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Club Bordwell Part 4

Updated pic posted on FB from Cliff. He said he's going to start carving it today!
5F434922-CB76-42A6-AB41-75ADC0C5780B.jpeg

-ScottM
 
Looking great! Are both the front and back facings Canarywood?
Yes they are. All the wood had been picked out by Cliff for the "for sale bass" he had extra in this build, I'll only got to pick out the pickups and a few other small options.

It's actually been rather exciting to see something that I was not expecting to get.

-ScottM
 
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My standards on most basses are D'Addario XLs. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to come by, last a long time (for me), intonate well, aren't too bright or too dark, etc. I had good luck with them on my Curbows, including the fretless, so that's probably what I'll start with.

What strings did you decide on?
I really haven't found a string I really prefer on fretless basses yet.

-ScottM
 
I'm not a world tour level bassist, but I've flown a few times for gigs and here's what I've got... It's been hit or miss. Some airlines seem to be more friendly to instruments than others. When I flew Frontier and they let me take my gig bag on the plane and stow it in the overheads, even though the flight was fairly full. Southwest has had me gate check, but I've got a nice sturdy iGig gig bag so it was okay fine. (Best gig bags I've had... sturdy with a lot of storage, but sadly no longer in business). I wouldn't even try Spirit WITHOUT an instrument. o_O lol

Avoid layovers and connecting flights if you can, that just creates additional opportunities for your bass to get lost in transit or have an accident.

Doug Johns once passed me a tip that said if you DO have to gate check it, have a $10 or even a $20 to palm to the attendant with a smile, and say something like "look man, I really appreciate your help... this is my livelihood here, so if you could give it maybe a little extra love..."

SBL did a tips video on the subject, Janek Gwizdala has done a few vlogs that touch on the subject, but whether you should fly with a bass and a case review(ish) are the two that are the most informative.

If you're PARTICULARLY worried about it (as I would be with a Bordwell!), I think you can buy an extra seat just for your bass? Not cheap, but hey... Peace of mind.

5sg.
 
Thanks for all the insights! I'd be on a direct flight with Allegiant, but honestly, it probably makes more sense to just have it shipped as planned after I'm home. It was just a cool thought to go pick it up since I'll be 4 hours away or so...

I'm not a world tour level bassist, but I've flown a few times for gigs and here's what I've got... It's been hit or miss. Some airlines seem to be more friendly to instruments than others. When I flew Frontier and they let me take my gig bag on the plane and stow it in the overheads, even though the flight was fairly full. Southwest has had me gate check, but I've got a nice sturdy iGig gig bag so it was okay fine. (Best gig bags I've had... sturdy with a lot of storage, but sadly no longer in business). I wouldn't even try Spirit WITHOUT an instrument. o_O lol

Avoid layovers and connecting flights if you can, that just creates additional opportunities for your bass to get lost in transit or have an accident.

Doug Johns once passed me a tip that said if you DO have to gate check it, have a $10 or even a $20 to palm to the attendant with a smile, and say something like "look man, I really appreciate your help... this is my livelihood here, so if you could give it maybe a little extra love..."

SBL did a tips video on the subject, Janek Gwizdala has done a few vlogs that touch on the subject, but whether you should fly with a bass and a case review(ish) are the two that are the most informative.

If you're PARTICULARLY worried about it (as I would be with a Bordwell!), I think you can buy an extra seat just for your bass? Not cheap, but hey... Peace of mind.

5sg.
 
Just heard from Cliff that the shipping date on my bass is supposed to be 1/16! It's very exciting, except for the fact that I'll actually be on vacation in Florida that week!

Anyone know how easy or hard it is to get a bass gig bag on as a carry-on?
Oh man that is exciting!
I think my bass will be done sometime a week or so later since it was the extra for sale bass. I'm excited though!!!

Also thanks for the string advice. I've been really impressed with the new Dunlop stuff both flat and round wounds.. But I have still be using DR black beauties on my fretless. They are unique sounding.

-ScottM
 
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