Local

NC woman receives anonymous call, finds stolen bass made nearly 70 years ago

GASTONIA, N.C. — A North Carolina woman told Channel 9 she was heartbroken after someone stole her musical instrument shortly after she played it at a funeral. Hours later, Jaime Carter received an anonymous call with a location to her most prized possession.

Carter first thought she was being scammed, but found her bass in a wooded area in Charlotte.

“I met with WSOC today. My story aired at 5:15 pm and I was on the road to get my bass by 9:30 pm. It’s great to say that everyone can retire their BOLO for my bass,” Carter said.

Carter is grateful the bass is now back in her hands.

“To whomever called me tonight, thank you. This bass means so much to me and I’m so grateful to have it back in my possession,” Carter said.

Video shows the moment police said someone stole the upright bass and drove off with it. Carter said she and a friend were eating at a restaurant in Gastonia off Remount Road when someone got into the truck, pulled up a lock bar, and took the 1951 Kay Upright Bass M-1 model.

“The moment it wasn’t there, immediately all these memories start coming back,” Carter said.

Earlier the two had performed at a funeral in Charlotte -- free of charge.

“The moment I realized it was gone, I felt like someone had just taken what has made my life from me,” Carter said.

Carter shared videos of her playing the bass from over the years, along with photos of her performances for family and friends during the last 16 years.

“As soon as it happened, I prayed to the Lord to keep anger out of my heart,” she said. “And he has. I’m not angry but I’m sad, and I’m broken, and I feel a little lost.”

Carter said she is thankful for the tremendous support from people she doesn’t know after she posted on social media about the theft.

“There are no words. I am overjoyed and filled with happiness,” Carter said. “I don’t know if this will be the first night I get some sleep because my bass is home, or if it will be another sleepless night because of the adrenaline.”

She said that instrument is valued at several thousand dollars.

(WATCH BELOW: NC woman says someone stole upright bass made nearly 70 years ago)