1999 Dean European Edge Select Improv 5 (Czech) Bass in Flame Natural Oil w/ OHSC

This is a Dean European Select Edge Improv 5 bass in Flame Natural Oil. It has the original, snugly-fitting Dean hardshell case. Both are in really nice shape. Hard to believe it's already more than 20 years old.

Serial number says 1999, but this Czechian (Czech Republic) facility was only turning out Deans (and Spectors and MTBs) for a few years in the late 90's, so it cannot be much older or younger in any case.

(Sunday 5/30 edit: Had a fellow Reverb user chime in to say today that this is a '99, and that in '95, the facility was still running under the prior owner. I'll follow up with more if I can run this down a little more. Thanks B-Mac!)

35" scale, 1 11/16 nut, flame maple top, alder body, weighs a bit under 10 lbs.

These basses were marketed as "handmade" and the Improv was their top of the line. Neck-thru, exotic, showy woods and finishes, Schaller gold tuners and strap locks, brass nut, high-mass bridge. There is more than one discussion about these basses on the talkbass website (though some of these threads are a decade old or more). The general consensus: they're really pretty nice. I'd leave you a link if I could. search "dean Czech bass" - you'll find it.

Condition: The gold finish on the control knobs is showing some aging/patina (see photos) and the bottom edge of the bass has a couple of very small hard to photograph small dings and scratches. Same goes for the end of the headstock, but again, very minor. There is almost no glossing of the matte natural finish anywhere. Little to no signs of play wear. Frets show almost no wear. Back of the neck and fretboard very clean. EMGs working perfectly, controls clean & tight. Fresh Duracell battery. Recent GHS Boomer strings. It is set up really well, with a nice consistently low action. Plays well with no buzzing. Clean and tight. 

To me, it sure feels like a better instrument than what you get for the same money today. Buying these gold Schaller tuners and EMG soapbar pickups now would set you back almost $400. Am I sounding like Grandpa? I'll stop.

The case is the same - almost no wear at all. A few small marks on the case exterior, all minor. All latches work fine. Bass fits well.

Questions, more photos? Say the word. I want you to be very happy with your purchase - answering questions is not a problem.