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Description

The Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV is a dynamic blend of classic design and modern innovation, tailored to the discerning bassist's needs. This electric bass is a collaboration between Fender and the legendary bassist Roscoe Beck, delivering unparalleled versatility and performance. The asymmetrical oval neck offers ergonomic comfort, allowing for fluid movement across the fretboard, making it ideal for both studio sessions and live gigs. The Modern-Vintage body design is not only visually striking but also enhances resonance and sustain, providing a rich, full-bodied sound.

Equipped with Hipshot ultralight tuners and a Drop-D tuner on the E string, this bass ensures precise tuning and quick adjustments on the fly. The unique Side By Side humbucking pickups deliver powerful and articulate tones, while the Fender 4-saddle locking convertible bridge offers rock-solid stability and intonation. Dive into a world of tonal possibilities with the extensive control layout: a Master Tone with a push/pull mid-shaping switch, a 3-position pickup selector, and two mini-toggle coil-selector switches, empowering you to sculpt your sound to perfection.

This bass guitar stands out with its distinct pickguard and an engraved neckplate featuring Roscoe Beck's signature, a testament to its craftsmanship and legacy. Ideal for players who demand flexibility and superior playability, the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV is a true workhorse that excels in any musical setting.

Key Features:

  • Asymmetrical oval neck for ergonomic comfort
  • Modern-Vintage body design for enhanced resonance
  • Hipshot ultralight tuners with Drop-D tuner on E string
  • Side By Side humbucking pickups for powerful tones
  • Fender 4-saddle locking convertible bridge
  • Master Tone with push/pull mid-shaping switch
  • 3-position pickup selector and 2 mini-toggle coil-selector switches
  • Unique pickguard and engraved Roscoe Beck signature neckplate

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV have?

The Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV features an asymmetrical oval-shape maple neck, providing a comfortable grip and enhanced playability, suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive playing.

How do the Side By Side humbucking pickups on the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV affect its sound?

The Side By Side humbucking pickups deliver a powerful and versatile tone, offering a rich low-end and clear highs, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Can the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV handle alternate tunings easily?

Yes, the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV includes a Drop-D tuner on the E string, allowing for quick and easy alternate tuning adjustments.

What is the purpose of the mini-toggle coil-selector switches on the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV?

The mini-toggle coil-selector switches allow you to split the humbucking pickups for single-coil operation, providing additional tonal versatility.

Does the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV offer any special features for tuning stability?

Yes, the bass is equipped with Hipshot ultralite tuning machines, ensuring precise tuning stability and reduced neck weight for better balance.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV.

Features and functionality

  • The Roscoe Beck model allows coil splitting, unlike the American Deluxe Precision 5 which does not, impacting tonal versatility.

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  • The Roscoe Beck's 4+1 headstock design is considered unique and edgy, preferred by some over the 5-in-line design.

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  • The Roscoe Beck Bass features mini-toggle switches for coil tapping, allowing for series and parallel humbucking options for both pickups.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Switching to a heavier gauge (.135 or .140) helps improve B string tension, addressing common concerns with the 34” scale length.

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  • Owners report challenges with intonation, as some frets are more in tune than others, requiring a balance between 12th fret harmonic accuracy and other spots.

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User experience

  • The bass and mid knobs have specific frequency responses; the bass knob's frequency is so low that a PA with subs is needed to notice it.

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  • Owners note a quiet baseline hiss in the electronics, which doesn't interfere when playing but is noticeable compared to other active basses.

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  • Owners find the Roscoe Beck's tonal possibilities extensive, with the bass being particularly effective for high mids in live settings.

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  • The neck is described as wide with a good profile, and the glossy finish wears in over time, affecting playability.

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  • The bass is praised for its lasting appeal, with some owners regretting selling their Roscoe Beck models due to their exceptional B string performance.

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Comparisons

  • The Bill Lawrence bridge pickup is praised for its unique sound, differentiating the P-MM style from other Fender bass models.

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  • The Roscoe Beck's 4-wire Bill Lawrence pickups enable coil tapping, which the American Deluxe Precision 5's 2-wire pickups lack.

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Build quality

  • The P string spacing on the 5-string model is highlighted as beneficial for slap techniques, turning a quirk into a feature.

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  • The Roscoe Beck 5 is noted for its graphite neck reinforcement, contributing to exceptional neck stability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Roscoe Beck's bridge pickup merges well with the P pickup, creating new sounds ideal for metal or high-energy genres.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners find the Roscoe Beck Bass to be highly coveted and hard to find, retaining its value and desirability over the years.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Oldfield uses Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Photo

Mike Oldfield is shown using the Fender Roscoe Beck Bass® IV in a 2013 photo uploaded to Tubular.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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