Should I buy this bass...?

[dvh]

I've been playing electric bass for years and years and fretless for the last few. I know I'm at the gate of the upright world and there is one that just came in at the shop.

I know virtually nothing about upright basses. There is a label inside of this one that says this:

Josef Jan Dvorak
Hand crafted by Strunal
Luby U Chebu. Czech Republic

It is on cosignment for $1450 (Canadian dollars - pretty much at par with U.S. dollars). The price includes a cover.

I'm not sure, but it looks like there might be the start of a separation at the neck to the body. A very small crack there.

I'm hoping you friendly folks here can give some useful insights and advice.

Many thanks!

[KSB - Ken Smith]

The most important factor at this point is the condition. These is not special about the Bass. If the Bass needs repairs, it can easily exceed the value of the bass in repair costs. Find a Bass that is not broken or poorly repaired.

Show some detailed pictures if you want some more definite opinions.

[Mike D.]

I think, at that price, it`s probably one of the Strunal plywood basses with a NON ebony fingerboard! I don`t think this isn`t worth the money if it requires repair, as Ken said.
I paid $2500 for a Strunal plywood that has an ebony fingerboard.
I think you can do better. I`m sure you can find a luthier in your area, or around that has some basses worth checking.
by the way, here`s info on Strunal basses: www.strunal.cz

[Daniel Baskin]

Upright basses are 'spensive. Accept this.


There is also no substitute. Upright bass has an authority of voice difficult to match.

[dvh]

Thanks for the responses.