Need input on a buying a used DB

[rsrhcp]

Hi there, so I have only played electric basses until this point, and I decided to buy an DB after playing many of my friends' DBs and enjoying them thoroughly. So, I had an acquaintance of mine tell me they were trying to sell their 1957 Kay Bass (which have linked pictures below!).

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/m...MG_3373_r1.jpg
http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/m...MG_3375_r1.jpg
http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/m...MG_3376_r1.jpg

1957, sounds like a good year, right? I mean, I know as far as electrics go, that would be worth a killing!

But what about for DBs? What should I look for when I play this instrument (besides the overall sound/tone/feel)? Any good woods I should keep my eye out for? Or any sort of specifications? What would you say is a reasonable price for this bass just by looks?

Thanks so much! I hope to be a great contribution to the DB community!

[drurb]

Take a look at this related thread.

[mattfong]

It looks like its in really good condition, but look over it closely to make sure theres no cracks, open seams, etc.

Kays are known for being great sounding plywood basses, but be sure to play it yourself and have someone else play it while you listen from a few meters away. A bass sounds very different from the player's perspective and the audience's.

[rsrhcp]

Ok, ha, that guy in the other thread seems to be in the same boat. Thanks drurb. Also, thanks for the input mattfong, I hadn't really thought of that before.