Guitar whiz Paul Gilbert suffered a gut-churning setback on August 13 when four of his prized guitars were stolen in Frankfurt, Germany while he was in town for a Mr. Big concert.
The stolen instruments include three Ibanez models—a PGM1000T, an FRM300, and a PGM50—as well as a Godin Multiac Steel Duet Ambiance acoustic. Gilbert considers the instruments vital to his performances with Mr. Big, and the guitars have additional sentimental value.
Good thing Gilbert is endorsed by Ibanez, which leapt into action and hooked him up with replacements, so the show at the Batschkapp went on as scheduled.
However, not only did the stolen instruments have personal value, Gilbert had modded them to suit his playing style, identifying features which might help him retrieve the instruments.
The Frankfurt police department is investigating the theft and Gilbert is reaching out to fans and guitar shop owners for help finding his stolen gear.
“Please keep an eye out for them, and DM me, or write to paulvsgodzilla@paulgilbert.com if you have any information,” Gilbert posted on Instagram. “Huge thanks to Ibanez for quickly getting some instruments to me so the show will go on tonight!”
Gilbert has since posted additional information in an post titled “STOLEN GUITAR ALERT! (part 2).”
“ Here are the serial numbers of my four guitars stolen in Frankfurt, Germany: Ibanez PGM1000TLA0448, Ibanez Purple Custom Shop LA0348, Ibanez PGM50 I 230301054, Godin Multiac Steel 17152165
Please contact me at paulvsgodzilla@paulgilbert.com if you find them. Again a giant THANK YOU to IBANEZ guitars for rushing some instruments to me so I can complete the MR. BIG shows. The guitars ‘off the rack’ are top quality, and I am rocking with full power! @officialibanezguitars”
