Hey folks, a few questions.
I recently purchased an old plywood upright. I am told by the previous owner that it's in the neighbourhood of 50 years old and of German origin, however, there are no identifying markings anywhere. Having owned an earlly 60's Framus several years ago, I looked in the obvious places on the new bass but sadly, no evidence of the original manufacturer is to be found.
The deets: the bass has been played extensively - I would say constantly for it's entire life - lots of road-wear, scars and the edges are a little gnarly in places. Plywood sides, back and top, no cracks that I can see and it doesn't look like the top has been removed at any point. The neck, however, has been reset (many moons ago) and screws/dowels have been used to secure it. This repair appears to be super-stable and not a concern. Fingerboard is black-laquered hardwood, not sure what but it's definitley not Ebony or Rosewood. Same with the tailpiece. As far as what's been done to it recently - it's had a new soundpost installed, a new bridge, new end-pin and cable.
The big problem area that I can see and a concern for me is that at one point, the neck took a heavy knock and the peg box cracked away from the neck ..... not completely, but there's been a break there. It appears that from the top of the scroll all the way down to the bottom of the peg-box (in other words, the entire "headstock" area) got leaned forward like a hinge. The break was definitely back to front (ie: the scroll leaned forward). The repair that's been done looks like a re-set with a healthy dose of hide-glue and then a screw straight on through the break area (from bass side to treble - you can see this in the second pic). Cosmetically, the crack/break area at the back looks rough but it seems to be stable and the previous owner claims it's given him no problems.
Aside from the repairs mentioned, there's nothing else I can see. The tone out of this thing is monsterous - just beautiful. I've strung it up with WW's on the D & G and plain guts on the E & A.
Suggestions? I'd like to address the issue mentioned above but will a luthier really be able to improve on the repair already done? Anything else I should be thinking about with this bass? Unlike the Framus I had back in the 90's, this bass is not going to be sold anytime soon ...... so any and all comments re: restoration/maintenance are welcome! Also, if any of you could narrow down the original manufacturer from the pics and description I've given, that would be much appreciated.
Oh yeah, some pics .......
I was glad for that when playing in the rain this morning. 
It's a beater. 
