Check out our Forum Rules. Lets keep this forum an enjoyable place to visit.
Log In
Register
Home
Topic RSS
Read the original blog post
(0 votes) 
Offline
From the Wall Street Journal:
MILWAUKEE—A U.S. man pleaded guilty Wednesday to providing the stun gun used to rob an orchestra concertmaster of a $5 million Stradivarius violin.
Universal K. Allah, 36, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine when he is sentenced in late July.
Mr. Allah provided the stun gun used to attack and rob a violin concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in January, according to the criminal complaint. The concertmaster dropped the instrument, and the robber grabbed it, jumped into a waiting vehicle and fled.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
Regulars
Offline
I thought this was going to be a joke - Universal Knowledge Allah!!!
Knowledge of what?
The jokes could be endless though - Goodness what happens when they file criminal charges against Allah?
Violinist start date - May 2013
Fiddler start date - May 2014
FIDDLE- Gift from a dear friend. A 1930-40 german copy, of a french copy of a Stradivarius. BOW - $50 carbon fiber. Strings - Dominants with E Pirastro Gold string.
Offline
I'm kinda surprised these types of robberies don't occur more often. Then again, how does a non musician/dealer go about selling such a fine instrument? I guess it's not that easy....
So many times I've walked alone with instruments valuing as high as a half million dollars and no-one is the wiser. I had these thoughts in my mind but figured, no one has ever tried to rob me of a cheap violin so why would they try when I just happen to have an expensive instrument in my hands. It's not like there is a price tag on the case. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Offline
Yeah, I thought Universal was an odd name, too, but didn't even notice the K middle initial.
I've often wondered whether musicians who play rare and expensive instruments have special, secure ways of transporting them. For example, I can't imagine a professional violinist in New York taking a Strad on the subway or walking with one from a parking garage to the concert hall. I suppose someone like that would get dropped off at the stage door by a limo.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
Offline
I can hardly carry a wad of cash without feeling nervous. I would be so nervous with a nice violin. I guess Pierre is right, who knows or would assume it is expensive. Still I never leave my violin unattended when I go out with it... and I have humble but cherished violins.
I am guessing there are tons of expensive violins that get on subways, planes, freeways everyday and do just fine. Thank goodness.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
Offline
Musicians often go out to grab a bite to eat and socialize between rehearsals or longer breaks. When doing so, we often carpool. If we can't leave our instruments in the hall or are switching locations we usually bring them with us. I can't tell you how often players leave their expensive instruments in the cars when going into restaurants.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
67
1 Guest(s)
Loading ...