Help finding my long lost Series 1 Fretless

[keith_h]

If you purchase the bass there are a couple of things to keep in mind about shipping it back to the US. First is to be sure to list that it is a US manufactured product returning to the US in order to avoid tariffs and other duties. The other is to be sure to have the CITES paperwork in order. This is particularly important since this bass has a rosewood top and some varieties of rosewood are protected under the treaty. I seem to recall  they have relaxed some of the rules for instruments but I would still get a definitive statement on what paperwork you need. When I last read about this, years ago, you would need US approval for importation and the seller would need to get South Korea approval to export. Failure to do things correctly can result in the instrument being seized by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

[edwardofhuncote]

I told you, John; This Place is Magical. Very happy for you. Please stay around and update us. 

[jhulcher]

Such great news...I bet that feels good 

What a good story this has become. we have had similar stories here in the past where a member has been trying to find an alembic they sold years ago. I am glad your story is evolving into a happy ending with a successful reunion. "Sellers Regret" is a strong emotion.

Well that worked out quickly! Welcome to the club!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement!

I told you, John; This Place is Magical. Very happy for you. Please stay around and update us. 

Indeed, it is. I now have zero doubt. Thanks for your support.

If you purchase the bass there are a couple of things to keep in mind about shipping it back to the US. First is to be sure to list that it is a US manufactured product returning to the US in order to avoid tariffs and other duties. The other is to be sure to have the CITES paperwork in order. This is particularly important since this bass has a rosewood top and some varieties of rosewood are protected under the treaty. I seem to recall  they have relaxed some of the rules for instruments but I would still get a definitive statement on what paperwork you need. When I last read about this, years ago, you would need US approval for importation and the seller would need to get South Korea approval to export. Failure to do things correctly can result in the instrument being seized by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Thanks a ton, Keith H. I found a good Reverb article on this topic and it mentioned CITES and Brazilian rosewood, specifically. It also seems rules are a bit relaxed if the instrument was made before 1992, which this one was. Still, I'm not taking any chances. I'll take whatever time is needed to ensure a smooth transaction/transition.

I'll keep y'all posted. Getting closer...

[StephenR]

Always love a story with a happy ending!  Best of luck getting it home quickly and safely from Korea.

[jhulcher]

Always love a story with a happy ending!  Best of luck getting it home quickly and safely from Korea.

Thank you so much!

[allgood]

Hey!  How exciting!  As Greg mentioned, I was reunited with my 73 S1 last year.  There were several posts, but one real long one that told the whole story.   I was afraid of CITES, but fortunately a relative was able to bring it home from Japan.  Mine was purchased by a Japanese collector from Elderly Instruments for $3,500 years ago, and ended up in a guitar store in Tokyo, for sale for twice that.  It was through the help of Alembic Club members that it was located.  To your question of how much to pay... I would say whatever it takes, if you have the money.  It’s only money.  And I don’t say that sarcastically.  Truly the experience is so much more valuable than money.    Though I expect I paid well over its market value, I have no regrets.  And a funny thing, I recently sold an Essence... to the person that sold it to me!  Best of luck! I look forward to reading about it when you are reunited!,

[jhulcher]

Hey!  How exciting!  As Greg mentioned, I was reunited with my 73 S1 last year.  There were several posts, but one real long one that told the whole story.   I was afraid of CITES, but fortunately a relative was able to bring it home from Japan.  Mine was purchased by a Japanese collector from Elderly Instruments for $3,500 years ago, and ended up in a guitar store in Tokyo, for sale for twice that.  It was through the help of Alembic Club members that it was located.  To your question of how much to pay... I would say whatever it takes, if you have the money.  It’s only money.  And I don’t say that sarcastically.  Truly the experience is so much more valuable than money.    Though I expect I paid well over its market value, I have no regrets.  And a funny thing, I recently sold an Essence... to the person that sold it to me!  Best of luck! I look forward to reading about it when you are reunited!,

Thanks a ton, allgood. Indeed, I read your story and it was motivating. And thanks for the input on what I might pay. I agree with you (and thankfully my wife does, too) given the sentimental value. But you know all about that. I get a vibe the current owner isn't interested in the $$ aspect of things so I'm hopeful his request is within my means. I can certainly pay him what (I believe) he paid for it and of course I'll handle the exporting rigmarole. I contacted the US Dept of permits and the lady I spoke with was very nice and knowledgeable. She said it should not be an issue so long as the CITES export forms are complete.

I still await a reply from the chap. Communications have only been through Reverb and have been painfully slow, but I'm not pushing him. He has my email address. In the meantime I asked an old friend who took the only picture I have if he had any other pictures. Low and behold, he found a couple of me playing it from the early '90s. So cool to see.

Heck, I'm just glad I found the darn thing. I can be patient for its return.

Cheers to you, allgood!

[jhulcher]

Hi Folks! I'm grateful to have your support on my quest to reacquire my Series 1 fretless. And since many of you asked I'm providing updates as I get them.

Communications between me and the owner in Korea have been a bit slow, but still ongoing. Turns out he's a notable Korean film composer--listened to a lot of his stuff and it's damn good. Impressive. He also plays in a notable Korean band. Cool guy. Best of all, based on our communications he understands how much this bass means to me, and thankfully it appears he's not attached to it. I'd not want to guilt him into selling it if he really loves it.

And get this: He's agreed to sell it back to me for only his purchase price. Of course, I'll pay for all shipping and complete the CITES export form for him. I'm blown away by his generosity. How lucky am I? He also told me he wasn't getting into the fretless thing, and hence he was about to "remodel" it. Good timing on my part, I guess, as it remains unaltered.

I've been saving $$ so I think I have the funds if my guess on his purchase price is correct. I'm confirming with him. But... looks like this is happening.

More to come...

Cheers to you all!

[KR]

Awesome!

[allgood]

That’s awesome.  And finding a photo of you playing it... 25 or so years ago?!  I bet that kind of sealed the deal for you!  And here’s something else to think about... depending on the costs of shipping, how long might be in jail with customs... wonder how much a trip to Korea would cost?  Because if you are carrying it on the plane, checked or in cabin, no cites concerns, from what I understand.  And that was my cousin’s experience, who brought mine back.  My wife was all about us going to Japan to get mine!

[jazzyvee]

allgood, i am with you on that, when I looked at the costs of shipping and all the other charges associated with getting my own series II bass from the states. I felt it was better and safer for me to fly over to pick it up. Helped greatly by Bill, tgo who kindly made. his spare room available to me for the week I was in the states. It all made the bass more personal and in my case I got to visit alembic, the staff, and some members of this forum. JHulcher I hope the reunion with your old bass all works out without any complications.

[jhulcher]

That’s awesome.  And finding a photo of you playing it... 25 or so years ago?!  I bet that kind of sealed the deal for you!  And here’s something else to think about... depending on the costs of shipping, how long might be in jail with customs... wonder how much a trip to Korea would cost?  Because if you are carrying it on the plane, checked or in cabin, no cites concerns, from what I understand.  And that was my cousin’s experience, who brought mine back.  My wife was all about us going to Japan to get mine!

allgood, i am with you on that, when I looked at the costs of shipping and all the other charges associated with getting my own series II bass from the states. I felt it was better and safer for me to fly over to pick it up. Helped greatly by Bill, tgo who kindly made. his spare room available to me for the week I was in the states. It all made the bass more personal and in my case I got to visit alembic, the staff, and some members of this forum. JHulcher I hope the reunion with your old bass all works out without any complications.

Thank you both, very much.

I wish travel to Korea was a possibility for me and my wife right now, but alas it's not. Not only would I love to visit Korea to see the country and get my bass in person, but the guy who owns my bass is in a killer band called LEENALCHI and they just released an album. I call it "Korean Folk Indie-Pop." Funky music with vocals of traditional tale. I find it captivating (he doesn't use my bass on the album). Check it out on Bandcamp: https://leenalchi.bandcamp.com/album/sugungga

Also, here's a cool vid. The guy who owns my bass, Younggyu Jang, is playing the white Fender. He also produced
the album.

Turns out he's also a notable Korean film composer. But mostly, he's one hell of a guy because he realises how much this means to me and therefore will only charge me what he paid for it 3 years ago plus shipping. How cool is that?!

Finally, here are pics of me playing the bass in 1992--practicing for a studio session and then a pic of the bass against a brick wall while in the studio in 1992. I listened again to what we recorded at that time. Hadn't heard it in a while and it was emotional to hear my bass. Can't wait to get it back.

Stay tuned...

[allgood]

Thanks for posting...  What a fun video!  I especially like the guy in what I will call a Mariachi suit!  ( I apologize if this is not a correct description.). The video makes me wonder what the lyrics are.  And those are great photos of you and the bass.  Did someone cut the lower horn off at some point?   Or was she born that way? 

[jhulcher]

Thanks for posting...  What a fun video!  I especially like the guy in what I will call a Mariachi suit!  ( I apologize if this is not a correct description.). The video makes me wonder what the lyrics are.  And those are great photos of you and the bass.  Did someone cut the lower horn off at some point?   Or was she born that way? 

Hi allgood! Yes, indeed, a fun video. I thought the same about the Mariachi suit and would also love to know what they are saying. I'm working on getting a translated version.

The pics you see of the bass are how she was born. No bottom horn or cutaway. Unique, me thinks.

[keith_h]

This is from a post in the comments that look like the lyrics. Couldn't tell you how accurate it is.

A tiger is coming down, a tiger is coming
A beast is coming down through the deep valley in the pine woods
His body is freckled,
His tail is stuffed
which is longer than a grown man's fathom.
Making the high hills shiver,
his front leg is like a quiver,
his hind paw is like a jar,
Both ears are ripped ajar.
Brandishing his sickle claws,
'Charrrr!'
He splashes grass roots and pebbles.
Opening his crimson jaws,
'Worirung!'
he rumbles.
Like the sky falls and
the ground settles down,
The turtle hides his head and
on the ground bows down.