Double Bass Button Repair?

[jlmorgan84]

I'm going to check out a bass listed locally. It's a German Meisel Bass, probably from the 50's. It's in pretty rough shape, but the price reflects it. Most of the damage appears to be to the finish, not structural. There does seem to be some nasty damage to the neck heel/button. I've attache pictures below. Assuming the neck is structurally sound (which may be a big assumption), how easy (read expensive) is something like this to fix? I've got a good bass-capable repairman, and cosmetic issues don't bother me as much, just want an idea of what I might be getting into. Thanks for your help.

-Jim

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Repairing a broken button on a carved back is difficult but not the end of the world. Replacing a missing button on a ply back is a pig, or so I'm told. I've never felt the need to try.

If the bass is a junker you want to use as a beater instrument, you could possibly get some use out of it by sinking a long fat screw through the heel into the block.

But of course, in the real world you'd never do such a thing because there are basses out there that are not mostly ruined and are worth spending money and effort on.

 

[Heifetzbass]

If you want another opinion, I'm happy to take a look at it for you.
Best,
BG