Author Topic: Rogues questions (Read 183 times)

zn_bassman · « **on:** May 05, 2005, 12:40:30 AM »

Hi Rogue owners,

I'm considering buying a stock (not custom - no neck laminates) 4-string Rogue (I already have a 4-string Epic), and I'm looking for feedback on a couple of issues.

Neck: how often do you need to adjust it, and how long does it take you each time? I live in an area with relatively stable humidity levels, and I've only adjusted my Epic's neck about twice in 11 years. I (attempt to) play Entwistle-style, so low action with no more than a touch of buzz is a must.

Wood: I'm considering either bocate or quilted maple for the top. My Epic is walnut, and I chose it over maple because the maple sounded too bright - I decided to go with a darker-sounding wood and lighter string guage as opposed to the opposite. Anybody have anything definitive to say about this choice on the Rogue?

Tone: Can the Rogue give a smoothe, bassy sound with good sustain between notes when playing a bit busily, or does it always give trebly notes that fade or get drowned out quickly? And can it also give a hot, trebly sound? And lots in between? And can it supply a thundercrack attack?

Response: when using any specific sound, is response relatively uniform accross the strings and up and down the neck, or does it roar in some places and only speak loudly in others?

Filter/Q: can this make the Rogue roar, or just growl?

Thanks for whatever input you can give me,

Zvi

jet_powers · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2005, 03:45:18 PM »

Hi Zvi,

I have a '96 Rogue 5 with a wenge top. I am its only owner. Here's what I have found.....

Neck: Solid as granite. I've never had to adjust it. This amazes me! I also attempt the JAE style and the action is nice and low without any buzzing.

This bass has every sound in it one could want. It rumbles, it growls, it's highs cut right through. It sustains beautifully. It's consistent no matter where on the neck you play it. In short, I can't imagine ever playing a better bass guitar....

JP

zn_bassman · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:26:42 AM »

Thanks John!

I appreciate the input. Do you know if there's any difference between your '96 Rogue and the ones built since? I seem to remember someone telling me that the design hasn't changed, but I want to be sure. I'm considering buying a certain '97 Rogue.

And if I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I'd love to try out your 8-string Spoiler!

- Zvi

jacko · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:10:40 AM »

Zvi.
Not too sure about the year they changed but i'm certain that up to at least '96 the necks didn't have the walnut laminates between the maple but did have a fine walnut laminate between the neck and the fingerboard. My 96 epic is this way.

graeme

goatfoot · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:37:30 AM »

My '98 Rogue has the walnut stringers in the neck and the walnut sacrificial veneer between the neck and the fretboard. It has a burl walnut top.

I've had to adjust my neck a few times but nothing really major.

I'm not aware of any bad years for Alembic instruments so you should be fine going with the '97 Rogue.

Kevin

jet_powers · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:59:02 AM »

My '96 has the walnut laminates in the neck with the ebony fingerboard. Being a 5 string the neck is like a plank which is, I'm guessing, why the neck hasn't moved.

Zvi, you or anybody else who finds themselves in the heart of New England is more than welcome to take the 8 string Spoiler for a test drive!

JP

zn_bassman · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2005, 07:51:31 AM »

Graeme, Kevin, and John:

Thanks for the info. I know there weren't any bad years for Alembics (I've had my Epic for 11 years and I've played a Series and an Elan), but they have evolved at times. My main concern on that point was the neck finish - my '94 Epic has the glossy neck finish, which slows me down a bit. The Rogue I'm inching closer to buying seems to have the satin finish. I'm buying from afar, so I'm trying to cover all my bases.

- Zvi

goatfoot · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2005, 10:34:21 AM »

My '98 has the glossy finish neck. I don't think the satin finish was an option until '02-03 (at least that's when it seems to show up in the featured custom archive). The glossy neck has never really bothered me. But, truth be told, I do prefer the satin finish on my Brown Bass.

I was thinking of asking the shop to sand down my Rogue but it probably isn't worth it.

Kevin

valvil · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:38:58 PM »

Rogues did not have a glossy finish as a standard feature until very recently; most of the old ones have a satin natural finish. Those Rogues from the 90's that have the glossy finish were custom ordered that way.

Valentino