Soundpost crack and value

[Arnold Schnitzer]

In the world of expensive violins, violas and cellos, a soundpost crack can devalue an instrument by half. In the case of double basses, it's unusual for an ancient bass NOT to have one. Basses live a tough life; weather cracks, being dropped, banging into doors, and until recently, existing in conditions with no constant temperature or humidity. In general, I don't feel that a soundpost crack hurts a bass' value unless it has been poorly repaired.