My Friends Rick was stolen!

[nextcliffburton]

Hey everybody! A few nights ago I was informed that my guitarist had his rental car broken into and they stole his 92' Rickenbacker 360. Yeah he shouldn't have had it in his car overnight but it's too late now. He doesn't have the serial number which is a huge bummer because that would make it 10x eaiser to get it back or atleast have a chance. He's already got a police report and there were a few other cars that were broken into in the same parking lot. Does anyone have any advice on what we can do to get it back? I went through the same thing last summer with my 4003 but lucky I had the serial and someone on this forum found it on ebay and I was able to claim it. Below is a picture of it. If anyone has any advice we would appreciate it so much! Thank you everyone!!

Jake

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs470.snc ... 7873_n.jpg

[gibsonlp]

I don't know... It's a really popular model, without SN it would be next to impossible to identify it.

[britinvasion]

He might want to keep an eye on the local Craigs List. Might show up there. Did it have any unusual , identifiable marks , like anything written on it under the pickguard , etc or finish blemishes or visible repairs? That can help to identify it.

[NFB-418]

Check CL, local pawn shops, local guitar stores, evil-Bay, etc. He could put an ad of his own on CL offering a reward if it's found. I can't imagine someone having the balls to actually use the instrument live, but you never know. If he gets the word out to fellow musicians, they might see someone playing it in a bar/club. I'm not a thief, but I would think that if I had stolen a desirable instrument I would either sell it to make some cash or never take it out of the house. Let's hope it's the former.

As a side note, I've started doing a few things to my guitars so they can be uniquely identified. Yes, I have the serial #s written down and I have pics of them as well. But if one of my instruments is stolen and subsequently butchered, I have put a few things in place that makes each instrument unique. I know it sounds paranoid, but everyone should think of two or three things they can do (without devaluing the instrument) to exhibit ownership beyond serial #s and pics.

[Rubsoul]

All good advise listed above.
Jake, you might list what area you live so members might be off better help.
John

[jdogric12]

I think he is up near Seattle.

[Beevee]

Terrible news, good luck to him

[Malchik]

Finding this guitar will be next to impossible. Without the serial he can't really prove that the guitar was his if he finds it at a dealer.