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.
Congrats on the Epi Explorer. I was never a fan of the shape until I player one. SO much more comfortable than it looks. Total opposite of a Flying V, which looks cool but IMO feels totally foreign and is fairly impractical.
Speaking of the Parker Bass, I actually played the original prototype bass back when Ken Parker had the first half dozen prototypes over at Korg USA/Marshall. The original bass was very close to the original guitar body size and shape and neck heavy....probably why they waited years to unveil a bass version. In hindsight, I should have bought the damn original prototype though when I had the chance.
