Thanks Dave (actually, BOTH of you!) for your thoughts and input. Admittedly, choosing this particular neck wood combination was something of a leap of faith (above & beyond it's good looks); but it IS good to hear that it truly DOES work well, and in the ways that I'd hoped for too. One thing's for certain: once I actually receive it, this bass WILL get put to regular and constant use....no lounging around for THIS beauty!