Help Find Stolen 1953 Les Paul

I heard a story on the radio tonight about a stolen guitar. The victim’s friend made a statement, “Stealing a guitar is like kidnapping.” I could not agree more.

Stolen 1953 Gibson Les Paul with modifications

A fellow that goes by the name of Maurice and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia was recently a victim of the theft of a number of guitar and amplifiers this past June 5th. Despite losing some very nice guitars and his sound rack, the one guitar that he wants back the most is his 1953 Les Paul. He purchased this guitar as a 18 year old kid and has owned it for 43 years. It has a special place in his heart.

The features on this instrument are unusual and somewhat modified. The serial number is 3 0621 which is stamped on the back of the headstock. It was an original gold top Les Paul, but was sent back to Gibson to be retrofitted with an ABR-1 bridge and stop tailpiece, instead of the trapeze model that came with the guitar. The original P-90’s were changed to humbuckers with black bobbins. There are no metal pickup covers. The neck has been thinned. The back and sides were refinished. The old plastic tipped tuners were replaced with Gibson gold plated tuners. The original plastic parts are now made of brass, including a brass switch plate, back plate and cavity covers. These were custom made by his brother-in-law, who was a jeweler until his death.

Perhaps the most unusual feature is the guitars colour. Maurice indicated it has a greenish-gold top like none other he has seen. He indicated this is the finish of the guitar when he purchased it.

In an effort to recoup his instrument, he has posted a Facebook page asking for its return. He has also put up an ad on Craigslist in hopes of getting back his guitar.

His Craigslist post reads:

"It's my most personal possession, and I have always planned for my son to have it one day. By the way, the other Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier head you took was his.


It's not of much value to you, but to me, I can't buy another Les Paul like it because another one doesn't exist.. Here's a thought:

Have some decency and redeem some karma. Bring my guitar back. You've fucked my studio up and stolen a life-time collection of my shit. You stole my guitar rig, which was MY sound that I've spent years achieving.


You haven't ripped off a guitar, you've ripped off my life and my spirit immeasurably by taking away the tools of the pursuit of my passion. I've worked extremely hard for my whole life to earn my right to do so, and you took it all away in an hour or two. You've also ripped off my son, now, and in the future. I don't have the money to replace the gear, so it's just gone.


Just give it back - NO QUESTIONS ASKED. PLEASE"

There is another ad on Craigslist that is advertising the sale of a 1953 Les Paul with the same description as Maurice’s guitar. The police have been made aware of this advertisement. They are not sure if it is for real or just a prank.

Should anyone come across this instrument, contact Maurice at http://web.me.com/outgolfing/Equipment

or use
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvancouver.en.craigslist.ca%2Frds%2Fmsg%2F2449158332.html&h=8b98e

Here is a link to the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-my-53-Les-Paul-come-home/207699815939399?sk=wall#!/pages/Help-my-53-Les-Paul-come-home/207699815939399?sk=wall

Below are some pictures of the other stolen equipment.

Maurice's Equipment Rack

Mesa Dual Rectifier Head

A 1963 Gibson ES-335 in pristine condition

Ovation 1868 Elite

Here is a video from a blogger named Zennie62.