Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/147187
NP - Posted - 05/05/2009: 09:06:19
Please read and pass along. Let's help one of greatest fiddlers of our time (and also the nicest guy you'd ever meet) recover his stolen instruments. Thanks, Noam Pikelny
the following is from Shad's brother, Jesse Cobb:
Stolen Instruments!
Hello friends, Shad Cobb of the John Cowan Band has suffered the loss of four instruments today. Shad has taken the news as only he could and is saddened by the loss but thankful and comforted by all the friends who have reached out to him today.
Sometime in the afternoon of Monday, May 4th, unknown thieves kicked in the back door of his little cabin home in the hood and made off with the following instruments. We would appreciate any help anyone could give in locating them. Unfortunately, we only have a serial number for one of the instruments and limited info on the fiddle and banjo. If you see these instruments for sale anywhere please contact me, Jesse Cobb at: mandocobb@hotmail.com.
1). Nashville Guitar Company. D size, mahogany guitar, very light colored wood on the top. serial# 03115. There is some finger near the bottom of the from posting fingers.
2). Approximately, four year old Bart Rider open back banjo. Shad thinks it was modeled after a White Lady banjo, with no distinguishing marks other than some wear on the head. Shad is trying to contact the builder get the serial number.
3). 7-8 year old Fairfax Abraham fiddle, with a Guarneri (spl?) label inside. The fiddle has a LR Baggs pickup installed and a bit of finish wear by the top of the fingerboard.
4). '98-'99 Ratliff F model mandolin. I used to own this one, it has major pick wear on the top, near the scroll. The fingerboard extension has been cutoff and there is a mark on the top where my saw slipped. There is also a repaired crack in the top f-hole. Dark sunburst finish.
Thanks for keeping an eye out for these instruments, wish we had some more information and will let you know if we get any more~JC
Edited by - jazzylynne on 05/05/2009 11:11:42
brokenstrings - Posted - 05/05/2009: 21:47:47
What an ugly thing to do!
Jessy
Frailaway, ladies, frailaway!
pastorharry - Posted - 05/06/2009: 00:45:33
What a drag!Shad did such a great job on John Balch's CD, and these instruments are more than tools of the trade, no doubt they are extensions of his very being!
I was reciently talking to an off duty policeman and he had a stern warning about the crack epidemic,and it's offshoot-the theft epidemic. He told me the #1 target is musical instruments, as they are small, and can be sold quickly,and usually as in Shad's case are not always easily identified..The sad part is these guys have no clue of value, they just want a quick couple hundred dollars.
I keep some decoys on the front wall-a 100.00 ukulele, and a 100.00 mandolin.I also recommend putting distinguishing marks and copying down all serial #'s and info on your instruments. These are desprate times for many.
Best of luck to Shad Cobb! Aloha, PH
Isaiah 38:20
dmiller - Posted - 05/06/2009: 01:49:54
I also am truly sorry to hear this. Shad is the salt of the earth. I met him when he was a teenager (who lived about 50 miles from me), and he was just as humble (and almost as good on the fiddle) then as he is these days. This travesty couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. 
When I read the title of this thread my heart sank, wondering if the fiddle that Randy Howard gave Shad, was stolen from him also. I'm guessing (from the description of the instruments stolen), that it wasn't.
May the thief be caught, and the instruments that were taken be returned intact.
For those who don't know much about Shad ----- >>> Here's an article
myfavefive - Posted - 05/06/2009: 20:29:26
Does anyone know in what city or town Shad's home is located? Sometimes stolen instruments show up within a couple hundred mile radius, and folks in that area can keep a sharp eye out for local shops, craigslist listings, etc.
A terrible shame; this kind of thing really saddens me. Just a reminder to all of us to document each valuable instrument you have; take detailed photos, etc.
Tom
Edited by - myfavefive on 05/06/2009 20:30:01
MrNatch3L - Posted - 05/07/2009: 02:57:22
quote:
Originally posted by pastorharry
...
I keep some decoys on the front wall-a 100.00 ukulele, and a 100.00 mandolin.I also recommend putting distinguishing marks and copying down all serial #'s and info on your instruments.
Great idea about the decoys! All good advice- thanks!
Let's hope these find their way back into their owner's capable hands!
