Stolen instruments - what all can one do?

relayer · Post by **relayer** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 11:53 pm

Last week my house was broken into, and 2 basses were stolen ('89 Kubicki & '00 Fender Jazz '62 reissue), among other things. I've done what I can think to do - police report with s/n's, contacted pawn shops and music stores, will be checking eBay regularly, talked to the local Crimestoppers (the head cop there is also a musician, so he has a vested interest). Any other suggestions that I might not have thought of myself?

phlemmy · Post by **phlemmy** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:18 am

were you insured?

relayer · Post by **relayer** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:48 am

Yeah, I have standard homeowner's insurance. The rep is coming over Friday to go through everything. I have a feeling she's gonna cringe, because the Kubicki lists around $2900 U.S. and the Jazz is approx $2000 U.S. I'd much rather have *my* instruments back though.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 5:18 am

My condolences, Christopher. This is everybody's nightmare.

As advice to everyone, be sure your coverage extends to your instruments--ALL of them. There are often exclusionary clauses, especially if we're talking a half dozen instruments or more. "Collection" is a word that makes adjusters cringe and look more closely at your policy. Keep a photographic record and receipts.

If you've got the time, pull the pickguard and slip a piece of paper or card stock with your name and e-mail address inside the guitar, or write it on a piece of masking tape. No better proof if the instrument is recovered...do the same on the insode back panel of your favorite amps, too.

If necessary, buy a separate policy.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:02 pm

Excellent advice. Do you know of any international companies that specialize in this type of insurance? I need to update mine immediately.
The name on the card idea is particularly good.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:24 pm

Interestingly, the bulk of the specialists seem to be in the UK, judging by a Google search I did this morning.

I carry an attachment to my home policy, so I can't really recommend anybody from personal experience.

cwk · Post by **cwk** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 9:53 pm

If Im not mistaken,there is a good thread on thids very issue on Talk Bass Forums.Chris,That more than sucks and I'd be fighting mad.Get the word out to any forum with a description ect.Post a BOLO (Be On Look Out)to usenet groups,craiglist,E-bay,Yahoo or anything you can think of.Wish you a better day.
Bill

relayer · Post by **relayer** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:44 pm

Thanks again, all. The card idea *is* a good one - will have to keep that in mind. I've also been thinking about a separate rider for the musical instruments, I guess it's about time to act on that. And you're right Bill - I am ******, and it's still pretty much all I can think about all day long. *If* they stay in the city, I have a sorta decent chance that they'll turn up. However, I'm on the Canadian side of the border with Detroit MI - if they end up on the U.S. side, I can pretty well consider them gone.

cwk · Post by **cwk** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:09 pm

Here's the thread(I realize it's not Ric. related).
Hope someone can help ya.http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=72

relayer · Post by **relayer** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:29 am

Thanks for that thread Bill.
As an update, it seems I have replacement value with my insurance, so that's one positive, I guess. I'm probably lucky that I haven't played any public gigs in a long time as well, because in that instance the insurance company would probably be dragging their feet on this. I've never understood that viewpoint if the gear is stolen out of your house (I can see if it was lifted from a bar, but who would leave guitars at a gig overnight?).

relayer · Post by **relayer** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 4:05 am

Well, it's a bit late, but I posted at The Bottom Line, Talkbass, and again at the Fender Forum. It's also dawned on me that I didn't *really* give much info here, so I'll copy what I'd put up at those places. Here 'tis:

On Nov 3/05, my house was broken into while I was at work. Among other things, 2 of my basses were stolen. Sadly, I have no pictures, but they are standard examples and I have serial numbers. They are:

1989 Kubicki Ex-Factor (black) s/n 18641189 w/black HSC
2000 Fender Jazz '62 RI (sunburst) s/n V124302 w/brown tolex HSC

The Kubicki will not have the owner's manual, as I have that here. The Jazz will be missing it's case candy as well (P/U covers, manuals etc) as these are with me as well. The Jazz is pretty much mint, and the Kubicki has some black touchup paint from some minor body dings - believe it or not, it was actually stolen once before, about 8-9 years ago and retrieved.

These basses were stolen from Windsor Ontario, which is right across the river from Detroit Michigan.

In the event that these cross anyone's path (or any info), I would greatly appreciate a head's up.

Thanks in advance,

Christopher

cwk · Post by **cwk** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:36 pm

Oh,don't forget Craigslist.org or what ever the spelling is.There is also a search engine for that site that will let you check multiple geographic areas with keywords ect.Google for it I can't remember the name right now.I saw your post on TalkBass fourm and I was glad to see a reply from someone across the pond so quick.Hang in there.
Bill