Club Bordwell

[scottm]

Hi,

I´m currently debating about specs for my second CB (my first is the macebony 4string). It´ll be a 5er fretless Rami.
My goal is to get something really growly, woody with character - I´m playing rock to metal. I like the Warwick Thumb sound a lot, but it doesn´t cut through the mix enough. Recently I played a Corvette $$ with Ash body - very strong sound. But I don´t like their narrow string spacing. So it´s time again for a custom.

34" scale
Rami
5 string fretless
Body: Ash, Walnut or Bubinga (but heavy)
Board: I´d prefer a clean classic ebony lookwise, but Cliff mentioned Bloodwood would be the perfect match for my direction. Just don´t like the looks for my kind of music (no offense to others with all the Bloodwood, your basses look wonderful, but wouldn´t match for me), An alternative would be stabilized Bubinga.
Top. UNdecided, I like something classic like a flamed maple or figured walnut. When building my last one, there was another great ebony top, nearly all black, very few dark brown strikes - would also be cool. Full-faced of course.
Neck: I asked for Wenge for its sound, but it seems to be quite expensive, so I have to rethink this.
Pickups: Nordstrands
Preamp: Audere classic 4 band.

Well, that´s it for the moment - recommendations and critics are most welcome

Hey nippes,
I remember that sweet top that you used for your four stringer! That bass was my screen-saver for awhile

I think that you should go with a -
-Ash back
-Denser top like your last CB... maybe Bubinga, Pauduak,
Purple Heart or Ebony. I think Zebrano wood would kind of match you last basses top.
-Wenge neck(it's worth the money!). I use to own a lot of Warwicks and know what you mean!
-Maybe Ebony or Mac Ebony fretboard?

Sounds like you'll have another killer bass!
Might want to try a 35" scale.
Keep us posted!

-ScottM

 

[spade2you]

Hi,

I´m currently debating about specs for my second CB (my first is the macebony 4string). It´ll be a 5er fretless Rami.
My goal is to get something really growly, woody with character - I´m playing rock to metal. I like the Warwick Thumb sound a lot, but it doesn´t cut through the mix enough. Recently I played a Corvette $$ with Ash body - very strong sound. But I don´t like their narrow string spacing. So it´s time again for a custom.

34" scale
Rami
5 string fretless
Body: Ash, Walnut or Bubinga (but heavy)
Board: I´d prefer a clean classic ebony lookwise, but Cliff mentioned Bloodwood would be the perfect match for my direction. Just don´t like the looks for my kind of music (no offense to others with all the Bloodwood, your basses look wonderful, but wouldn´t match for me), An alternative would be stabilized Bubinga.
Top. UNdecided, I like something classic like a flamed maple or figured walnut. When building my last one, there was another great ebony top, nearly all black, very few dark brown strikes - would also be cool. Full-faced of course.
Neck: I asked for Wenge for its sound, but it seems to be quite expensive, so I have to rethink this.
Pickups: Nordstrands
Preamp: Audere classic 4 band.

Well, that´s it for the moment - recommendations and critics are most welcome

Warwick growl seems to be one of the most popular concepts over the last couple of years...... Keep in mind you're already using different pickups which will most likely be placed differently than on a Wick. Even with the same woods, it's going to be hard to "nail" the Warwick sound 100% (without utilizing the pre-amp).

IMHO, a downside to something like the Wick is that it has a very strong tonal character, but doesn't allow for the most flexibility. You may have plenty of attack and growl, but what about something a little more vintage sounding? This might not be a goal today, but something that you might be able to use later. With the Nordstrands and Audere, you're going to have a plethora of tones and a 4 band to dial in almost anything regardless of the lumber choices.

I'm not gonna try to push the maple neck and ash body, but it's a config that's simply full of resonance and sustain while being very light. The stabilized or acrylized fingerboards add a lot of the attack anyway AND are more durable than conventional fingerboards. The Modern Neck construction features a wenge center and maple sides, which should be a nice healthy mix of both worlds. If you still want more attack, you could add something like a bubinga tone block and keep the ash wings, which will add a tad more weight, but nothing like using an entire bubinga body. Ya might as well cash in with Cliff's ability to make things really light. Your shoulder and back will thank you a million times over.

Anyway, in the 34" scale vs. 35" scale, I think 34" scale is alright but I'd suggest 35" scale if you plan on detuning a lot.

 

[kho]

Hi,

I´m currently debating about specs for my second CB (my first is the macebony 4string). It´ll be a 5er fretless Rami.
My goal is to get something really growly, woody with character - I´m playing rock to metal. I like the Warwick Thumb sound a lot, but it doesn´t cut through the mix enough. Recently I played a Corvette $$ with Ash body - very strong sound. But I don´t like their narrow string spacing. So it´s time again for a custom.

34" scale
Rami
5 string fretless
Body: Ash, Walnut or Bubinga (but heavy)
Board: I´d prefer a clean classic ebony lookwise, but Cliff mentioned Bloodwood would be the perfect match for my direction. Just don´t like the looks for my kind of music (no offense to others with all the Bloodwood, your basses look wonderful, but wouldn´t match for me), An alternative would be stabilized Bubinga.
Top. UNdecided, I like something classic like a flamed maple or figured walnut. When building my last one, there was another great ebony top, nearly all black, very few dark brown strikes - would also be cool. Full-faced of course.
Neck: I asked for Wenge for its sound, but it seems to be quite expensive, so I have to rethink this.
Pickups: Nordstrands
Preamp: Audere classic 4 band.

Well, that´s it for the moment - recommendations and critics are most welcome

Pale Moon Ebony would be very cool for the top and fingerboard. Expensive though...

 

[scottm]

Pale Moon Ebony would be very cool for the top and fingerboard. Expensive though...

Great idea!

Just spoke to Cliff about turning my 7 String on order into a 32"scale, strung E to D. At least I think that's what it will go to

I think above the C string it will have a G string and a D...?
Has anyone any thought on this? I just want something that will not take away from how much I use my other fretted bass, which is a five string.

-ScottM

 

[nippes]

Thanks for your comments.

I consider the most a very dark wood like Ebony as expensive solution or Wenge as simple solution. Zebrano is also a great idea. Pale moon ebony is way out of range I´m trying to get an outstanding bass in terms of sound, but classic look - some understatement. Well, ebony tops are no understatement, but not too fancy...

Spade, good advices. I know, that there´s something more than just the woods to get the Warwick tone, but I just mentioned the Wicks as direction - it doesn´t have to be THAT sound into the last detail.
Good argument for the neck woods. Sounds like you talked to Cliff a lot.
My idea with the wenge neck was to get the growl and being able to chose an ebony board, which I would prefer lookwise - just classic. Kho, what is your experience with wenge?

On the scale length I´m set on 34". I´m already playing a 34" and my 32" Ball Bass, another scale length might be to much, especially for a fretless. Don´t have any doubts regarding downtuning - I´m using a lot of dropped D on my 32" without any issues.

Cliff suggested Nordstrand SE pickups, which sounds good to me. What do you think?


Once again thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated

 

[spade2you]

Thanks for your comments.

I consider the most a very dark wood like Ebony as expensive solution or Wenge as simple solution. Zebrano is also a great idea. Pale moon ebony is way out of range I´m trying to get an outstanding bass in terms of sound, but classic look - some understatement. Well, ebony tops are no understatement, but not too fancy...

Spade, good advices. I know, that there´s something more than just the woods to get the Warwick tone, but I just mentioned the Wicks as direction - it doesn´t have to be THAT sound into the last detail.
Good argument for the neck woods. Sounds like you talked to Cliff a lot.
My idea with the wenge neck was to get the growl and being able to chose an ebony board, which I would prefer lookwise - just classic. Kho, what is your experience with wenge?

On the scale length I´m set on 34". I´m already playing a 34" and my 32" Ball Bass, another scale length might be to much, especially for a fretless. Don´t have any doubts regarding downtuning - I´m using a lot of dropped D on my 32" without any issues.

Cliff suggested Nordstrand SE pickups, which sounds good to me. What do you think?


Once again thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated

Detuning an E string is one thing, but one must keep in mind that the B string is already under a lot less tension. I have no shortage of faith in Cliff, but I'd suspect you'd lose a lot of the B string greatness if tuning to A was a goal of yours in 34" scale. Although if tuning to B is your goal, 34" scale all the way.

I've never actually heard an SE pickup, but J type pickups sound great in the bridge position. If you went with the stabilized FB, I'd guarantee you a killer Jaco tone with the J bridge solo'd and a some high mid added. Again, not to push my own agenda, but P pickups (Nordstrand makes a nice 5er) really expand the voice, plus they have an interesting sound when paired together. Pickup volume may not be 100% even, although the Barts in my CB are fairly even. It would certainly give you a thicker low end if desired.

 

[NickyBass]

I just tuned my CB's B string down to A, to test it out for you. It didn't feel too floppy. It felt similar to the way other manufacturer's B string's tuned to B felt. Of course all basses are different. I would at least consider a longer scale if it was something that you were planning on doing alot. I don't need to tune to A, so it's a non-issue for me, but, in a pinch, at least I know that it would speak nice enough.

 

[kho]

Thanks for your comments.

I consider the most a very dark wood like Ebony as expensive solution or Wenge as simple solution. Zebrano is also a great idea. Pale moon ebony is way out of range I´m trying to get an outstanding bass in terms of sound, but classic look - some understatement. Well, ebony tops are no understatement, but not too fancy...

Spade, good advices. I know, that there´s something more than just the woods to get the Warwick tone, but I just mentioned the Wicks as direction - it doesn´t have to be THAT sound into the last detail.
Good argument for the neck woods. Sounds like you talked to Cliff a lot.
My idea with the wenge neck was to get the growl and being able to chose an ebony board, which I would prefer lookwise - just classic. Kho, what is your experience with wenge?

On the scale length I´m set on 34". I´m already playing a 34" and my 32" Ball Bass, another scale length might be to much, especially for a fretless. Don´t have any doubts regarding downtuning - I´m using a lot of dropped D on my 32" without any issues.

Cliff suggested Nordstrand SE pickups, which sounds good to me. What do you think?


Once again thanks for all your help. Greatly appreciated

Nordstrand SE's sound very good... I put a pair of them in a Warwick Corvette along with an Audere 3-band preamp with z-mode switch, and the combination really improved the sound of that bass big time. Spade2you is right about J-bass/p-bass pickup combo... it's very versatile and one of my favourite combinations. Another pickup combo that I've always liked is a jazz pickup at the neck and a MM pickup at the bridge. You don't get the p-bass sound, but you can go from a great jazz tone to a good growly tone with the MM humbucker.

Wenge is excellent as a neck wood. Both basses Cliff built for me have Wenge necks, and they are superb to play... very smooth, and very easy to move fast if you need to. I'm not a big fan of the feel of unlaquered maple on the neck... had a 'wick like that and couldn't really get used to it, which is why I didn't go with Cliff's aged neck blanks. If you like the feel of maple, then Cliff's aged neck blanks are a great option since you do get the Wenge center as well.

 

[spade2you]

I just tuned my CB's B string down to A, to test it out for you. It didn't feel too floppy. It felt similar to the way other manufacturer's B string's tuned to B felt. Of course all basses are different. I would at least consider a longer scale if it was something that you were planning on doing alot. I don't need to tune to A, so it's a non-issue for me, but, in a pinch, at least I know that it would speak nice enough.

Good to know.

Nordstrand SE's sound very good... I put a pair of them in a Warwick Corvette along with an Audere 3-band preamp with z-mode switch, and the combination really improved the sound of that bass big time. Spade2you is right about J-bass/p-bass pickup combo... it's very versatile and one of my favourite combinations. Another pickup combo that I've always liked is a jazz pickup at the neck and a MM pickup at the bridge. You don't get the p-bass sound, but you can go from a great jazz tone to a good growly tone with the MM humbucker.

Speaking of the J-MM, only in reverse of what everyone normally orders when I was still thinkin' of the fretless 7 before I got distracted by a fretted 6.

 

[Alienation]

Cliff has posted the current build list.

 

[spade2you]

I don't know who Doug is, but 2 basses?! You go dawg!!!!

 

[Justin Beck]

My bass is listed in the news now. This is always when I get anxious and excited. It is the Rami 5-string with the yellowheart top. I don't know who Doug is either, but he picked the right person to build him those basses. This build group should be fantastic, and not just because mine is in it either.

Justin Beck

 

[scottm]

I don't know who Doug is, but 2 basses?! You go dawg!!!!

I was just thinking the same thing! I hope he has good heart medication for when both of those basses come to his house

-ScottM

 

[Alienation]

Does anyone out there use a hardshell case for your CB Bass?

In particular the Ball Bass. I am looking to house mine in a hardshell once it is done.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[rythman6969]

My bass is listed in the news now. This is always when I get anxious and excited. It is the Rami 5-string with the yellowheart top. I don't know who Doug is either, but he picked the right person to build him those basses. This build group should be fantastic, and not just because mine is in it either.

Justin Beck

Justin, your bass sounds like it will be very nice ! I just got my FBB a few weeks ago, it has a yellowheart top. It is some of the nicest wood I've ever seen. So shimmery in the light it's crazy ! I'd never seen it in person, just thought it looked cool in pics, but I was blown away. It's yellowheart and purpleheart, you should appreciate that

My CB is in the next build, I think.

Anyway, I'm sure your bass will be sweet !

 

[Justin Beck]

Justin, your bass sounds like it will be very nice ! I just got my FBB a few weeks ago, it has a yellowheart top. It is some of the nicest wood I've ever seen. So shimmery in the light it's crazy ! I'd never seen it in person, just thought it looked cool in pics, but I was blown away. It's yellowheart and purpleheart, you should appreciate that

My CB is in the next build, I think.

Anyway, I'm sure your bass will be sweet !

I have seen the pics you posted of your FBB, it is beautiful. I haven't ever seen yellowheart in real life eather, but I enjoyed the look enough to order it. Cliff said that it is a great looking piece of wood, but he is having a hard time photographing it's true yellow color. By the way the wood choices on your FBB are right up my alley. I am sure you will be amazed by your CB too.

Justin Beck

 

[nippes]

I have seen the pics you posted of your FBB, it is beautiful. I haven't ever seen yellowheart in real life eather, but I enjoyed the look enough to order it. Cliff said that it is a great looking piece of wood, but he is having a hard time photographing it's true yellow color. By the way the wood choices on your FBB are right up my alley. I am sure you will be amazed by your CB too.

Justin Beck

Hi Justin,
can we see a picture of your top? never seen a yellowheart top before.
Thanks,
Markus

 

[Justin Beck]

Hi Justin,
can we see a picture of your top? never seen a yellowheart top before.
Thanks,
Markus

Markus,
I asked Cliff about a picture yesterday, and as of yet, he has not gotten one that he is satisfied with yet, so unfortunately, no. I will post one as soon as I get one though. Sorry.

Justin

 

[emjazz]

Hi,

I´m currently debating about specs for my second CB (my first is the macebony 4string). It´ll be a 5er fretless Rami.
My goal is to get something really growly, woody with character - I´m playing rock to metal. I like the Warwick Thumb sound a lot, but it doesn´t cut through the mix enough. Recently I played a Corvette $$ with Ash body - very strong sound. But I don´t like their narrow string spacing. So it´s time again for a custom.

34" scale
Rami
5 string fretless
Body: Ash, Walnut or Bubinga (but heavy)
Board: I´d prefer a clean classic ebony lookwise, but Cliff mentioned Bloodwood would be the perfect match for my direction. Just don´t like the looks for my kind of music (no offense to others with all the Bloodwood, your basses look wonderful, but wouldn´t match for me), An alternative would be stabilized Bubinga.
Top. UNdecided, I like something classic like a flamed maple or figured walnut. When building my last one, there was another great ebony top, nearly all black, very few dark brown strikes - would also be cool. Full-faced of course.
Neck: I asked for Wenge for its sound, but it seems to be quite expensive, so I have to rethink this.
Pickups: Nordstrands
Preamp: Audere classic 4 band.

Well, that´s it for the moment - recommendations and critics are most welcome

I would highly suggest one of the modern necks but with ash instead of maple. If you can find it, Cliff had a sound clip of a chambered fretless with an ash/walnut body and an ash/panga panga neck....I may have had the SE's in it as well. That sound clip displayed lots of growl. It sounded great. Also, Mike Tobias has been using ash for necks a lot as a replacement for wenge. It has similar qualities to wenge without the choking element...a more open tone.

Also, to go against the grain, I wouldn't suggest the Audere for the tone that you're describing. The Aguilar or even a Bartolini preamp may be a better fit. I actually think that the older Warwicks with the Bart pickups and electronics had much more growl than the newer basses. The Aguilar may be a good middle road.

 

[Wilbyman]

I would highly suggest one of the modern necks but with ash instead of maple. If you can find it, Cliff had a sound clip of a chambered fretless with an ash/walnut body and an ash/panga panga neck....I may have had the SE's in it as well. That sound clip displayed lots of growl. It sounded great. Also, Mike Tobias has been using ash for necks a lot as a replacement for wenge. It has similar qualities to wenge without the choking element...a more open tone.

Also, to go against the grain, I wouldn't suggest the Audere for the tone that you're describing. The Aguilar or even a Bartolini preamp may be a better fit. I actually think that the older Warwicks with the Bart pickups and electronics had much more growl than the newer basses. The Aguilar may be a good middle road.

I think the Glockenklang pre works pretty well with the Nordy pickups, the combination is rich, growly and "big" without being bloated or overly hi-fi.

The NJ4SE's are very growly sounding pickups so it's not hard to get growl with those on board.

W