & email.
4) Gard is still on Talkbass, and you can message him, keeping contact.
5) Keith's current model line (LG, SKB, Century, and Traditional) is based on adaptation of customer feedback.
6) Keith is a bit of a mad scientist, willing to accommodate odd requests. I've made some. Keith delivered.
7) No one on Talkbass wants anything stock. There is always some mod or special request. "I'd buy, if only. ."
8) Most on Talkbass want it all now, cheap. Call the cavalry if a wait or expense are involved. It's all life and death.
9) Many on Talkbass change gear as if it is a pair of socks. Some are never satisfied.
10) Many makers utilize dealers as a buffer from all of this (Ken Smith, Mike Pedulla, Fodera, etc).
11) If someone wants a custom order, do you talk with Ken, Mike, Vinnie, or a dealer rep?
12) Many makers have stock models that they crank out like pizza. Some populate mass retailers like Sweetwater, and others.
13) Some makers license their designs, partner with offshore companies, or commission offshore production.
14) No good deed goes unpunished. No matter what, someone on Talkbass will be offended.
15) Often the best response to internet nonsense is internet silence.
16) Have been an entrepreneur and small business owner for most of my adult life. Change, competition, and market challenges are unending. Add "art" to the equation and issues compound immensely. I sympathize with small business owners in this environment, and recent previous ones where attaining small business financing was virtually impossible.
17) Am grateful for the privilege and good fortune to enjoy playing Roscoe instruments.
18) Have much hope for the company's well being and success.
+1. I played a new 5 string Musicman a couple of days ago in a store. 3,000 Can $$. Nice bass for sure but the same price as my Roscoe SKB! Granted, I got a good price on the Roscoe but still. When did Musicman get so expensive?!!!
I can think of 2 factors. 1) EBMM did increase prices a couple of years ago, and 2) The other factor is currency exchange. Also as a Canadian, I enjoyed the sort of recent 3-4 years while the US/CAD dollars were at par. Our dollar eventually settled to its lower value again, which caused our prices to increase by the exchange difference. ( $3000 CAD is about $2314 USD according to xe.com )
With all this said, let me get back to the heart of the matter. After a few years away from Roscoe, I am loving my new (used) Century Standard Plus 6. But the only way I was ever going to get another one, was used or in a trade. No more plopping down 4 G’s on a bsss I can’t sell for $1800 in three months when I get gas for something else. But that is just me. If I was a lifer, it’s a different story.
I will always (yes you read that right) have my Roscoe Century Standard Plus 5 Bart/Bart. It is the best feeling, looking and sounding bass I have owned, and I've owned a lot of them. Swamp Ash, Koa, Maple, Black Hardware of course, and "stock" D'Addario Nickel strings. I've had multiple Roscoes (fancy Customs as well) and I just don'r think I've played a nicer bass than this. If I had the chance to buy back one of my fretless 5's I would.
That said, I just can't afford new ones any more - and I think Roscoe's are still a great deal new when compared to other "boutique" basses. My life situation/priorities is just different right now.
I have a hard time finding a situation where this bass can't make the gig. Pits, covers, church, jazz, it does it all. I'm not a "pro" and I don't do session work so I don't need a "Fender" or some other bass that is all that can make the cut in that studio....thank goodness. People in my little armpit of the world know that I will play an appropriate line, with an appropriate tone. I will be on time (early) and I will know what I'm doing.
I do sometimes think I should be playing (or at least own) a passive 4 string P bass. Maybe someday. But the neck pickup on my Roscoe with the tone tweaked a bit and good technique get me in the "P neighborhood" so I have kind of quite worrying about that. If someone gave me a P bass or I found a killer deal, I might try one someday.
I also hope for the best for Keith and the shop. Based on my experience and knowledge (I don't know everything or any "gossip" or stuff like that) I have been treated with amazing respect and courtesy. I only have great things to say about the instruments I have owned and the people with whom I have dealt.
That said, I just can't afford new ones any more - and I think Roscoe's are still a great deal new when compared to other "boutique" basses. My life situation/priorities is just different right now.
I have a hard time finding a situation where this bass can't make the gig. Pits, covers, church, jazz, it does it all. I'm not a "pro" and I don't do session work so I don't need a "Fender" or some other bass that is all that can make the cut in that studio....thank goodness. People in my little armpit of the world know that I will play an appropriate line, with an appropriate tone. I will be on time (early) and I will know what I'm doing.
I do sometimes think I should be playing (or at least own) a passive 4 string P bass. Maybe someday. But the neck pickup on my Roscoe with the tone tweaked a bit and good technique get me in the "P neighborhood" so I have kind of quite worrying about that. If someone gave me a P bass or I found a killer deal, I might try one someday.
I also hope for the best for Keith and the shop. Based on my experience and knowledge (I don't know everything or any "gossip" or stuff like that) I have been treated with amazing respect and courtesy. I only have great things to say about the instruments I have owned and the people with whom I have dealt.
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Wow... That'll teach me not to go away for a few days...
The only thing missing was the famous
"is your boutique bass 20 times better than my Squier?"
By the way, the answer is YES!!!
(To me, and it's my money I'm spending)
The only thing missing was the famous
"is your boutique bass 20 times better than my Squier?"
By the way, the answer is YES!!!
(To me, and it's my money I'm spending)
Same here, @JohnnyR!!
How could I ever replace these with anything other than with a Roscoe?
FIRE/THEFT?!? -- Take the Sadowsky!
How could I ever replace these with anything other than with a Roscoe?
FIRE/THEFT?!? -- Take the Sadowsky!
Which strings did you end up settling on? Did you get regular or long-scale D'Addarios (I'm in a similar position of deciding on new strings)?
I ended up getting a bunch of nickels, from DR and D’addario, and put XL nickels on the Roscoe to start. I chickened out and got extra long scale, as I saw conflicting info on if regulars would fit or not. They’re readily available at MF, BSO and even here at the TB shop, so no big deal.
Hey Roscoe fans. I sold my SKB 6 string awhile ago, which I regretted. So now this beauty is on its way to me from The Bass Shop in Seattle. Born in 2007 but no signs of wear to speak of. More photos when I take delivery Thursday.
Very nice bass...I looked at that one myself but didn’t pull the trigger.
I'm considering changing the preamp in my SKB 3006. It has Bartolini electronics and I would like to install a preamp that is more open sounding. I know the Demeter sounds great but I also know how much "fun" it is to get anything from James' shop so I am considering the Audere preamp since it is reasonable priced and looks to be fairly easy to install.
Have any of you used the Audere preamp? I had one Roscoe with an Aguilar preamp and that is the only Aguilar product that I have tried and not liked. It sounded very edgy to me.
Thanks!
Chuck
Have any of you used the Audere preamp? I had one Roscoe with an Aguilar preamp and that is the only Aguilar product that I have tried and not liked. It sounded very edgy to me.
Thanks!
Chuck
I have an Audere that I pulled from my LG3005 if you would be interested in a used one to try out.
