Elan, Rogue at Bassnw

[Bradley Young]

Elan 6 string
 
Spalted Rogue
 
I've seen the Elan, it is really nice.
 
Bradley

[bassjigga]

That Elan would be real tempting if my funds weren't stranded on custom island.

[the_8_string_king]

Interesting.
 
I can confirm that the Elan IS a great sounding bass -as it is the bass that was sold without my permission by an EX-friend that I'd trusted to hold it while I moved to Las Vegas.
 
Mica did not want me to go into details on-site here -so I won't.  Chad was good enough to confirm the serial number, and that this is my old Elan.  As far as I can tell, he is in no way responsible for my loss -as the transgression was committed in Maryland... and I'm grateful for him honestly cooperating with me, and confirming that this is my old Elan.
 
It supposedly sold a few months back... and now it's up for sale again.
 
Hmm.
 
Well, it's a great sounding bass.  I recommend it to anyone who is interested.  It has a bright and clear maple sound with good sustain.  I've got a replacement in the works -as some of you may know- and I'm cutting my losses -for now.
 
If anyone is interested in getting this great bass, you have my blessing.  The people responsible for taking it from me... well, while I have some things I'd like to say... it wouldn't necessarily be in my self-interest -and Mica's indicated she wouldn't like it... so... 'nuff said.
 
It's a great bass.  I'd buy it back -if my replacement bass Elana wasn't already paid for and being built.

[bassjigga]

Wow 8SK so that is your infamous stolen Elan huh? Have you no recourse to recover it? I'd want it back if it were mine regardless of if I already had a replacement in the works.

[Bradley Young]

Mark,
 
I feel bad.  I've been lusting after that bass.
 
I can understand your loss.
 
Bradley

[tbrannon]

Bradley-
 
perhaps you should buy it.  Mark's stated above that he's alright with somebody purchasing it.  
 
If I were Mark, I'd be much happier knowing it went to you than to some bloke off the street who might thrash it or decide to modify it in some way.  
 
Best case scenario for both is that a few months/years down the track the bass might trade hands back to Mark.  You'll have your custom 6 and if the Elan isn't getting played perhaps Mark will be in a position to get it back from you.
 
Toby
 
* apologies in advance if my idea is out of line- it just seems a natural fit to me.

[the_8_string_king]

I got legal advice on the issue.  I would have a decent chance of sucessfully sueing the parties involved... IF I was willing to pay a lawyer what it would cost.
 
But that would likely be more than the cost of the bass.  It's extremely unlikely that any lawyer would take any action without me first paying a LOT of money... hundreds of dollars AT LEAST... more likely AT LEAST a thousand OR MORE.
 
And I'd have to arrange something with a Maryland lawyer... and due to the distance... well, it's just a clusterf***.
 
For these and other reasons, using the system would be a risky and problematic endeavor, at best.  And there would be no guarentees.
 
My problem is I was screwed by someone I trusted... someone I put myself in a vulnerable position with, counting on integrity that he ultimately didn't have.
 
What's especially messed up -aside from the fact that he lied to me and failed to live up to the responsabilities that he accepted to me and my bass- is the fact that the guy has a LOT of money... he knows he screwed me... and he's in the position to make things right... and he could do so at no great cost to himself.
 
He owns two homes that are paid off, and at least 50 guitars and basses, most of which are fairly expensive, and most of which he plays rarely or ever.  The other person involved also lied to me and is also in a position to make things right.
 
They just screwed me because they could, because they think they can/will get away with it, and that's the kind of people they are.
 
It's NOT okay... but I really believe that, most of the time, what goes around comes around... and I expect the consequences of their actions to eventually catch up to them.
 
Anyway, as I said before, Mica has indicated she would prefer I don't go into details here, and so I don't want to say anything beyond the general semi-vague statements I've already made regarding the matter.
 
As I said before, anyone who wants it has my blessing at this point.  I don't have the $ to but it back, as I've already committed much more than the cost of that instrument towards an even more awesome replacement.  But Toby is correct is stating I'd be much happier with a club member purchasing and enjoying it than with a nameless rube off the street.
 
So Bradley, pick it up and play it, and if it suits you, buy it with my blessing.  It's a great looking, great sounding, and fantastic playing bass.  My only issue with it was the neck was a bit wide... and I prefer narrow spacing... just a preference... the fact is, I have relatively big hands.
 
Don't feel bad lusting after it... it's not your fault... it's a great bass.
 
I'm still sore over it, but there's nothing I can do.  I've written it off, and my replacement 6-string Elana is under construction -as I know you guys have seen.  It was designed, amoung other things, to not only replace, but blow away the Elan... so once I get it, I'll feel a lot better.
 
In the meantime, as Toby observed, I'd feel better if it happened to end up in the hands of someone I know, and who I know will treasure it as I did.
 
(But DON'T get it to make me feel better... only get it if it's right for you!!!)
 
Take care, gang

[mica]

All I wanted you to do is protect yourself by not putting his name on the website. That is the detail I thought it would be wise to keep to yourself.
 
I know how you feel though. I sold an 8-string Europa to a professional player at a NAMM show many years ago and the check bounced. Of course, he had the bass. It's not stolen according to the police, although I feel ripped off. The amount of the sale wasn't enough to get the attention of the authorities in Los Angeles. He never made the check good.

[bsee]

Wow, you guys are weirding me out.  
 
Mark, I would think there must be some fine line there that protects these guys from criminal responsibility.  Too bad there isn't some damage multiplier that could attach to a civil suit.  A little triple damages plus some punitive amount could make it a worthwhile case.  Maybe some ambulance-chaser type might take rhe case on speculation and you could get the fun of harassing the wrongdoers?
 
I swear there's a thing on the books called larceny by check that covers the use of a bad check as a means of stealing something.  Maybe that's not the law in CA?  
 
Oh well, it is what it is...

[kungfusheriff]

Chiming in at this late hour, there's an old saying in my business, the truth is an absolute defense against libel.
What that boils down to is, 8SK and Mica could broadcast the names of the ne'er-do-wells who ripped them off, on this forum, until the cows come home. If those so named take umbrance, the burden of proof would be on them to explain why they were wronged.
It doesn't always work out so poetically in real life, but it's usually pretty interesting to watch that sort explain themselves.
Just a thought.

[georgie_boy]

Great idea!!
 
G

[olieoliver]

It's illegal in Texas Bob and Mica, its call theft by check here and very easy to prosecute. You do have to file charges here locally yourself though.

[Bradley Young]

Trust me when I say that I'd like to.  Senior Managment disagrees with extreme prejudice.
 
 
 
I'd even have a name for her-- reason.  It is a bit of cockney rhyming slang, see if you can figure it out.  Hint: it has to do with the color.
 
Bradley

[lbpesq]

Mica:
 
The L.A. cops gave you the wrong advice.  Under California law, you would be entitled to the amount of the check plus treble damages up to an extra $1500 pursuant to the civil code.  The guy who ripped you off would also be subject to criminal prosecution and up to 3 years in prison.  No donuts for those cops.
 
Bill, tgo