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Roscoe Club

Less is almost always more.

Except when it comes to gear ;)

and maybe pool floats for the GKids!

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For the past couple of years I’ve been working on converting over to a mostly upright player in my local scene. Recently it’s been to the point that I only touch an electric when I have a gig. So I’ve been contemplating selling off electric gear. Well yesterday for the first time in months I spent real quality time with 3 of my 4 Roscoe’s and I what a joy it was. I had to struggle to put them down. If I’m only going to keep a few Basses, I’m so thankful that they will be Roscoe’s.
 
For the past couple of years I’ve been working on converting over to a mostly upright player in my local scene. Recently it’s been to the point that I only touch an electric when I have a gig. So I’ve been contemplating selling off electric gear. Well yesterday for the first time in months I spent real quality time with 3 of my 4 Roscoe’s and I what a joy it was. I had to struggle to put them down. If I’m only going to keep a few Basses, I’m so thankful that they will be Roscoe’s.

Doubling on upright is a formidable task. Converting to full time upright is even more so. Living somewhere where you’ll have gigs to keep you busy playing upright exclusively is something I can’t imagine. Congratulations on all that.

That said, I’d keep one or two of those Roscoe’s around. I think you’d miss them, even if it were just to play “in the basement” once on a while. I can’t remember what you have, but maybe keep something that’s contrary to an upright, like a fretted 5 or something? Just in case a gig “needs” something different.

One can do a lot of stuff on an upright if you’re committed. I think of Lake Street Dive as an example. Great band, lots of variety, and an upright bass.

Sell off what you don’t need, but just think it through first. Just sayin.
 
Asked this a while back, mightta got lost in other discussions...

How do I know if I've got a Signature SKB ? Or some other trim level ?
It has some custom touches, but not sure how to tell exactly.
It dates from mid-90's from I recall what Garth said about it...


I don’t believe Roscoe came with the Signature model until around 2000. But, if it was a signature model, it would have the wedge neck, the volute and the pearl or abalone Roscoe “R” on the headstock.
 
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@ArtechnikA Had 4 thoughts. 1) Look at pics. Found this one in your club thread post from 3.28.15, front only, (stopped looking for more). (Beautiful bass and beautiful giant cat)

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(Dang, I had work to work to find that pic, but but while doing so, found another jewel that you posted, (besides your bass))



During my search time, thought 2) manifested in reality before posing it here: "Ask @Joe BassPlayer ". Thread daddy and resident historian replied in the post above before I wrote this.

Thought 3) was to look at the photos of the back of the neck to check out the build attributes.

Thought 4) was to simply ask Keith.

Regardless of nomenclature, with your devotion and love for your SKB 6 fretless, it's your signature bass, not dependent on someone else's label. Back to the shed I go. .
 
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@ArtechnikA Had 4 thoughts. 1) Look at pics. Found this one in your club thread post from 3.28.15, front only, (stopped looking for more). (Beautiful bass and beautiful giant cat)
Doubt I've posted anything of the back other than maybe the SN. Spanish Cedar, otherwise nothing remarkable - no wedge, no volute. F.Red is quite remarkable and thanks you for the compliment. 22-lb Maine Coon; polydactyl. He'll be 10 in a couple of months.
Thought 4) was to simply ask Keith.
Yeah - I really need to do that. I hate bothering him with my petty curiosity. I'm a little disappointed the bass didn't come with its build sheet letter, but it wasn't promised and I had no expectation. (I am not the original owner...)
Regardless of nomenclature, with your devotion and love for your SKB 6 fretless, it's your signature bass, not dependent on someone else's label...
This is true.
It's not as if it's a resale value factor, since I can't imagine selling it. For completeness, there is also no 'special' 'R' on the headstock. It does have a carved top and a small personalisation on the body spec'd by the original owner.

Thanks for the extensive reply!
 
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I’ve had many Roscoe’s but the bass I got from Greg is my only Signature I believe. This one doesn’t have the Signature on the headstock ironically.

This is without a doubt the finest of instruments I’ve ever owned but I have to say that some of my favorite Roscoe’s were Standard or Standard Plus models. If I get another Roscoe it will be Standard.

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No need to pit Roscoes (or their owners) against each other. Each Roscoe model offers something great for its player. Play what you favor. Savor!

And, realize that it's unlikely that your chosen Roscoe model will be the limitation in your music making. You know. It's the carpenter, not the hammer.

Sideabar @armybass . Notice that your Signature has a brass JAN1. Interesting. Do you know the story behind that? I experienced a composite JAN2 on an XYZ fretless. Totally loved its adjustability in that application.
 
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Sideabar @armybass . Notice that your Signature also has a brass JAN1. Interesting. Do you know the story behind that? I experienced a composite JAN2 on an XYZ fretless. Totally loved its adjustability in that application.

I do not. But this bass was Greg Bump’s bass. Greg speced many a great Roscoes @RocketMusic and his personal bass seems to be a truly wonderful instrument.