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Cliff Bordwell 2021 Build: Outstanding Myrtle Top!

TapyTap

TapyTap

Apr 26, 2005
2,285
1,025
Florida
#1
What a great way to begin 2021! I do not deserve to have such a fine instrument built for me, but I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to own a custom bass built by Cliff Bordwell! Not only am I impressed with his work, I am equally impressed with his character. He has been nothing but polite, prompt, and patient in answering my multitude of questions over the years. He is truly a rare gem in the world of lutherie!

It's been extremely beneficial for me to follow other build threads over the years, so I hope this one will be enjoyable, and perhaps helpful, to anyone following mine. Here are the specifications:


Strings: 4
Tuning: EADG

NECK:
Scale length: 34"
Neck width at nut: 1.5
Nut material: Ebony
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .850"
String spacing at saddle: 19mm
Fingerboard radius: Flat
Neck shape: Jazz/C
Truss rod: two-way adjustable
Frets:24; EVO Gold
Fretwire: .080" x .043"
Side dots only: mother of pearl

ELECTRONICS:
Pickups: Nordstrand Zen Blades in wood covers
Pickup covers: Gaboon Ebony Tops (Maple bodies)
Pickup placement: 1970s "Jazz"
Controls: (2) Vol/Vol
Switches: (2) two-way switch for each pickup (series/parallel)
Preamp: None

CONSTRUCTION:
Neck Wood: maple; "Classic"
Fingerboard: Gaboon Ebony
Headstock shape: Custom
Headstock plate: Myrtle
Headstock logo: Cliff's "B" logo
Body Wood: European Maple
Wood cavity cover: European Maple
Body shape: SCB
Full faced top: Myrtle
Finish: Tried & True Danish Oil

HARDWARE:
Strings: DR Nickel Lo-Rider
Gauge: .040", .060", .080", .105"
Bridge: Hipshot A-Style; black
Tuners: Hipshot USA Ultralite Y Key; black
Knobs: Metal dome; black
Output: 1/4" Face mount
Strap locks


Gig bag: Mono Vertigo case


Check out the Myrtle top:

upload_2021-1-23_18-20-9.jpeg
 
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#2
TapyTap said:
What a great way to begin 2021! I do not deserve to have such a fine instrument built for me, but I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to own a custom bass built by Cliff Bordwell! Not only am I impressed with his work, I am equally impressed with his character. He has been nothing but polite, prompt, and patient in answering my multitude of questions over the years. He is truly a rare gem in the world of lutherie!

It's been extremely beneficial for me to follow other build threads over the years, so I hope this one will be enjoyable, and perhaps helpful, to anyone following mine. Here are the specifications:


Strings: 4
Tuning: EADG

NECK:
Scale length: 34"
Neck width at nut: 1.5
Nut material: Ebony
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .850"
String spacing at saddle: 19mm
Fingerboard radius: Flat
Neck shape: Jazz/C
Truss rod: two-way adjustable
Frets:24; EVO Gold
Fretwire: .080" x .043"
Side dots only: mother of pearl

ELECTRONICS:
Pickups: Nordstrand Zen Blades in wood covers
Pickup covers: Gaboon Ebony Tops (Maple bodies)
Pickup placement: 1970s "Jazz"
Controls: (2) Vol/Vol
Switches: (2) two-way switch for each pickup (series/parallel)
Preamp: None

CONSTRUCTION:
Neck Wood: maple; "Classic"
Fingerboard: Gaboon Ebony
Headstock shape: Custom
Headstock plate: Myrtle
Headstock logo: Cliff's "B" logo
Body Wood: European Maple
Wood cavity cover: European Maple
Body shape: SCB
Full faced top: Myrtle
Finish: Tried & True Danish Oil

HARDWARE:
Strings: DR Nickel Lo-Rider
Gauge: .040", .060", .080", .105"
Bridge: Hipshot A-Style; black
Tuners: Hipshot USA Ultralite Y Key; black
Knobs: Metal dome; black
Output: 1/4" Face mount
Strap locks


Gig bag: Mono Vertigo case


Check out the Myrtle top:

View attachment 4140229
Click to expand...
Great specs, and very nice top!

-ScottM
 
#15
LowWay said:
mid this smaller than the standard headstock? I might go that way with my build. It looks great so far.
Click to expand...

I am really pleased with the way Cliff has designed this headstock. This is a custom upgrade based on Cliff's newer "B" headstock shape with the round, "B" logo.

I also requested to have all of the strings look rather "parallel" (or inline) along the path of the fingerboard from the bridge to the nut to the tuning machine posts when viewing the bass from the perspective of the instrument facing you on a stand. When you look at the string path running across the nut to the tuning posts, the strings will essentially look like llll rather than the way Cliff usually splays them from the nut to the tuning posts.
 
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#16
TapyTap said:
I am really pleased with the way Cliff has designed this headstock. This is a custom upgrade based on Cliff's newer "B" headstock shape with the round, "B" logo.

I also requested to have all of the strings look rather "parallel" (or inline) along the path of the fingerboard from the bridge to the nut to the tuning machine posts when viewing the bass from the perspective of the instrument facing you on a stand. When you look at the string path running across the nut to the tuning posts, the strings will essentially look like llll rather than the way Cliff usually splays them from the nut to the tuning posts.
Click to expand...


I like all these things. I can't wait to see the finished version.
 
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