Martin Guitar Worth $15K Stolen from Music Land A 1947 Martin D-28 guitar, valued at
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live in, so the locks are a necessity. We didn’t think we had to worry about any- thing like that. It’s a sad reality that things have to be a little bit more secure
$15,000, was stolen from the family- owned Music Land in Bel Air, Maryland, on Feb. 10. Security foot- age captured four sus-
pects, 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 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
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, in- cluding 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 — Kimberly Kapela {musiclandstore.com}
The lead singer and guitarist of Bev Rage & The Drinks details what’s in their current gear setup. BEVERLY RAGE Music Inc.: What was your first instrument? Beverly Rage: As with many folks my age, my first instrument was a red Fender Squier Stratocaster that I bought in a “Strat Pack” in the early 2000s. These Strats came with a small amp and all the young punks had it. Soon after, I purchased a Danelectro DC-3 in Silver Metalflake, which was the guitar that I used for many of my early years as a musician. MI: What instruments are currently in your performing arsenal? BR: I have a fairly simple pedal setup: an Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff, Ibanez Tube Screamer Overdrive and a FruitFx Melon Cube. I play out of a 1x12 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe that I pur- chased around the same time I bought that Squier, and it is still chugging along some 25 years later with its bumps and bruises. For mics, I use the trusty Shure SM58, covered in lipstick stains. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have caught your attention or inspired you in the creative process? BR: I’ve been using a Nux wireless guitar system live lately, and I have loved the quality for the relatively low price. It’s important for me to not get tripped up on stage and being cordless certainly helps to prevent any high-heel related tumbles. — By Kimberly Kapela
16 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2026
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