Stolen Epiphone Texan

Subject: Stolen Epiphone Texan
From: River
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 03:32 AM

Dear folk friends. Some things you just never give up on. Maybe you can help. I think it was 1969. I had quit electric and by all that I was I wanted to finger pick. It was an urge that on retrospect came out of nowhere. There was just something about the the richness of finger picking that drew me in like a homing beacon. I sold my Gibson Les Paul (the real thing) and bought an Epiphone Texan acoustic. I owned it for 17 years. I played and played and played and played on that thing. For hours, for days, for weeks, for months, for years, I played that thing. I became, well, a pretty good fingerpicker. That guitar became more me than I was. Well you can guess the rest. Santa Rosa California, 1986, it was stolen from me. Is it possible to steal some ones soul? Can you actually steal from someone that which defines what they are? Yes, you can. I have never re-found that part of myself. I desperately want it back. Nothing since has meant more to me. Help me if you can. Can you play a guitar for 17 years and never bother to memorize or record the serial number? Yes you can. When it was stolen it was severely weather checked. It had been on a flight from Minnesota to California which had seriously cracked the surface finish. It had a piece of bone under the bridge to bring the bridge more in contact with the top. It had gold Grover tuning machines. The metal Epsilon was missing from the pick guard. The fret board was deeply worn under the first three frets. It had a custom leather strap. It is quite possibly in the hands of a collector now. If you think that you have seen this guitar or know where it is, you can contact me at [e-mail] Thanks forever.

Subject: RE: Stolen Epiphone Texan
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 01:13 PM

Well, I'm sorry I can't help, but I sure wish you luck.

Subject: RE: Stolen Epiphone Texan
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 01:29 PM

I sympathise, River. I hope somehow the guitar will be returned to you. For those who have a guitar that you truly love, I suggest A) take photos of it, with close-ups of any defects or identifying marks and features B)Conceal a sticker or note with your name and address inside the soundhole, or under the pick-guard, etc C) Record the serial number somewhere where you wont lose it.

Subject: RE: Stolen Epiphone Texan
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 03:19 PM

I sympathise, River...I play a Texan myself I bought second-hand in '78. Good luck in your search!

All the best.......Harry.

Subject: RE: Stolen Epiphone Texan
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 03:54 PM

I've got a Serenade FT208, which I've owned since 1968 or thereabouts, if that was stolen, I think I'd die. Hope it turns up again, if not I hope the bastard who stole it rots in hell.
Sympathies from....Giok