Double Bass Stolen basses!

[LouisF]

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

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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]

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/showthread.php?t=1526&highlight=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: Link Removed

(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:

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:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=654704

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