The wood down the middle of the first bass was a coverup for some serious cracks and repaired with self tapping screws (i can't believe it myself!). It has since been removed and the cracks repaired and patched up from the inside. We're now repairing the endpin block area and some cracks along the ribs, then the top goes on it again.
The 2nd bass has a "Made in Germany" label. Top carved and ply back and sides. I never really worry about knocks as it has been really tough thru the years. A real gigging hybrid bass and a nice sounding one. I'm lucky
I'll try and get more pics for bass ID purpose when i have more time.
Thanks for the reply Ken.