Orwell's Sad Saga

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Alembic Series I s/n 74 84, aka Orwell is among the missing. Here's the story:
 
Veteran's of previous Alembic clubs/groups may remember that I rescued Orwell from a music shop back room, where I found him de-logoed and stripped of about 75% of the Alembic Series I electronics.  After undergoing rehab at Alembic's Santa Rosa compound, Orwell returned to me in magnificent shape.  Ron Wickersham outfitted him with the latest improvements to the Series I circuit and Mica and crew cleaned him up very nicely.
 
This past February I offered him up for sale.  Toby jumped at the opportunity to own such a fine instrument and the deal was transacted.  Two boxes were shipped from Detroit to London.  One contained Orwell, the other a DS-5R power supply.  The power supply arrived, Orwell did not.  The US Postal Service told me I had to wait 30 days before filing a claim.  Then I had to wait 30 days after filing the claim to get final dispensation.  After the end of the second 30 days it occurred to them the since it's an international shipment the claim had to be filed with the New York office.  That started another 30 days of investigation.  That 30 days officially ended today.  Still no sign of Orwell.  Now I'll file with the Post Office for reimbursement of the insured value and forward that to Toby.  I'll also have to check with my instrument insurer to see what they can / will do, since the Post Office insurance doesn't come close to covering the true value.
 
If anyone offers you a great deal on a really great old Alembic check the serial number.  If 1974  84 is faintly stamped into the top edge of the headstock, please notify Alembic, me, and Toby.
 
Peace,
 
James

[Charles David Tichenor (alembic76407)]

It makes me sick to hear storys like that, My 76 Series 1 was stolen in 1979 and it was recovered in 3 weeks and returned to me, after a 9 month stay in the police property room, the case was beat to death but the bass in side was fine. I had to go out and buy a Fender P bass while my Alembic was in jail. I think people that steal should be put to death !!!!! I hope that Orwell turn's up and is back home soon.

[Jan Riviere (janriviere)]

Very sad story, I agree.
Let's all keep our eyes open, and check http://www.alembic.com/info/stolen.html when we see alembics on the second hand market.
 
peace
Jan

[Chris R. Gedney (76ac070)]

Very sad story, indeed.  But, they don't all end that way!  My Baby (76AC070) was stolen in 1998, not from a gig or out of the mail...but from right out of my house!  She was recovered (by me) in 2001 through part persistence, part local notoriety and a whole lot of plain dumb luck.  It's a complicated story but I'll recount it on request.  Anyhow, she's been out in Santa Rosa since mid-February being refurbished and should be back around the end of July.  I'll post proud Papa pix when she gets back.  Good Luck recovering Orwell!
 
keep it Bassic
 
Chris

[Susan Wickersham (susan)]

James and anyone else out there reading this post.  
 
Never send your equipment through the post office! They seem to do just fine with the mail but I learned many years ago visa vie a couple of unhappy experiences personally and from other customers stories not to do it. It is also difficult getting them to pay the insurance claim if ever.  
 
Use FED-X or UPS although sometimes you have to be persistent on a damage claim (as Wayne knows) if they've lost it, they pay and pay quickly.  
 
-Susan  
 

[David Townsend (dtkokovoko)]

In addition to Susan's recommendation, Mica once told me to use 2nd day services rather than overnight becuse overnight items are occasionally over-handled.
 
David

[Paul Clifton (paultoby)]

Ah Orwell. Seeing that pic has made me sad all over again! This was my big chance to own a 70s walnut small body series I, just like Stan's! Ah well; at least I will know never to go with USPS again - but talk about bad luck, i just bought a Taylor acoustic for my wife on Ebay, and before I had time to check what method they would use the sellers sent it to me by... USPS! Over a week on and no sign - please say a little silent prayer to Mercury the God of messengers and couriers for me!!  Thanks for all your hard work and patient communication on Orwell, James - I know you are as upset by his loss as I am.

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Orwell's Sad Saga has just taken a turn for the Happy!!  USPS delivered Orwell to my doorstep this afternoon, almost 5 months after I turned him over to them for shipment to the UK.
 
Paul (Toby) and I are working out a more effective way to get Orwell over to London.  I'm relieved now, but I'll feel totally at ease when I see a picture of Paul playing him.
 
Peace,
 
James

[Charles David Tichenor (alembic76407)]

Are you guys shure this was not a movie, I think I've seen it before, I do love a movie with a happy ending. I wish the Bass could talk and tell us of its Five month adventure, their must be a good story!!!
I'm so glad Orwell is home and we did not have to see Orwell's picture on the side of a milk carton. David T (76407)

[Nancy Elliott (unicorn_1725)]

What fantastic news!  If only that bass could talk!  Is Orwell in good shape still I hope there wasn't any damage done to it?
 
FED EX or Purolator would probably work.  I sent something off to Paul a while back via Purolator Courier and he got it no problems.  Something you might want to look into....
 
Nancy

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

The box appears to have not been disturbed in any manner, so I haven't opened it.  To be honest, if I were to open it I'd probably wind up sending Paul a check and calling off the whole deal.
 
I'll likely wind up sending it to an intermediate that Paul knows here in the States.  Someone who obviously has more experience and better luck with getting stuff to London.
 
Peace,
 
James