Should I get this bass ? Stored for 20 years

[feech]

A friend of mine has an upright they mentioned to me they are selling. 

 

Haven't seen it in person yet but they just sent me these photos. It's 1967 I think and looks to be Hungarian made. I love how it's aged it looks so much prettier than my Thomann 22 3/4 !

 

It's been in storage (in a soft foam case) for 20/25 odd years so I'm sure it's going to need some set up and new strings at the very minimum. Im not sure exactly where in terms of temp/humidity.

 

Though I'm wandering what kind of issues I should be on the look out for or common issues basses that have been in storage encounter that could be costly to repair.

 

They are asking for 275 for it as this is what they originally paid in the 90s when they were a student.

 

Would you go for it ? What should I keep an eye out for ? Is it too much risk of being a money pit ? Also am I right in thinking this is carved or is a hybrid ? 

 

Thanks to all for your knowledge in advance ! 

 

 

[Beedster]

Yes 👍

[Stub Mandrel]

275?

 

Rearrange these words into a well-known phrase or saying:

 

Off ... bite... hand.

[simonlittle]

Definitely. 

[feech]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

275?

 

Rearrange these words into a well-known phrase or saying:

 

Off ... bite... hand.

 

Any idea what It could be worth ? 🙂

[NickA]

Basic laminate bass.  Very shallow body.  Likely to be short on tone, sustain and projection.

 

Still, some of those 1960s east European factory basses are quite decent.  Especially if youre going to use a pickup.   I'd say make sure to play it first, but for £275....just buy it and see.

 

Bear in mind that new strings will be £200+, a new bridge similar (tho it looks to have a good and well fitted one), and the cost of repairing any internal rattles will be way more than the value of the bass. But being plywood, it's likely just fine in that respect.