My Cliff Bordwell Build

[Michael C.]

I thought it would be fun to create a build thread for the Cliff Bordwell (CB Basses) bass I commissioned in February of 2018. The build was started on 12/28/2018.

Here are the specs:

CB Basses Dia (double cut)
5-string E-C tuning
Scale length: 32"
Neck shape: Oval (for thinner feel) - thickness at 1st Fret: .850 (for stability).
String spacing at Bridge: 19mm
Body thickness: 1.475
Neck: CB Classic - Three piece Quartersawn Maple
Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
Fingerboard Radius: 16"
Mandolin frets (small narrow)
Nut: Dymondwood
Truss rod: two-way adjustable
Full faced top: Maple burl #51
Body: Alder
Headstock shape: "B"
Headstock plate: Maple burl #51
Rear cavity cover: Black
Hardware Color: Chrome (bridge and tuners) and black (knobs, switches and output jack nut)
Bridge: Hipshot style "A" - Aluminum
Tuners: Hipshot USA Ultralites
Strap buttons: Chrome
Output: 1/4" Face mount
Electronics - Pickups: Nordstrand Zen Blade 5 in EMG40 covers
Knobs: Black aluminum
Large Black Aluminum Knob - Best Bass Gear
Controls: V/V/Tone - .047 Paper-In-Oil Tone Capacitor Angela Copper Foil Paper In Oil Capacitor, .047uF/630VDC
Switches (black): (2) – Series Parallel for each pickup
Gig Bag: Standard Pro-Tec


Here are some pics - more to follow as the build progresses.

The topwood in it's raw state:

The top enhanced:

The top closeup:

The headstock:

The pickups

The bridge

The tuners

The knobs

The paper in oil cap

 

[Eneade]

Interesting specs, can't wait to see more pics !

 

[TolerancEJ]

I love build threads, especially since yours will be from Cliff Bordwell. Subscribed.

 

[m2k2p]

Look forward to seeing how it turns out. I don't think I have seen the "Dia" Shape yet ? is that a new one ?

 

[Michael C.]

Look forward to seeing how it turns out. I don't think I have seen the "Dia" Shape yet ? is that a new one ?

Hello -
This is a somewhat new body shape - it's a really unique double cut - see pic.

 

[m2k2p]

Hello -
This is a somewhat new body shape - it's a really unique double cut - see pic.View attachment 3306561

That is an amazing top on that bass and I dig that body style. If I was getting a build from CB I would probably use that shape too. Looks comfortable and has easy access to upper frets.

 

[Michael C.]

The body (rear view)

 

[Michael C.]

The deep set neck pocket

 

[Eminor3rd]

Congrats on the build! Got mine a couple years ago -- it was worth the wait!

 

[nonohmic]

Looking forward to seeing this one!

 

[Michael C.]

The "full facing" of the top process.

 

[Michael C.]

My Pau Ferro fingerboard is the one on the far left (I think ).

 

[scottm]

My Pau Ferro fingerboard is the one on the far left (I think ).
View attachment 3337947

Pau Ferro fingerboard
Very nice!

-ScottM

 

[Michael C.]

Pau Ferro fingerboard
Very nice!

-ScottM

Cliff recommended the Pao Ferro - a bit brighter than Rosewood but not as bright as Maple - I expect it to be "just right".

 

[scottm]

Cliff recommended the Pao Ferro - a bit brighter than Rosewood but not as bright as Maple - I expect it to be "just right".

Cliff definitely knows his wood, I think you'll like it.

-ScottM

 

[Michael C.]

The fingerboard trimmed to the neck profile

 

[TapyTap]

Subscribed!

 

[Michael C.]

Neck attached - Pickup cavities routed.

 

[scottm]

Neck attached - Pickup cavities routed.
View attachment 3355618

Wow, NICE!!!

-ScottM

 

[Michael C.]

Sanding and shaping underway.