@ sj, pace, hammer (did I forget anyone?)....Thanks you SO much! She'll be here on Thursday (the day following seeing the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary concert at Blossom in Cleveland....belated birhday gift from my youngest daughter and son-n-law)
I assured the seller that she'll be truly and duly loved. More deets after she arrives....
@ bassman....you couldn't have joined a better bunch of folks than this bunch! Major MOJO going on here! Like you, I'm a newbie and let my desires and request be made known. Within 24 hours I was contacted by two different individuals with instruments to sell. While those weren't precisely what I was seeking (too picky...?), I stayed with it and checked in here several times a day. 33 days after joining, Distillate enroute! (Thanks for the CL lead, hammer!)
So, stay aggressive, positive and check in often. Btw, Welcome! Glad to have you.
Lastly, I did find a gorgeous (burl walnut)Distillate while searching the vintageandrare.com site. The store is Bass Collection in the Netherlands, and the gentleman's name is Edwin. Great guy!
I was dealing with the Euro/Dollar exchange rate and I didn't want to go that high. Although he lowered his selling price, it came to $3900 US, shipping included and, if money were not an object, I'd have the bass. Lovely instrument, with the extended upper horn.
Anyway, now that we know your wish, we'll do our best to help you realize it!