Looking for advice about a Rogue.

[keurosix]

Craig,
When I mounted my Activator circuit, I had to get J style PU's because Alembic did not have a direct fit for the Barts I took out. I got the standard J size PU that was smaller than the P/U cavity for the Barts so I would not have to do any routing. Because it was a custom design, I got a perfect plug and Play set up: same # of knobs, switches and lay out. I had to mill a tiny bump of graphite in the bottom of one of the PU cavities with my Dremell tool and it dulled the cutter! That stuff is amazingly hard! If I ever had to do that again, I would use a diamond cutter. Adding the Activators is something you can do if you are somewhat handy. If not, have a local luthier do it for you!
Kris

[tncaveman]

I have a 1998 Rogue and love it.  It's the most balanced and comfortable shape I have ever played.  These instruments are very set up friendly too.  I had to have the edge of my frets touched up and set the truss rod just right.  Awesome tone and easy to play.  Check out some pics under the family portraits thread (Misc.)
 
Stephen
 
PS - you get the bug for another one if you hang around here   ;o)

[jet_powers]

I have a 98 Rogue 5. It's a work of art. The worse thing that happens is you buy a Rogue (a very nice instrument) and when the opportunity for a Series comes along you've got a heckuva down payment for it as well as having enjoyed it during the time it was yours.... That is if you can part with it after that. I couldn't part with mine, but that's me!
 
JP

[ojo]

First of all, the advice.
 
Two final thoughts:
01. If you want definitely want a series, save up for a series. Otherwise you won't be satisfied, and you'll have the headache of moving one bass for another one. When buying, cash is king.  
 
02. If you're looking for something to tide you over, buy the Rogue. However, I think you should try and play the bass first - or at least get a trial period. I've had mixed experiences by buying without playing.  
 
That being expressed, here are some of my thought about my newly acquired Rogue.
 
I just picked up a Rogue, and I really like it. It is a very comfortable bass, especially if you're used to Fender-y shapes. You can wear it vintage style, so the first fret is close to your body, and quickly shift it for ease of playing up the neck. I lucked out, and it's a svelte 8.5lbs.  
 
I also like the electronics. I have a frankenbass with the East Meets West setup, which I find very flexible. Moving to the Rogue, I wasn't sure how I was going to like the quick change T/B, but I think I might actually prefer them to the pots.  
 
I've never played a Series, but I would really like the opportunity (any Chicagoans out there, hint hint). So, my experience lies is in the non-series area. I have the Rogue, an Epic, and two jazz basses with Alembic elctronics (one J/J, the other MXY/Fatboy).  
 
At first I liked the T/B controls of the Epic over the filter, but having spent time around the filter, I'm starting to prefer it for tone shaping.  
 
I suppose what I'm saying is that the Rogue is crazy versatile, and I am quite happy with it. Between the electronics and the amazing construction, the Rogue is, hands down, the finest instrument I've owned.  
 
Joe