An update on this saga...
I went to see the bass a few days ago. Pretty beaten up, a ton of dings on the back of the neck which annoyed the crap out of me while I was trying it out. Other than that, an unusual and cool instrument.
The guy selling is it a weirdo, but many people would opine that I'm one myself, so that wasn't a big deal. However, I did NOT like the story about how he became the owner of this bass. While I have no doubt that he hasn't stolen it himself, I am somewhat suspicious of the folks that he head acquired it from. Something just didn't feel right, so I passed on it altogether.
Bought myself an amp instead...
To everyone who wished me a speedy recovery - thank you once again, it seems to be on its way...
