Richard Meisel bass

[sonen]

Today I looked at 3 basses. Two newer hybrid 7/8 kohr chinese basses and a fully carved 20-30 year old german meisel bass that had been professionally repaired a couple times. I can get a really good deal on the meisel because of the way that it looks (half the price of the kohr) However, I am a newbee and I am still unsure if I should consider a "repaired" bass. The current owner is a Luthier and plays for the symphony and is very knowledgeable. He seems trustworthy enough.

The repairs were
1) putting the neck back on.
2) crack repairs above the left f hole.

Since this will be my first bass I want to do my homework. It sounded and played better than any other hybrid basses that I have played.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance,
sonen

[Silversorcerer]

If those repairs were done right, the old German Meisel is probably the better investment over the long run. Sound is more important than looks. Many fine basses have numerous serious repairs and if all was done professionally, these repairs do not negatively affect the value, sound, or playability of the instrument. Find a second reputable violin/DB repair shop, take the bass in for a look see, and make sure the repairs are solid. If I could get it for half the price of the hybrids and more importantly, I liked the sound, I wouldn't hesitate.