This isn't exactly directly about a collector banjo, but I feel it's collector adjacent due to the number of people who've fallen victim to this guy. I have a pretty off the wall request for anyone near Mission, TX. And I get it o if everyone says I should pound sand.
Kyle VanMeter has my Ashborn guitar, serial #6042 Firth, Pond, & Co New York. He has been radio silent now for 9 months. He’s had my guitar for almost 2 years (since about January 2nd, 2025).
If you message me, I can give you his address to retrieve my guitar. I can pay you for your time and effort and of course to ship it back to me in North Carolina.
It seems he suddenly decided to take a bunch of people’s money and run, after years of dependable work.
It’s a shame I even have to consider this route or even escalate it further.
Blaine
Edited by - tbchappe on 08/04/2026 19:56:20
I see he has a LinkedIn page showing he works for MasterBrand Cabinets in Jasper IN. There's a link to message or get contact information. I don't have a LinkedIn account to get the info.
Good luck!!
quote:
Originally posted by TheLastWordI see he has a LinkedIn page showing he works for MasterBrand Cabinets in Jasper IN. There's a link to message or get contact information. I don't have a LinkedIn account to get the info.
Good luck!!
He lives in Texas now. This i know
If he’s moved are you sure that you have his current contact details? He may have changed email address. Maybe even his mobile number.
If you do, and he’s refusing to acknowledge your attempts to contact him you’d be well within your rights to contact his local police and ask them to pay him a visit.
A well-meaning stranger dropping by has no power to question this guy or search for your guitar. He could also be putting himself at risk.
Edited by - EEB on 08/05/2026 10:06:08
The Texas Castle Doctrine (outlined in Texas Penal Code §§ 9.31 and 9.32) removes the duty to retreat and presumes your use of force is reasonable if an intruder forcefully and unlawfully enters your home, vehicle, or workplace. You have the legal right to use deadly force to protect yourself from imminent serious harm.
2 things, ive had lutheirs take years to get work done, one has had a banjo of mine for over 8 years. Every time the work was done beyond my expectations in terms of quality. But.. ive heard this now from numerous people about Kyle. I would attempt to retrieve your property, he shouldnt be holding it and I hope hes okay and not going through some bad times. If you have an address and you have a reciept and proof this is yours , id suggest a call to the sherrifs office.
Edited by - kyleb on 08/06/2026 10:10:24
Suddenly showing up at someone's doorstep and demanding your property back is really not a safe idea -- it could very easily escalate into violence and/or YOU getting arrested for trespassing.
Like the other commenters mentioned above, collect all your receipts + attempts to contact him and call the local law enforcement first. If they say they can't do anything because it's a civil case, you can sue in small claims court.
Yes, I've contacted both my local police and the Mission Texas sheriff's department. A detective was able to contact him today and told me Kyle is awaiting a phoned from me.
I've called twice since then, once leaving a vm, the second it hung up after 2 rings. I also sent messages, etc.
Blaine
As of 8/8/26 he continues to ignore me.
If. You find out anything I would like to know
quote:
Originally posted by spotevanIf. You find out anything I would like to know
Correction, he's in Batesville, Indiana. Someone messaged me saying that he coordinated picking up his banjo with Kyle's wife. He stated that when he got there, she had to go wake Kyle up and he seemed very off. Gave him his banjo, said he was sorry, but the guy said the whole thing was an unpleasant experience for him.
She's been pretty much unresponsive to me. She said she'd get my guitar shipped to me on Monday 8/10, but that didn't happen, and she's been radio silence ever since.
Blaine
Well. That’s sort of a good sign that he did finish the banjo. Really hoping he will finish. The one I paid for.. I just don’t understand why he has not responded to any of my messages. Even to just say he need more time.hope you get your guitar back soon.
quote:
Originally posted by spotevanWell. That’s sort of a good sign that he did finish the banjo. Really hoping he will finish. The one I paid for.. I just don’t understand why he has not responded to any of my messages. Even to just say he need more time.hope you get your guitar back soon.
I think this job was for some repair work, and he'd had the banjo there, complete for over a year, but never sent it back.
Blaine
Well that’s not as good of news then. But I sure there’s no way I am getting my 3000 grand back. So. I Am just going to hope That I get my banjo. And if its just. About shipping it. I would just drive there it only about 5 hours away
quote:
Originally posted by tbchappequote:
Originally posted by spotevanIf. You find out anything I would like to know
Correction, he's in Batesville, Indiana. Someone messaged me saying that he coordinated picking up his banjo with Kyle's wife. He stated that when he got there, she had to go wake Kyle up and he seemed very off. Gave him his banjo, said he was sorry, but the guy said the whole thing was an unpleasant experience for him.
She's been pretty much unresponsive to me. She said she'd get my guitar shipped to me on Monday 8/10, but that didn't happen, and she's been radio silence ever since.
Blaine
Blane, im not far from Batesville.
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