Stolen basses!

[LouisF]

According to Sergio Scaramelli's website, the following five basses were stolen in Tokyo recently:

http://www.contrabbassi.it/alert.html

LF

[BangarangRufio]

how would someone steal one of those...let alone 5..!?

[bassteban]

What would one do w/5 stolen DBs? They're not something one can hock for crack money real quick-like...

[MR PC]

Bizarre. Somebody wants to copy them for marketing? Disgruntled business partner? Vigilante debt settlement? Private orchestra being started by the Yakuza?

[JtheJazzMan]

Originally Posted by bassteban

What would one do w/5 stolen DBs? They're not something one can hock for crack money real quick-like...

Someone knew how to get their hands on several antique instruments in very good knick....I dont think theyre your average junkie looking for a quick buck.

[bribass]

How did this happen? While shipping perhaps?

[AMJBASS]

I seem to recall there being a thread somewhat recently on this as well(it might have been on Kens forum). These basses are unique. I can't see them being sold on the market without someone recognising them. There can't be a lot of Baldontoni's in existance(not to mention Testore)...

[Eric Hochberg]

Here's the link to the story on Ken's site.

http://www.smithbassforums.com/showt...ghlight=stolen

[LouisF]

There is quite market for high end basses (usually collectors rather than players in Japan). Like a stolen Van Gogh etc, these could disappear for a long time, unfortunately.

Another example: http://www.galleria-contrabbasso.com/architop.html

(PS: I certainly don't mean to imply that his basses have questionable provenance, just to be clear)

Louis

[Don Higdon]

I can't believe that anyone said "Hey, let's go steal a bunch of expensive basses and see how much we can get for them." I believe each one has an intended buyer.
I agree with Louis:

Originally Posted by LouisF

There is quite market for high end basses (usually collectors rather than players in Japan). Like a stolen Van Gogh etc, these could disappear for a long time, unfortunately. Louis

[Square Bear]

yes, there was a post about this already:
Stolen Basses and Bows

really unfortunate loss. i hope these instruments can be tracked down...