Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane

Subject: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 02:36 PM

Damien O' Kane had his tenor banjo stolen last night in Newcastle.

He says "It is a rare instrument made by Phil Davidson, made from birds eye maple with a celtic design on the back of the neck at the body and it has my nickname 'dee' inlayed at the back of the neck behind the celtic design. Please pass the word around as much as poss."

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 04:28 PM

Refresh - please keep this at the top so everyone sees

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 04:30 PM

Are there any photos of it?

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: The Barden of England
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 05:08 PM

Refresh - And hope it turns up soon.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 05:10 PM

This is dreadful news!! Just hope that it turns up soon, any musician would be very suspicious if it were offered to them I'm sure.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,up top
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 05:46 PM

Bastards !!!! Refresh

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 05:51 PM

Be sure to check eBay and local guitar shops.
So Sorry

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Rog Peek
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 05:58 PM

Some people really are the scum of the earth. Do hope you get it back.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Lonely male, GSOH
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 09:37 PM

I was once stupid enough to leave my banjo on the back seat of my unlocked car parked down a side-street in Manchester. I came back after several hours to find someone had thrown another one in.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Surreysinger
Date: 09 Oct 07 - 09:42 PM

Wrong thread for a comment like that - I doubt very much if it's a laughing matter for Damien. (:-(

However, at least it kept the thread at the top of the pile

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 03:23 AM

to the top.. hope ya get it back.    suzi

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Sugwash
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 04:05 AM

That is sad news, a Davidson banjo is a thing of beauty. Was it stolen at a gig or from his car?

I truely hope he gets it back.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: skipy
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 04:23 AM

Do hope he gets it back.
Check ebay SEVERAL TIMES A DAY, something put on "buy it now" can go within minutes.
Also check "completed listings" daily.
To do this type   "banjo" into "buy", click search, (all banjos for sale will come up) go to yellow sector on left side of page, scroll down, tick box "completed listings" scroll down, click search.
This will bring up all the banjo sales for the last few weeks, click on any that might be the stolen one, scroll down as the picky will be at the bottom of the page.
If he has to buy a new one, tell him to tke it down the vets & get it chipped!
Good luck.
Skipy

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 04:58 AM

Firstly, Bugger.

Secondly, do check E Bay regularly.
Hasn't worked for me in the last two years, after my Fylde guitar was nicked, but I still regularly check.
I have heard stories about people retrieving stolen instruments on E Bay.
And E Bay are very helpful, if you talk to them.
After all, it's in their interest to keep their site as clean as they can.

I wish you luck.
The good thing is that it sounds like a signature instrument, making it more recognisable.
Keep spreading the word.
If you have photos of the banjo, publish them.
Send them to all possible shops, police, anyone you can think of.

As I say, I still check E Bay, but no luck as yet, but I haven't given up hope.

Best Wishes

Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 05:37 AM

Also.
As an aside.
I would suggest that everyone with instruments, do a photo shoot, including serial numbers, etc.
Yes, egg sucking grandmothers I know, but it only takes half an hour to do, and could be very useful in the future.
I have a CD of about 200 pictures of my instruments in various states (Some clothed, some naked!!)
Also, insurance, although, some instruments are literally irreplaceable, and, therefore, uninsurable.
Again.
Good Luck with the search.

No flippant comments from me.
I know how bad Damien must be feeling.

Ralphie

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Brendy
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 07:13 AM

I'll alert the Scandinavian sessioners....
... as well as keeping an eye out for it, myself

This comes hot on the heels of news from Siberia, where a bodhrán player; part of the 'Rhythm of the Dance' troupe, was tragically killed, when he was electrocuted on a train close to the city of Omsk.

We live in difficult times.....

B.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 07:47 AM

sad to hear you have my sympathy and best wishes for its recovery.
Does he have another banjo to use until this is returned, and is the banjo insured.
I make a point of insuring my instruments - expensive but well worth it for peace of mind

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 08:03 AM

Losing a precious instrument to a low-life is an ever present problem for any gigging musician. What sounds worse about this is the probability that the person who stole it knew exactly what they were taking.
I routinely photograph instruments and record the serial numbers, but knowing this won't be much comfort to Damien. I can only suggest what's already been suggested; visit local swop-shops, keep a good eye on EBAY (you can put search requests on EBAY, and they'll tell you when a similar item turns up for sale)and get round a few music shops with details of the banjo.
Is that Newcastle in the North East, or Newcastle down by us in the Potteries?
Good luck.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 08:06 AM

FWIW and I thought it a bit naff but it would make the thing near unsaleable.

I saw Waylon Jennins in a film and you could see clearly inlaid in the fretboard of his guitar was his name. In mother of pearl. So corporate identity, advertising, and theft deterrent in one - I bet Waylon thought so too.

But then some banjo players would be well advised not to do this............

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Mick Tems
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 11:15 AM

keep at the top - such sad news.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Home Truth
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 11:19 AM

Maybe he won't be so careless next time (or too drunk to realise he hasn't got his "precious" instrument with him before it's too late).

There's a wonderful scheme called "Musical Instrument Insurance"

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: maeve
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 11:28 AM

That's neither helpful nor kind, HT.

maeve

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 11:36 AM

I've seen many a crass and cruel comment here on Mudcat but nothing surpasses that from Guest, Home Truth. You have clearly never had an instrument that was your best friend (not to mention a tool of your trade) at times when it seems there is no other.

I know not whether Damien had his banjo insured, but this is not the point. If he had, he'll get some money and so, after a lot of inconvenience and heartbreak, he can buy another, But it won't be the same. And his trust in humanity will have taken a rather steep dive.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 01:11 PM

Ignore the flaming troll and let's keep this at the top.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: peregrina
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 03:07 PM

I heard Damien play twice and was just stunned and spellbound by the intensity, the expression, and his musical communication with Shona. Awesome: I never knew the banjo could have such emotional power and sound so beautiful.
If losing an instrument is a real grief for anyone, I can only guess that for the real masters, it's like losing a part of the self.
Instrument thieves aren't just robbing the owner, they're stealing something from us all who love great live music.
I sure hope the banjo is identified by someone somewhere and reunited with Damien.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: HouseCat
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 03:09 PM

Bump. Horrid thing to happen.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 03:18 PM

Apart from anything else , a working musician needs a good instrument to earn his living ! IF one gets stolen , OK , you MAY be able to borrow an instrument , but it WONT be the one you are used to !

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: The Barden of England
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 05:25 PM

I so hope a 'Home Truth' comes and bites you 'Home Truth'. What a wonderful specimen of humanity you are - you that can only hide behind a 'GUEST' banner. May you get what you truly deserve.

In the meantime this tragedy should be bumped to the top once again.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 05:31 PM

Mudcat reaches a large number of people in acoustic music all over the world. We'll all stay on alert for Damien's banjo.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: maeve
Date: 10 Oct 07 - 05:32 PM

What Sinsull said.

Bumppp!

maeve

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 04:59 AM

Sorry to hear the news Damien. Will keep my eyes and ears open and tell all the folkies around hear. Looking forwrd to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Jim

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,theleveller
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 08:32 AM

Of course you insure your instruments but....well, I've also got mrsleveller insured but if I lost her........

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 09:26 AM

Back to the top of the list, please! Very uncertain of the point that you're trying to make there Leveller, and how it relates to Damien's problem ???

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,theleveller
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 10:22 AM

Some things are irreplaceable at any price. Bump.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Declan
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 01:35 PM

Rough one Damien. I've had a couple of guitars nicked myself. Nothing as valuable as yours, but I know its not a nice feeling.

Hope it turns up soon. I'll keep an eye out, but I doubt if it will make it over here.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: mattkeen
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 03:06 PM

Best of luck

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 04:10 PM

Hate to think of a thief playing it. It's obscene.
To the top

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Surreysinger
Date: 11 Oct 07 - 05:02 PM

Thanks for that Leveller.... back to the top!

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Sugwash
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 03:26 AM

I doubt that the thief will be playing it, that takes real skill despite what other sessioneers may say to the contrary.

Up she goes.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Effsee
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 09:15 PM

May their balls fester and stick to their pockets!!
Bump!

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Peace
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 09:35 PM

Remind me never to get Effsee pissed at me.
BUMP.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Effsee
Date: 12 Oct 07 - 09:47 PM

LOL Peace, just don't go stealing anyone's instruments, OK?

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,tutti flutti
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 08:30 AM

Refresh - we need to keep this one near the top of the list
I guess there have been no developments yet?

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Chris Newman
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 01:30 PM

This will be a real pain for Damien - he's a nice guy and a great player. Insurance is only half the story - I had a (fully insured) guitar trashed at O'Hare a few years ago and the entire process was unbelievably time consuming and unpleasant. Yes, I did get the money eventually, but losing a working instrument was awful. We'll all keep our eyes peeled and fingers crossed.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Cattail
Date: 13 Oct 07 - 05:10 PM

It might also be worth putting it on this site, although the last
entry was in 2006.


http://pub6.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=495669797&cpv=1


Rotten &*%£%^^&(^'s, lets hope someone gets it back to him.

Best wishes

Cattail !

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 12:15 PM

wheres damian in all this?????

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: sapper82
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 05:42 PM

Effsee, May their earholes turn to arseholes and shit all over their shoulders!!

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Effsee
Date: 14 Oct 07 - 09:13 PM

Hey sapper82, nice one, but it wouldn't be so painful!!

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: tutti flutti
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 03:54 AM

George - is there still no news?

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Damien O'Kane
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 08:33 AM

Hi everyone who has kindly been refreshing this thread. Damien here. It's very encouraging all your comments and thanks for your continued support.

To answer a few questions - yes, i have the banjo insured. I insure all my instruments and their cases so this will be covered.

To our "friend" HomeTruth, i can only guess that you are a failed musician and you have never had the joy and pleasure of owning a "precious" instrument. As John Barden says, people like you can only hide behind a false name. I pity you.

I'll keep you all informed on any outcomes,

Many Thanks,
Damien

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: skipy
Date: 15 Oct 07 - 08:36 AM

Is the one you use borrowed Terry?
Skipy

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: The Barden of England
Date: 16 Oct 07 - 07:28 AM

It's good to hear from Damien. I'm glad he has insurance, but I'm sure we all know that losing an instrument is a tragedy. It's a friend and lover in many cases and no insurance in the world replaces that. I do so hope it turns up for you.

In the meantime, back to the top
John Barden

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Oct 07 - 01:25 PM

No news yet? I guess the thieving rat would lay low for a while before trying to sell the joe, so there's hope it'll yet be spotted somewhere.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 07 - 05:08 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Sugwash
Date: 18 Oct 07 - 03:26 AM

Bounce

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Declan
Date: 19 Oct 07 - 03:09 AM

Up again

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Oct 07 - 11:07 AM

Worth alerting all the big musical instrument shops if you haven't already done so, in case someone tries to trade it?
There was a thread on here a couple of years ago about when Alan Bell got his concertina nicked: someone in a Hobgoblin shop over 150 miles from where it was pinched was suspicious and Alan got his instrument back,AND the the thief got arrested.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Davie_
Date: 20 Oct 07 - 06:16 AM

Back to top

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Sugwash
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 03:19 PM

No news yet?

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: GUEST,Damien O'Kane
Date: 24 Oct 07 - 07:43 PM

No news as of yet folks. Thanks for your continued support,

Damien

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 25 Oct 07 - 03:15 AM

pal of mine had his George Ormiston Flute stolen, trawled the local junk shops and pawn brokers and other shops like these, and eventually found his flute in a pawn brokers (George numbers his flutes) and managed to call in the police and got his flute back.

Maybe worth a try (try the cash converter places too).

Regards

EWIS

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: Brendy
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 06:55 PM

?

Refresh!

B.

Subject: RE: Stolen banjo (UK) - Damien O'Kane
From: PennyBlack
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 09:04 PM

nudge - keep hopes up Alan Bell's concertina was stolen and recovered by a sharp witted member of staff at Hobgoblin when someone tried to sell it to them - so there's always hope.

PB