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What to do when you're dead...

#84
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Funny this should come up as a topic here.

I recently thought about this and decided to make up a set of instructions explaining what I want done with various items I own, including all my bass gear and vintage motorcycles. I printed it out and gave it to my Dad for safe-keeping.
In it I have taken photos of each item, explaining exactly what it is and what it's worth at the moment and who I want to get it.

Yes, I do have a regular will, but I don't want my (estranged) son to get everything, unless he starts seeing me again (long story). I want my nieces and nephews to get some stuff if he continues to be the way he is.
 
#86
Assuming I'm not stricken with dementia in my old age, if I have any really close grandkids who I know are into playing bass or music in general, I would hand my gear down to them on the condition that they never sell it (good luck enforcing that, right?). I spent a lot of time and money getting my setup to where I want it so I want to hand it down to someone who will appreciate it and use it rather than sell it or worse keep it stored away not doing anything.

Failing that, I'd donate my gear to a local school or even a special charity I know of which helps kids get through rough patches through the power of music (sounds cheesy reading that back but they're an excellent organisation and they do an amazing job helping troubled kids). If I decide to go down the "donate" path, I would definitely still want to take something with me to the grave which would realistically be my leather strap which was my first, and only, strap. If I wanted anything to be a family heirloom, it would be that goddamn strap! :D
 
#87
Have no kids and my nephews - nothing but boys, don't that sound like some fun? - have zero interest in music at all. So my plan is to slowly pare down over the next twenty years and then just have one bass and amp for the eventual ol' deathbed. Got way more on my hands than I want or need at the moment, or will need ever again.

Never been too sentimentally attached my instruments. They're tools, some nice, but that's really about it. As for amps, the younguns will have access to lighter and louder from the get go. No need for my old transistorized crap.
 
#88
OzzyGreg said:
Yes, I do have a regular will
Click to expand...

With the issue you have, that is not nearly good enough. Blood descendants will always have priority in the courts. You need a living trust, can't be challenged. Not cheap but when you have family who, for whatever reason, just can't be included, the living trust is the way to go.

ETA: sorry, just saw you're Ozzie. Check with your local lawyer. I'm sure you have a similar kind of inheritance vehicle.
 
#89
If I face a slow, predictable decline, I'll make sure to give my gear to some earnest lefties, so they can have something to play with. If I were to suddenly die, I would hope my nephew, who is also left-handed, would want to keep them for himself.
 
#90
skeleton-bassist.jpg
 
#94
As far as I understand, I will not care. According to most major beliefs and religions I will either:
- Not care at all.
- Have other things to worry about.
- Have other things to enjoy.

Let's hope for the latter and play on in the meantime.
 

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