Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
I forgot that you were going fretless on this one.
Ya. My ultimate goal is to have a nice headless fretted 6 and a headless fretless 6 in a double guitar bag that I can just grab and go.
Cliff Bordwell
Commercial User
I believe a bass should sound great flat and only need enhancement from the preamp. That's what works for me anyway. For that reason I love the Glockenklang preamp. Mine was made with an always usable passive tone. The normal is that it's only usable in passive mode. I don't have the treble wired up, as I don't use it, but the bass and mid frequencies are perfect, especially the bass frequency. The downside to that preamp is that the boards are mounted to the pots, which I feel is a terrible design. Also, the wires are very fragile. I know that Ken Lawrence rewires them with Tara Labs cable. I can see why. Sound wise, the preamp is amazing though.
The other preamp that I recently tried was a John East preamp with the flat eq, not the baked in eq that he originally offered. That preamp is much more powerful than I would ever need, however it sounds amazing. The eq sweep is usable throughout the range and very powerful. When flat the preamp sounds as the passive signal does. It's a very natural sounding preamp, not overhyped, which is what I personally loved about it.
Those are the two that I've played that I've greatly preferred.
The other preamp that I recently tried was a John East preamp with the flat eq, not the baked in eq that he originally offered. That preamp is much more powerful than I would ever need, however it sounds amazing. The eq sweep is usable throughout the range and very powerful. When flat the preamp sounds as the passive signal does. It's a very natural sounding preamp, not overhyped, which is what I personally loved about it.
Those are the two that I've played that I've greatly preferred.
Cliff Bordwell
Commercial User
I finally typed up a review of my CB 
SPECS:
CB Dola 6-string bass
Top Wood: Macassar Ebony
Body Wood: Swamp Ash (lightweight)
Fingerboard: Morado
Pickup: Aero DC hardwired in series
Circuit: Passive, volume only
Bridge: Hipshot Brass
Tuners: Gotoh Res-O-Lites
Bridge Spacing: 19mm
Scale Length: 34"
Weight: ~8lbs (haven't weighed it yet, but it's light)
I had wanted a CB for many years, and last year finally decided to pull the trigger. Having received my Dola a couple months ago, it's time to give it the proper review it deserves.
First off, Cliff was awesome to work with. He's probably the most responsive emailer I know, and always willing to hop on a call to discuss the build. No BS, just a good honest luthier who is communicative, and more importantly, relatively flexible with spec and design. I've had builders flat out refuse some of my (IMO reasonable) requests, and most just charge through the nose if they are even willing to deviate at all. Of course there are limits, but it's nice to know that there's a builder that will still work with the customer to help them realize their dream.
My ideal 6-string centers around three main specs: .75" spacing between strings at the bridge; 34" scale; and under 9 lbs (the lighter the better). Everything else is pretty much gravy, but I do require those three. It is STAGGERING how hard it is to find a 6er with that spec…ANYwhere, let alone at CB's super reasonable price point. Other things I tend to prefer are a brass bridge and Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners, which are far superior to other ultra lights, IMO. I happened to have the bridge already, so I sent it to Cliff and he was more than happy to use it in the build.
When I took the bass out of its (expertly packed) box, I felt like I had accidentally been shipped a piece from the MoMA. It is an absolute work of art. Very. Playable. Art. The design is perfect, and after a quick tweak to my setup preferences, I realized Cliff nailed the spec to a T, and exceeded my (already high) expectations. The thing about 6-strings (especially single cutaway designs), is that they can sometimes look wonky in different settings, especially when standing up. NOT the case here, the Dola feels right at home in any setting — whether it's outdoor vineyard jazz gigs, or with my friend's progressive rock band (pic of him playing it below) — it fits in perfectly.
Sonically Cliff hit another home run, and HUGE props to Larry at Aero for making the best pickup I have EVER played. I know this review has a lot of superlatives, but I don't know of another passive pickup that can pull off the full-frequency representation that the Aero DC can. The default tone (e.g., playing standard fingerstyle, medium touch, etc), is very much in the Anthony Jackson vein (he previously used an Aero DC wired in series, so no surprise there). However, when playing dynamically, the Aero REALLY picks up every nuance of the bass. Digging in, it translates the GROWL you get from a very lightweight body with a morado board. Playing over the bridge accommodates a Jaco vibe, slapping delivers full-force punch, and palm muting and all other tricks are all perfectly captured in their own rite. In a word, this bass will put out what you put into it, plain and simple.
The only small thing I intend to change about the bass is the nut. Cliff had suggested diamondwood, which I was fully willing to try (and I'm glad I did!), but I'm just more of a brass nut kind of guy. Easy swap either way, and other than that, the CB is a VERY firm 10 out of 10 right out of the box!! I have started writing my second album, and cannot wait to put some tracks down with this beast. There is nothing it will not do, except maybe fretless, and for that Cliff can expect another call from me…
SPECS:
CB Dola 6-string bass
Top Wood: Macassar Ebony
Body Wood: Swamp Ash (lightweight)
Fingerboard: Morado
Pickup: Aero DC hardwired in series
Circuit: Passive, volume only
Bridge: Hipshot Brass
Tuners: Gotoh Res-O-Lites
Bridge Spacing: 19mm
Scale Length: 34"
Weight: ~8lbs (haven't weighed it yet, but it's light)
I had wanted a CB for many years, and last year finally decided to pull the trigger. Having received my Dola a couple months ago, it's time to give it the proper review it deserves.
First off, Cliff was awesome to work with. He's probably the most responsive emailer I know, and always willing to hop on a call to discuss the build. No BS, just a good honest luthier who is communicative, and more importantly, relatively flexible with spec and design. I've had builders flat out refuse some of my (IMO reasonable) requests, and most just charge through the nose if they are even willing to deviate at all. Of course there are limits, but it's nice to know that there's a builder that will still work with the customer to help them realize their dream.
My ideal 6-string centers around three main specs: .75" spacing between strings at the bridge; 34" scale; and under 9 lbs (the lighter the better). Everything else is pretty much gravy, but I do require those three. It is STAGGERING how hard it is to find a 6er with that spec…ANYwhere, let alone at CB's super reasonable price point. Other things I tend to prefer are a brass bridge and Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners, which are far superior to other ultra lights, IMO. I happened to have the bridge already, so I sent it to Cliff and he was more than happy to use it in the build.
When I took the bass out of its (expertly packed) box, I felt like I had accidentally been shipped a piece from the MoMA. It is an absolute work of art. Very. Playable. Art. The design is perfect, and after a quick tweak to my setup preferences, I realized Cliff nailed the spec to a T, and exceeded my (already high) expectations. The thing about 6-strings (especially single cutaway designs), is that they can sometimes look wonky in different settings, especially when standing up. NOT the case here, the Dola feels right at home in any setting — whether it's outdoor vineyard jazz gigs, or with my friend's progressive rock band (pic of him playing it below) — it fits in perfectly.
Sonically Cliff hit another home run, and HUGE props to Larry at Aero for making the best pickup I have EVER played. I know this review has a lot of superlatives, but I don't know of another passive pickup that can pull off the full-frequency representation that the Aero DC can. The default tone (e.g., playing standard fingerstyle, medium touch, etc), is very much in the Anthony Jackson vein (he previously used an Aero DC wired in series, so no surprise there). However, when playing dynamically, the Aero REALLY picks up every nuance of the bass. Digging in, it translates the GROWL you get from a very lightweight body with a morado board. Playing over the bridge accommodates a Jaco vibe, slapping delivers full-force punch, and palm muting and all other tricks are all perfectly captured in their own rite. In a word, this bass will put out what you put into it, plain and simple.
The only small thing I intend to change about the bass is the nut. Cliff had suggested diamondwood, which I was fully willing to try (and I'm glad I did!), but I'm just more of a brass nut kind of guy. Easy swap either way, and other than that, the CB is a VERY firm 10 out of 10 right out of the box!! I have started writing my second album, and cannot wait to put some tracks down with this beast. There is nothing it will not do, except maybe fretless, and for that Cliff can expect another call from me…
Attachments
The 4 band Audere (stock) suits me fine. The previous poster mentioned the stabilized wood nut: not my favorite and I replaced with a polished bone component. It complements the woods nicely as it is not too white. I also ditched the Gotoh tuners in favor of the satin Ultralites. Again, they're not a glaring contrast and actually match the "CB" inlay to some degree.
Riis
Beautiful bass. Looks great. I really dig the smaller headstockI finally typed up a review of my CB
SPECS:
CB Dola 6-string bass
Top Wood: Macassar Ebony
Body Wood: Swamp Ash (lightweight)
Fingerboard: Morado
Pickup: Aero DC hardwired in series
Circuit: Passive, volume only
Bridge: Hipshot Brass
Tuners: Gotoh Res-O-Lites
Bridge Spacing: 19mm
Scale Length: 34"
Weight: ~8lbs (haven't weighed it yet, but it's light)
I had wanted a CB for many years, and last year finally decided to pull the trigger. Having received my Dola a couple months ago, it's time to give it the proper review it deserves.
First off, Cliff was awesome to work with. He's probably the most responsive emailer I know, and always willing to hop on a call to discuss the build. No BS, just a good honest luthier who is communicative, and more importantly, relatively flexible with spec and design. I've had builders flat out refuse some of my (IMO reasonable) requests, and most just charge through the nose if they are even willing to deviate at all. Of course there are limits, but it's nice to know that there's a builder that will still work with the customer to help them realize their dream.
My ideal 6-string centers around three main specs: .75" spacing between strings at the bridge; 34" scale; and under 9 lbs (the lighter the better). Everything else is pretty much gravy, but I do require those three. It is STAGGERING how hard it is to find a 6er with that spec…ANYwhere, let alone at CB's super reasonable price point. Other things I tend to prefer are a brass bridge and Gotoh Res-O-Lite tuners, which are far superior to other ultra lights, IMO. I happened to have the bridge already, so I sent it to Cliff and he was more than happy to use it in the build.
When I took the bass out of its (expertly packed) box, I felt like I had accidentally been shipped a piece from the MoMA. It is an absolute work of art. Very. Playable. Art. The design is perfect, and after a quick tweak to my setup preferences, I realized Cliff nailed the spec to a T, and exceeded my (already high) expectations. The thing about 6-strings (especially single cutaway designs), is that they can sometimes look wonky in different settings, especially when standing up. NOT the case here, the Dola feels right at home in any setting — whether it's outdoor vineyard jazz gigs, or with my friend's progressive rock band (pic of him playing it below) — it fits in perfectly.
Sonically Cliff hit another home run, and HUGE props to Larry at Aero for making the best pickup I have EVER played. I know this review has a lot of superlatives, but I don't know of another passive pickup that can pull off the full-frequency representation that the Aero DC can. The default tone (e.g., playing standard fingerstyle, medium touch, etc), is very much in the Anthony Jackson vein (he previously used an Aero DC wired in series, so no surprise there). However, when playing dynamically, the Aero REALLY picks up every nuance of the bass. Digging in, it translates the GROWL you get from a very lightweight body with a morado board. Playing over the bridge accommodates a Jaco vibe, slapping delivers full-force punch, and palm muting and all other tricks are all perfectly captured in their own rite. In a word, this bass will put out what you put into it, plain and simple.
The only small thing I intend to change about the bass is the nut. Cliff had suggested diamondwood, which I was fully willing to try (and I'm glad I did!), but I'm just more of a brass nut kind of guy. Easy swap either way, and other than that, the CB is a VERY firm 10 out of 10 right out of the box!! I have started writing my second album, and cannot wait to put some tracks down with this beast. There is nothing it will not do, except maybe fretless, and for that Cliff can expect another call from me…
Headless is the way to go. I'm looking forward to seeing another one. I love mine. It is so well balanced. My Singlecut was converted to a fretless by David King and it sounds wonderful!!!! My Singlecut with modern neck(Wenge) design has a neck through sound. It also has a lot of mids. It was too modern sounding as a fretted for my classic Jazz bass ears. These characteristics are why it sounds amazing for fretless I kind of want A bolt on fretted PJ headless with reverse P pickup. With these two basses 'd be covered for sure! One thing to think about is. The strings go thru the top of my bass and then they are strung thru the Hipshot Headpiece. It is elegant looking but you can't use Double Ball ended strings.
In some instances it would be nice to have the option.
In some instances it would be nice to have the option.
Attachments
My new CB is getting real close , I am really looking foreword to this bass . 4 string / S bass , ash body , maple standard jazz neck , maple fingerboard , mesquite top , nordstrand SE's passive , simple and sweet I know this is going to sound and look amazing Invalid Link Removed
Cliff Bordwell
Commercial User
