Cliff Bordwell 6 String Dola Build

[lumnick]

Here is a build thread for my custom 6 string bass being made by Cliff Bordwell. I placed my initial order back in February 2018 and the build just started a few weeks ago. Cliff is definitely a popular guy with a year long wait list, but that is only a testament to the amazing instruments he makes. I also must say, during the planning phase, Cliff was extremely responsive to email and answered any and all questions I had. He's a pretty awesome guy.

Here are the specs for my bass:

Strings: 6 (string through)
Fretted (24)
32" scale
16.5mm string spacing
Shape: Dola
Body: Alder
Top: Ziricote
Neck: Maple/Wenge
Fretboard: Pau Ferro
0 Radius
Nordstrand DC6 pickups (parallel)
Nordstrand 3 band preamp
Hipshot hardware

This is the only picture I have so far, the raw cut ziricote blank. I will be updating the thread as Cliff sends more pictures. Be back soon.

 

[Eneade]

I like CB basses and I did not know Cliff had that much wait.

That Ziricote top looks nice.
I hope you will have in progress pictures soon ;-)

 

[Nenor]

Congrats on your new build. I strongly suggest considering parallel/single/series switch for each p/u. I have the same pickups on my CB5 with the switches. The single coil mode sounds excellent and mostly used.

 

[lumnick]

Congrats on your new build. I strongly suggest considering parallel/single/series switch for each p/u. I have the same pickups on my CB5 with the switches. The single coil mode sounds excellent and mostly used.

Will definitely look into that. For the tone I am going for though (dark, fat, for jazz music), the other options might not be necessary. Having those extra sounds though might be good just to have!

 

[lumnick]

We got some beautiful figure in the alder body!

 

[Eminor3rd]

Congrats! I have a Dola 5-string that Cliff delivered to me late 2017, and I have absolutely zero complaints. It was a fun process to be a part of.

 

[lumnick]

Congrats on your new build. I strongly suggest considering parallel/single/series switch for each p/u. I have the same pickups on my CB5 with the switches. The single coil mode sounds excellent and mostly used.

I ended up taking your suggestion about the switches. Might as well have as many tonal options as possible right? Thanks!

 

[Nenor]

Good for you! I think you won't regret it.

 

[who]

Nice specs on this build, I love the Dola shape.

I ended up taking your suggestion about the switches. Might as well have as many tonal options as possible right? Thanks!

I think you made the right choice, but anecdotally, when I had a bass with these same electronics, I never used the series option. I would have preferred having the switches be front coil/both coils/rear coil.

 

[lumnick]

Body profile is cut! Love the figuring in the alder wood. It actually matches the figuring in the Ziricote.

 

[eude]

Awesome!
I love Cliff's work, and I LOVE short(er) scale 6 strings too, can't wait to see this little beastie come to life!

Eude

 

[lumnick]

Headstock! So in love with this ziricote piece.

 

[TolerancEJ]

Fantastic and subscribed. I love Build threads, especially Cliff Bordwell's work.

 

[TapyTap]

Headstock! So in love with this ziricote piece.

View attachment 3318744

That Ziricote looks killer!

 

[lumnick]

Fretboard! Mine is one in from the right. Pau Ferro, wide and flat!

 

[Eneade]

Nicely figured

 

[TrustRod]

The zirocote is amazing. All the wood looks stunning but that ziricote!!!

 

[lumnick]

Full-faced top going on the body. Can't wait to see it cut to shape!

 

[lumnick]

Full-faced top cut out.

 

[lumnick]

Cliff has been busy... The anticipation is getting crazy! It looks like all that is left (which is still hard work) is to shape the body, put in electronics and hardware, sand and oil, and string it up. Cliff said that he is aiming to ship out the bass on April 22. This next month is going to crawl by...