A very rare and expensive guitar was stolen during a break-in at a Moncton, N.B., music store this week. Someone smashed the windows at Long & McQuade with a rock around 7 a.m. Thursday but stole only one of hundreds of instruments from the shop. The one-of-a-kind Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul guitar has a value of more than $14,000. Store manager Kevin Simpson was walking down the aisle shortly after opening the store when he saw a pile of glass on the floor. He looked around to see what was missing and discovered the showcase that held the Les Paul was empty. “It’s a one-off from the Gibson Custom Shop,” said Simpson. “It’s the only one in the world. It’s going to be pretty much useless to anybody who has it. We just want it back. Give it back.” Simpson said, while it is worth a lot, it’s pretty much useless to whoever stole it because of how unique and recognizable it is. “It’s not going to do anybody any good. Even if somebody paid $3,000 for it, they’re going to be playing it in their pajamas for the rest of their life. Nobody can see it,” said Simpson. The store has posted photos of the guitar in case someone spots it or sees it in a private sale. Staff members have also posted pictures of the Les Paul on their social media accounts. They’re hoping anyone who may have information will report it to the police or contact the store. “It’s definitely a community here where everybody wants it back now. It’s going to have a story,” he said. Simpson said it will also cost thousands to replace the windows that were smashed by the rock. The RCMP is investigating the theft. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
