Help a Novice? Is $700 for a Shen 3/4 SB-80 a good deal

[Old Beginner]

Hello,

I've been playing electric bass for 25+ years. I recently started taking lessons again and have an interest in attempting to play the upright. I found a Shen 3/4 SB-80 for $700 from a local dealer. It's a fairly new instrument and was on rental. Evidently the neck came loose and was glued back on.

The local dealer is reputable, but I have no idea if this is a good deal or not. Since I wouldn't know a good bass from a bad one, can anyone shed some light on the subject?

It has a pickup, but I'm not sure what kind.

If several months/years down it turns out the upright is not for me, is there a resale market for this type of bass?

If it turns out that I am able to play the instrument, is this instrument good enough for small local jazz gigs?

Thanks for your help!
Dave

[uprightbass.com]

Necks don't just come loose on their own. The bass was likely dropped and damaged. I'd steer clear of any bass (espcially beginner basses) with neck damage, especially since the cost for a proper repair is almost as much as the bass is worth and you won't recoup the cost when you sell it since the next buyer won't want a bass that had a broken neck either.

[wayne holmes]

yes to all your questions unless the repair was poorly done- I would recommend that you put a deposit down and ask if they will hold if for you for 3 days. take some pictures of the neck repair, post it, or take it to a bass luthier and let him/her check it out. You might also check for other repairs. It is a good deal if the repair was done right. I think the best thing to do is take it to a bass luthier to check out. That model will sell new for around $1500 and just about any pick-up will be $200 at least.. If the dealer is a bass luthier, then I'd go for it.
You might want to get a written guarantee on the neck for a year since the bass is not all that old.

I would want a bag and bow included for the $700

[Alex Scott]

Necks sometimes just pop out clean if the instrument was built right, and can be glued back in pretty well.

If there is a bunch of jagged wood or anything metal sticking out of the bass, or the joint doesn't seem to fit, steer clear.

[Old Beginner]

Hey Guys,

Thanks a lot for helping me out. I appreciate your quick response. Do you know of a qualified luthier in the Charlotte, NC area that I could take it to for an independent examination/appraisal?

Thanks Again,
Dave

[M Ramsey]

I'd suggest you drive up to Greensboro and look up Bob Beerman. Here's his link.

I know it's a bit of a stretch to drive from Charlotte up to Greensboro, but you'd be taking it to a BASS luthier, instead of a guitar tech in a store specializing in Mexican made stratocasters.

Bob is a great guy. If you consider doing it, call and make sure he's available. I'd say this is one of the best options for you to have a good appraisal of the bass you are considering buying. And be sure to offer to pay him a bit for the service he can provide for you.

I hope this helps.