Double Bass Crack near End pin

[Alaskanpipeline]

Hey TB!
This is my first post, unfortunately the subject matter isn't the happiest. After much research I purchased my first DB over the weekend and I have been very happy with it. The man who sold it to me was very reputable and the bass it self (carved) is wonderful.

I heard a crack today as i was tuning it (may or may not have caused it?) but along the bottom i notice the seam was somewhat splitting. the split runs up the side and starts to come a across the top (only about 1cm).

I sent the seller an email, because he does set up and repairs but i was looking for a second opinion. Am I overreacting?

 

[Matthew Tucker]

the bottom straight crack through the endpin is probably the rib shrinking a little, or it may have always been like that ... may be nothing to worry about.

The other part is a classic "saddle crack" caused by the top shrinking around the ebony saddle. You should get it glued up and have the luthier cut a thin gap at either edge of the saddle to allow for more shrinkage.

Both due to shrinkage - if it's a brand new bass made with wood that isn't so well seasoned, it may keep shrinking for a while so keep an eye on it!

 

[RSBBass]

I know I have not been around DB for very long and that they are more prone to these problems but if I had an instrument for under a week and it was getting cracks It would be heading back to the shop for repairs or a refund so fast it would go up an octave.