To a large degree, one's favorite neck recipe, especially on a neck through, is directly related to tone. Since on a neck through, the neck woods contribute to tone much more so than the body woods, the woods you choose for the neck go a long way to determining your instrument's tone. Of course neck stability is also important, and is why only certain woods are appropriate for necks.
The four woods I see the shop using most often for basses recently seem to be Maple, Mahogany, Purpleheart and Ebony. The following generalizations are what I recall reading here on the forum; others may have better knowledge. Maple is the standard for the lower priced basses. Maple provides attack and high end clarity. Mahogany is a neutral wood, and recently is showing up in more and more custom orders. Purpleheart adds strength and sustain; Maple with Purpleheart laminates is the standard for the higher priced basses, and it's kinda the classic look. Ebony adds strength and sustain, and supports the fundamental of the note.
Of course, appearance is also a consideration, and all of these woods, and others such as Walnut and Vermilion, are used as accents between the major laminates.
