MB-2 Koa #1642. This bass features a semi-hollow Alder body, with a stunning curly koa 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 seasoned and perfect for instrument making. This particular piece has a super nice tight curl pattern that is very 3D, great color variation and some nice stripes in it too. The faux tortoiseshell binding make from celluloid nitrate.

The 34” scale neck is made from eastern rock maple, with some scattered birdseye figure to it, and features a lined rosewood fingerboard. This rosewood is very special also, it is old stock that has been aging 40 years or more before I got it. There are a couple of benefits to aged wood; as seasons come and go (meaning heat and humidity changes) the wood stabilizes over time as it is exposed to these stresses again and again. Secondly, wood seems to vibrate better after going through the aforementioned process. This lined fretless model has maple strips set into what would usually be the fret slots, then they are sanded flush for a silky smooth feel. The shoulders of the fingerboard are well rounded for a bass that feels like it has been played for 20 years already, right out of the box.

Strings are La Bella 760n, a steel flatwound with a black nylon tape outer winding, for a very smooth feel and warm tone. Due to the steel core, these string are very punchy (unlike a full nylon bass string), but with the added nylon outer wrap, the top end is softened to give the character of a nylon string.

A custom made, form fit case fits the body like a hand in a glove, and they are made locally in Los Angeles, California, by G & G cases.