GUITAR RODEO WAS BURGLARIZED 5-1-12, NEARLY EVERYTHING GONE

[S MS Picker]

I've a sneaky feeling that those guitars are on a slow boat to China.
Steve

[terrypl]

Just thought I'd mention an example to Jim's healthy attitude about such a horrible act. On the same day that he posted his message about the theft in this thread, he called me about a BTO he had received and was about to ship to me. I did not know of his troubles at the time of that call, but now thinking back on it, I am astonished at how upbeat he was about my new guitar. He didn't sound one bit down or distracted, but rather was super enthusiastic about what he about to ship to me. He talked about the guitar, and we had a very pleasant conversation about the whole transaction. I just think his focus on positive things like making one customer feel thrilled about a long-awaited BTO on a day when he could have been down and disgusted about his own situation is a real testament to what a great guy Jim is, what a great attitude he has about business, about his customers and about life in general. Makes me glad to have bought from him.

[Steve]

I'm guessing the perps aren't reading the website, I think we are safe.

-Dave

It wouldn't surprise me in the least, especially if they're pros...

[S MS Picker]

I've a sneaky feeling that those guitars are on a slow boat to China.
Steve

I just Googled these stores. I was unaware they were so close together. I really believe these instruments will never surface in the USA. Given the price and availability of high quality American guitars in Europe, the black market is probably shopping these out already.
Steve

[Scriptor]

Been away from the UTGF for several days and come back to see this ... I am saddened for Jim but encouraged to see his attitude in the pain ... my prayers are with him and hope that the folks who did this will be brought to justice.

[Saxacat]

I've a sneaky feeling that those guitars are on a slow boat to China.
Steve

I just Googled these stores. I was unaware they were so close together. I really believe these instruments will never surface in the USA. Given the price and availability of high quality American guitars in Europe, the black market is probably shopping these out already.
Steve

These items would be no easier to dispose of in Europe than in the US, but it would cost to get them here, both in monetary terms and the likelihood of Customs  recovering them.

I'm sure it would make a great script for NCIS, but not very practical in reality.

I just hope that wherever they are the perpetrators are caught and the items recovered. I'm sure this has been a very painful episode for the store owners and the apprehending of the thieves might make the owners feel a little better.

[TaylorLover]

I've done business with Jim. Best customer service ever. Let's get his guitars back.

[e8n]

I stopped at Jim's on Saturday and he was in good spirits.  The thing that he lost that bugged him the most was a banjo (from the 20's I think) that is basically irreplaceable.  They left his favorite banjo just sitting in the doorway to the back room which was very fortunate.   They also left an old (very old) Gibson he had sitting in the back.  It just looked like an old guitar to them (the case was open and it was sitting on the shelf so they must have looked at it and left it). 

The thing that was actually kind of weird is how little damage was done.  They had cleaned up a bit, but other than the broken door frame in the front everything looked pretty normal (other than there being about 8 guitars in the entire shop).

He should have a batch of cool new stuff later this week or early next week and things should start to get back to normal for him.

-Dave

[ctkarslake]

Needless to say, this kind of thing boils my blood.  And makes me a bit paranoid about losing my stable.  All the best to Jim and his store, sounds like an awesome place.  There is nothing like the support of your peers to lift ones spirits.

[mgap]

One comforting thing to say is that he was insured(fully I hope), and he will get new fresh inventory.  As a business owner I can tell you that inventory is just things that can be replaced.  Now if they came into your house and stole your guitars that you have invested time into, thats a different kettle of fish all together. 

I know from experience that the worst of the robbery is the next morning, it is quit a shock, and you can become very angry.  The inventory itself I never really have a emotional attachment to though.