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Your Thoughts on Stambaughs...

Fretless 6er options -

  • Total voters
    126
  • Poll closed .
#41
If you can afford one of those - there are many more brands out there to look at.

Like one of the guys said - "That's part of the fun of getting a new axe!"

Don't make this decision hastily, and people here have great advice, but they're not you, and this is ultimately up to you - be patient deciding.

I could afford a "boutique" bass - I would look into a LeCompte STSS 5er, but that's me.
 
#48
Solarmist said:
If you can afford one of those - there are many more brands out there to look at.

Like one of the guys said - "That's part of the fun of getting a new axe!"

Don't make this decision hastily, and people here have great advice, but they're not you, and this is ultimately up to you - be patient deciding.

I could afford a "boutique" bass - I would look into a LeCompte STSS 5er, but that's me.
Click to expand...

I spent a year deciding on my six string fretted, and then spent a year waiting for it to be made. Got an Adler - I'd get another, only Mike's not making them anymore. Therefore, the field has been narrowed to five...and it's looking like four - I can safely say the Smith is out of the running.

Z
 
#52
I really love my Stambaugh 6. Best bass I've ever laid hands on. I also own an Ibanez SR506 which was a great bass for getting my feet wet in the world of 6 strings, but I don't think it would really hold a candle to anything higher up. But when I've got the money, I'm going to get a fretless 6 to go with my fretted 6 Stambaugh.

Always thought Roscoes looked lovely, but never had a chance to play one.
 
#53
This is just one guys opinion, but if you have a line on a Stambaugh with specs that match your needs and at a used market price, what have you got to lose? I mean, you can always find a nice Ibanez. Stambaughs are kind of rare on the used market.
Do you also have a shot at a used Roscoe?

If you're talking about commissioning something from scratch, that's a totally different question. Then yeah, Roscoe vs. Stambaugh is a tough call.

Speaking as the owner of two of them, I think you should take a chance on the Stambaugh.

Chad
 
#54
Well, the Stammie and the Ibby are neck and neck again, and Roscoe is ahead by only a few votes. This closes on the 17th, so there's still time to express your opinion. Don't know if I can close it down before that.

There are upsides and downsides to each - (I should say that the Stammie I'm considering is currently owned by a TBer). The Ibby would be their new Prestige line, but I'd have to take it to a luthier to get a fretless board on it. Interestingly, both of these basses would cost about the same.

The Roscoe and the Overwater would be custom builds since they're both 34 scales. Higher pricing, but the wait time gives me save up time for the additional outlay.

The posts and the PMs have been very insightful. Lots of good stuff, and lots of good folks on this board.

Z
 
#56
Ibanez make fine basses but I think the number of votes reflects the fact that a LOT more people have Ibanez basses than Stambaughs. Having played a number of Ibbys and a few Stammies, Chris' basses are on a different level IMO.

As for your decision I'd say that if you found a Stambaugh used that suits your specs you should take it and run vs paying the new price for a Roscoe and waiting for it to be built. And if it was a used Roscoe vs a new Stambaugh I'd say the same thing. Take the bass you can get right now at a discount. Both basses are fantastic.
 
#57
TheBigO said:
As for your decision I'd say that if you found a Stambaugh used that suits your specs you should take it and run vs paying the new price for a Roscoe and waiting for it to be built. And if it was a used Roscoe vs a new Stambaugh I'd say the same thing. Take the bass you can get right now at a discount. Both basses are fantastic.
Click to expand...

For that, and the fact you can ditch the used one for the same price, and try the other one later, if you're not happy with it.

On the poll, I voted Roscoe though, because that's what I'd choose.
 
#58
With all due respect to the OP, are you going to buy the brand that finishes highest in the poll? As much as I value the collective experience around this forum I would never, and I mean never, let someone else make my gear choices for me. Don't be afraid to go your own way (at least with brands that have a respected and long-term good reputation). :)

M. M.
 
#59
TheBigO said:
Ibanez make fine basses but I think the number of votes reflects the fact that a LOT more people have Ibanez basses than Stambaughs. Having played a number of Ibbys and a few Stammies, Chris' basses are on a different level IMO.
Click to expand...

I don't really think that needs an "IMO". There is simply a difference in quality between an instrument handmade by a master luthier and a mass-produced instrument that will likely never be overcome, no matter how far technology progresses. If the prices are even close to each other, I can see no reason to go with the mass-produced instrument.
 
#60
TheBigO said:
Ibanez make fine basses but I think the number of votes reflects the fact that a LOT more people have Ibanez basses than Stambaughs. Having played a number of Ibbys and a few Stammies, Chris' basses are on a different level IMO.

As for your decision I'd say that if you found a Stambaugh used that suits your specs you should take it and run vs paying the new price for a Roscoe and waiting for it to be built. And if it was a used Roscoe vs a new Stambaugh I'd say the same thing. Take the bass you can get right now at a discount. Both basses are fantastic.
Click to expand...

These are great thoughts. This is why I'm doing it this way this time - things I would have never thought of before...gotta count some pennies to see if a combination of options could work.

Thanks!!

Z
 

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