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Sadowsky or Roscoe ?

#21
Sadowsker!

I had an SKB-3007 a while ago and while it had a great tone and feel, it didn't satisfy me in the long run. It had an alder body, maple top and purpleheart sapwood fingerboard. Because of its smooth, compressed tone it was great for soloing and melody work but it didn't cut it on stage sometimes when I just needed a bass. Perhaps it was a little too refined! :p
 
#22
Chris2112 said:
With your gear, go for the Roscoe. It will add a whole new flavour to a stable with a few damn good basses in there!

Mind you, I might be slightly biased, I'd chose Roscoe 100% of the time anyway.
Click to expand...

I think we're of the same mindset here. Personally, I'm not a fan of Fenders, and the Sadowsky I played felt and sounded just like a Fender jazz...only with a little more tonal variety.

Now a Roscoe - the "feel" of the bass is completely different. The sound quality will depend a lot upon what woods are chosen, but give me a Sadowsky, and I'll give it back after a couple of tunes. A Roscoe you'd have to pry from my cold, dead hands.
 
#23
VintageBT6Lover said:
Sadowsker!

I had an SKB-3007 a while ago and while it had a great tone and feel, it didn't satisfy me in the long run. It had an alder body, maple top and purpleheart sapwood fingerboard. Because of its smooth, compressed tone it was great for soloing and melody work but it didn't cut it on stage sometimes when I just needed a bass. Perhaps it was a little too refined! :p
Click to expand...

See, now, mine has a swamp ash body, quilt maple top and rosewood board with a demeter pre...and even my drummer was amazed out how it cut through the din of our very loud classic rock band. If anything, I have to tame the sound to suit some because it is too present in the mix!

I just love my Roscoe...can't wait to save up the scratch for another!!! That being said, I want a hot rod P-bass! In fact, I want it all!!!
 
#24
I just purchased one of the new Roscodowskys, and I must say that it sounds just like a perfect blend between both of your listed choices.

:D I even had Gard sign it, and Roger chose the color scheme.

Help the economy, pay cash for one, and put the other on a credit card. GOD BLESS AMERICA N EXPRESS :D
 
#27
Thanks all for the responses!!! Where else do you get this love/enthusiasm but amongst electric bass players?

I guess I'm looking for a change. I wouldn't mind having a modern "Bartolini" bass in the mix.
I am a J-bass guy though... so its a tough one.
I've played a used Sadowsky at GC and thought it was nice, but miles and leaps beyond my Fenders... especially that Victor Bailey? I don't know.
I would probably have to say I'm leaning toward the Roscoe. Now, I only have to narrow down the wood selection.

Which would you go with, out of all the choices Roscoe offers? (preamp suggestions are welcome as well)

Looking for a punchy, fat tone, that's smooth, but has nice woody nuances to keep the ear's desire for "character" happy.
Warm too.. I am a rosewood guy, but wouldn't mind perhaps an exotic take on rosewood.
 
#28
Modern Growl said:
I've played a used Sadowsky at GC and thought it was nice, but miles and leaps beyond my Fenders... especially that Victor Bailey?
Click to expand...

Really?!? I haven't had the chance to play one, but by all accounts the VB basses are said to possible be the best production Jazz basses Fender currently makes? Is it possible you just didn't take to the somewhat non-traditional wood used, or that it had a typical (read: crappy) Guitar Center setup?
 
#29
Ian Perge said:
Really?!? I haven't had the chance to play one, but by all accounts the VB basses are said to possible be the best production Jazz basses Fender currently makes? Is it possible you just didn't take to the somewhat non-traditional wood used, or that it had a typical (read: crappy) Guitar Center setup?
Click to expand...

No, the set-up was fine. Nice low action and it was Ash/Maple.. pretty traditional if I say.
Bridge pickup was in 60's location. It wasn't a 70's J.

It sounded good, and don't get me wrong. I'd exchange my Geddy Lee for it in a heartbeat if cost was same (which obviously never will be). Point is, it sounded pretty good. Just not the blown away experience.
 
#30
Since I've been making quite a few stupid posts lately, I'll go ahead and make another.

Having spent barely any time with a Sad, and absolutely none with a Roscoe, I can emphatically and unwaveringly say "Roscoe." I'm pretty much convinced that I will never pay what they want for a US Sadowsky (or a US Lakland for that matter), as I can just not find the extra $2000-$3000 in value over a Fender that they charge for them. I *can* see the value in a Roscoe, but that's just me.

That's not a real PC opinion, or a very political way to express it, but there you have it.

Roscoe. :eek:

P.
 
#31
Pneuma said:
Since I've been making quite a few stupid posts lately, I'll go ahead and make another.

Having spent barely any time with a Sad, and absolutely none with a Roscoe, I can emphatically and unwaveringly say "Roscoe." I'm pretty much convinced that I will never pay what they want for a US Sadowsky (or a US Lakland for that matter), as I can just not find the extra $2000-$3000 in value over a Fender that they charge for them. I *can* see the value in a Roscoe, but that's just me.

That's not a real PC opinion, or a very political way to express it, but there you have it.

Roscoe. :eek:

P.
Click to expand...

point made...
I should of stated that I was strictly thinking of a Metro Sadowsky. They cost about the same as a Roscoe.
So Metro Sadowsky vs. Roscoe... I'm seeing myself lean more and more toward the Roscoe.
 
#33
Modern Growl said:
Thanks all for the responses!!! Where else do you get this love/enthusiasm but amongst electric bass players?

I guess I'm looking for a change. I wouldn't mind having a modern "Bartolini" bass in the mix.
I am a J-bass guy though... so its a tough one.
I've played a used Sadowsky at GC and thought it was nice, but miles and leaps beyond my Fenders... especially that Victor Bailey? I don't know.
I would probably have to say I'm leaning toward the Roscoe. Now, I only have to narrow down the wood selection.
Click to expand...

There's the basic answer to your question;)

Which would you go with, out of all the choices Roscoe offers? (preamp suggestions are welcome as well)



Looking for a punchy, fat tone, that's smooth, but has nice woody nuances to keep the ear's desire for "character" happy.
Warm too.. I am a rosewood guy, but wouldn't mind perhaps an exotic take on rosewood.
Click to expand...

If you haven't already, talk to Gard about what you're trying to accomplish tonally. You've described most of the Roscoes I've played or owned.

This is my former SKB3007. One less string and I'd still own it. I personally prefer the SKB line. I've also owned an LG3005, very nice bass.

Roscoe7front.jpg
 
#35
:bassist: Get a totally rad SX and mod it out with some 1/4 pounders and a BAII ... eerrr, oops, wrong thread .... :rolleyes:

Seriously, as several have stated there is a big difference between the two, but the Roscoe will give you some very different flavors than what you have right now. But it also is going to feel quite different, as well.

Both are beautifully constructed, but if it were my decision I'd go with the Roscoe ... they're pretty special instruments ... :cool:
 
#37
For me; I get tired of the J bass look, and enjoy the woods and aesthetics of a Roscoe more. I think you'll get more options with a Roscoe as well.
The Roscoe is more of my sound (articulate and clean) and played better for my hands.
To me: I'd feel like I was spending too much for a Sadowsky (eventhought the man is great at what he does) while getting my monies worth for a Roscoe.
 

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