Moron loses Stradivarius cello

The Kernel · Post by **The Kernel** » 2004-05-19 12:21pm

Zaia wrote: Why couldn't it be sold? If there's a way to buy famous artwork underground, there's got to be a way to buy a stolen Strad cello.

You honestly think that person knew it was worth $3.5 mil when they left it by the dumpster? People, particularly thieves, are too greedy for that, in my opinion. I think if the thief knew it was worth that much, he/she/it would've held onto it for a lot longer to ensure that all potential selling venues had been exhausted before merely thinking about letting it go.

Thieves that steal artwork for sale on the black market are professionals, and they usually have buyers before hand. A street thief that happens upon a $3.5 million Cello is at first going to be excited, then as he soberingly realizes how traceable the thing is, he's going to want to get it away from his as quickly as possible.

I mean, you can't just take the thing down to a pawn shop. If you wanted to sell it, could you? And I'm not talking about to a friend either.

Sharp-kun · Post by **Sharp-kun** » 2004-05-19 12:34pm

Stofsk wrote:Nobody else... uh, finds this... humourous? Not even a little?

I'm smirking

It would had it actually been made into a CD cabinet, just to see the reactions here

Post by **haas mark** » 2004-05-19 01:44pm

Vympel wrote:If the article lists the damage as minor, then I doubt the way it plays was affected.

Trust me, with a string instrument, one scratch can change the sound of the instrument, if it scrapes off some of the stain... It may be incredibly minute, but it'll never be the same.

SyntaxVorlon · Post by **SyntaxVorlon** » 2004-05-19 01:52pm

I am stupified and greatly amused at the same time. I hope that cellist gets an honorary mention in Darwin. Gods this worse than when Yoyo Ma left his cello in a taxi.

Gil Hamilton · Post by **Gil Hamilton** » 2004-05-19 02:48pm

It's possible that the thief himself didn't know what he had. However, that doesn't excuse the fucking moron who left a STRAD on his freaking FRONT PORCH. You don't let something like that get exposed to the elements! Moisture is bad juju when it comes to instruments made of wood. I've heard of violins cracking due to being exposed to really humid weather and even if it doesn't, absorbing moisture will slightly warp the wood.

Saurencaerthai · Post by **Saurencaerthai** » 2004-05-19 05:27pm

An instrument that quality is greater than just a guitar, flute, or even a professional bassoon (often going into the $100,000 range. ) It is something that one must put their highest priority on. Even if one were to leave a professional instrument on their porch, the implications are not nearly as significant. I don't care how good he is. That was pure irresponsibility.

The good side of this is that probably for now on (possibly for the rest of his life) his instrument won't ever go out of eyesight.

RedImperator · Post by **RedImperator** » 2004-05-19 05:34pm

There's no way a street thief can fence a Stradavarius. It's not just a matter of him not knowing anyone who could pay for it, it's the fact that it's a unique and well-known object, and nobody but a collector would be willing to risk owning it. It's like buying the Mona Lisa from a thief: even if you had the money, unless you're a hardcore art collector, would you buy it, knowing you couldn't exactly hang it in your living room.

SpacedTeddyBear · Post by **SpacedTeddyBear** » 2004-05-19 05:52pm

OMFG!!! HOW CAN A PROFESSIONAL CELLIST LEAVE A FUCKING STRAD. BY ITSELF ON A FRONT PORCH!!! FOOL!!!

Bob the Gunslinger · Post by **Bob the Gunslinger** » 2004-05-19 05:58pm

SpacedTeddyBear wrote:OMFG!!! HOW CAN A PROFESSIONAL CELLIST LEAVE A FUCKING STRAD. BY ITSELF ON A FRONT PORCH!!! FOOL!!!

Maybe he was running late for his appointment with the Swedish Synchronized Blowjob Team.