Bassonata Posted August 9, 2011 Posted August 9, 2011 I hadn't come across Roscoe basses in the UK until fairly recently, and from what I've seen from pics here and on the Talkbass forums they look staggering. For those that own, or have owned them, do you feel they're a sound investment, and have you found the quality, playability and long-term stability as good as they way they look? I notice BassDirect have a couple of nice high-end 5 and 6 string Roscoes in cocobolo and blue maple finishes respectively, which look particularly nice. They've been around a while and I can barely believe they haven't been snapped up before now. I don't suppose anybody here has played these or have any impressions, by any chance? Still looking to treat myself to a nice new fretted 5, but tempted to go up market a bit and am now becoming a little spoilt for choice the more I look. Must make a decision soon... Quote
pantherairsoft Posted August 9, 2011 Posted August 9, 2011 Yes. Buy one. Never look back. In fact. Buy the Fretless I have for sale! Stunning instruments. Hi-fi sounding with amazing balance and build quality. Checkout the Roscoe Porn Thread in the Gear Porn section for some of the Roscoes hiding in the Basschat community - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=131198"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=131198[/url] Ive been through Overwaters, GB's and morethan I care to recall. Honestly... I doubt I'll play anything else now for the rest of my bass playing life. Of course, one mans gold is another man poop... But for me, nothing has that feel and tone. I've played all the 6ers at Bass Direct. The LG3006 is the nicest to play IMHO. As for the 5's... Mark @ BassDirect is the man to ask, he gigs a Roscoe 5 so knows them well. Shep Quote
bobpalt Posted August 9, 2011 Posted August 9, 2011 Dont even think about it. Try one and buy one. I have 2, one for playing and one for looking at and touching, like a work of art! Silly I know, but they are both gorgeous in different ways, but sound and play very similarly. You wont regret it. Bob Quote
Pete Academy Posted August 9, 2011 Posted August 9, 2011 Roscoe basses are worth every penny. I looked at replacing a Tobias Classic 5. I did loads of research and bought a Roscoe SKB5. The workmanship is stunning. The low B (if you're buying a 5-string) is awesome. Compared to other hand-built basses they represent great value for money. Highly recommended. Quote
Doddy Posted August 9, 2011 Posted August 9, 2011 Roscoe basses are stunning. I've had an LG3005 for a few years now and it's a great instrument. Quote
Bassonata Posted August 9, 2011 Author Posted August 9, 2011 [quote name='pantherairsoft' post='1334004' date='Aug 9 2011, 07:05 PM']In fact. Buy the Fretless I have for sale![/quote] Another good example, Shep, but I need frets ... not selling your latest addition yet then? Yes, I noticed you'd started the 'Roscoe porn' thread. Nice. Lots of very positive comments here from all you guys, too. I'm certainly tempted but not sure I can quite stretch to showroom prices just yet. 'One for looking at and touching' eh, Bob? I like that! Looking at some of the examples online I can see why. Sheer artistry. Quote
pantherairsoft Posted August 11, 2011 Posted August 11, 2011 [quote name='Bassonata' post='1334382' date='Aug 9 2011, 11:43 PM']Another good example, Shep, but I need frets ... not selling your latest addition yet then? Yes, I noticed you'd started the 'Roscoe porn' thread. Nice.[/quote] Unfortunately the Century Signature is going nowhere... Ever. I got the original spec's confirmed by Gard and the boys and the original cost of that bass is staggering (due to all the shims, veneers and luxury wood upgrades). It is not only the finest instrument I've played, but also the most expensive by a long way. New Fretless on the way as well... By a Roscoe. Don't even question yourself! Quote
thodrik Posted August 11, 2011 Posted August 11, 2011 I had never really looked at the Roscoe stuff seriously as in my mind I always thought 'prices probably comparable to Fodera' when I saw pictures. But I just looked at the Bass Direct site and WOW! The Century Standard series is both stunning looking and looks bloody good value for money for a top quality made in the USA bass! I would certainly love to try one, though owning one is probably realistically out of the question bar selling/trading my other gear. Quote
molan Posted August 11, 2011 Posted August 11, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Bassonata' post='1333993' date='Aug 9 2011, 07:00 PM']For those that own, or have owned them, do you feel they're a sound investment?[/quote] If by 'investment' you mean 'do they hold their value' then I'm afraid it's a resounding no I'm not really sure why but Roscoes seem to plummet in value on the used market. Doesn't mean they aren't amazing basses, just that if you're considering buying new then you really need to believe it's something you're going to hold on to for a long time. Edited August 11, 2011 by molan Quote
bobpalt Posted August 12, 2011 Posted August 12, 2011 Its quite puzzling really why some "boutique" basses really drop in value so quickly. As well as Roscoes, Pedullas dont do well on the second hand market (when comparing their value against new cost), neither do Stingrays, Skjolds, Dingwalls, Mayones, even ACGs. Why is this? They are worth every penny of the new cost, so why the huge drop in value the minute you carry them out of the shop? Only Wals, Foderas and Fenders seem to actually hold their values in general (although I'm sure there are more). Very odd. Bob Quote
charic Posted August 12, 2011 Posted August 12, 2011 It comes down to what people are willing to lose on the 2nd sale and what people are willing to pay I guess. I know that my ACG is going nowhere anytime soon so I'm not going to make a loss on it although I have seen some going 2nd hand on here for similar to I paid for it new. Quote
thodrik Posted August 12, 2011 Posted August 12, 2011 [quote name='bobpalt' post='1337225' date='Aug 12 2011, 06:29 AM']Its quite puzzling really why some "boutique" basses really drop in value so quickly. As well as Roscoes, Pedullas dont do well on the second hand market (when comparing their value against new cost), neither do Stingrays, Skjolds, Dingwalls, Mayones, even ACGs. Why is this? They are worth every penny of the new cost, so why the huge drop in value the minute you carry them out of the shop? Only Wals, Foderas and Fenders seem to actually hold their values in general (although I'm sure there are more). Very odd. Bob[/quote] I'm pretty glad of this, otherwise there would have been no hope of me owning a Vigier Arpege! I'm not sure I would ever buy a bass as an investment, save buying a pre-CBS Fender if I somehow get really wealthy, so the idea of a bass declining or rising in value is a bit pointless for me. Its not like I'm going to sell anything anyway unless I'm really struggling. Quote
Chris2112 Posted August 13, 2011 Posted August 13, 2011 I've always liked Roscoe basses, the combination of fine woods, and interesting body shape and Bartolini pickups is a cornerstone of American bass design! I can remember when Roscoe basses weren't widely available in the UK, but since they have become available over here their prices have started looking a tad unrealistic for me. They are very pricey and I think, as far as getting the best bang to buck goes, you can get a lot mire for your money. Either that or buy used, as their value really seems to plummet on the used market to a level more in line with other basses. It's fair to say few basses hold their value on the used market. Unless it's a special case bass like a Wal, a Fodera or a Ken Smith you'll always lose money. Quote
chris_b Posted August 13, 2011 Posted August 13, 2011 I prefer to own other basses but I've played Roscoe basses and I like them. Not everyone will appreciate what makes them different but Roscoe's are special. Quote
Bugbass Posted November 20, 2011 Posted November 20, 2011 I just bought a LG3005 and I love it! Warm and punchy and looks awesome too Quote
nobodysprefect Posted November 21, 2011 Posted November 21, 2011 (edited) I've played a few and they're not bad. edit: I've had six and they are all smashing basses, best boutique bass to have if you're into popular music. IMO of course. I'm not selling mine, btw. Edited November 25, 2011 by nobody's prefect Quote
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