Bass builders - can you help

[dmartinx]

I'm building a fretless electric bass with the goal of creating tone that most closely resembles the tone of an upright bass. I'm a neophyte when it comes to bass construction so I welcome input from experienced builders.

I've been told by Warmoth that 90% of the tone comes from the pickup; that the choice of wood for the body, neck and fingerboard is quite secondary. Can anybody confirm this opinion? If yes, what pickups would you recommend?

For the fingerboard I had planned on using a warmer wood like Brazilian rosewood. But I've been told I'll regret it because even flatwound strings will etch the fingerboard and that I should stick with ebony. True?

I'm planning on using mahogany for the body partially for tone but also for appearance. I'm undecided about the neck. I'd like something that at least doesn't clash with the mahogany. I'm not keen on the uberblond apperance of maple. Any ideas?

Thanks for any and all feedback.

Doug