It turned out to be more difficult buying this thing than I thought.
After reading warnings and recommendations on this site, I determined to play as many basses as I could before deciding on which to buy. The problem I encountered was finding places to try them out. This surprised me, considering my nearness to the metropolitan area, but maybe I just run in different circles. I tried several in pawn shops, but none of those seemed in good shape or sound. Tried contacting people who advertised basses for sale, but they either didn't know what they had or didn't reply. All in all, I kept returning to [gulp] Sam Ash, who had the Holbein 50/2C on display, which seemed to sound nice and felt good and relatively solid. I understand from what I've read here and elsewhere that it is a model Strunal makes and labels for SA. (Maybe their 50/2H model?) They were asking $1200.
On Craigslist yesterday someone close by was advertising just this model 1-1/2 years old, for $700. I went to look at it, and it was in very good condition, almost store-new. They said they'd had it setup to lower the action for their son when they bought it, but alas, he didn't have the wrist strength to follow through. It felt good to play, had good volume plucked, and roared when bowed. No unusual noises. And I figured if they'd had it for a year and a half and it hadn't fallen apart or warped, it must be halfways well built. So I bought it, and they included a bow and stand (not included at SA).
I last played a DB when I was in high school 35 years ago, so for all intents and purposes, I'm a beginner again. I think this instrument will help me work back into it, and will likely serve me well for any use I would have for a DB. It's a BIG change from the 30.5 inch short-scale Gibson BG I played for so many years!
I didn't take the bait.
