I have a Parker Fly Bass (always loved the shape of these) with the "carbon stocking" over the wood content on the neck. It's not a bad idea, giving the bass the uncanny tone eveness of a graphite neck (every note, no matter where played, has the same character, like a keyboard almost) with some wood warmth. That bass is totally assertive but not quite as brutal as my Status Stealth II. In comparison, the Epi Explorer is a cuddly bear oozing warmth.