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My Cliff Bordwell Build
- Thread starter Michael C.
- Start date
The instrument will be shipped no later than 4/29/19.
Gonna be a long two weeks.
.
Gonna be a long two weeks.
.
The instrument was shipped today from Orlando, FL, 32805 to Stafford Springs, CT, 06076.
Should receive it Thursday - PSYCHED!!! Pics of completed bass coming soon.
Should receive it Thursday - PSYCHED!!! Pics of completed bass coming soon.
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Just delivered (thanks UPS) - here are a few pics. The color is pretty close - it's a bit more golden.
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Yes - passive electronics.
Nordstrand Zen Blade pickups (in EMG40 covers) with a series/parallel switch for each pickup.
FYI - weight is approximately 7.5lbs - plays like a dream.
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I'm a passive kind of guy.
The series/parallel switches are subtle but very effective.
Finest bass I've ever owned by far.
Man, you should post some photos of your beautiful new bass on the Bordwell Club thread!
I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on those pickups. Really curious about the parallel mode...
I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on those pickups. Really curious about the parallel mode...
The Zen Blades sound awesome. I spoke with Stew and Adrian at Nordstrand before making the choice - their advice was spot on - the pickups are very warm but clear at the same time.
The switches are subtle but very effective - with both pickups in series the bass sounds like my 1965 Fender Jazz. If I put the neck pickup in parallel mode the tone "tightens" up (kind of like a Bartolini or an EMG - more focused - great for walking bass). Both pickups in parallel mode offers an even "tighter" tone - perfect for soloing - lovin' it.
A letter to Cliff -
Hello Cliff,
I received the bass a few hours ago.
I knew the bass was going to be great but I have to say I didn't expect this - stunning. The finest instrument I've ever owned by far. Your attention to detail is amazing – everything is spot on.
I'm so glad I went with the thinner body – I love it. The 32" scale is very comfortable and the weight is perfect - it seems to be around 7.5lbs (?). My Warmoth 30" scale piccolo is 7.4lbs and this seems about the same - possibly lighter. The bass balances great, sitting or standing.
Your finish looks and feels great – the Maple Burl top is absolutely gorgeous (I had a feeling the pictures weren't doing it justice). The color of the Pau Ferro fingerboard compliments the top perfectly and the color of the finished alder body also blends really well with the top.
The bass plays great – I've never experienced mandolin frets – I'm really diggin' them. The neck profile is awesome – totally comfortable (I did make a minor truss rod adjustment – turned smooth as silk).
I'm very happy with the Nordstrand Zen Blades, and the series/parallel switches work well, subtle but very effective. The paper in oil cap is also working well for me – warm and very musical.
The pots are very smooth (I'm glad I went with the aluminum knobs – exactly what I was hoping for).
I really dig the "textured" control cavity cover – it compliments the pickup covers beautifully.
I can't say enough good things about this bass – I'm totally impressed.
Thank you so very much – a lifetime instrument for sure.
All the best in the future – keep up the great work.
Michael C.
Hello Cliff,
I received the bass a few hours ago.
I knew the bass was going to be great but I have to say I didn't expect this - stunning. The finest instrument I've ever owned by far. Your attention to detail is amazing – everything is spot on.
I'm so glad I went with the thinner body – I love it. The 32" scale is very comfortable and the weight is perfect - it seems to be around 7.5lbs (?). My Warmoth 30" scale piccolo is 7.4lbs and this seems about the same - possibly lighter. The bass balances great, sitting or standing.
Your finish looks and feels great – the Maple Burl top is absolutely gorgeous (I had a feeling the pictures weren't doing it justice). The color of the Pau Ferro fingerboard compliments the top perfectly and the color of the finished alder body also blends really well with the top.
The bass plays great – I've never experienced mandolin frets – I'm really diggin' them. The neck profile is awesome – totally comfortable (I did make a minor truss rod adjustment – turned smooth as silk).
I'm very happy with the Nordstrand Zen Blades, and the series/parallel switches work well, subtle but very effective. The paper in oil cap is also working well for me – warm and very musical.
The pots are very smooth (I'm glad I went with the aluminum knobs – exactly what I was hoping for).
I really dig the "textured" control cavity cover – it compliments the pickup covers beautifully.
I can't say enough good things about this bass – I'm totally impressed.
Thank you so very much – a lifetime instrument for sure.
All the best in the future – keep up the great work.
Michael C.
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