Club Bordwell

[spade2you]

I really don't know what I was thinking when I bought a fretless.

If you were expecting to be good at the fretless right away, you'd be mistaken. If you're expecting an instrument where you never make mistakes, definitely not your instrument.

I think I've been playing fretless for about 4 years solid and I think it took at least 2 years of playing fretless almost exclusively to be good with it.

There might be a few people who pick up the fretless and are naturals, but I'd think most of us would agree that the a very sweeping majority of proficient players are fearless, humble, and very patient.

 

[Justin Beck]

Here are some pics:

First, the original, and the best bass I've played, the 4 banger

Now, the new 5

this shows the flame in the neck the best

and one with flash

 

[spade2you]

Very nice, Justin. How would you compare the feel of the Rami shape vs. the Ball shape? I'm pretty close to ordering mine. More or less waiting to make some conclusions after getting some upcoming basses...and obviously pay for them and the down payment on the CB.

 

[Justin Beck]

Sam,

I really like both shapes. The Rami is more traditional and fits the P&W stuff that I do, at this point, strictly from a looks perspective, as my first gig with it is tomorrow night. The leg rest is a little more comfortable on my big thighs, but neither is bad. They both balance great and put my basses in a very comfortable playing position.

I am confident that no matter what shape you get from Cliff, it will balance well and look great, so it is a toss up. My next bass is going to be a D-Bass though.

Justin

 

[spade2you]

Thanks. Interesting that you think it feels better on your leg. That's definitely one thing I like about the Ball shape, although I suspect the light weight is why they feel much better than most basses out there. I have no doubt they're all very comfortable, so it's definitely fun to be able to get several of Cliff's basses in different shapes.

 

[Justin Beck]

Thanks. Interesting that you think it feels better on your leg. That's definitely one thing I like about the Ball shape, although I suspect the light weight is why they feel much better than most basses out there. I have no doubt they're all very comfortable, so it's definitely fun to be able to get several of Cliff's basses in different shapes.

Well, like I said, I have big thighs, and the Ball leg rest has a very tight radius, whereas the Rami is less extreme and straighter, so it doesn't dig in as much. Then again, The Ball is easily two pounds heavier, FWIW. I hope some of this helps you out though.

Justin

 

[rythman6969]

Justin,
Beautiful basses ! Love the purpleheart and yellowheart. I get mine in three months ! I can't believe it's been 11 since I ordered it.

 

[Alienation]

+1 On the beautiful new Rami.

I would like to see the rest of the completed basses from this last batch.

I've been finalizing specs for my Ball 4 banger on the build list after this next batch is built. Can't hardly wait.

 

[scottm]

Justin,
Your new bass turned out great! I really like the Yellow Heart control cover on the back and the scarf joint. Cliff did an awesome job on that bass!
That top on your Ball bass kills me! I GASSING for a Purple Heart bass since I've seen yours.
Thanks for posting the pics!!!

I have been finalizing all the choices on my next bass. It will be in the build after the one that is about to begin. It should have lots of Bocote and Ziricote wood


-ScottM

 

[spade2you]

Hey guys, what's that thing called that has mutes you can put on the string via a lever? Anyone ever use one? I'm kinda thinking about having one put on my Rami 6.

 

[Justin Beck]

First off, thank you all for the comments. It was my first attempt at bass photography and I hope you like it. Both basses are amazing in fit/finish, playability, they have the tone I was looking for with each model, and the look great, which my photos don't do the justice of showing.

I am also really excited to see your basses come to life in the new year. It really is a great experience and Cliff is just wonderful to work with.

Sam,
I belive tb'er ped has or has had some of those, so you could pm him for info, and also there might be info in this thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335462&highlight=Bacchus
I don't have the time to do it right now, or I would read through it all and see if I can find it for you. I think it would be a great idea for a thumpy old school sound combined with the playability and craftsmanship of all CB Basses.

Justin

 

[spade2you]

Thanks, Justin! I'll PM him and I started a thread because it's too broad of a search word. I'm definitely thinking that it might add a little more versatility (as if an Audere 4 band and Nordstrand Dual Coils w/coil splitters weren't enough )

 

[scottm]

Hello Bordwellians. Cliff posted another bass and it looks killer!!!

His basses always turn out better than I could have imagined!

Cliff has been sending me tons of pictures of tops and backs to choose from for my next build. I swear he is ether a robot, or he must never sleep! I'm guessing robot.

If anyone is reading this and hasn't ordering one yet, you are missing out on a year or so of fun, and a finished product that is amazing! Cliff is like no other with his emails and keeping you up to date with what's going on. His website also makes the wait fly by... maybe I'll order a fourth one.

-ScottM

 

[spade2you]

Wow, that bass looks killer!

 

[Alienation]

Yes, that Walnut was a very good choice. Cliff's single cuts are something else.

Makes the wait all the more exciting.

Looking forward to the beginning of the April build.

 

[scottm]

Looking forward to the beginning of the April build.

Me too! I guess we both are in the same build together Alienation.

-ScottM

 

[nippes]

Scott,

can you already tell us about specs?



My second CB will be in the now starting batch. Here are the specs:

Rami-Bass 5-string

Dimensions
Scale length: 34
Neck shape: Jazz
Width at nut: 1.875
Bridge: 19mm
Body thickness: 1.625(required for Push/Pull knobs)

Construction
Neck: Wenge with Maple veneers
Fingerboard: Black Ebony
Nut: Stabilized Ebony
Full faced top Yes

Body woods
Top: Walnut(pictured below)
Accent veneers: Ebony
Core: Ash (Swamp-Ash)
Back: none
Headstock Plate: same as top

Hardware
Color: black
Bridge: Hipshot style “A”
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralites
Truss rod: two-way adjustable
Fretless
Strap locks - Dunlop
Output: 1/4" Side mount

Electronics
Pickups: Nordstrand Jazz NJ5SE – soapbar plastic covers(exposed poles)
Preamp: Audere Classic 4 band with active/passive switch(push pull)
Controls: Volume/blend/T/M1/M2/B

I attached a picture of the top.

Cliff already seem to have started with the new ones.

 

[scottm]

nippes,
That is a sweet looking top! I can't wait to see that one come together.

I'm going to hold off on posting the specs for now... I always change my mind
I will tell you that it is going to be a new shape!

-ScottM

 

[Alienation]

Me too! I guess we both are in the same build together Alienation.

-ScottM

It looks that way. I'm going for a 4 string version ball bass similar to this one.

I can't hardly wait.

 

[scottm]

It looks that way. I'm going for a 4 string version ball bass similar to this one.

I can't hardly wait.

Nice choice of woods Alienation! Is that a bubinga top?

Well, I was wondering if I can get some help with my next bass. I can't come up with a wood choice for the bindings on my fretboard!
Here are the specs as far as woods go.

Top to bottom-
Burl-Quilted Maple \ Thick Wenge\ Thin Purple Heart \ Ceader core\ Thin Puple Heart \ Thick Wenge \ Birdseye Maple

The neck will be wenge with thin maple accents.

Birdseye Maple fretboard, pickup cover, and knobs.

Any suggests? I don't want the binding to be to dark that it stands out like crazy.

Thanks!

-ScottM