I bought this old czech bass some time ago and have been restoring it for my teenage daughter who plays in a jazz ensemble.
Before:
Bottom block loose and cracked, linings unglued, over-length, bent and crooked neck, sunken top, bassbar unglued, bad varnish repairs.
After:
This bass sounds surprisingly good for a laminated bass. It's easy to play, loud and projects well. The finish has come up nice and transparent, bar a few little chips that I have to touch up. It's actually not as in-your-face as I thought it might be; the patina - if you can call it that - of the stripped wood shows through, scratches and dings and all, and tones the green down beautifully.
The only thing that's a bit odd is that the neck is a "C#" neck now after I shortened it. But that doesn't take too long to get used to. Client is very happy.
