Are Cataldo Basses Any Good

[Ryan Atchison]

I'm looking at Cataldo basses. I like the Explorerbird. and I just want to ask, are they any good? Does anyone here have one, what are some pros and cons

 

[Dadagoboi]

I'm Cataldo, my name's on the headstock and I build and finish every bass myself.

The internet is a good place to start, bad reviews never go away. JohnK didn't like one of my first 10 basses (when they cost less than $800 delivered). Even though I offered him full refund he published a bad review, it's still floating around. He later sold that bass for more than he paid for it. I'm sure someone will be glad to direct you to his review.

Since then my customers have been happy. Sometimes a prospective customer and I don't agree on where a bass build is going and I back out of the build before agreeing to do it. I've returned customer deposits twice within the first two weeks after deciding I wasn't the guy to build for that customer . No one has ever lost a penny. I've had a number of customers order another bass (or four) after buying the first one. A build takes 14 to 16 weeks and I stay on schedule and supply photos of your build as it progresses.

Re: Explorerbirds: I've built close to a dozen. Currently building two, one a lefty at the moment. All EBird customers have been very happy with their basses.

Let the Games Begin!

 

[Dadagoboi]

Here's a thread on the first ExplorerBird builds:

2013 ExplorerBird...there's gold on them thar basses.

and two of the current builds:

 

[Plake]

In my years of lurking TB I have read many positive things ref Cataldo. Any time I have searched for NR birds on the interwebs they are always highly regarded. And getting a Thunderbucker from the get go certainly doesnt suck. Good luck.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I'm very happy with my Jaebird. Carlos was great to work with, and followed through with everything as he said he would, and in a timely fashion. We had a few minor issues along the way (pretty sure they're documented here), but everything was resolved. Issues had to do with my not understanding the nature of a nitro finish.

 

[godofthunder59]

I have a extensive vintage collection and several high end custom builds. I also own two Cataldos, a JAEBIRD and a NR. Both are top quality instruments. My NR was built to my specs, Carlo calls it my siggy☺ and it is the bass I would have Gibson build me but they won't. I have been playing NRs since 77, onstage or in the studio my Cataldo NR has the tone and feel of one of my 60's NRs. The JAEBIRD is a powerhouse, a very faithful recreation of Peter Cooks Fenderbirds. Both basses are powered by Thunderbucker pickups, imho the best repro Thunderbird pickup out there. In short if you order a bass from Cataldo you will get more than your monies worth and a hand built replica of a iconic bass.

 

[godofthunder59]

Another thing I want to add is Cataldo builds your bass by hand just him, no big shop with little jobs passed off to underlings. Finishing is often subbed out but not at Cataldo, each bass is finished by Cataldo himself. I will definitely be ordering another.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Here's mine

 

[P. Aaron]

Anything in the works to build a 5-string version of this cool bass?

View attachment 840570

 

[ubnomnar]

I find this particular Cataldo very striking... but then again... so does the CREATOR

 

[Dadagoboi]

Anything in the works to build a 5-string version of this cool bass?

View attachment 840570

 

[Ryan Atchison]

Thank you so much! I'm just going to need a summer job to pay for one

 

[Dadagoboi]

Thank you so much! I'm just going to need a summer job to pay for one

Yeah, they're not cheap. Thanks for your interest!

 

[Sharknose79]

I have one in my gun sights.
I've heard nothing but good things.

 

[bravesaint5]

I'm gassing hard over an NR Bird in a Jade. I just noticed they're not on the site anymore?!? Are they still being offered?

 

[Dadagoboi]

I'm gassing hard over an NR Bird in a Jade. I just noticed they're not on the site anymore?!? Are they still being offered?

Yes. email me at [email protected] for details

 

[PaulReside]

Not really a fan of T-Birds, Explorers and such but something about the Cataldo's really do it for me. Neve and Thunder, your basses are SWEET !!drool

 

[Flaked Beans]

Not really a fan of T-Birds, Explorers and such but something about the Cataldo's really do it for me. Neve and Thunder, your basses are SWEET !!drool

+1.
BTW Joe's bass is very nice

 

[Pyrat]

I first saw these on the Ytube...awesome look and sound. If any money falls in my lap, I'd LOVE to get on the "list". Kudos~

 

[P. Aaron]

Button's pushed precisely and with correct pressure. Have to start stashing dough.