a bass with a repaired

[kderick]

i have a chance to buy a 1950 Kay S-9 for a guy I met online. This bass is not in mint condition. It has a replaced top (done in 1997), some of its original purfling has chipped away and there is a repaired crack in its shoulder. He claims that all of these problems are aesthetic and do not affect its sound, Though he lives in NJ and I am in FL. I won't be able to test it before I buy. Any thoughts from TB?

[Wil Davis]

Originally Posted by kderick

i have a chance to buy a 1950 Kay S-9 for a guy I met online. This bass is not in mint condition. It has a replaced top (done in 1997), some of its original purfling has chipped away and there is a repaired crack in its shoulder. He claims that all of these problems are aesthetic and do not affect its sound, Though he lives in NJ and I am in FL. I won't be able to test it before I buy. Any thoughts from TB?

Not a good idea to buy without testing it, unless you can get some sort of money-back guarantee, or trial-period before you pay the full amount. Do you know anyone in NJ who might check it out for you? - at least it might save you a wasted trip - even then, they might think it's really great, but you might hate it. Buying a double-bass is a very personal thing - if you have little or no experience, then get lots of advice - what does your teacher say? (you do have a teacher… …don't you?)

- Wil