back to life?

[Derrick Fernandez]

Hello all.

I have a few questions for the experts and knowledgeable about a bass I recently picked up.

Let me start by saying that i'm guessing that it is either a Tyrolean blockless or Bohemian, from 1850-1900, it is unlabeled other than a mark saying it was restored in 1925. I'm probably way off about the region and i'm fully prepared to get flamed.

In the side by side pic you can see it is a smaller scale than my 1930's German, in fact the scale is only 39" so it's either a 5/8 or 1/2. The body is also smaller but not hugely so.

Right now i'm planning on having it looked over and setup to play as is, but I have this crazy idea that it would be neat to have a new neck/block installed (scroll retained) to lengthen the scale to 40.5", have the bass bar replaced if it is integrated, new fingerboard and bridge as well.

Is this something that is common or is a silly idea based on the smaller body size, which would probably limit it's appeal to many players?

Opinions?

Thank you.
D