mr dave

the flaws would be pretty similar. i can't think of anything that would really be bass specific unless you're looking at fretless gear (in which case the fretboard might show a bit more wear depending on the type of strings used). everything you know about checking a guitar applies to bass.

one thing you might not think to check while trying them out is how the instrument balances while standing. i have an old Aria Pro II from the 70s which is body heavy and nice, but weighs on my shoulder with extensive use. my fretless Samick is neck heavy and keeps swinging for my knee as soon as i let go of the neck but it feels more comfortable on my back.

as for cheap, you can score some pretty decent 2nd tier gear from the 70s for dirt cheap at most 2nd hand spots. the age of google and ebay limits some treasures but not everyone bothers to find out who the parent companies on 'no-names' were.

a lawsuit-era Ibanez with a different manufacturer's name is still a lawsuit-era Ibanez (still kicking myself in the butt for not grabbing a Mansfield for $200 a few years ago).

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