Roscoe Club

[mmbongo]

Alright Genzler/Aguilar/Epifani/Bergantino guys... and really, anyone, heck, everyone, else who wants to throw in on this one-

Baseline: My experience is with Eden and SWR Cabs- but now that they're no longer Eden and SWR but Marshall and Fender, I'm no longer interested. I've always GAS'd over Bergantino, but I haven't played through any of their stuff that's newer than an HT322 (which if I find locally, I'm buying).

So I'm not a fan of tweeters, they just seem too harsh to me. I'm a big fan of the low B thunder I can get from both of my Roscoes (The fretted PJ and Fretless with the Roscoe Barts). And I really like the midrange bark (like 70Lb pitbull bark, not 5lb chihuahua) that I can get out of the PJ, and the midrange sweetness and mwah that I can coax out of the fretless, even with the diamondwood fingerboard, without getting clanky.

The problem with my Eden 15s is that they're a bit muddy, but I could never get into the SWR or Eden 10s, they just seemed too hot on the high side. I went through a few 210 cabs, perhaps before I realized that I didn't like tweeters, and as a result ended up with 2 Eden 15 cabs.

So what do you guys think? Where should I be looking for excellent low end with a great midrange, but not a hot top end? Again, that Berg 322 with the tweeter off sounded great- but that behemoth is a) heavier than my first high school girlfriend (we've all been there) and b) been out of production for so long that the search just isn't worth it.

Sounds like you are seeking the Mesa Subway 115 cabinet. Zero mud. Tweeters are fantastic, and can be turned off if you want. Super light. Best mids I've heard. These are incredible cabinets, there's nothing else like them.

I didn't like the Genzlers because the mids are not adjustable, and you can only use them horizontally. You can't stack them vertically for a taller stack if you want. But they do sound great and these might not be huge issues for you. But I'll take the Subway 15 any day

 

[J2Kbass]

Sounds like you are seeking the Mesa Subway 115 cabinet. Zero mud. Tweeters are fantastic, and can be turned off if you want. Super light. Best mids I've heard. These are incredible cabinets, there's nothing else like them.

I didn't like the Genzlers because the mids are not adjustable, and you can only use them horizontally. You can't stack them vertically for a taller stack if you want. But they do sound great and these might not be huge issues for you. But I'll take the Subway 15 any day

MMBONGO can you describe the Mesa subway 15 a bit more? Does it provide a big low end? Or Is it more low mid heavy? I’ve also considered the berg NV 15 but then I heard it lacked some bottom. Just trying to find out any info on it

 

[mmbongo]

MMBONGO can you describe the Mesa subway 15 a bit more? Does it provide a big low end? Or Is it more low mid heavy? I’ve also considered the berg NV 15 but then I heard it lacked some bottom. Just trying to find out any info on it

No it has a huge, clear bottom. No mud at all. Just crisp, clear, and deep. The Subway 12 would actually be a better choice if you want a lot of low mid grunt and not as much deep. But it sounds a little boxy to me. Check out the Mesa Subway thread and you'll see that the consensus is that the Subway 15 is really something special.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

You bought that Koa one that was on Reverb didn’t you? Nice bass and one I talked to him and was close to buying if so.

I should have known better than to try and sneak one by you and your Roscoe radar. Yes, I’d reached out to him with an offer a week or so ago, and after some back and forth, we made a deal. I didn’t notice he was in Alaska until afterwards- he shipped it 2 day air, so pretty cool. I wanted to try a Century very badly, but this will be my 3rd ash body/maple ‘board bass (and I have an F Bass on order with that as well) so we’ll see if it’s a keeper.

On the plus side, now you can buy my SKB that you’ve asked about

Alright Genzler/Aguilar/Epifani/Bergantino guys... and really, anyone, heck, everyone, else who wants to throw in on this one-

Baseline: My experience is with Eden and SWR Cabs- but now that they're no longer Eden and SWR but Marshall and Fender, I'm no longer interested. I've always GAS'd over Bergantino, but I haven't played through any of their stuff that's newer than an HT322 (which if I find locally, I'm buying).

So I'm not a fan of tweeters, they just seem too harsh to me. I'm a big fan of the low B thunder I can get from both of my Roscoes (The fretted PJ and Fretless with the Roscoe Barts). And I really like the midrange bark (like 70Lb pitbull bark, not 5lb chihuahua) that I can get out of the PJ, and the midrange sweetness and mwah that I can coax out of the fretless, even with the diamondwood fingerboard, without getting clanky.

The problem with my Eden 15s is that they're a bit muddy, but I could never get into the SWR or Eden 10s, they just seemed too hot on the high side. I went through a few 210 cabs, perhaps before I realized that I didn't like tweeters, and as a result ended up with 2 Eden 15 cabs.

So what do you guys think? Where should I be looking for excellent low end with a great midrange, but not a hot top end? Again, that Berg 322 with the tweeter off sounded great- but that behemoth is a) heavier than my first high school girlfriend (we've all been there) and b) been out of production for so long that the search just isn't worth it.

Well first off, not all tweeters are the same. I was an SWR guy back in the day (R.I.P.), and other than maybe EBS, there’s not a lot of stuff out there with that high end/sizzle that SWR has. Also, most places wire their speakers full range and the tweeters get just the super highs, so you’ll still have a full range cab even if you roll off the tweeters.

I have had Aguilar (SL112 cabs and the DB112NTs) and they are very nice, but they have the “Aguilar sound”, which I would describe as “modern vintage”. They are clear, but not hifi, more lows and low mids than high end. I do like Aguilar stuff a lot, but you really have to tweak to get rid of the baked in tone (I happen to like that sound, so no worries foe me, but if you’re a slapper/hifi person, you might want to look elsewhere- I don’t think you are, but just in case...). I actually liked the DB cabs better- they have mids and low end to spare, but at 44lbs apiece with a side strap handle, they’re not the most portable. The SL112’s are 25lbs apiece, I’ll make that trade any day. The SL112s are better in pairs though, the DB’s could stand on their own. Also, most Aguilar cabs are rear-ported, FYI. This bothers some people.

I also have had a Bergantino HDN212 cab (with the B amp) and I loved it. Also not super sizzly, great full range tone, plenty of oomph, and easy to schlep. Bergantino stuff is very clear and pretty hifi (but not sterile). I only sold it because I didn’t need two rigs and I got what I had into it. Bergantino has several lines of cabinets and uses different tweeters in a lot of them, right now the REF and HG series are supposed to have the best tweeter/crossover set up in all of them (I haven’t tried them yet). A buddy of mine just got a NV115, haven’t heard it but he digs it. Describes it as “chocolatey goodness.” With the exception of the NV stuff, the Berg stuff is pretty transparent and doesn’t add a lot to your tone.

I have had the Mesa SW 210 and 115. Great build quality, easy to move (love the flip up handles), I like the 115 as a stand alone/full range cab. Good lows, nice mids, not too much highs, but clear and not muddy. Didn’t care for the SW amps too much though- the mids were weird to me. That deep switch though is the best I’ve ever heard...

My current rig is a Genzler MG800 and 3 12-3 array cabs (1 slant and 2 straights). Punch, clarity, mids and highs (but not sizzle/hiss)- it has it all. Really nice setup that doesn’t add a lot of color. Some guys do stack the cabs sideways, ymmv. The arrays are designed to work vertically, and when you stack them they align and couple with each other for more of a good thing. And with the slant, unless you’re standing right on top of it, they kick back a bit and help you hear yourself. My only complaints with the Genzler stuff is a)I used to used stainless steel strings, imho they sound very scooped with the arrays, switched to nickels and it’s all good (except I have a bunch of packs steel strings sitting on my shelf ). And b) playing alone in my basement, running the amp flat, the mids can be a little “honk-y” (I’m an average sized honky myself ). In a band situation though, no worries, sounds great and cuts through. Also good with distortion and effects, none of the tweeter harshness.

No experience with Epifani, but they look nice.

There’s a lot of excellent amp options out at the moment, lots of competition and companies are bringing their A game, so it’s hard to go wrong, but even the ones that are “transprent” don’t sound exactly the same, at least not to me. Plus the amp you use will effect it a lot too. Good luck, hope all my rambling was helpful.

 

[JOME77]

Again, that Berg 322 with the tweeter off sounded great- but that behemoth is a) heavier than my first high school girlfriend (we've all been there) and b) been out of production for so long that the search just isn't worth it.

LOL
At 95lbs. that was a skinny gal!

She might have kissed better than the Berg but I bet she didn't sound as good!

 

[Bassworship1]

I should have known better than to try and sneak one by you and your Roscoe radar. Yes, I’d reached out to him with an offer a week or so ago, and after some back and forth, we made a deal. I didn’t notice he was in Alaska until afterwards- he shipped it 2 day air, so pretty cool. I wanted to try a Century very badly, but this will be my 3rd ash body/maple ‘board bass (and I have an F Bass on order with that as well) so we’ll see if it’s a keeper.

On the plus side, now you can buy my SKB that you’ve asked about

That was a beauty for sure. I would have had interest in your SKB a few weeks ago but just finished paying off my Custom bass. Good luck with your sale as I would say it should go fast.

 

[bassmahn]

Sounds like you are seeking the Mesa Subway 115 cabinet. Zero mud. Tweeters are fantastic, and can be turned off if you want. Super light. Best mids I've heard. These are incredible cabinets, there's nothing else like them.

I didn't like the Genzlers because the mids are not adjustable, and you can only use them horizontally. You can't stack them vertically for a taller stack if you want. But they do sound great and these might not be huge issues for you. But I'll take the Subway 15 any day

+1 on the Mesa Subway gear. I own the 210, 12 and 15... The amount of tight low end that the 15 produces is insane. These cabs can handle a low A tremendously.

I went from a Berg/Demeter rig to the Mesa Subway line, and I am extremely pleased. I had 2-HD112's, and a HT-322.

 

[RocketMusic]

Alright Genzler/Aguilar/Epifani/Bergantino guys... and really, anyone, heck, everyone, else who wants to throw in on this one-

Baseline: My experience is with Eden and SWR Cabs- but now that they're no longer Eden and SWR but Marshall and Fender, I'm no longer interested. I've always GAS'd over Bergantino, but I haven't played through any of their stuff that's newer than an HT322 (which if I find locally, I'm buying).

So I'm not a fan of tweeters, they just seem too harsh to me. I'm a big fan of the low B thunder I can get from both of my Roscoes (The fretted PJ and Fretless with the Roscoe Barts). And I really like the midrange bark (like 70Lb pitbull bark, not 5lb chihuahua) that I can get out of the PJ, and the midrange sweetness and mwah that I can coax out of the fretless, even with the diamondwood fingerboard, without getting clanky.

The problem with my Eden 15s is that they're a bit muddy, but I could never get into the SWR or Eden 10s, they just seemed too hot on the high side. I went through a few 210 cabs, perhaps before I realized that I didn't like tweeters, and as a result ended up with 2 Eden 15 cabs.

So what do you guys think? Where should I be looking for excellent low end with a great midrange, but not a hot top end? Again, that Berg 322 with the tweeter off sounded great- but that behemoth is a) heavier than my first high school girlfriend (we've all been there) and b) been out of production for so long that the search just isn't worth it.

If you go with a pair of the Genzler arrays, also be sure to check out the slanted version of those cabs. Those help point the sound from at least one of the cabs more towards your head rather than your knees/ankles. This does sound like a fine match for your tastes.

Though it's hard to go wrong with Berg stuff, too. Really nice sounding tweeters that you might not hate. But if you do, you can always turn them down some. A pair of REF-112's would make for a portable/modular system, or a single 212 generally delivers some really nice low end. The REF series sports traditional magnets, and the HDN series sports neo magnets if you want to shave some weight.

 

[Freddy-G.]

First pics are coming in now. About 3 months into the build. Keith and team have been so busy (that's a good thing) that they are just now gettin' down to business.

 

[Bassworship1]

First pics are coming in now. About 3 months into the build. Keith and team have been so busy (that's a good thing) that they are just now gettin' down to business.

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I had a bass with a all Ash body and it was really nice as well. That will be a nice bass man.

 

[Freddy-G.]

I had a bass with a all Ash body and it was really nice as well. That will be a nice bass man.

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That's really nice. I'm not sure why, but I have a thing for ash. Maybe it's the simplicity and symmetry of the grain.

 

[Freddy-G.]

First pics are coming in now. About 3 months into the build. Keith and team have been so busy (that's a good thing) that they are just now gettin' down to business.

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I sent Keith a pic of a bass that I really like the color of. They called it Root Beer. So Keith is mixing his own Root Beer color. I'm leaving it up to him. I asked for a Root Beer Burst with a gloss finish. Let's see how it turns out.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

Showed up today, I've been busy but initially all seems good. Definitely like the balance of the Century body better. The neck seems chunkier to me, not awful but... will have to unpack the SKB tomorrow and compare and contrast, and clean the new one up and change strings/batteries and set it up.

 

[JOME77]

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Showed up today, I've been busy but initially all seems good. Definitely like the balance of the Century body better. The neck seems chunkier to me, not awful but... will have to unpack the SKB tomorrow and compare and contrast, and clean the new one up and change strings/batteries and set it up.

Classy looking bass Fred! Awesome maple fingerboard!

 

[JOME77]

First pics are coming in now. About 3 months into the build. Keith and team have been so busy (that's a good thing) that they are just now gettin' down to business.

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Looking great Gary!
I love the look of the open grain in the center (especially on the back)! It looks like a solid piece of ash. If not, then Keith did an unbelievable job of book matching! .... and after zooming in I'd say it was book matched. Unreal!

 

[Bassworship1]

Not my bass but i figured you guys would enjoy. What a beautiful piece of wood.

 

[JOME77]

Not my bass but i figured you guys would enjoy. What a beautiful piece of wood.

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Wow! Beautiful!

 

[Freddy-G.]

Looking great Gary!
I love the look of the open grain in the center (especially on the back)! It looks like a solid piece of ash. If not, then Keith did an unbelievable job of book matching! .... and after zooming in I'd say it was book matched. Unreal!

It's actually a solid piece, cut from a large block that Keith had. I'm very pleased with the grain and the way he positioned it.

 

[Bass Viking]

True story- one band I played with I first used a 5 string roscoe. The next gig I used a 4 string fender p and the drummer said “finally a real bass. Why would anyone need an extra string...”‍ ‍

“Shut up and play your drums!”

 

[steelin4u]

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Showed up today, I've been busy but initially all seems good. Definitely like the balance of the Century body better. The neck seems chunkier to me, not awful but... will have to unpack the SKB tomorrow and compare and contrast, and clean the new one up and change strings/batteries and set it up.

Amazing, Fred! Dont forget to adjust that G saddle back to the middle, unless you prefer the spacing as-is. Can't wait to hear your opinion after a fresh setup.