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Double Bass reset neck

what does it mean? i spotted a bass and had an email exchange with the owner and asked if there was any structural damage. he said that the only thing he could actually see was that the neck was reset. i will see the bass this weekend and i'll take pictures and post them but in the meantime if anyone could tell me what does a "reset neck" means that would be great.
thanks!
 
Basically it means that the neck was removed from the body and then put back in place. Specifically what it means could be any of a number of things so you should check it out. Did the neck just come unglued due to age or shrinkage or was it damaged or dropped? If it's visually obvious that it was "reset" - i.e. - added wood to the joint, screws or bolts (argh!), glue around the joint - then it may have been damaged and/or possibly badly repaired. Also you'll want to make sure it was reset at the correct angle but unless it's obviously way too high or too low you may need to have a luthier look at it which, in general, is a good idea if you're not experienced looking for problems with basses - kind of like taking a used car to a mechanic to check out before you buy.

On the other hand - if it's a good price, feels good to play and sounds good - and if it looks and feels structurally OK then go for it!
 
A reset neck can be a very positive thing.

The neck may have been reset to add overstand and thus make for a taller bridge or correct an original bad set angle that makes the bass easier to play.

It is possible that the bass plays and sounds better now due to that work.
 
here's apicture of the reset neck. i will take it to a local luthier to get an evaluation but i'm curious to hear/read what you guys think.
 

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