All Jay Haide basses are hand-made of quality seasoned maple and spruce and have a tone quality and workmanship normally found in instruments costing much more. The á l'ancienne are made by more senior makers with finer quality aged wood for musicians requiring the best tone quality and are brought to you after years of development. The varnish is a new formulation, carefully applied and beautifully antiqued giving each instrument the patina of age, so desired by both musicians and connoisseurs. They are as beautiful tonally as they are visually. This instrument has been designed for the advanced student and professional who needs an instrument that will compliment and enhance their artistic style.