RS1976 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 my life is strange. well... everyone's life is strange. but mine definitely. december 18th after returning from a monastery in the mountains northern New Mexico, my car was totaled right in my own town. in sunny, dry conditions. i was not injured and nor were the other motorists. I was struck by uninsured motorists. thus... i had to to some extent, 'go to battle' with my own insurance company after all the ducking & f***ing. i was allocated some money. although not enough money to get back into a car like i had. in fact, they only gave me enough money to get close to getting another car, but not enough to honestly put me back in a car. i contested, they balked. we kicked the ball around for a while, and i eventually walked away with a slightly larger sum, but still not enough to drive away in a car again. i spent about a week & a half lookin for another car.... then i just said... screw it. i actually was sick of where i was living... i couldn't afford another car... been havin trouble securing gigs like i once did... no transportation... no job... no place to live... but i have been doing lots of photography lately. and that has helped me put a few bucks in my pocket. so i figured i'd just keep on keepin on. meanwhile, the friends of mine back in northern new mexico offered me a place to rest & regroup and figure out my life for up to a month and a half. they even offered to pay my way. so i booked a flight. and i leave on wednsday next week... so for a little while i was thinkin... they didn't give me enough money for a car... but they DID give me more than enough money to pick up an L1. no kids... the real deal. from circa 1920...i made an offer to a guy who had one and told him i was ready to buy, but he had to agree to my offer. to my surprise, he accepted. thus tomorrow... i am going to be the proud owner of a pre-war 'The' Gibson L1. i planned on renting a car and driving to Dallas TX to photograph this instrument in front of the infamous 508 building as there is finally momentum building to bring the building back to life. i even have corresponded with a couple members of the committee and they are more than willing to help in my endeavors. my hopes is to capture the L1 with 508 behind it and offer it as memorabilia to get others interested in the Save 508 project. Perhaps even show the folks here @ Gibson Artist Relations in Austin my efforts and get them involved... you never know... wish me luck.
dem00n Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Good luck brother, just let the wind take you.
DAS44 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Good luck! That's one unfortunate string of events :( But... I must demand pictures once you get 'er :P
retrosurfer1959 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 What Happened to the church deal? Last I heard the Presbyterian church next door had bought both of the building and the parking lot building and was planning on restoring 508 Park complete with a recording studio? It was even approved by the city and the restoration or historical board who had been holding up it's demolition for a couple years. has that fallen through or what are you trying to do now. Oh and sorry about the car and getting nailed by your insurance company maybe theres a good blues song in there.
RS1976 Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 What Happened to the church deal? Last I heard the Presbyterian church next door had bought both of the building and the parking lot building and was planning on restoring 508 Park complete with a recording studio? It was even approved by the city and the restoration or historical board who had been holding up it's demolition for a couple years. has that fallen through or what are you trying to do now. Oh and sorry about the car and getting nailed by your insurance company maybe theres a good blues song in there. i'm trying to help the Presbys in their mission.
pippy Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Good luck with your endeavours. I really like the sound (as it were) of you getting the Gibson. 'Good Karma' at last after all the crap you were dished by your insurers? As far as 508 Park Avenue goes, here's one link that has a nicely simplistic overview for those unfamiliar with the building; http://www.508park.org/ I must confess I was totally unaware that ol' Slowhand had used it for the 'Me and Mr Johnson' sessions. P.
cookieman15061 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 So let me get this straight..... you've got no transportation, no job and no place to live and your gonna throw the insurance money at a guitar. Bbbbbbbbbwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
Malchik Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 In Mexico you won't freeze. That's all that matters here in Canada.
RS1976 Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 All it takes is a chain of uncontrollable event and this happens. I am very sorry about all the pain your going through. I have to agree with Cookie, no money or job and your buying what? Sorry, just looking at it realistically. I do hope it eventually turns to your favor. i smile, because i have thought the same thing. but at the end of the day, i'm being allocated a place to stay & work at a monastary Outside of Santa Fe New Mexico for a month. and losing a car... relocating... the uncertainty.. its a drag. but there is silver lining to all this. so as uncomfortable as this is, there does lie adventure in the endeavor. remember the wisdom of Frankls advice... its not so much what happens to a man, but how he reacts to it... i actually have nothin to lose. sometimes you gotta dance like there ain't nobody watchin!
FenderGuy1 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 I feel bad for you man, its like losing a favourite piece of gear, i lost my first Strat which was a old kawasaki copy that i got with an amp, when i dropped it the pickup stopped working, it only worked on distortion so i threw it out, but anyhoo i got a Squier strat now an a nice 40 watt Marshall amp
TommyK Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Hope your life gets better. It HAS to, right? No place to go but up. Good For You! Stickin' to your guns with the no-surance company. Any time you are talking to an insurance company, ESPECIALLY, if you are making a claim, you are in a negotiating session whether you realize it or not. Either get in the game or get steam rolled. NEVER, EVER take their first offer, it is not their best. Document your position as to why you feel you are owed a specific amount. Show them what it will take to replace whatever you've lost. Don't settle for their actuarial tables, show them, "This is what it takes to replace X in my market." Be reasonable, understand your car is probably not worth what you think it is on the open market. Find a similar replacement. But, to start out with, always ask for more than you think you deserve. Since they are going to low ball you on their first offer, you need to counter with a high ball, generally start as much OVER what you think is fair as their offer is UNDER what you think is fair. If they offer to, "Split the difference," don't. Almost universally, when our opponent offers to, "Split the difference," you are already at their number. They are testing the water to see if there is more money there. Especially on a used car, keep repair receipts. If you've had a recent, major repair, that can be factored into the value of an aging car. READ any agreement which you are asked to sign. If you are accepting a significant amount of money for your damaged car, you may be signing over title to the no-surance company. If it is still drivable and you expect to walk away from the deal with your ride, make sure that is what the paperwork says. However, if it is junk and not repairable, make sure the no-surance company is required to take title to it and remove it from where ever it is. If you are expecting to walk away from the deal with your car, don't sign anything unless you have your keys in your pocket. If the no-surance company is not yours, i.e. the other guy's, be prepared for a tussle. They have no reason to keep you happy, you are not their customer. If your car is not drivable, bring up lost wages, a rental car, and that stiffness in your neck. :blink: Not saying you should make a claim for a fake bodily injury, but it could help your position if the other guy knows you are thinking about it. (call it high balling). One other thing. My in-laws were touring the Desert South West, years ago. They were nearly hit head-on. It was close enough that the offending driver's side molding was laying on the road and my FIL's rear view mirror was broken, but no other body damage. Long story short, the offending driver, it was determined was a hit-and run and probably uninsured and lived on an Indian Reservation. The State of (Arizona or New Mexico), paid for the damages. Not sure of the legal aspects here, just that is what happened.
charlie brown Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Insurance Companies=legalized extortion! They're a scam! And, like a bad slot machine, they never pay up, or try to keep from paying, even legitimate claims! But, if you miss a premium, they drop you like a hot rock! But, they're in with the Automobile industry, and medical industry, so you almost "have" to have it. Oh...sorry, don't get me started, on the "insurance" industry! CB
Buxom Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Forget the guitar if you already have one. Buy a conversion van and remove the 2 or 3 back rows of seats they can have and sleep in it. I'd do it if I had to.
rct Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 sometimes you gotta dance like there ain't nobody watchin! Only when you don't have a job, kids, house, things you are responsible for. Monastery, parents basement, friends couch. It's all the same when you don't have anything to answer for. Good luck with life. I hope you continue to collect vintage gibsons and keep them at other peoples houses. I know I would if I could. rct
cookieman15061 Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 I hope you continue to collect vintage gibsons and keep them at other peoples houses. I know I would if I could. Yeah that's the ticket! Buy a whole bunch of vintage Gibsons and keep em at my house. You can come over anytime and play them......well call first. Do you have a phone?
dem00n Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 So let me get this straight..... you've got no transportation, no job and no place to live and your gonna throw the insurance money at a guitar. Bbbbbbbbbwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!! It's something most people will never understand.
Riffster Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 i smile, because i have thought the same thing. but at the end of the day, i'm being allocated a place to stay & work at a monastary Outside of Santa Fe New Mexico for a month. and losing a car... relocating... the uncertainty.. its a drag. but there is silver lining to all this. so as uncomfortable as this is, there does lie adventure in the endeavor. remember the wisdom of Frankls advice... its not so much what happens to a man, but how he reacts to it... i actually have nothin to lose. sometimes you gotta dance like there ain't nobody watchin! Do it, there's a place and time for doing certain things, play the hand you've been dealt wisely. later on you won't be able to do something like this and you will think of how much money you have in your bank account before you make a move.... not.as.exciting. When I became jobless at a job that was supposed to be a career I sold everything I had and moved to Nashville 15 years ago, I had $6,000, no credit, no family around, did not have a job and did not speak the language. Best thing I ever did. Would I do it now? No, 'cause I am a "responsible" adult. Bob Seger's Against the Wind has been my favorite song for the last 15 years. Best of luck to you, don't miss the signs of opportunity along the way.
RS1976 Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 i received an L1 via FedEx today. she's almost 100 years old. you'll get pics when you get pics... be patient. but she's gorgeous and sweet sounding. anywhoo... while at the local vintage shop showin' her off and everybody takin turns playing her, i received a phone call from some folks in Dallas Texas who are glad to have me a part of the preservation effort. will meet with them in person upon my return from new mexico. Late Jan to mid Feb
RS1976 Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 You never mentioned a place to stay or a job, or at least I didn't see it. If you have those covered then buy away.... Congrats and yes dance like no one is watching. Since I really can't dance thats the only time I will!!! I was real close to your situation almost two years ago and my belief in God helped me get through that crises. Luckly I have two great children who are adults and they came to aid of their father or who knows what would have happened. Peace be with you.... If your a Vet, I might be able to assist you with at least a few numbers to call in your area; let me know. no i am not a Vet. but I thank you for your consideration! yeah, God watches over us. and nothing happens by mistake. I recall a line by the George Jones... Even the bad times are good. yeah GEORGE!
TommyK Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Insurance companies prey on the fact that most people don't want to be 'bothered' with medical bills. Most people don't like to read contracts and educate themselves as to what they have covered. Ever read the back of a claim check? By endorsing it, you give up your right to make any more claims related to an accident, even if the injury / damage was hidden and discovered later... even if you legitimately have it covered! Want to tick off an Insurance salesman or car salesman? READ the contract. I discovered that in my Home Owners coverage that my 'flood' coverage is only for burst plumbing or a failed sump pump. A collapsed foundation was only covered if it wasn't caused by a flood. Caused by a flood? Yes, A large community north of my abode was hit by massive flooding a couple years ago. This type of flood was water up to the back yard for about a week with water seeping in through the footing tiles. Most people's first reaction to water coming into the basement faster than their sump pump can pump it out was to .... get a bigger pump. Thoroughly pleased with themselves for keeping the furnace out of the wet, their basement walls collapse and mud rushes in. Why? When soil becomes saturated it becomes a semi-liquid and exerts massive pressure on the basement walls. Had these home owners let the water in the basement rise, the depth of the water inside would equalize with that outside and the basement walls would have equal pressure on both sides and the foundation would remain firm. Here's the kicker, while insurance covers the furnace, washer/dryer, carpet, dry wall in this type of flood .... they would not cover the replacement of their concrete foundation. This is all predicated on sump pump failure either due to mechanical failure or power failure or just not being big enough to keep up. Bottom line, if you are in a flood situation, get the irreplaceable stuff upstairs and let the water rise. By getting a bilge pump, the only one you are protecting is the Insurance company.
RS1976 Posted January 23, 2012 Author Posted January 23, 2012 Do it, there's a place and time for doing certain things, play the hand you've been dealt wisely. later on you won't be able to do something like this and you will think of how much money you have in your bank account before you make a move.... not.as.exciting. When I became jobless at a job that was supposed to be a career I sold everything I had and moved to Nashville 15 years ago, I had $6,000, no credit, no family around, did not have a job and did not speak the language. Best thing I ever did. Would I do it now? No, 'cause I am a "responsible" adult. Bob Seger's Against the Wind has been my favorite song for the last 15 years. Best of luck to you, don't miss the signs of opportunity along the way. Update to you amigo as you seem to know the vibe and get it. quickly bring you up to speed if you care.... Dec 18th - Kia smashed on streets of Austin Texas... Dec 19th - 23rd Car-less pending whose at fault Dec 23- Jan 9th Rental car (pay out pending on my original car) Jan 5th - 1st settlement numbers sent to me. I rejected them Jan 7th - 2nd Settlement numbers sent to me. Rejecetd also. Jan 8th - 3rd & final settlement numbers sent to me. Reluctantly I accept. Jan 9th - Rental car is returned. Settlement check in hand. Spent all time meanwhile searching for new car. Unable to find one that has been well maintained and would safely allow me to tour, perform regionally. Jan 10th - Purchased 1919 Gibson L-1 to be included in future photo essay for preservation of 508 Park Ave. Gave up on search of car. Opted out of the 'rat race game' Also bought 1 way Ticket to Albuquerque via Southwest airlines. $98.00 after taxes & fees. January 18th - Arrived at Northern New Mexico to work & stay at Monastery for at least a month. January 22 - friends of the Monastery who love my classical music offered to act as executive producers for any new CD ideas I have. I've had an entire albums worth of material waiting to be released... This couple has offered to help with layout, design, mastering printing and distrbution. February 8th we begin!
pippy Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Glad to hear things are definitely heading in the right direction, RS1976. Will 'Julia Florida' be considered for the CD, by any chance? I still go back to your earlier post and listen to your rendition of the piece with the L-1. Beautiful both to look at and to hear. And I look forward, hopefully, to hearing more as things progress... Best of fortune in your endeavours! P.
RS1976 Posted January 23, 2012 Author Posted January 23, 2012 Glad to hear things are definitely heading in the right direction, RS1976. Will 'Julia Florida' be considered for the CD, by any chance? I still go back to your earlier post and listen to your rendition of the piece with the L-1. Beautiful both to look at and to hear. And I look forward, hopefully, to hearing more as things progress... Best of fortune in your endeavours! P. yes, Julia Florida will be on the disc. However it will be a recording done with my Lucio Nunez classical. The L1 demo with Julia Florida was mainly for others to see an L1 and not the usual ragtime fingerpickin one usually comes across while in YouTube. thanks for your kind words. the people, weather, and vibe here in New Mexico is incredible!
zigzag Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Just curious... who was your insurance company?
dem00n Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Good luck man, great to see things going good for you.
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