Paint or body crack, how do I know?

[Aloe]

Hi,

I'm GASing for a new bass and found one used. The bass is okay, but... uhm, dented a little. Nothing seems critical to me, but there is one long crack in the finish that seller thinks as worst part. It's not really noticeable from side, but this is the photo where you can see it well:

My main concern is how can I be sure if that's only crack in finish, not in the wood. I'd like not to strip the paint as I like the color. From the inside of control cavity there's shielding paint, but I cannot see any line or mark that matches the crack on the outside. Seller says, he took off the pots and tried to push this area from inside and outside and it didn't move, so he expects this is only a finish crack.

May I please have a second opinion on this? Thanks

 

[abarson]

That crack too closely traces the outline of the control cavity. I'd say the controls took a straight on hit. Even though the seller claims no visible damage to the wood and the impression that it is stable, it would put me off.
But if this is something you can live with and you can negotiate a low price in light of the damage, go for it. It's not a critical area like the neck or neck pocket. Just make sure you fully inspect the rest of it.

 

[Turnaround]

Do you know the seller well enough to trust his judgement? Is he knowledgeable in instrument repair? Does the seller guarantee it? Will he let you take the bass to a tech of your choice for their evaluation of the damage before you buy? If "no" to any of these, is it offered at a cheap enough price to take a chance? It doesn't seem to bee too badly broken, but are you able to fix it yourself? If not do you know how much your local tech would charge to fix it?