Probably should've posted this sooner. This bass was on loan to Maurice Fitzgerald, a bassist whose work includes Fred Hammond and Destiny's Child, while he was having a custom Brubaker built. It's one of my personal basses and he's now had it for over a year and a half. At this point he refuses to return my property and I consider it stolen. He may no longer have it, it may have changed hands by now, it's my personal bass and whoever has it at this point is in possession of stolen property.

It's teal blue flamed Maple, birdseye maple fretboard. Ash body.

Any info regarding it's whereabouts would be greatly appreciated. Maurice is a common thief and I'd like for him not to get away with this.

Thanks.


http://www.talkbass.com/photopost/data/500/728Stolen_Brubaker_K_series.JPG

Hey Brad,

So sorry to hear that a bass bro has taken this path. That bass sure is a beauty, and if it plays anything like the basses you brought to Bassapalooza on Sat afternoon ... whooa!

If I see anything on this I'll definitely drop a note your way.

All the best,

R

I appreciate that. I probably should've posted this as stolen as soon as it became obvious that's what Maurice was doing. It's almost unbelievable that someone in his position would be this lacking in character. I'm guessing he just "plays" gospel.

Here's a close-up of the body:

http://www.talkbass.com/photopost/uploads/728/Teal_Brubaker_close.JPG

Have you still not contacted the police? You know specifically who has it and you have people (including Kevin himself) who would back you up if there was a dispute over if it was stolen or not.

I was still working to resolve this prior to doing that. I was just contacted by someone who was recently in contact with Maurice (Maurice won't return my calls). That prompted me to put pics out in the meantime in case anyone comes across it. Next week, after things settle down here, if I don't have this resolved I'm contacting the Chicago police. department.

That's just plain crummy. Thought about posting something on Fred Hammond's message board?

That's just plain crummy. Thought about posting something on Fred Hammond's message board?


Yes, I did think about that. That board doesn't seem to be Fred's from what I can tell. Posting that Maurice stole my bass might be considered harassment. Fred's website has no way to contact him.

I just left Maurice a voice message... I'm going to proceed with criminal charges after the holiday. I hope they throw his sorry butt under the jail. He deserves whatever happens to him.

Ugh. What a ****** situation. Even if you get the bass back *and* his sorry a$$ is thrown in jail... that won't undo the aggravation you've been dealing with. At the very least, I hope you get the bass back.

True. The funny thing is that I've been past aggravated for a while now. He's not worth it.

I've found out this isn't the first time he's pulled this crap. I'd like to make this one memorable.

This sucks. I just went thru this with a band I just quit. The A-hole guitarist refused to return my PSM-400 in-ear monitor unit which was stored in the PA rack. The guy kept refusing to give me back my stuff, and threatened me repeatedly. I finally decided enough was enough, and filed a theft report with the P.D. While not as expensive as your Brubaker, it was still considered GRAND THEFT!!! The Sergeant at the PD was not amused by this guy's antics and made a rather demonstrative call to the knucklehead, and I had my stuff back within 8 hours. People like these are the lowest form of life and an utter disgrace. I hope you get your bass back, and this guy gets what he deserves..

Slug

Wow Brad, I remember hearing about this from you a while back. You have been waaaaay too patient! I would have had his ass thrown into jail a long time ago. I say don't waste another minute. Guess on the horn with his local PD TODAY! Keep us posted!

Just got an email from a friend of mine...

http://www.lowdownsound.com/newthisweek.htm

I'll be calling them as soon as they open. It'll be interesting to see if Maurice is the one selling it or he sold a bass he didn't own to someone else. Either way this should be more than enough rope to hang himself.

Wow, keep us posted Brad!!!!

That's messed up right there- I hope LDS knows enough to keep it there and not contact the seller after you contact them.

Are they open yet Brad? Any news?

So far the ending to this is just as bizarre as the rest. Lowdown Sound is working to get the bass back to me. As usually they have been extremely cool to deal with.

It seems that after I left a message (unanswered as usual) with Maurice early last week telling him I was pressing charges, he immediately traded my bass to a friend of his and got him stuck in the middle of his BS. The friend put the bass on consignment and got blindsided by Maurice. Seems way too familiar.

More later.

Great news!

all i have to say is WOW but thank goodness your getting your bass back

Just got an email from a friend of mine...

http://www.lowdownsound.com/newthisweek.htm

I'll be calling them as soon as they open. It'll be interesting to see if Maurice is the one selling it or he sold a bass he didn't own to someone else. Either way this should be more than enough rope to hang himself.

Unbelievable. I was driving past there today and thought about stopping in, but chose not to. Now I wish I had. I'll go by in the next day or so and "chat" with them about it, unless you'd rather I didn't. PM me the serial number and I can confirm for you that it's yours. I'm guessing that's just a formality.

FWIW, Burk spends a lot of time there. Maybe he can help you out on this one :hiding: :hiding: :hiding:

Peace,

James

Just saw your last post. Glad to see it's heading back to you. The guys at LDS are top notch. Good thing they're not Alembic distributors. I have kids to feed.

It's Brads for sure as no two Brubakers are that much alike!

Unbelievable. I was driving past there today and thought about stopping in, but chose not to. Now I wish I had. I'll go by in the next day or so and "chat" with them about it, unless you'd rather I didn't. PM me the serial number and I can confirm for you that it's yours. I'm guessing that's just a formality.

FWIW, Burk spends a lot of time there. Maybe he can help you out on this one :hiding: :hiding: :hiding:

Peace,

James

Just saw your last post. Glad to see it's heading back to you. The guys at LDS are top notch. Good thing they're not Alembic distributors. I have kids to feed.

Maurice traded my bass to another bassist (forgot to mention that he didn't actually own it). That bassist consigned it at LDS. I contacted LDS, they contacted the bassist who consigned it at their store. That bassist immediately called Maurice (who answers his phone calls) and Maurice proceeded to try and feed him some crap about he thought his lawyer had paid me for it. Then tells him to have LDS send my bass back to me... and he'll pay the other bass that he traded mine for.

Even when he was caught dead to rights he's still lying his ass off. LDS will be shipping my bass back to me at the beginning of the week. I'm picking up the shipping cost, there's no reason this should cost them anything. I've already talked to the police and I'll figure out exactly what action I want to take against Maurice, he's a liar and I doubt anyone would debate the fact that he's a thief... he pretty much sealed that one when he traded an instrument he didn't own and knew he was supposed to return to me.

I'd truly like to see him in jail and that'll be my next project. In the meantime I'm sure I'm not the only one he's screwed and I have no doubt that this stuff will catch up with him, sooner or later.

Glad this part is over.

It's Brads for sure as no two Brubakers are that much alike!

That's the truth. They're even easier to discern than fingerprints;)

Glad you're getting your bass back Brad. I just checked this thread because I saw it on the LDS site today. Hope that guy gets his due.

Marshall

Did they give you any description of the condition of the bass? When I saw it listed for only $2000, my first thought was that it probably caught some dings.

Did they give you any description of the condition of the bass? When I saw it listed for only $2000, my first thought was that it probably caught some dings.


They said it was in very good condition.

Glad you're getting your bass back Brad. I just checked this thread because I saw it on the LDS site today. Hope that guy gets his due.

Marshall

Thanks. Most likely he will.

Hey Brad,my name is JC....I heard from a friend that bass was in Memphis a few weeks ago....He asked had I heard of Brubaker and told me that's the new bass Maurice was playing...I don't know how long ago the LDS was posted but he may still have it...the music director of another band he tours with with is a good friend of mine...you can email me at jcsgroove@aol.com to get his number...I hope you get the bass back!!! I can't believe Maruice would do that but, you never know....

Take care,

JC

Hey Brad...I just got an email from my buddy Mike in Detroit who said he talked to LDS about the situation...He sold a bass to Maurice and now he's worried about getting his money.I didn't know how long ago all this happened that's why I sent my reply yesterday.I'm glad that everything worked out for you!!!

Peace,

JC

Hey Brad...I just got an email from my buddy Mike in Detroit who said he talked to LDS about the situation...He sold a bass to Maurice and now he's worried about getting his money.I didn't know how long ago all this happened that's why I sent my reply yesterday.I'm glad that everything worked out for you!!!

Peace,

JC

All of this happened yesterday.

If that's the same Mike, Maurice traded my bass to him. When I talked to him he didn't seem to have a problem with the idea of Maurice paying him for the bass he traded after he found out that Maurice had stolen the bass he was "trading". If someone I had a relationship with pulled that on me I wouldn't be the least bit understanding... there's no excuse to not only screw the owner but then involve someone you know in the scam. In fact I'd help get them prosecuted.

There was no hardship related to this situation, Maurice just wanted my bass. If I knew Maurice like Mike did I wouldn't be as understanding as Mike. I'm no legal scholar but I can't see how using another person's property as payment to me isn't theft. In this case for thousands of dollars. This isn't over though I'm sure Maurice will wish it was.

The guy that traded basses with Maurice need to go get his bass back NOW and not wait for Maurice to "pay" him for it...

The guy that traded basses with Maurice need to go get his bass back NOW and not wait for Maurice to "pay" him for it...

That's on him. I'm just glad it's not on me any more.

I learned my lesson. I will not loan anybody anything. I will not store any of my gear at any studio or anyone else's house. All of my gear goes home with me after every rehearsal and every gig, every time, all the time... If just goes to show, people who you think are your friends and brothers, can turn on you and become nothing more than opportunistic, common thieves.

Slug

Unbelievable. :scowl: Some folks...

This whole thing just sucks. Not cool at all. I'm guessing Fred Hammond wouldn't be happy about this if he knew. Man I hope you get it all worked out and your Brubaker finds it's way home.

Brad

Are you going to have to pay to get your bass back?

Please keep us posted as to whether or not he gets his day in court. ;)

BTW, really good news to hear that it's coming home!

Probably should've posted this sooner. This bass was on loan to Maurice Fitzgerald, a bassist whose work includes Fred Hammond and Destiny's Child, while he was having a custom Brubaker built. It's one of my personal basses and he's now had it for over a year and a half. At this point he refuses to return my property and I consider it stolen. He may no longer have it, it may have changed hands by now, it's my personal bass and whoever has it at this point is in possession of stolen property.

It's teal blue flamed Maple, birdseye maple fretboard. Ash body.

Any info regarding it's whereabouts would be greatly appreciated. Maurice is a common thief and I'd like for him not to get away with this.

Thanks.


http://www.talkbass.com/photopost/data/500/728Stolen_Brubaker_K_series.JPG

I'm glad that you got your bass back and this guys behavior is just ridiculous and I'm sure all of the artists that he works with and the labels, etc, would be very interested in hearing about this episode, so it's good that you have decided to name names.

Congratulations!

Brad

Are you going to have to pay to get your bass back?

It was on consignment at Lowdown Sound so I don't think they're out any money. I'm paying to ship it back, no reason why LDS should pay for that and of course I wouldn't expect Maurice to. Again, LDS was very cool to work with in this situation. Not surprising, my other experience was top notch too... I got my Elrick NJS 5 from them not too long ago.

I'm glad that you got your bass back and this guys behavior is just ridiculous and I'm sure all of the artists that he works with and the labels, etc, would be very interested in hearing about this episode, so it's good that you have decided to name names.

Congratulations!


People wouldn't expect someone working on that level to pull crap like this. I certainly didn't... and it just went from bad to worse. I have no idea why he would even try to get away with something like this, it's beyond pathetic. I guess in his mind it was... what was I going to do? He's "Maurice Fitzgerald".

The last time I talked to him in March, he assured me he wasn't trying to screw me. That was at same time he was telling me that he didn't have to give me my bass back.

When you look at these situations, the money isn't the main thing; it's that you look at people with a different point of view. Whether it's $800 or $4000, you see people do these types of things and it's just a huge disappointment. What ever happened to character, trust, & integrity? It's so sad..
It makes me feel...so....old.

Slug

When you look at these situations, the money isn't the main thing; it's that you look at people with a different point of view. Whether it's $800 or $4000, you see people do these types of things and it's just a huge disappointment. What ever happened to character, trust, & integrity? It's so sad..
It makes me feel...so....old.

Slug

You're absolutely right. I know it may sound flip but if I never got the bass back it wouldn't have killed me... it's the principle. The fact that I did this guy a favor and he decided to take that as an opportunity to steal my property... that's what really bothered me. I was a Brubaker customer at the time... maybe he thought he was just screwing another manufacturer? I made it clear it was one of my personal instruments.

Integrity? Character? I've learned a valuable lesson over the last year and it hinges on those principles. I can't assume people have either and now have to treat them as if they don't until I know otherwise. It is disappointing not to be able to trust others but that's how things are nowadays.

This whole thing is such a shame. I'm glad you got it back. I did find a clip of him playing your bass in some music store. Killer sounding bass. Don't ever let it out of arm's reach again.

Glad the here everything worked out for you BJ, don't let this fake gospel player get away with it.

This whole thing is such a shame. I'm glad you got it back. I did find a clip of him playing your bass in some music store. Killer sounding bass. Don't ever let it out of arm's reach again.

That would make for an interesting ad campaign:

"So nice, I'd risk jail for one".

And you can caption it above this photo:

http://www.washburn.com/news/press_releases/maurice.htm

Brad, be sure the police get this photo. And when you called for the report, did they tell you that the whole incident was a "civil" (meaning contractual) matter? The fact that he was trying to profit from the bass is extremely important in this case, more so than how he came to possessing it. PM me and I can give you the run down on it. I'd like to see this idiot prosecuted....

Maurice traded my bass to another bassist (forgot to mention that he didn't actually own it). That bassist consigned it at LDS. I contacted LDS, they contacted the bassist who consigned it at their store. That bassist immediately called Maurice (who answers his phone calls) and Maurice proceeded to try and feed him some crap about he thought his lawyer had paid me for it. Then tells him to have LDS send my bass back to me... and he'll pay the other bass that he traded mine for.

Even when he was caught dead to rights he's still lying his ass off. LDS will be shipping my bass back to me at the beginning of the week. I'm picking up the shipping cost, there's no reason this should cost them anything. I've already talked to the police and I'll figure out exactly what action I want to take against Maurice, he's a liar and I doubt anyone would debate the fact that he's a thief... he pretty much sealed that one when he traded an instrument he didn't own and knew he was supposed to return to me.

I'd truly like to see him in jail and that'll be my next project. In the meantime I'm sure I'm not the only one he's screwed and I have no doubt that this stuff will catch up with him, sooner or later.

Glad this part is over.

That's crazy. I wonder if he actually planned to pay for the other bass he traded for, or just avoid him.

That's crazy. I wonder if he actually planned to pay for the other bass he traded for, or just avoid him.

Time will tell. Apparently Mike trusts him... I have no idea why?

WOW! That guy sucks in the higher way!!! :mad:
I just hope you'll pursue him and make him pay his silly act! Crappy people!!!

Vince

Fedex just delivered it. It's in good shape considering it's been gone for 1 1/2 years. Nice to finally have it back.

Good for you. Considering the bass in good shape, you might find yourself not quite as zealous to see justice done. At any rate, if you don't, it's pretty likely there will be someone else in your previous situation before long. Oh yeah, I forgot, there already is...

Either way, there's a huge audience of forewarned bass players because of your thread. You're bound to have saved someone the headache you've already been through.

really cool to hear that congrats!!!
So for now, what about justice?
What are you going to do?

Vince

I'll be doing whatever I legally can to make him pay for what he did. I'm checking out my options thouroughly before proceding.

Thanks for everyone's support. I hope no one else has to deal with his nonsense but I'm sure other people will trust him... if they're lucky they won't get burned any more than I did.

Good for you. Considering the bass in good shape, you might find yourself not quite as zealous to see justice done. At any rate, if you don't, it's pretty likely there will be someone else in your previous situation before long. Oh yeah, I forgot, there already is...

Either way, there's a huge audience of forewarned bass players because of your thread. You're bound to have saved someone the headache you've already been through.


Trust me, I've lost no zeal.

I'll be doing whatever I legally can to make him pay for what he did. I'm checking out my options thouroughly before proceding.

Thanks for everyone's support. I hope no one else has to deal with his nonsense but I'm sure other people will trust him... if they're lucky they won't get burned any more than I did.

If nobody will prosecute and you've got the instrument back, I'm not sure what your remedies are. In WV I guess you could sue for conversion/loss of use, but how could you quantify your damages from loss of use? Maybe if he damaged the bass at all, you've got a few hundred $$$ worth of claim.

With all due respect, and with much sympathy re: this experience, I'd be happy to have the instrument back. However, if you want to pay a MD lawyer $150.00+ an hour to indefinitely pursue some sort of claim...you're the kind that keeps us JDs in business.

If nobody will prosecute and you've got the instrument back, I'm not sure what your remedies are. In WV I guess you could sue for conversion/loss of use, but how could you quantify your damages from loss of use? Maybe if he damaged the bass at all, you've got a few hundred $$$ worth of claim.

With all due respect, and with much sympathy re: this experience, I'd be happy to have the instrument back. However, if you want to pay a MD lawyer $150.00+ an hour to indefinitely pursue some sort of claim...you're the kind that keeps us JDs in business.

Understood and greatly appreciated. My understanding at this point is that a theft might not be as hard to prove now, he used my bass as payment for another item. I understand that legally this might be an uphill battle... and no, I have no intention of financing a lawyer;)

Letting everyone know how big a thief and a liar he is is a good start. Not sure yet, still looking at my options.

OK, so good luck and we'll spread the word! ;)

Letting everyone know how big a thief and a liar he is is a good start.

+1, that's what I'd be doing. Don't worry, Brad. Karma is a bitc*.

It sounds like you already made up your mind, but do NOT let this guy go whatsoever! You could take him to court for pain and suffering, any bass you bought since he stole it you had to buy to "replace" the one he stole, therefore he must reimburse you. You will not send him to jail, but you could get his money, which since he went through such lengths to steal this bass, money is obviously very important to him.
I want 60s or 70s jazz bass so much, but cannot afford it, and doubt I ever will. But at a blues club I was at the bassist had a beautiful one! and as the drummer was loading up the truck he left it in the parking lot!!!!!
I took it home and went back every night to the same club, two weeks later I returned it to it's rightful owner. Thats what should always be done. (I won't lie.. I played that thing like crazy while I had it!) lol, but still, some people need to get a reality check, and this guy will only get that through his wallet!

Fedex just delivered it. It's in good shape considering it's been gone for 1 1/2 years. Nice to finally have it back.
Hey Brad, you think I could borrow it? :D



:hiding:

Hey Brad, you think I could borrow it? :D



:hiding:

Nino, it's funny you should mention this. I have a bass that I'm looking to trade. :ninja:

It sounds like you already made up your mind, but do NOT let this guy go whatsoever! You could take him to court for pain and suffering, any bass you bought since he stole it you had to buy to "replace" the one he stole, therefore he must reimburse you. You will not send him to jail, but you could get his money, which since he went through such lengths to steal this bass, money is obviously very important to him.
I want 60s or 70s jazz bass so much, but cannot afford it, and doubt I ever will. But at a blues club I was at the bassist had a beautiful one! and as the drummer was loading up the truck he left it in the parking lot!!!!!
I took it home and went back every night to the same club, two weeks later I returned it to it's rightful owner. Thats what should always be done. (I won't lie.. I played that thing like crazy while I had it!) lol, but still, some people need to get a reality check, and this guy will only get that through his wallet!


It's fairly well known that I had a couple of spare basses so I didn't "have to" buy another one;).

Still working on what to do.

Hey Brad, you think I could borrow it? :D



:hiding:

:eyebrow:


:D

:eyebrow:


:D
Ha brad can I buy it the bass that Maurice fitzgerald stole may have doubled in value....But I'll pay the price before the incident
BTW Maurice just tried to get over on you buddy because he did'nt file bankrupcy nor do I believe that money is an issue with him he plays on all the top gospel artist albums including Beyonce, Destiny's child and even has his own jazz cd Urban Knights on Narada Jazz...check out allmusic.com and put his name in and see how much work he has done not to mention whats not listed or currently working on and he probably charges $2500 a session heck beyonce probably would have bought for him....I think that if anything he owes you a apology and about $50.000 in rental fees for a bass of that caliber plus interest 1.5yrs.
Glad you got your bass back and word from the wise don't loan your basses because no one will take care of it like the owner who spent thousands for it. :bassist:

Ha brad can I buy it the bass that Maurice fitzgerald stole may have doubled in value....But I'll pay the price before the incident
BTW Maurice just tried to get over on you buddy because he did'nt file bankrupcy nor do I believe that money is an issue with him he plays on all the top gospel artist albums including Beyonce, Destiny's child and even has his own jazz cd Urban Knights on Narada Jazz...check out allmusic.com and put his name in and see how much work he has done not to mention whats not listed or currently working on and he probably charges $2500 a session heck beyonce probably would have bought for him....I think that if anything he owes you a apology and about $50.000 in rental fees for a bass of that caliber plus interest 1.5yrs.
Glad you got your bass back and word from the wise don't loan your basses because no one will take care of it like the owner who spent thousands for it. :bassist: oh don't forget about all the money he makes from touring...get him he has it and that will help him make a better decision the next time he tries to pull a stunt like this!

Got an interesting call this afternoon. It went to voicemail. Apparently Maurice doesn't think he stole my bass and that what I'm saying is garbage. I did let him borrow the bass. I did tell him repeatedly to send my bass back. He did refuse and refused to even contact me... until today. He didn't bother giving me a name for the act of trading someone else's property that you don't own.

If it's not stealing, it's...

I'm drawing a blank.

He also threatened to put his lawyer on me if I didn't remove this from the web. That even though (according to his message) he didn't give me my bass back and he tried to put it in his bankruptcy (and that little thing about it ending up in a store for sale he failed to mention), since he understood that my bass was on it's way back to me, that should be the end of it, let it be. That if I didn't remove it he said "I will retaliate and say stuff that ain't true".

In essence, I stole your bass and if you don't quit saying I did I'm going to lie about you.

At least I've been warned... this time.

Why doesn't he just be a MAN and fess up to his wrong doing, I don't understand what's so hard about that, kinda reminds me of Georgia Bush. :smug:

Why doesn't he just be a MAN and fess up to his wrong doing, I don't understand what's so hard about that, kinda reminds me of Georgia Bush. :smug:

You mean take responsibility, maybe even apologize? Fat chance.

You have pm.

No comment on Bush.

In essence, I stole your bass and if you don't quit saying I did I'm going to lie about you.
OK. Let's summerize......

...WHAT AN A$$HOLE!

Now let him (try and) sue me. :eyebrow:

I appreciate the sentiment but let's not give anyone a reason to close this down.

Thanks.

Bummer, man...people like that should have their lips stitched shut. I mean, you rip off a guy that's helping you out, you get caught ripping them off, so you lie about it.....sorry, but that isn't the way to live your life, period.

I mean, that's almost what a politician would do!!!!!

Brad

Was this guy your friend before this went down?

I appreciate the sentiment but let's not give anyone a reason to close this down.

Thanks.
Sorry Brad. Very few things make me want to vent like that. :p

Brad

Was this guy your friend before this went down?

No, only knew him by reputation.

No, only knew him by reputation.

Now you know! :D

So Maurice now has money to pay a lawyer to what? Have the truth silenced? What a joke! But what thing is for sure, the word has gotten around and he's feeling the heat. If he had any sense, he'd come on here apologize and offer you a new bass or something, that would salvage his reputation. The strong arm tactics only make it worse.

Apparently. Beats doing the right thing at any point along the line in his mind. I'll never understand people like this.

And the fact that he was nice enough to leave me a voicemail... brilliant. He should talk to a lawyer. I already did.

I hope Maurice reads this, and sees how many people know how truly pathetic he is.

I hope his name and rep are destroyed.

Maurice, if you read this, know that you are a disgrace to the brotherhood that we bassists are supposed to embrace.

Probably should've posted this sooner. This bass was on loan to Maurice Fitzgerald, a bassist whose work includes Fred Hammond and Destiny's Child, while he was having a custom Brubaker built. It's one of my personal basses and he's now had it for over a year and a half. At this point he refuses to return my property and I consider it stolen. He may no longer have it, it may have changed hands by now, it's my personal bass and whoever has it at this point is in possession of stolen property.

It's teal blue flamed Maple, birdseye maple fretboard. Ash body.

Any info regarding it's whereabouts would be greatly appreciated. Maurice is a common thief and I'd like for him not to get away with this.

Thanks.


http://www.talkbass.com/photopost/data/500/728Stolen_Brubaker_K_series.JPG


Brad I am sorry to hear that... I am a big fan of Maurice and his work never thought I would hear that about the guy. The not so funny thing is that I saw him do a clinic with the bass. I was thinking to myself that it was one hell of an instrument!!

I was sorry to see the whole thing go down like it did. I definitely learned a hard lesson. Maybe he will too.

I was sorry to see the whole thing go down like it did. I definitely learned a hard lesson. Maybe he will too.

Could there be a way to reach the bands/sessions he is involved with, or in any way make this public in the music business?

I was shocked reading this whole thread. Can't you trust people anymore? Kinda' gives you a new perspective.

Could there be a way to reach the bands/sessions he is involved with, or in any way make this public in the music business?

I'm not going to contact anyone he works with. OTOH if word gets back to them so be it. He should've been concerned about his reputation as he was refusing to return my property and ultimately trading it away.

I was shocked reading this whole thread. Can't you trust people anymore? Kinda' gives you a new perspective.

I was shocked when he did this. Seriously... flat out shocked. I couldn't believe he did this. I still have absolutely no idea why.

Yes, you can still trust people. I don't know who but I'm sure this episode is an exception to the rule. I know that I won't be trusting anyone I have a casual acquaintance with again.

HI

Brad, what comes around goes around. He'll get his, for sure. Complete disrespect and dishonesty. Glad your instument is back in your possession. Best of luck with the rest of this mess

Rob

Thanks, Rob.

I second Rob's post. . . a shame to read about, but glad it ended well (for you). Is it still in pretty good shape?

By the way, that bass is sick! :cool:

Why doesn't he just be a MAN and fess up to his wrong doing, I don't understand what's so hard about that, kinda reminds me of Georgia Bush. :smug:


Maybe you should mosey on over to Tin Pan Alley. . . :rollno:

I second Rob's post. . . a shame to read about, but glad it ended well (for you). Is it still in pretty good shape?

By the way, that bass is sick! :cool:

I took it on a gig Monday night. I had almost forgotten how nice this bass looks, the flame Maple in this color is sick indeed. It sounded and played as great as I remembered.

Fortunately it's in good condition. Maurice had it a lot longer than I did.

This is really a damn shame.

I almost spit my soda at my screen when I saw that bass.
Me: "HOLY ****!!! THAT WAS AT LDS!!!!!!!!!! I PLAYED IT (nice BTW)!!!!! IT BELONGS/ED TO MIKE HXXXXX!!!!!!!! (I know Mike, PM me and we'll talk) I REMEMBER WHEN HE BROUGHT IT IN AND SAID HE GOT IT FROM MAURICE!!!!!!!!!!!
Then I read the rest of the posts, wiped my chin and relaxed. You got it back.

I was a big fan of Maurice.... I had to read the whole 80some threads to convince myself that Maurice would actually do things like that...
With that much talent, it's just a pure shame that his personality doesn't follow...

Who's Maurice Fitzgerald?



1) honestly, never heard of him
2) don't need an answer to my rhetorical question
3) just wanted to say i've never heard of him
4) kharma.....

i'm glad u got your baby back ,best of luck with her, just got my first bbaker this week, a good ending,solidarity amongst TB'ers..cool.

Considering this is 2 years old and someone bumped this...

How did this turn out Brad? Did you ever press charges against this guy?

Got an interesting call this afternoon. It went to voicemail. Apparently Maurice doesn't think he stole my bass and that what I'm saying is garbage. I did let him borrow the bass. I did tell him repeatedly to send my bass back. He did refuse and refused to even contact me... until today. He didn't bother giving me a name for the act of trading someone else's property that you don't own.

If it's not stealing, it's...

I'm drawing a blank.

He also threatened to put his lawyer on me if I didn't remove this from the web. That even though (according to his message) he didn't give me my bass back and he tried to put it in his bankruptcy (and that little thing about it ending up in a store for sale he failed to mention), since he understood that my bass was on it's way back to me, that should be the end of it, let it be. That if I didn't remove it he said "I will retaliate and say stuff that ain't true".

In essence, I stole your bass and if you don't quit saying I did I'm going to lie about you.

At least I've been warned... this time.

Was that in the message? Hope you didn't delete it! I think that means you win and he's a bastard. I really REALLY hate it when musicians don't respect each other.

Edit: Woh! 2 years, didn't see that! haha

Yeah, that really was in the message:D. I know a few people who probably still have it on their ipods.

I still have it, it was converted to an mp3 right after I got it on my cell phone.

I didn't bother with pressing any charges, I got the bass back (no thanks to him) and figured what he did will probably follow him around anyway.

Hey Brad,

just finished reading about the whole sordid saga....I realize it's an old thread but,......"Mr Maurice".....should continue to be regurgitated from time to time so that other impressionable folks don't get sucked in......Thank You for chasing this with the vigilance that you did and know......that even now, more folks are learning about this guy..... add me to the lengthy list of guys giving a "heads up" to my fellow bass players!!!!

All the best,
Terry

Wow, what a read!

Glad the Brubaker found its way home at last and that Brad didn't have to fight too hard to get it once found, but I wish Maurice had been made to pay for what amounts to some of the worst of humanity; taking advantage of the trust of someone, then threatening to ruin them for what he did.

Reading this reminded me of two items I'm out right now, although one is mostly paid for with only the remaining $200 in limbo for a couple years now.

The worse of the two is a Marshall 30th Anniversary combo which I let a local guitarist named Steve Olson take until he got me the money. Now he claims not to have it and that he gave it back. I think I'm out of luck on that one...

Anyway I'm glad there was a happy ending for this one.

Interesting saga.

Is there a picture of the subject bass still available?

I'd love to see it.

Here's a bad one
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k150/brad5161/K5BCustomBlue-greenfull.jpg

Here's a bad one
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k150/brad5161/K5BCustomBlue-greenfull.jpg
I have never understood the reasoning of extending the uncut horn out so far.

Though I must admit, it does not effect playability at all (since I play guitar as well, I sometimes shift my thumb over the neck when play out of habit).

it's just a style thing - there's quite a few folks who make single cuts with a bulge up there :).

awesome bass brad, glad it came back to you.

i'd certainly love to hear that recording :).

Here's a bad one
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k150/brad5161/K5BCustomBlue-greenfull.jpg

Nice.

I have never understood the reasoning of extending the uncut horn out so far.

Though I must admit, it does not effect playability at all (since I play guitar as well, I sometimes shift my thumb over the neck when play out of habit).

It's just an esthetics thing, inspired by Anthony Jackson and Fodera. These Brubaker basses started out this way because of the unique neck joint (called a bolt-thru). Later basses have a more traditional design.

it's just a style thing - there's quite a few folks who make single cuts with a bulge up there :).

awesome bass brad, glad it came back to you.

i'd certainly love to hear that recording :).

pm me your email address.

pm me your email address.

Ooo, me too! :)

It's just an esthetics thing, inspired by Anthony Jackson and Fodera. These Brubaker basses started out this way because of the unique neck joint (called a bolt-thru). Later basses have a more traditional design.
I played the Anthony Jackson signature.

Plays nice, but looks like an Ikea coffee table

Okay. I've seen a lot of Ikea coffee tables and can't say I'd agree.

I have never understood the reasoning of extending the uncut horn out so far.


I like the way Gibson Les Paul *basses* look, but they neck dive (despite the heavy bodies) and the reach to the first fret is -long-. Having the top horn reach out farther takes care of both of these possible issues. If bass were the same scale length as guitar, I think more would have the shorter LP type design.

M

Okay. I've seen a lot of Ikea coffee tables and can't say I'd agree.
I am referring mostly to the abstract shape and wood choice in modernist furniture (which I generally refer to as "Ikea" products).

I like the way Gibson Les Paul *basses* look, but they neck dive (despite the heavy bodies) and the reach to the first fret is -long-. Having the top horn reach out farther takes care of both of these possible issues. If bass were the same scale length as guitar, I think more would have the shorter LP type design.

M
That make sense.

I am referring mostly to the abstract shape and wood choice in modernist furniture (which I generally refer to as "Ikea" products).


I fiugured that. Most of the IKEA coffee tables I've seen have been square with no exotic woods.

Scan furniture OTOH...
:D

Ooo, me too! :)

I cleaned out my PM box and can't find your email address. Send it again.
:cool:

I cleaned out my PM box and can't find your email address. Send it again.
:cool:

Good point, sorry!

Wow. I didn't know who Maurice was before the thread in Bassists, but once I learned, I was even more shocked to read about this shameful episode. Sheesh, I won't forget his name now.:eyebrow: Glad you eventually got your bass back, Brad.

Bottom line, the whole thing was pointless and completely avoidable. It's a shame it happened.