Here's a story you bass-nuts may like:
In March 1976 I bought a spanking-new ebony (black) Gibson Thunderbird. It was my first "real" bass guitar. Fast forward to 1993, when I sold some of my old basses (

) to update my rig and go to 5 and 6 string basses. The Tbird was sold to an acquaintance in Dallas. I last talked to him in 1995. Well, I tracked him down this week, after becoming nostalgic for my old 'Bird. He told me after he bought it he had the frets dressed, put new strings on, and then put it under his bed, where it has been ever since. Punchline: I'm driving to Dallas tomorrow in an attempt to make some sort of deal to get my Tbird back. It sounds promising - he wants an American Pbass, and, what do you know, I have a sweet 1998 ash P bass that I'm taking along. You all already know what the best outcome would be, but, just in case an even trade doesn't happen, I'm taking some other basses and some cash. Wish me luck, everybody. May the bass gods smile upon this deal!

Mark