Ugly (to some)? Maybe. Any difference in tone? who knows, more than likely not.
Had mine built to spec, and it works (great) for me.
People generally like it when they pick it up.
I just fancied one at the time, and it turned out better than I expected.
Been using mine for around ten years, really the only fretted Bass I use.
No neck dive, balances well when standing or sitting in pits/studios etc.
The whole thing feels really solid with great upper register access.
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