Hagstrom Viking Bass, yay or nay

[neil|lien]

Dear Fellaz & Fellazettes !

I have been G.A.S.ing really bad for a Rockbass Starbass... but prices both new & second hand are ruling out that option & i started looking for other cheaper options. Then i found this on the second hane market here in Spain. The asking price is 350€ with HSC.
BUT there is a massive problem: looks like the fingerboard is coming off the neck, no?
In the add, seller says that he has sent pics to a luthier, & that luthier said that it was fine, that all he had to do is file it down so he wouldn't feel it while playing.
And this is why i am writing here today: what do U all think? Buy or pass? Is easily fixable??

Also, can anyone decypher the serial number for me? Is that a 2013 bass??

 

[godofthunder59]

It could be just a finish crack between the binding and neck finish or it could be the fingerboard seperating from the neck. I can't tell from just a picture, I would need the bass in hand but even then it would be difficult to determine the extent of the crack.
If this bass is a significant investment for you and to be your main player or only bass I would pass.

 

[Thornton Davis]

Serial number indicates that it was made in July of 2013.

TD

 

[jd56hawk]

No similar basses readily available there?

 

[neil|lien]

It could be just a finish crack between the binding and neck finish or it could be the fingerboard seperating from the neck. I can't tell from just a picture, I would need the bass in hand but even then it would be difficult to determine the extent of the crack.
If this bass is a significant investment for you and to be your main player or only bass I would pass.

Yeah, it's 350€... i would have to sell my CV Mustang for that bass that might turn out to be cwaaaap... my only other bass is a Sire U5... risky move...

Serial number indicates that it was made in July of 2013.

TD

Faaaaanks!

No similar basses readily available there?

Not in my budget... one in France for 500€ + shipping is the closest.. assuming seller accepts to ship...


One thing that i noticed is that last week that bass was marked as "reserved" which would mean that someone already went there, tried it & didn't buy, or someone bought it and shipped it back... which is something you can do through the second hand app that's popular here, as long as it is within 48 hrs of recieving the parcel..

 

[christpncher]

i would pass due to that crack

 

[ajkula66]

Hard pass.

It's not an expensive instrument where such a repair - if needed - could set you up for life.

As much as I love old Hagstroms - which I've owned in various guises - the new Chinese ones failed to impress me one bit.

My $0.02 only...

 

[neil|lien]

Okay guys! Thank U all very much for Ur input !