NBD: Cliff Bordwell 5 string Dola

I just received my custom Cliff Bordwell Dola 5 string bass, and I have to tell you, this is a true masterpiece. I’ve owned a few boutique basses like Foderas, Pedullas and such, and this wonderful bass matches the quality of those brands and cost 2 or 3 times less! How can you go wrong? There’s 4 or 5 different shapes to choose from, and Cliff guides you patiently through the whole process from the conception of the bass in your mind till the selection of the electronics, and everything in between. He’s always very communicative either by email or phone regarding any doubts or requests you might have related to your build, and that my friends, is priceless.

The bass is really lightweight, just as I ordered. The balance is perfect. The neck is really comfortable and the whole instrument sings without being plugged. The electronics are neatly installed, and in general the bass sounds and feels awesome either just thru my amps and cabs or in a general mix thru the in house PA. I haven’t had the chance to record anything with it but I’ll do it soon.

The attention to detail in the construction process is second to none. I hate to be repetitive, but I keep thinking that this bass really looks and feels like a very, very expensive bass without a doubt. I had a hard time trying to pick up a top among all the beautiful tops that Cliff has in store, but I definitely chose a great looking top. It looks like a Van Gogh painting if you look from a close distance!

I just wanted to say, you don’t have to save for a decade to get yourself a bass that sounds and plays great, and that is also a piece of art that could easily belong to any museum. Just get in touch with Cliff, you won’t be disappointed!

 

Nope, I got that bag here in Mexico. A great deal. It's a Reunion Blues Aero. Super lightweight yet really sturdy. Compliments perfectly my Bordwell. And the up charges were about $350, that money went to the P and Dual coil pups by Norsdtrand, the full-faced top, the 3 mini switches, the custom inlay at the 12th fret and the Luminlay side dots.

 

I think it was your bass that made me find out about Cliff, while I was searching for an alternative to a Dingwall.

 

Thank you guys! I'm really happy with this bass. The real purpose of this review is to give props to the master builder himself . Runnerman, I already gigged with it a couple of times, and yeah, I'm afraid to scratch or dent it but well... I don't have much use for it at home other than studying

 

They're not bad, but you gotta let me show u around next time ur here man . I'm also looking to get on the cruise ships someday!!

 

Thanks bro... I LOVE IT!

 

34' scale
Nordstrand pickups
Aguilar obp3
Hipshot hardware
18 mm string spacing

 

No need for that . I placed the deposit in November 2013, and the bass was completed by January 2015, just like Cliff promised. He does batches of 4 basses at a time, I think. I'm guessing it takes him around 3 months to complete each batch. Of course this may vary, but rest assured, Cliff is always there to answer any doubts/requests you might have during the process, either by email or phone. I can't recommend him enough!

 

Thanks bro!