Martin Guitar Worth $15K Stolen from Music Land
By Kimberly Kapela
A 1947 Martin D-28 guitar, valued at $15,000, was stolen from the family-owned Music Land in Bel Air, Maryland, on Feb. 10. Security footage captured four suspects, one male and three females, stealing the instrument without confronting staff.
“We were shocked,” said Larry Noto, store owner. “We haven’t faced anything like this before, so we were shocked and then really sad and disgusted to see them do this.”
The suspects entered Music Land at approximately 8:20 p.m. Shortly after, the male suspect grabbed the guitar and handed it to one of the female suspects, who concealed it in a long, black puffy winter jacket before leaving the store.
The stolen guitar was part of Music Land’s consignment program and carries the serial number 101862.
In response to the theft, Noto said the store is increasing security measures.
“The biggest change we made is that we’ve ordered locks for the hooks, particularly in the acoustic room,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s the world we live in, so the locks are a necessity. We didn’t think we had to worry about anything like that. It’s a sad reality that things have to be a little bit more secure than they used to be.”
The Martin Factory, local and regional Martin dealers, pawn shops, and other music stores have been notified. Noto also noted that the theft may be linked to attempted thefts at Guitar Centers in New Jersey and Maryland locations, including Towson and Laurel.
Noto said that neighboring MI retailers and the Martin reps have been supportive.
“We notified Martin right away,” Noto said. “The rep sent out the picture of the suspects and the guitar to all the local and all the regional dealers. There was another retailer in Gaithersburg, where we believe it was related, maybe trying to sell some of the guitars they stole from Guitar Center. Other store owners have posted on our behalf, so the community has been really supportive.” MI
