Are there any particular steps to take before buying a bass from a pawnshop?
Context
I noticed (I think) a modest spike in pawnshops selling basses on eBay. The descriptions are….brief, but the pictures tend to be good. I found what might be a really good opportunity (a good price on a bass with a rare combo of features) and my optimistic take is that they just looked at the model and the condition and priced competitively.
For instance, they say it comes with the OHSC but only show the interior, should I insist on a photo of the outside?
You just need a good return policy. Check your inspection skills and be sure to document the unboxing. Usually the big thing is the neck. If it’s twisted or have broken truss rod, it would be expensive to repair.
I set up my tripod, hit record started to cut open. I’m so glad I did because the vendor put the OHSC in the box with no additional padding .
One corner had a hole with cracks around it and since there were no shards in the box, I assume that it was broken before shipping. The other end (bottom when placed vertically) is missing two of the four metal feet.
So kids out there, listen to Uncle @Al1885 and document the unboxing.
PS: The bass is awesome. G&L L-1500, black with ebony fretless fingerboard. I had been saving up for a fretless kiloton when SHTF, so this my consolation.
Nice!! Hope you get decent discount for it. Anyways you know the rule, Pics or it didn’t happen.
Btw, aside from aesthetic to me any fingerboard materials are pretty the same in terms of tone. That said when it comes to Fretless materials matter and of course synthetic like RichLite or Ebonel even CA finish sounds pretty awesome, when I comes to natural options at the top of my list is Ebony.
started to cut open. I’m so glad I did because the vendor put the OHSC in the box with no additional padding 
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fretless fingerboard. I had been saving up for a fretless kiloton when SHTF, so this my consolation.