pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Well. Another Roscoe I hear you say. It wasn't 5 minutes since this beauty landed on my lap: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/149311-roscoe-century-custom-3006-fretless/page__hl__roscoe"]http://basschat.co.u...age__hl__roscoe[/url] and I've been in love with it ever since. Unfortunately, due to some health complications, the bass I play has become a bit of an issue. I had my dream pair of Roscoes in cosmetic and tonal terms, but due to chronic Tendonitis in the right hand, triggering in 3 fingers, a damaged tendon in my left wrist, shoulder issues caused by constant hyper-extention & the revealing of a serious imbalance in my spine and hips... playing a wide necked, wide spaced, 35" scale bass has become exceptionally painful. I have put many of these things down to 'aches and pains' for sometime before waking in agony and my fingers triggering persuaded me to go and see a Doc. Word of wisdom - if you have such issues don't ignore them for 6 months like I did! Being very short, with short arms, and playing 35" scale basses for 8 years has forced my left shoulder into an unnatural position. To counter balance this, my hip has followed suit, causing my spine to be a tad awkward as well. The imbalance in my shoulders seems to of led to some weakening in my arms and slowly to my hands. The Doc has been very helpful and we making great progress without going down the surgical route. I've also been seeing a Chiropractor, which while slow progress at first, is now having fantastic results with my shoulder (Though my hip is still not keen). Facing facts though, the basses I have, while not the sole cause, are only aggravating the conditions. So... I've spent 3 months trying every bass I possibly can, compiling what helps and what aggravates the conditions. Some things help in areas, but set off other issues etc. 3 months later I have a spec for a bass that works. Letting go of my pair is painful to say the least, the fretless especially. My Fretted Koa Roscoe has already been sold to a chap in Italy via Bass Direct and the Fretless is currently listed on Bass Direct at a substantial loss to myself.([url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Roscoe_CS6Fless.html"]http://www.bassdirec...e_CS6Fless.html[/url]) While I am not keen on loosing money, the realisation that I am making this move out of necessity and that frankly, my health and ability to keep doing what I love is vital and more important to me than anything. If you want a bargain, snap that bass up! So, the new bass will be shorter scale, tighter spacing with a non-standard neck profile and very weight-efficeint. Spec... Roscoe LG Signature V (UPDATE: Serial number #6364) Tuned E-C with Hipshot Xtender on the E string [b]32" scale[/b] 18.3mm string spacing Very lightweight Ash body Buckeye Burl top & headstock facing Signature Maple/Purpleheart/Maple wedge neck Ultra SLIM neck profile Pau Ferro fretboard Diamondwood nut Bart/Roscoe pickups (slanted LG style) Diamondwood ramp (slanted LG style) Bart 18v preamp with Active/Passive switch Lightweight black hardware Luxury Roscoe fitted hardcase This bass will be fretted, whilst I have been playing fretless almost exclusively for the last few months, this has been as I love the fretless bass just a little more than the fretted. Truth be told, a fretted works with my music too AND is ultimately more versatile should I want to dabble with other things. I will miss having a fretless, but hopefully I'll not be without forever. The 32" scale is not something seen all too often but Roscoe have done a few with great success. It's also being done on the LG body shape, which has a much shorter top horn, which effectively makes the nut a little further away from the body on a strap. A 32" scale on this body feels a little more like a 33" scale when worn, but gives a slightly closer spacing of frets high up the neck and a closer feel when sitting as I now play bass in the 'classical' position when I sit (thanks mcgraham for that useful hint!). So there we have it. Difficult times, difficult measures but I am very very motivated at the moment with music going so well and am determined to get around the pain and discomfort and continue to play the instrument I love. I'll keep tis updated with progress reports and pics as and when. Roscoe's estimate is around 12 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkstrike Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Interesting stuff, I'm just glad you'll be able to get something to suit you! Very surprised to hear it's going to be made as a LG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='Darkstrike' timestamp='1327537887' post='1513223'] Interesting stuff, I'm just glad you'll be able to get something to suit you! Very surprised to hear it's going to be made as a LG. [/quote] Me too. lol. I spent a bot of time with the body shapes as I've always been a Century man, but the size differences are quite substantial. The LG offers more 'potential' to save weight as theres a surprising amount less wood than the Century, also the ergonomics seemed to suit me nicely. Also, as I do a lot of crouching and knob twidding live, the 'flattened bottom' of the LG means I can actually wear the bass slightly lower without me needing to move the bass when I crouch... If the bottom hangs over my bely line, I have to move it to the left or right so it isn't moved aside my my right thigh in the kneeling position. It may seem like a minor point, but having spent, no dedicated my life to ergonomics over the last few months, it seemed worth while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkstrike Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I see! I always thought the LG, above the others, just locks into your body, like putting on a set of well worn gloves, almost don't realize it's there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='Darkstrike' timestamp='1327538725' post='1513233'] I see! I always thought the LG, above the others, just locks into your body, like putting on a set of well worn gloves, almost don't realize it's there. [/quote] I agree. The Century always felt instinctive to me as its body size was close to that of basses I have owned before, I now see that 'familiar' has become the problem! I always like the idea of the LG but the reach always seemed a little too much and its never seemed to make sense in my mind on the 6 string versions I had always tried. Playing the 4's and 5's just suddenly clicked. Match that with the comfort I'd been experiencing from the 33 & 32" scale instruments I'd been trying and I'm confident I have a recipe for something special. I have to tell you though - the strangest thing for me is thinking that I'll soon not be playing a 6 string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Perhaps you should try one of these instead... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scojack Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 (edited) Cor...this'll be a beaut ! A lot of players seem to be drifting over to 32-33 scale length (myself included) so i know where your coming from, i used to suffer a few aches and pains myself when i was playing, my last build was aimed addressing these issues as well. Buckeye Burl too ....can't wait ! Think your onto a winner there m8 !! Edited January 26, 2012 by scojack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Russ - I have flirted with the synth idea too. Truth be told it hurt my right hand more than the bass... that said it was 'new' to the hand and obviously removes the shoulder issues. I just don't think I'm willing to give up the bass just yet. It is my fall back though scojack - Thanks bud. Should of also mentioned on the spec (I'll update now), that the neck and string width is reduced to provide a little more economy of movement, so not only from a 6 to 5 but also from 19mm to 18mm (well, 18.15mm if you want to be uber precise - down to the bridge manufacturer, not me being anal for a change!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1327568964' post='1513361'] Russ - I have flirted with the synth idea too. Truth be told it hurt my right hand more than the bass... that said it was 'new' to the hand and obviously removes the shoulder issues. I just don't think I'm willing to give up the bass just yet. It is my fall back though [/quote] Man up or buy a banjo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supabock Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 You've got too much money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='supabock' timestamp='1327580817' post='1513616'] You've got too much money [/quote] Says the guy with the guy with not one but two Sei Jazz 5 strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='supabock' timestamp='1327580817' post='1513616'] You've got too much money [/quote] He's selling 2 Roscoe 6ers to fund the purchase dude... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='eude' timestamp='1327582182' post='1513652'] He's selling 2 Roscoe 6ers to fund the purchase dude... [/quote] I just re-read, I think (and hope) it wasn't supposed to come across quite so rude. I know lets ask, "pantherairsoft, do you have too much money?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='supabock' timestamp='1327580817' post='1513616'] You've got too much money [/quote] I wish!! I'm selling 2 basses that I had to sell 4 basses to fund. And from those 2 basses I'll end up with 1 bass worth less than either of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1327583701' post='1513706'] I wish!! I'm selling 2 basses that I had to sell 4 basses to fund. And from those 2 basses I'll end up with 1 bass worth less than either of them [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottswarwick Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Sounds like a sensible plan mate I hope it works out ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgraham Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I can verify that pantherairsoft does not have too much money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Lol. Seriously. I'll of lost ALOT of money and I can ONLY afford this bass by selling my others. This bass will end up being my ONLY instrument. But it means I can keep doing what I love in more comfort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Fingers crossed for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 [quote name='supabock' timestamp='1327598445' post='1514038'] No not at all, you're entitled to your point.... i just shop carefully as i know i don't have enough money to make changes [/quote] With reference to the above - I wasn't to know 12 months ago that 6 months later deep rooted issues would surface that threatened to stop me playing bass... and that a few months after that they would get so bad that I can't play bass for a week after every gig. I know I've been through a lot of gear over the last few years (I think to think of myself as an EX-bass whore - As I am settled and very much in love with Roscoes), but this move is a tough one... The Fretless I'm selling is THE best instrument I have ever played. I'm gutted I have to do this. But I do have to do this. Anyway. Money. No money. This is a build diary... The slanted pups on the LG are quite unique looking when pared with a ramp, Roscoe has done a few of them and the over all look is something like this... [IMG]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h44/pantherairsoft/Other%20Roscoes/76e934a9.jpg[/IMG] I've never been a ramp user, but since I've ha to change my playing technique massively over the last few months I find it REALLY helps me stop anchoring my thumb when my finger tips can lightly brush the pups and ramp. It it helps... It makes the cut! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Wow mate, that'll be a really stunning instrument. I kinda see what you mean about the slight thumb bass comparison there too. Oh, and angling the pickups like that will certainly bring "the fatness" to your dub step playing Going to be a cracking instrument. I really hope it gives you everything you need to keep playing and stay healthy. Cheers, Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Oh man, hope you get better soon Shep! I've had a crook back for 20 years now (GAWWWWD only just realised its been that long!), it is no fun, I feel for you. I cant believe you are selling the 6, that was the best fretless I've ever played by a country mile, it is the only fretless I have played that felt like it wanted you to be in tune. amazing instrument. I hope the next one works as well for you (well a lot better actually, but you know what I mean) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Thanks guys. I've said it already, but I am going to miss the Fretless. Part of me is trying to find a way to afford to keep that one for such a day that having spent time playing the shorter, lighter bass I'll be good to play that again - but another part of me knows I'm never going to find the money. I guess one day I'll get them to build me a Fretless in a similar scale... I know someone will be VERY happy with the 6. The wide neck spec means the buying audience is a little slim (Fretless, 6 string, ultra wide neck) but I'm confident someone will love it as much as me. Your impression of it when you played it was much the same as my first impression of it... And still the way I feel about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Woah, hope your health improves. Is there anyway you can keep the fretless and play it at home sat down every now and then until you get better?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantherairsoft Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Yes and no. I struggle to keep the bass in the same position seated as I have it standing, and to play comfortably with little to no strain on my wrists I now play in the classical position when seated. This had helped ALOT, but the reach to frets 1-3 is a real strain. Possibly something I could live with, as you say, until/if things improve. The flip side here however, is that if I don't sell, I can't afford another/this new one... and right now I need a bass I can play, gig, record with etc etc, rather than just being a bedroom player at home. It's sods law that NOW is the time, in 12 years of being in bands, that things decide to 'pick up', gain interest and look like they are heading in the right direction. As for health, me too. What I can say is that today's session with the Chiropractor has left my back feeling much stronger. Today's the 1st time I really really feel like its working, which is a great feeling. I have an assessment tomorrow for my hand and wrist as well since I've barely been able to use my right hand since Saturdays gig On the plus side I still have my sense of humour and I'm getting good at typing (and moderating! ) with my left hand only!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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