Roscoe Guitars Visit 2-6-2024

#roscoeguitars #bass #guitar #custom

I have played Roscoe bass guitars since 1993. They are the best! I have played many, many basses during my 40+ year career. None match the quality and playability of my Roscoe basses. They definitely don’t match the beauty.

I have two LG-3005 basses. The 3005 denotes 5-string. The quality of tone from the low-B string sets Roscoe apart from all others. Unlike many 5-string basses on the market today, the notes from the low-B string are transparent and clearly defined. With some 5-string basses, it is difficult to discern the difference between a D or an Eb from their low-B string. Every note from the Roscoe cuts through the mix. I have played on numerous live recordings and the notes from my low-B string punch through.

Furthermore, in the case of the 5-string basses, Keith Roscoe has custom-made pickups that are longer than others. This allows the pickup on the low-B side of the bass to detect more of the waveform as the vibration of a low-B string is physically enough that a shorter pickup can miss some of the richest portion of tone.

Two graphite rods extend the length of the neck, one on each side of the truss rod. These provide a strong “backbone” for the neck. They also contribute to sustain. The sustain of each note from my Roscoe basses can compete with any neck-through bass.

Let’s not forget the other strings. They absolutely ring true. Harmonics are crystal clear, reminiscent of bell tones.

The fret placement is calculated by a German-made Plek machine. But, Keith Roscoe ultimately tweaks the fret placement to a precision that ensures perfect intonation up and down the fretboard. The Plek machine also endures that there are zero high spots on the frets. This will yield very low action. I haven’t found another bass anywhere that can match the action of my LG-3005.

Speaking of the fretboard, you can also order a fretless fingerboard. Keith Roscoe offers something he calls “Diamond-wood.” It consists of layers of Baltic Birch. Baltic Birch is almost rock hard. The fingerboard can stand up to the punishment from round-wound strings. You can request that the fingerboard can have inserts where frets would normally be, to help you place your finger precisely, ensuring that you are on pitch. This can be helpful to those who are new to playing a fretless bass.

As you can see in the video, you can choose the wood combinations, the stain, and the color. Then you specify body style, number of strings, the pickup types, hardware color (i.e. tuning keys, knobs, bridge), and the electronics. You can choose passive or active, or a combination of the two.

Keith Roscoe makes a line of basses called the Classic series. You can see my Sea-foam Green Classic in another video here on this channel. I chose a precision bass body and fingerboard with a combination precision and jazz bass pickup arrangement. I also opted for the combination passive/active electronics. I can pull out on my volume knob to bypass the preamplifier, for the ultimate 1960s classic Fender tone. This is especially great when playing with a pick.

I hope you can experience the magic of a custom-made Roscoe bass someday. Call Keith. You can tell him the type of look and sound you want and he will help steer you to the correct combination of wood and electronics to match your preference. I will post Keith’s website and phone number below:

www.roscoeguitars.com
(336) 274-8810