1978 Engelhardt bass for sale. Should I get it, any thoughts?

[engedi1]

There is a 1978 Engeldhardt for sale on my local Craigslist. Doesn't mention the model, but it looks to be in pretty good shape. Price is $1300. Can anyone comment on the quality of Engelhardts from this period, must be the first year or two of production for them. Thanks!
For the about the same money, I could score a brand new Shen 80 or a used BSX Allegro that I know of. Trying to figure out what to do!

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

You could also score any new Engel (besides a Swingmaster) with a professional setup for that kind of cash. Typical craigslist. If the bass speaks to you and the neck is unbroken, offer half the asking price. Maybe.

[punkozuna]

Tough decision, eh? If I recall, early Engelhardts had a spotty rep with some quality issues. In the same price range you can get a new Engelhardt EC1, a Shen SB80 or Strunal 50/1. To my mind, the reasons for getting an old bass are 1. Price. 2. Vintage appeal and history 3. Sound.

Price isn't the issue here. Does a '78 Engel hold a vintage appeal for you? One advantage of the '78 is that you can play it and see how you like the sound. Older basses can command good prices because they sound better as they age. The new basses you probably have to order sight unseen.

[pnut166]

I had one of the Engelhardt`s made from leftover Kay parts (a `73, I think?). I only got $900 for it. I expected more, but the market didn`t.

[tomshepp]

I could score a brand new Shen 80 or a used BSX Allegro that I know of. Trying to figure out what to do!

Listen to yourself.

[engedi1]

Originally Posted by tomshepp

Listen to yourself.

Good point! I just didn't know enough about these Engelhardts to know if this was a good deal, or worth trying out. Thanks yall!

[iiipopes]

A music store local to me sells new ones for about that price, setup extra.

[Eric Hochberg]

Get the Shen, better bass, IMO. Try one out if you can.