| Author | Message | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 427 Registered: 5-2002 |
I had to take some new "family shots" for my insurance company. The non-Alembic portion of my portfolio has undergone a few changes. Actually, so has the Alembic portion, since I recently parted with 2 F-1Xs. Anyway, here's my woodpile :^)  L-->R: Roscoe LG-3005, Series I, Series II, Marchlewski, Devon Diamond J, and on the floor is a Fender Jazz I assembled from parts.Here are the Alembics, socializing with the Roscoe Peace,James | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 748 Registered: 11-2004 |
That is a beautiful lineup James! I doubt you have much trouble deciding which fretless to play =) What's the story on the Devon? I've heard of them, but that's it.... looks like maple over ash? How about the electronics on it? Toby | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 429 Registered: 5-2002 |
Maple over ash? Yep. Swamp Ash. Super lightweight. I can lift it by the headstock with 2 fingers and hold it like that for more than 30 seconds. Wouldn't dream of trying that with my Alembic 5 string (13 plus pounds). Nordstand pre and Villette pickups. I'm still getting used to them. Seems pretty decent. B string is decent, but not as solid as the B on my Alembic 5 or my Roscoe LG-3005. Probably on par with the B on my Marchlewski. I say that mainly because in terms of string to string tonal balance, it's not as finely matched as the Alembic and the Roscoe. Ironically, all three are now wearing DR Black Beauties, so it's not a string difference thing. Neck feel, as far as playability, is great. Much wider spacing than my Alembic 5, about the same as my Roscoe and Marchlewski. Very easy to play. The neck has 13 laminates and I can feel the joints on some of the laminates. Otherwise the craftsmanship is top notch. Peace, James | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 557 Registered: 11-2005 |
James, I had a Devon "Grace" 5 string which is very similar to a Tobias in shape. Full tilt Bartolini p/ups and pre amp, 35"scale and more exotic woods in the body and neck than you could imagine. I had to sell her to fund..and get this, more keyboard gear that I needed for my band. It irritates the cr@* out of me that I had to sell a cool bass to buy something that will not appreciate or hold any kind of real value. The Devon was one of my favorite bass's and I agree that the craftmanship is top notch. I must add that I have two Modulus Jazz style bass's which have the Villex p/ups and pre amp which has two vol., mid sweep and tone. A very cool set up and very loud, when my sound is muted I can still slightly hear the bass when tuning up. You've got a great family there. Take care. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 92 Registered: 5-2007 |
Roscoe basses are made in my hometown of Greensboro, NC. I love the look of his basses but I do not play bolt-ons. How is the tone of the LG? (Wonderful collection of basses. Is the 4 string Series Walnut?) | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 430 Registered: 5-2002 |
fjj, Other than Alembics, the nicest sounding basses I have ever played are this Roscoe and a fretted one I played a couple years ago at an out of control gear get together I went to in Ohio. (picture below)  As for the 4 string Series I, yes, it's walnut. Peace, James | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1424 Registered: 12-2002 |
the 4 string series I is the twin to louis johnsons "strawberry letter 23" alembic"! | ||
| jorge_s
Intermediate Member Username: jorge_s Post Number: 166 Registered: 8-2002 |
That Marchlewski is one good looking bass. Did you have it custom-built or was it something he had already made. He is the only luthier I have come across that just plain told me he was just too busy to consider building me a bass. I admire that. | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 431 Registered: 5-2002 |
jorge s wrote: "That Marchlewski is one good looking bass. Did you have it custom-built or was it something he had already made. He is the only luthier I have come across that just plain told me he was just too busy to consider building me a bass. I admire that." I custom ordered it. It has mandolin frets like my Series I 4 string and an adjustable nut (wonder where that idea came from?). The neck profile and string spacing are a direct lift from two Hanewinckels I used to own. The design was "borrowed" from Jon "Wolfehollow" Clark. He had Jake build him a 4 string fretless with that body style and I just HAD to HAVE one. Peace, James | ||
| aquaman
Member Username: aquaman Post Number: 56 Registered: 9-2006 |
James, Dang! That is an impressive pile of wood! (Envy sets in.) Enjoy! |
