Identifying a bass as carved or laminate

[Ted Burik]

Hi everyone:

First thread on KSB Bass Forums. Could anyone here provide input as to how I could identify a bass as carved or laminate? I'm considering buying a 1977 E. Wilfer bass and it appears to be fully carved spruce in front and maple in back. The front has the usual grain markings on the edge indicative of spruce. The back is a bit tougher-the maple is not highly figured, so it does not show through on the edge and I'm not seeing too much looking inside the bass for a maple grain.

I very much trust the shop where I am buying the bass, however, I thought it would be valuable to understand how to make the identification myself. Any thoughts?

Ted Burik