Would this bass be a good buy?

[el_mariachi]

Today I checked out a used William Lewis & Sons 3/4 laminate bass. Its made in Romania and I think it was a model 226 (if i remember correctly). I also saw a "1995" on the tag. does that mean it was built in 1995? The owner is asking 900 for it. We met at a local bass and violin shop to have it professionally inspected. The owner has had it for 6 years and it has the normal scratches and scrapes here and there. Upon inspection the luthier said that some seems on the top would need glued (no biggy) and that the end of the fingerboard would need glued (at the heel, fingerboard was a little loose from the neck). Again, the luthier didn't seem too concerned. Overall, he said the repairs would cost about 75-100 bucks and would take 3-4 days for turnaround. It comes with a decent bag and is strung with Spirocores. Immediately the owner said he would knock off the amount for the repairs.

So my question is, would this be worth it? There was also a slight crack about an inch above the endpin on the bottom, towards the topside. Again the luthier wasn't too concerned with it.

I'm a little torn seeing as this would be my first acoustic double bass.
here are some pics (rough)

[Silversorcerer]

That seems like a fair price. It is always a good idea to get a "pit stop" on a used bass from an individual and since you have done that you have a good idea what issues there might be. Generally European laminates are durable instruments and sound reasonably good for the price. That it is a Lewis & Sons makes little difference because that is just a brand. You know the instrument's origin and condition and sound;- that is about all that is important. You should get a teacher since this is your first real DB.

[MarkRubin]

Originally Posted by Silversorcerer

That seems like a fair price.

From your description, I'll second that. But the best thing is to develop a relationship with your local luthier. As a new bassist, you'll come to find that a good set up and repair man in your corner is essential.

[el_mariachi]

Thanks for the replies. I picked it up for 800 and immediately took it to my local luthier. They should have it ready by Tuesday or Wednesday. here is a better picture of it. Oh and I'm already looking up local instructors so I can start getting lessons ASAP.