Possible Stolen Alembic on eBay

[poor_nigel]

Is this is, or is this ain't this bass?
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/9077.html?1080606904
 
Seller is in same area it was stolen from.  Uh oh!  

[poor_nigel]

The bass has already been turned into Alembic.  Wow, I sure hope if one of basses gets nabbed, I get it back.  Cool!

[David Houck]

That's definitely the same bass.  Looks like a pawn shop that's selling it.

[bsee]

Mica knew about it within fifteen minutes of it appearing on eBay, which is less than 90 minutes ago.  If she got a commitment for safe return already, that's great!!!

[poor_nigel]

Mica already talked to them (They contacted her after someone called them informing them it was a stolen bass) and thinks the owner will get back his bass.  I think that is really great and a very good reason to feel good about the Alembic community as a whole.  Not trying to be too ugly here, but I hope the thief get skinned!!!!  And . . .  Then let's party!
 
Math good!  Spelling, grammar bad!!!
 
(Message edited by poor_nigel on September 20, 2004)

[jalevinemd]

That bass is still on the auction block as of 1 minute prior to this post.

[David Houck]

And still receiving bids.

[poor_nigel]

The seller is currently waiting to talk with the owner's insurance comapany and local law enforcement.  If the insurance company wants it sold, the auction keeps going, otherwise the auction will be closed.  This prime bass could be sold to someone here - great!  I do pick the worst times to be cash poor!

[David Houck]

Nigel, that is certainly an interesting development.  Does the owner get a say in the matter, or is the decision up to the insurance company?  Now that I think about it, I guess the owner may have already replaced the bass with the proceeds from the insurance.

[poor_nigel]

Hey Dave:
 
Here is what I got from the seller:
 
I have talked to the owner and I am going to speak to his insurance company today to find out if they will be wanting to sell it.If they do and want it to stay listed I will sell if they do not I will end the auction.  I am waiting to speak to law enforcement also.  I should know by tomorrow I would guess.Thanks, (Name Omitted)
 
Logically, if the owner collected insurance on the item, it then belongs to the insurance company.  I am sure the owner could give back the settlement to get the bass back, but who knows on that matter.  If I was seriously interested in this bass, I would not give up on the auction, as if the insurance company gives the go ahead to sell the bass and get their cut, someone will be the proud owner of this spiffy treasure.  

[bsee]

The owner probably got a pile of cash associated with the list/replacement cost of the bass and would have to return that to get his instrument back.  We're talking about a souped-up Series II here, so that's an awful lot of money.  I heard rumors that this bass was on the for sale block previously, so the owner may not have the love-it-like-a-child level of bond with the instrument.  Under this set of cirumstances, the owner probably keeps the cash and the insurance company technically owns the bass.  On the other hand, the insurance people probably expect to get something like $10K for the instrument.  It could be a great bargain for someone if the sale is allowed to continue.
 
-Bob

[apdavis]

When I contacted the seller they let me know the auction was for the bass alone, no case or other items associated.  It should be interesting to know how they would ship the instrument.

[bassman10096]

Just dropped in a box full of loose popcorn?
 
Still an incredible bargain if the auction continues...

[bsee]

Hmmm, what would it cost to fret this thing?  The orice is starting to work upward, but it is still likely to end up as a bargain.  

[apdavis]

If I was the fortunate winner I would whole heartedly appeal to Mica to communicate a transportation strategy.  I get the feeling the owner or insurance company may pull the auction if it doesn't reach the stratospheric promise of the bass.