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kern
New
Username: kern

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 3:33 pm:   Edit Post

All,

While on a business trip, somebody broke into my house and stole my custom, 5-string, Fretless, Series II bass (SN# 9811831) and a pile of gear. The bass is displayed on Alembic's Featured Custom Web Site at:

http://www.alembic.com/info/JEfretless.html

Taken with it was my SKB rack-mount stuffed with a BassPod pro (SN# (21) BPP1A5112000539) , BassPod Pro floorboard (SN# (21) ACCAC5044003520), Korg DT-1 Tuner (SN# 18223), Alembic F2B Preamp (SN# 903436), custom alembic power supply with TWO inputs for series I/II guitars, multiple cables, etc.

All help in finding the gear will be much appreciated.

Frank Kern
Bellingham, WA
kernfrank@qwest.net
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 270
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 3:47 pm:   Edit Post

Frank: Ouch!! That really sucks. Best luck getting your gear back. If you haven't spoken to Alembic yet, make sure they put your gear in the Stolen Alembics list on the Alembic site. They can help with insurance descriptions and valuations - but you probably know that.

Sorry. It's always a shame to hear that scumbags have been busy...

Bill
keavin
Intermediate Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 6:43 pm:   Edit Post

hey kern, i live in the chicago area so ill keep my eyes & ears open thats a $$#@!^&%shame!!!
alemboid
Member
Username: alemboid

Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2003
Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 9:17 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Kern,

With shock and dissappointment I read your post.

I'll keep my eyes open here in New York.

I used to work at Bass Northwest, you might want to call Chad or Evan to be aware of what happened and be on the look out.

I hope you get your gear back, and I hope the perps wind up screaming for mercy at the hands of their horny herculean cell mate.

Peace,

Bryant
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1211
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 9:46 pm:   Edit Post

You know what? This makes me mad!!!
Kern we can only hope that things will be found. I'll keep my eyes open at this side of the pond. You (very beautiful BTW) bass is very "distinctive" to say the least so ...

Paul the mad one
mint_bass
Member
Username: mint_bass

Post Number: 83
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 2:37 am:   Edit Post

that sucks

that is really bad you r very unlucky i hope you get your stuff back and catch the guy who stole it i really do

good luck
senmen
Advanced Member
Username: senmen

Post Number: 249
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 2:57 am:   Edit Post

Frank,
sorry to hear this. I hope that your bass uncovers soon.
This is really a nightmare. I am also thank god every day I come home that the basses are there.
Someone tried to get into our flat some years ago and you always have this bad feeling.....

Oliver (Spyderman)
keavin
Intermediate Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 118
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 4:47 am:   Edit Post

we all will keep our eyes and ears open because hot(stolen) gear does travel, it could endup anywere!
adriaan
Intermediate Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 161
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:20 am:   Edit Post

That must be a really horrible experience.

My student's room was once broken into, and they only took a cheap stereo: the Epic was in its case, and they didn't even bother to look inside.

Lucky me, I guess - all I can offer here are commiserations. Let's hope that gorgeous instrument is recovered soon.
rami
Advanced Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 324
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:17 am:   Edit Post

Frank,

Very sorry to hear about your loss.
I don't think that whoever stole it would dare show it in public (unless they intend to try to sell it). It's just too conspicuous.
If there's any consolation to be had, at least know that no one would harm it.
Musical instruments have their own lives - they'll always outlive us and change owners. At least the S.O.B. will take care of it.
(He'll probably go nuts trying to figure out those controls!).

Good luck - I'll keep an eye out too.

Rami



(Message edited by rami on March 29, 2004)
malthumb
Intermediate Member
Username: malthumb

Post Number: 192
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:09 am:   Edit Post

Frank,

You are living my nightmare. I would recommend that you post similar alerts to bassgear.com, harmonycentral.com, and talkbass.com. At talkbass.com you can post pictures of the bass. If you'd like, I can help you with that. The more people know what's going on, the fewer avenues the perp will have to profit from your loss.

Peace,

James
bracheen
Advanced Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 329
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:34 am:   Edit Post

Frank, I'm in Florida so doubt I'll see your gear. I do empathize with you though. Were other things taken or does it seem that someone was specifically after your gear? It's a horrible thought that this is someone you're familiar with but not unthinkable.
Best of luck.

Sam
janriviere
Intermediate Member
Username: janriviere

Post Number: 129
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 9:56 am:   Edit Post

I am really sorry to read this Frank.

I also follow a lot of online sites where alembics pop up. Your bass is so unique that I will immediately recognize in case it appears here in Europe.

I really hope this gets solved.
Good luck
Jan
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post

There's a few of us here in the midwest, specifically the Chicagoland area. I for one will keep an eye out for it. Rest assured, if I see it at a venue, I will jump up on stage and grab it for you. Hopefully there are no other basses ordered exactly like yours. I'll let everything sort itself out after that.

Hang in there.

Kevin
alembic76407
Advanced Member
Username: alembic76407

Post Number: 273
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post

Frank,I will be going to the Dallas guitar show on sat april 17, I will be armed with SN #s of stolen alembic and if I see any I will call the Police. I know how you feel, my Series 1 was stolen in 1979 but I got mine back, best of luck to you on getting yours back

David T (TLO)
lowlife
Junior
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 30
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 10:59 am:   Edit Post

I pay weekly visits to the used guitar and pawn shops in my area. I'll keep your serial number handy and if your bass makes it across the border into Montreal, Canada, I'll alert the authorities immediately.
Sorry for your loss.

Ellery
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1522
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 11:32 am:   Edit Post

Frank, I am still a little shaken up by your call. It's terrible to think that someone stole not only your valued items, but also violated the security of your home. I've added your bass to the Stolen Instrument list. I'll also add another entry to the News and Announcements section of the Club, since they scroll off to archive-land much more slowly.

I shouldn't be amazed at the outpouring of support from your fellow Alemibicians, afterall, they are an amazing group of people. It is touching to learn that you've got many eyes and hearts out there looking out for your lost one.
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 29
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post

Frank,

I think it's safe to say that you have a couple dozen "bounty hunters" out there in the world working for you.

Peace,

Kevin
lowlife
Junior
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 31
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:19 pm:   Edit Post

I would never take a "bounty" from a fellow Alemibician. I'll do the hunting just for the pure pleasure of possibly catching the S.O.B.

Ellery
hollis
Member
Username: hollis

Post Number: 94
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post

Frank,
I so sorry for your loss. Hopefully, the loss will be temporary.

I live in Tacoma Wa, I'll scan the pawn shops down in this neck of the woods. If I see your bass, I'll call the police immediately. I'm calling all the music stores in this area asking them to keep a heads up.

hollis
Member
Username: hollis

Post Number: 95
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post

Frank,
Sluggo Music tells me that if they have a case #, and someone comes in with the bass, they can hold it while they call 911. Can you post the case #, or call me @ 253-984-8226 10:30am thru 7:00pm with the case # and I'll pass it on to the stores down here.
Heres to some good hunting!
midus
New
Username: midus

Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Frank,sorry to hear about your loss.... I`m new in the club and I`ll also keep an eye here in the UK If I see your bass. I`ve got all details now...hope it will show up soon...all the best.


www.midus.net
jseitang
Junior
Username: jseitang

Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 1:04 pm:   Edit Post

frank
i'm sorry that has happened to you...
my ears and eyes are open here in new york....
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 30
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 1:09 pm:   Edit Post

Ellery,

I agree. The only "bounty" I would ever expect is a simple "Thank You" and even that would be a bit much.

I use this term very loosely and don't intend for it's entire definition to be applied here. With repect to any missing item, as a "bounty hunter" we would be acting as "agents/represenative" of the owner.

It is obvious that this is a common nightmare for any Alembic owner and for it to become a reality just makes me mad.

If someone steals my bass...I can promise it won't be a "Bounty Hunter" that is on your trail.
henri_lopes
Junior
Username: henri_lopes

Post Number: 17
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:16 pm:   Edit Post

I got you covered in the Boston area,
sorry to hear about your loss, it must really suck. Good luck, and keep us posted every week or every day, that way it will remind us to keep looking for it.
eastcoastepic
Member
Username: eastcoastepic

Post Number: 55
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 7:33 pm:   Edit Post

Fellow members,
If you have not already done so, please print out the "Stolen Alembics" page from this website, and keep a copy near you (briefcase, glove compartment, etc) for reference. There is usually a used Alembic or two in my local Guitar Center, and who knows where else you may see one (ebay, pawn shop, etc.). If armed with the list, you can easily identify a stolen one. I have even taken the stolen list, reduced it in size on my office copier, and placed it in my wallet. That might sound extreme, but think of the joy that you and the owner would experience if you found an abducted axe just because you had a serial number handy.....
My condolences to all who have suffered a loss, and we will do our best for you..........
hollis
Member
Username: hollis

Post Number: 96
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:03 am:   Edit Post

Great idea Chris. I'm shrinking a copy as I write!
musikill
Member
Username: musikill

Post Number: 51
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:35 pm:   Edit Post

I'll keep my eyes open in the Los Angeles and Orange county areas in So. Cal.
I hope you get it back. I recently added 2 more motion sensors to my alarm system because I have already been robbed before I had the alarm system installed - but the bass equipment was not here at the time - whew. We did lose about $20k in jewlery though.
Good luck, basses are harder to dispose of than gold so there is a good chance you will see it again.
811952
Intermediate Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 133
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 8:04 am:   Edit Post

Also keep in mind that if the thief knew what he was taking, he's probably going to part it out. Keep an eye out for anyone trying to sell Alembic pickups and/or hardware. The bass may have cost you a bundle, but the thief might be content getting a few hundred $$$ for the parts instead of risking someone identifying the whole instrument. I recall in '84 or 85 seeing an 8-string Alembic at the Bass Center (I think) on Ventura Boulevard which had been stripped of all the electronics before it had been recovered. :-( Of course, There is the other extreme possibility of some kid in a garage band playing it in his basement (a basement band?) for eternity, so we all need to listen to what the neighborhood kids have to say. Especially if someone's older brother just got a really nice new bass. I am certain I can't begin to comprehend just how sick you must feel, and I'm certainly not trying to make you feel any worse. I'm just throwing out different possibilities in case one of them fits. Just stuff to think about. I really, really, really hope you get your bass back, intact and in excellent condition. I want to see it at the first Alembic gathering...
John
jeff
Junior
Username: jeff

Post Number: 18
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post

Frank,

When I read your post, my stomach flipped and my heart skipped a beat. I can't even think about the depth of your sorrow and rage. With so many fellow Alembicians out there looking, you will likely have a better chance than most of getting your stolen property back. I'll say a prayer for you.

Jeff
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1533
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 11:35 am:   Edit Post

Update for all helping to find this bass. The original serial number reported was incorrect. I've corrected it on all places on our website, but you'll have to update your "little lists" or print out new ones.

Thanks!
effclef
Member
Username: effclef

Post Number: 99
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 2:37 pm:   Edit Post

Frank, I will keep my eyes open in the looking around the Web that I do.

What a shame. Like Mica said, it's not just that something was taken - someone was in _your_ house.

GPS tags or Lojack or RFIDs...well if that's a possibility, it's a good idea. I mean, some of these things are priced like automobiles.

As others have said, the folks who enjoy the Alembic Club seem to be really shining stars when it comes to camaraderie and being well behaved in discussion forums. But, being the slightly paranoid sort, I do wonder about perhaps being so "open" in public.

To that end, I wonder if the Showcase section should be an anonymous one? It would be up to you to post your name if you post your instrument's picture. What do you think, Mica? Or perhaps someone could email you the photo to post?

There are millions of eyes on the Net and not all of them are friendly. You wonder if someone just stole "a guitar and the stuff in the rackmount" or if someone targeted specifically this instrument.

Insuring the gear for today's replacement value, and an alarm system can sure help, but it doesn't take the sting away when someone does break in.

I looked at the Custom write-up and that's such a distinctive bass I think it would stand out if it were for sale anywhere. Here's hoping you get it back untouched, A.S.A.P.

EffClef
neyman
New
Username: neyman

Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 4:01 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Frank,

I'm on the east side of WA state. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you.
thebass
Intermediate Member
Username: thebass

Post Number: 120
Registered: 3-2003
Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 1:16 am:   Edit Post

Hi Frank,

if your bass is offered in public somewhere in Europe I will let you know.
keavin
Intermediate Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 168
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 6:01 am:   Edit Post

any word yet??? anyone???
keavin
Advanced Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 272
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 5:56 am:   Edit Post

any one ?any word?,just checkin!...... hey frank let us know how its going!,,,,,,good luck!!

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