This bass is a bit distinct from the regular product line in that it is a "prototype" built by the early production bridge luthier. Walt Barrows. It has a maple finger board with 2 piece walnut neck/body wood. It has a maple, walnut, maple bridge with piercings.... I use this bass for bluegrass and jazz. It has a remarkably low deep sound that along with it's looks always garners remarks from the audience. Musicians can't believe how deep it sounds and most other people wonder just what it is that I am playing. The action is very fast, sustain is almost indefinatly long. I use half round electric bass strings with a 95 low E. I think a lot of the deep tone is due to the low tension required to bring these strings up to pitch with only a 30inch scale . My only complaint is that the peizo pickup limits expression.... when asked to solo, my plucking harder will not make a great enough contrast to showcase. I find that plugging straight in is Ok with a good amp but most applications are vastly improved with the fishman pre amp hung on the tripod close to the pickup with a short cord. This also has the added benefit of tone controls at my fingertips. The scale length and fast action let me play five and even six set gigs with little finger fatigue.