My Stolen Steinberger- Legal Question

Dave W · February 18, 2014, 09:05:59 AM

Guys, can we please keep this on the subject of Gonzo's bass? First, he deserves that much respect. Second, at least one member is confused enough by the subject drift to write me. I can see why, since Gonzo's bass has a serial number, and next thing you know people are talking about no serial numbers.

Start a new thread if you need to. Please.

66Atlas · February 18, 2014, 12:42:52 PM

I've definately heard of people getting property (including guitars) back many years after the fact. Did you file a police report 25 years ago? dont think you mentioned if you did or not. Personally, I would go back to the department you filed it with and let them know you've tracked down the item and go from there. Not sure what they'll tell you about the neck vs body. Guess it was stolen and then parted out? Sucks either way.

Highlander · February 18, 2014, 02:45:39 PM

The "seller" clearly states "I bought this bass new when they first came out", so if reported to the Police at the time, and numbers recorded, place it back with them...

If it wasn't reported, verbal contract territory...

Good luck...

Dave W · February 18, 2014, 05:34:23 PM

Quote from: CAR-54 on February 18, 2014, 02:45:39 PM
The "seller" clearly states "I bought this bass new when they first came out", so if reported to the Police at the time, and numbers recorded, place it back with them...

If it wasn't reported, verbal contract territory...

Good luck...

Gonzo hasn't said whether it was reported to the police, but he has reported it online as early as 2002 on the Steinberger World Yahoo Group.

GonzoBass · February 19, 2014, 02:40:54 PM

Thanks Dave...

Yes, a police report was filed at the time of the theft.
I've contact that precinct
and I am in the process of tracking that report number down through "Public Records" here
but since this was stolen in 1988,
those reporst are on microfilm...

The only documentation I have at this point,
is the original warranty card with it's purchase date/serial number
and my original receipt.

It has been documented as stolen all over the web though.
That is what prompted the e-mails I received the morning this hit the web.

Highlander · February 19, 2014, 02:53:09 PM

Keeping them crossed...

uwe · February 20, 2014, 04:38:53 AM

Raider of the Lost Paddle! Go, Indie, go!

GonzoBass · February 23, 2014, 12:27:59 PM

He listed it on eBay
and immediately sold it through the "make an offer" feature-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steinberger-Newburgh-XP-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-red-Classic-/181330759293?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a3827ce7d&nma=true&si=NpVii5j5W1wDXC52jZeD0dUiJKk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

The Indiana police have been notified of this
but the detective I've been dealing with is off till Monday.
$:-\$

saltymonkey · February 23, 2014, 12:45:15 PM

You should contact ebay. They'll be able to identify and contact the buyer.

Denis · February 23, 2014, 01:02:00 PM

Quote from: GonzoBass on February 23, 2014, 12:27:59 PM
He listed it on eBay
and immediately sold it through the "make an offer" feature-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steinberger-Newburgh-XP-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-red-Classic-/181330759293?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a3827ce7d&nma=true&si=NpVii5j5W1wDXC52jZeD0dUiJKk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

The Indiana police have been notified of this
but the detective I've been dealing with is off till Monday.
$:-\$

When I saw my stolen Jerry Jones on eBay with a BIN, it didn't take me long to bite the bullet and hit the button. I figured if someone else did it I might never get that bass back.
Hope you can get it back!

Dave W · February 23, 2014, 03:18:49 PM

I hope you and the detective can close this one quickly. But I would contact eBay too.

GonzoBass · February 24, 2014, 01:29:25 AM

I did notify eBay also.
The drama continues...