another puzzle

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Adrian Levi

Seems obvious to me , especially if the sides , and plates stay original.

But at what stage would the term 'restoration' not be applicable , and a term like 're-build/re-make for example apply . Say for arguments sake the top plate has to be totally replaced including the scroll ..... etc ?

Never replace the Top on an old bass unless it's actually missing or destroyed and splintered beyond repair by the best possible efforts. It may be easier than fixing if not totally destroyed but to replace it, you can cut the value in half as far as I'm concerned. Some will disagree but I hate to see old basses with replaced parts that don't have to be.

Basses with replaced Tops and or Heads are greatly devalued.

Your bass is not that bad at all in comparison. I have seen much worse by far put back together.