Deal breakers for me, as with many others, would be: fat neck, tight string spacing at the bridge, neck dive, excessive weight. Any of these would see me putting it straight back down again. Colour is a factor too, but to a lesser extent. Hardware is easily changed, so not a problem if the rest of the instrument is perfect.
[quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1429519061' post='2752081']
I would like to see a picture of you with a 3/4 sized/other short scale bass if any such photos exist
[/quote]
A photo exists somewhere of our 6'5" alto saxist playing the MD's curved soprano sax. Truly hilarious to behold