Keith Roscoe...Better Than Ever!

We just received two exceptional Roscoe Century Signature Vs from Keith Roscoe that were so exceptional that they really made me sit up and take notice of a trend that has been occurring over the last 3-4 years. It occurred to me that, despite the challenge in doing so, Keith Roscoe continues to build a better bass each time out. In fact, the last few Roscoes that I have received have been as good as any Roscoe (or any other bass for that matter), that I have ever played!

Granted, this is not to say that Keith's previous basses have not been up to snuff. That simply isn't the case. However, what's really impressive is that Keith has been able to maintain exceptionally quality standards despite the challenge of only having a handful of employees AND in spite of their tremendous growth over the last few years. Anyone can keep quality high when demand is low. However, the demand for Keith's outstanding basses is greater than it has ever been, and they're making more basses per month than they have ever made. This is why I'm so impressed by the basses that I recently received from Keith. Despite all of the challenges that he may be experiencing due to the success and popularity of this instruments, they're just as great NOW as they have ever been!

We have a couple of great LG 3005s in stock that offer the hallmarks of a Roscoe bass...super-thick tone and great playability. Similarly, the two Century Sigs that just arrived this past week are some of the most unique and visually impressive basses that we have received in a while. Keith's desire to push the envelope, his interest in continually exploring new woods and electronics, and the precision and consistency with which the entire process is executed makes specing-out, ordering, receiving, and playing a Roscoe about as much fun as one person should be allowed to have!

New Exhibition Roscoe Tops on Reserve!

If you are thinking about finally pulling the trigger on that custom Roscoe project you have been thinking about, or just like to gave at amazing pieces of exotic hardwood tops, definitely check out the new tops we have on reserve near the bottom of the Roscoe section at the Blueberry Hill Bass site.

These are some of the highest-grade, most amazingly figured tops that we have had in quite a while, and we tend to be known for having the best quality tops on reserve for Roscoe custom bass projects. Many of these pieces are large enough to accommodate all three Roscoe body sizes (LG, SKB, and Century), so let us know if you would like to grab one for yourself.

Also keep your eyes on the "In Stock" page, as we always have Roscoes leaving and new ones coming in. Don't hesitate to call or e-mail with questions regarding custom orders. Just because you don't see what you would like to do in the Roscoe Sold Gallery (gallery one or gallery two), it doesn't mean that it can't be done.

Ludo's Roscoe Nearing Completion!

It has been a little too long since I have had a chance to update the BHB Blog, but when an update comes, it comes with a purpose! I just received some excellent shots of Ludo's Roscoe. This bass is nearing completion and isn't too far from heading out the door. Ludo has been great to work with and he has been eagerly, but patiently, awaiting the day when his new SKB will arrive. The bubinga top that Luco selected is very warm and rich (with some unique "swirly" figure), and the birdseye 'board makes for a great contrast. This one is turning out to be one very nice bass!

New Roscoe Tops Available!

We just recently reserved a stack of exceptional exhibition grade maple tops that are sure to turn some heads. Most of them are exhibition quilts, but all are top-notch pieces that would be great for a custom project. I love quilt tops on Roscoe basses and while the "good stuff" is becoming increasingly harder to find (not to mention more and more expensive), I am proud to offer to my customers what I consider to be the very best of the best. Photos of the tops have been posted near the bottom of the Roscoe section at the Blueberry Hill Bass web site. Give us a call if you would like to reserve one for your own custom project.

On a related note, we have a good selection of Roscoe basses available, with a few new ones on the way. We currently have 2 SKB 3005s and 2 LG3005s in stock, and are expecting a SKB 3006 and a Century Signature 3005 to arrive very soon. Following that will be several more SKB 3005s spread out over the next couple of months. If you see something that catches your interest, let us know.

Roscoes Out, Nordies In.

A couple of very nice Roscoes found new homes this week rightg around the same several new Nordstrand Nordy basses showed up. The bass pictured above (myrtle burl/exhibition cocobolo) turned out to be a great combination. I am a big fan of myrtle tops (see the piece of myrtle that is currently available on the Roscoe page at the Blueberry Hill site) and am always impressed with how our myrtle projects turn out. Each piece is unique, but every myrtle Roscoe that we have ever commissioned at Blueberry Hill has turned out to be a great sounding bass. The exhibition grade cocobolo fingerboard is also a contributing factor to the great sound of this SKB 3005. The deep red color and spiderwebbing figure are great, but it also sounds great too! Rob is going to love his new Roscoe SKB 3005.
After patiently waiting for his custom creation to be completed, Dr. Mark recently took possession of the SKB 3006 featured above. This was Mark's first forray into the realm of custom basses, and even though he was a bit nervous going in, I can proudly say that his expectations were exceeded! It's always a great thrill to get that first phone call once the customer's instrument has arrived. Sometimes it's a toss-up to determine who's more excited...the customer or me! Mark's project was of particular interest because of the Ziracote "theme" running throughout the instrument. Not only is this a beautiful wood, but it makes for a great sounding bass as well...something that should always be a top priority in the construction of any musical instrument.

In Nordstrand news, three new Nordies arrived and photos have been posted under the Nordstrand of the Blueberry Hill web site. All three are excellent and I continue to be extremely proud and impressed with these basses. I have a feeling that they won't be hanging around too long! The necks feel great, they are extremely easy to play, and the fit & finish are perfection realized. Good job Carey...now just get MY Nordy finished and I can sleep easy!

Russ Gets A Roscoe

With all of the new Roscoes that have been flying in and out lately, I thought that I had better get this smokin' SKB up on the blog before Russ got mad at me. I'm a sucker for a super-clean maple burl top with great character. With this SKB, that's exactly what Russ got. The wenge fingerboard, Aguilar preamp, and mahagony body make for a unique combination, but the end result is outstanding. Not only does this bass play and sound fantastic, but I LOVE the look. The light amber finish that Russ requested is perfect, and the overall package is very classy. Keith and the boys did another oustanding job.

New Roscoe Tops On Reserve (and Mark's Ziracote Roscoe)

It seems as if this blog has suddently become devoted to all things Roscoe! The body and neck shown above are for Mark's Roscoe SKB 3006 that is nearing completion. It features an outstanding piece of Ziracote (with a touch of sapwood) for the fingerboard, and the body is a 3-piece (becoming somewhat of a BHB trademark since we first did it on a stunning LG 3005 that is featured in the Sold Basses Gallery). The body wings are book-matched Ziracote and the center section is flamed maple. The color scheme is very balanced, the lookis unique an original (a true "one-of-a-kind"), and it will have killer tone as well. That's a winning combination!

Ziracote is one of my favorite tone woods. It has been used as a substitute for Brazilian rosewood (aka "The Kind of Tonewoods") in the high-end acoustic guitar market for years, and I love the unique color and grain pattern that the wood displays. It isn't easy to come by, but I'm hoping to use it on more Roscoe projects in the future. In fact, we just reserved out second ziracote top today!

And speaking of tops, we also reserved a handful of other excellent pieces that are available for future Roscoe custom projects. Scroll to the end of the Roscoe section on the Basses page at the Blueberry Hill site for photos of the thuya burl, ziracote, flamed katalox, and imbuia burl that we now have on reserve. These tops are all "top shelf" and will make for some unique and incredibly beautiful custom instruments.

Update on Custom Roscoe Projects for Kurt & Russ

The finishing touches were recently added to the custom Roscoe of all custom Roscoes, featured above. Kurt opted for a custom 34" scale length for his SKB 3006, a wedge neck (wenge, yellowheart, and maple), ebony covers with exposed pole pieces for the Nordstrand Dual Coils, mini switches for each pickup, and a unique custom paint job. Per Kurt's instructions, the top is finished in a custom blueburst and the back was left natural. This one turned out great! You can see additional photos of Kurt's bass, showcasing some of it's custom features, at the Sold Basses Gallery at the Blueberry Hill site.
Russ was lucky enough to grab this top (which I was secretly hoping I might be able to keep for myself) and will soon be taking delivery of a stunning SKB 3005. In this photo, the light amber color has been applied and the clear gloss is being sprayed this week. This one isn't too far from being completed, and I guarantee it will be absolutely amazing! Russ is going to be one happy bass player when he gets his hands on this one!!!

Kurt's & Eli's Basses Nearing Completion

Kurt's Roscoe SKB 3006 is coming along very nicely. This bass will feature a number of unique items, including a 34" scale neck, Nordstrand dual coil pickups with exposed pole pieces and custom ebony covers, and a custom finish. Kurt wanted a blueburt finish, but only on the top. The back will be natural swamp ash, and you can just barely see where the finish ends and the natural wood begins on this photo (left/end pin side of body). It's like I always say...if you're going to get a Roscoe, you may as well get one that's going to "stand out"!

Eli has been patiently waiting for his Nordstrand NJ5 Custom for quite some time, and his wait is almost over. I belive that this is the first, and only, NJ5 Custom P/J fretless, so not only is Eli getting an incredible instrument, but he is also getting a one-of-a-kind. The zebrawood top really turned out well. Even thought we thought that it woudl be good, I'm not sure if anyone (except for Eli) thought that it would be quite THIS good! I am really impressed with how this bass turned out, and the dark streaks in the top go great with the ebony fingerboard and black hardware.

Check the Blueberry Hill Sold Basses Gallery soon for completed photos of these basses.