MB-2 Koa #1639. This unique bass features a semi-hollow swamp ash body, with a curly koa “drop top”. The koa on this bass is over 50 years old, it comes from a very large timber that I acquired many years ago; it is well aged and perfect for instrument making. The thin koa top is put in a vacuum press to mould it onto the ash body, for a considerable forearm contour. The 34” scale neck is made from eastern rock maple, and features a lined rosewood fingerboard. This rosewood is very special, it is also old stock and is the same type of (rare) rosewood used on classic instruments made in the 50’s and 60’s. It has a beautiful landscape quality to it, and is old, dry, dense wood with excellent sustain. The headstock has a matching rosewood overlay. Strings are La Bella 760n, a steel flatwound with a black nylon tape outer winding, for a very smooth feel and warm tone. A locally made (in Los Angeles, Ca) custom form fit case rounds out the package.