1990 Elan on the 'bay

[kenner]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330726079038&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123
 
Pics #7, and #8 concern me.... any opinions?
 
I have sent a message to the seller on whether it's returnable if the neck is truly cracked...but, haven't heard back...

[mikedm]

Ol' #12 always pops into mind when I see things like this.
Something like that on one side should at least raise a simple question about the finish. But to have similar cracks on both sides needs investigation. I wonder if removing the strings, nut and base plate would provide a better view of possible separation, or repair along the top of the fingerboard. Kevin swears by  gorilla glue.

[keith_h]

Looking at the picture where the nut is on the left (#8?) there's what looks to me like some de-lamination of the fret board. Personally I would pass on this one if I couldn't physically inspect it.

[kenner]

He still hasn't responded....   I suspect the worse...non returnable...gonna be out of town unavailable...  I get the gut some poor someone is gonna get the shortend on this if they aren't truly informed...sad...love the idea of zebra over maple...

[gtrguy]

Yep, somebody has got themselves a good ol neck crack going there. Easy to repair but ugly to touch and look at. This guy initially seems to be skating around the issue a little bit, but the photos tell the story. Nice looking bass though.

[yogalembic]

After reading his response to the additional questions regarding the surface cracks, I'd let this puppy go.
He did say he would consider returns if it was an issue. He does have 100% Pos FB, with 90 pieces sold/bought.  
If I were interested, I'd low ball it and, if won, I'd send it to Mica and have it restored.
Just my observations on my Alembicless Sunday afternoon.....

[ccc]

Hmmmm...
 
Just my 2?: Definitely looks like someone did a home-brew repair using some kind of cyanoacrylate. A satin finish on the neck would not flake in such a fashion. My guess is that this bass has taken a hard fall sometime in it's past.
 
If I were interested, I'd low ball it and, if won, I'd send it to Mica and have it restored.
 
Can't really restore this (to like-new condition) with a neck-thru. The most you could hope for is a best case proper repair. I don't think it would be cheap. It would definitely be playable if repaired properly, but the integrity of the neck (and lamination of the fingerboard by the looks of it) has been permanently damaged.

[gtrguy]

Atually, Glue is stronger than wood, if done right. The Mothership does repairs to cracks and so do other places. Of course, it does not look so great and I think it devalues the bass a fair amount, but in terms of play-ability, it is not much of an issue if correctly done.