Hello there,
I'm sure you've heard it before: I never thought I'd get rid of this bass; I've a chance to jump on my dream bass, the one I've been interested in since I began to play, but I digress!
I've owned several of Mr. Bordwell's instruments. They are all really amazing, playable works of art. In my opinion this is one of the more beautiful examples of his work! I am the second owner, according to the guy that sold it to me.
Here are the specs:
Dimensions:
Scale length: 34''
Neck shape: Jazz
Width at nut: 1.5
String spacing at bridge: 20mm
Body thickness: 1.5
Weight: 8.5 Lbs
Construction:
Neck: 5 Piece Maple/ Bubinga, Neck Through
Fingerboard: Brazilian Tulipwood
Fingerboard radius: 16''
Nut: Bubinga
Body Woods:
Top: Birdseye Maple (Full)
Core: Spanish Cedar
Back: Spalted Maple (Wings only)
Headstock Plate: Birdseye Maple
Hardware:
Bridge: CB Hardwood Brazilian Tulipwood w/ Bubinga Saddles
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralites (Satin Chrome)
Truss rod: Two-way Adjustable
Frets: 24 (Medium Gauge)
Strap buttons: Strap Locks
Output: 1/4'' Side-mount
Electronics:
Pickups: Kent Armstrong with Tulipwood covers with carved-in thumb-rests
Preamp: 3-band EQ
Controls: Bubinga knobs
This bass, out of all the others I've owned and played over the years, is a bit unique-sounding; I attribute this to the Brazilian Tulipwood fretboard, the pups (obviously!), and the CB Hardwood bridge (also Tulipwood). I would describe the sound as a very hot, woody sound with more-pronounced mids and a very deep and strong low end, and just the right amount of high-end bite. The wooden bridge might worry some, but honestly it's rock-solid, and looks smashing to boot! And the differences it imparts upon the overall tone are very interesting and definitely set this puppy apart from other basses. It's currently strung with DR Red Devils which I think feel pretty darn good, and really accent the bass nicely (other than the spots where I've played the red off the devils, so to speak!).
Before owning this bass I never had a chance to feel, let alone play, any Tulipwood. It's a very striking wood, and it's very hard. I would almost compare it to wenge in that it has an almost "waxy," or slightly "oily" (in a good way!) feel; and although it's very hard and pretty dense, this waxy feel makes it feel very soft and smooth to the touch. It's a very fast feeling board, and the carved-in thumbrests in the Tulipwood pickup covers are amazingly comfortable! I definitely want thumbrests like these on any future bass I have built!
The spalted back wings and control cavity cover are jaw-dropping. Just stunning. Same with the Birdseye maple top; it gets a constant flow of comments from friends and onlookers alike! And the Spanish Cedar body is an interesting subtle orange that really ties this bass together!
In the time-honored TB tradition of full disclosure with other low-end brethren: there is one aspect of this bass that I would say is less than perfect. That is: the action of the Bubinga saddles is by default at medium-high. It's not insanely high, and the intonation is not off, but it's definitely not one of those super-low-action basses. However, there are included 6 replacement Bubinga blocks that a skilled woodworker or luthier could use to make lower-action-replacements. That's really the only gripe I would have about this baby.
Here are some photos:
Here's a link to my photobucket album with more photos of the bass, case, and accessories:
http://s1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc365/miskhar/
The bass comes with a TKL hardcase and the replacement saddle-blocks, and allen wrenches. I'm going to ask what I got it for, which is $2100 shipped and insured, or $1900 + shipping and insurance, whichever is cheapest for you. I'm hoping to keep this in the U.S., but I would consider shipping to Western Europe or Canada for a bit more (just to cover extra shipping costs). I can accept paypal or a wire transfer.
If you have any further questions or offers, don't be shy to PM me! Thanks for looking!
