+1 to everything Jeff Bonny is saying and I'd like to add.
My response comes from a loving place I assure you. From your post I gather two things, first that you don't wanna spend any real money, and two, you are looking for a shortcut to playing double bass, both of which are extremely bad ideas. It's called a doublebass because it's supposed to big, to create a big, low sound. Would you play your gig with a 15watt crate practice amp, and a cheap beginner 1/4 size electric bass? Of course you wouldn't because the deep bass sound and support would not be there. If you have interest in getting serious about doublebass, I encourage you to take advantage of the plethora of information in the stickies, that members have put together over the years, so that people don't rush in and make rash decisions. I see you are a longtime member so perhaps you already have read everything, but if not, go town town.
When I first was interested in making the transition, against all my initial wants to go out and buy an instrument, I decided to take some great advice and rent first, and take that opportunity while I had a bass to learn on, to scout around and try everything I could find, and learn everything I could about all the differences, (laminated, hybrid, carved, roundback, fatback, french/german bows, differences in strings, string spacing, neck size, resale value etc..) so that when I purchased, I was making more of an informed decision. It was the best advice I ever received, and is what led me down the road for a true appreciation, love and understanding of the wonderful instrument we call the doublebass.
I'm 5'6 and have a 1/2 1947 kay h-10, which is slightly bigger than the instrument you are considering, and it is really small neck wise, so for you at 6'8, 1/4 seems perhaps unpractical. I got this kay bass recently for one purpose, I wanted a bass that I could take camping with me, and to have something that I wouldn't be upset about, if it got damaged. It is a blast to play on but, I seem to end up playing it more electric style (technique) wise. Which is fun but I for sure play differently than I play my other DB's.
If it was me, and I was making an investment on a first DB, I would want to get an instrument that A) gives me a big sound acoustically, that I could play anywhere without an amp, B) a bass that made me better than I was C) something quality wise that wouldn't inhibit my ability to progress as I get better, D) is not designed for a 4th grade child, lol jk.. and E) something so cool and hip that it inspired me to play it all the time.
In my very humble opinion if you get this 1/4 bass you could be robbing yourself of much the pleasures/pain of playing DB. It could hinder you from developing true DB technique with it, and it could remain just a novelty, that you play occasionally that you never get very good at.
All this being said, I have heard some great sounding smaller basses come thru the shop, but if this bass is super inexpensive and super mini, it's not likely to be one of these.
I am only taking the time to write this, because I care . I am excited for you to be entering the DB world, and wish you the best, my brother in bass.
