sorry for butting in here , but was watching this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSONJgwBIM&NR=1
of Ray Brown on u-tube just now , take a look at 3m31 secs , where he gets up off the stool , freeze frame ... you can get a really good look at the overstand , ... THERE ISN'T ONE !
...Ha ! the fingerboard looks to be flat on the bass ribs .
Watch the whole clip to see Ray play , especially the 'A flat ' blues , this 'incorrect' setup doesn't seem to hinder or bother Ray . And he sounds marvelous.
makes me wonder about all the importance you guys are placing on the optimum overstand. i think neck angle to achieve optimum bridge height is more critical , this bass looks like it has a tall bridge .
if the bass plays ok , why 'fix' it .
if this bass in the clip wasn't a good player , you can betcha Ray wouldn't be playing it .
just my 2 cents worth .