Bass Modifications

Can someone please help me.
I am about to buy a second hand bass guitar and modify the body drastically. I have seen the new electric double basses at Allens music store in Melbourne Australia. No bodies. just a Stick and it looks Awesome. My idea is to get a Bass and cut the body leaving just the frets all the way down to the end of the bass. or cutting the body and designing a F Cleff Shape. my question is.. Would this modification which is only to the body change the sound of the bass. Please let me know as i am really busting to know as i want to get this second hand. Cheap bass and modify the body only.