The case of the vanished 5ing violin, or Foolish in France

August 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM

Greetings... and thanks to violin.com for providing another medium for my multilingual outreach...
     I am an amateur violinist-violist living in Madrid and traveling in central Europe during the summer. My violin disappeared in the main train station in Montpellier, France, on 10 July 2009, during the first days of my trip. I was careless not to keep it in sight and in hand while I studied train schedules. This loss has been reported to the Montpellier police. I am hoping that by circulating this notice, someone might respond with information.
     The violin has some unusual characteristics, apparent to even an untrained eye. It has a blond finish instead of red or brown, it has 5 strings instead of 4, and there is an electronic pickup in the bridge. It was made by an amateur violin maker, Jimmie Joe Davis, in the USA. The label inside shows his name and the year 1981, I believe. In a follow-up message, or in individual emails, I could provide photos.
     Also lost: a black carbon-fiber bow; and an old-fashioned case with Obama and "Freiburg steht auf" stickers attached.
     There was no insurance on this violin and bow. The value is not immense, but of course I would love to see them again. I can offer a small reward for helping me find them.
     A big "thank you" to those who circulate this notice. If someone detects this violin, please notify the police, and please send an email to Joseph: ireadpages2@yahoo.com

Bonjour...
     Je suis violoniste et mon violon a été volé à la gare principale de Montpellier, le 10 de juillet 2009.
     Voici ses caractéristiques, assez inhabituelles: blond/jaune au lieu de brun/rouge; avec 5 cordes au lieu de 4; le branchement électronique est situé sur le chevalet; l'étiquette "Jimmy Joe Davis 1981" est à l'intérieur.
     Aussi perdus: l'archet noir, fait de fibre de carbon; l'etui à l'ancienne, avec autocollants d'Obama y de diversité en Freiburg.
      Merci de faire circuler l'information notamment à vos connaissances à Montpellier et si jamais vous apercevez le violon à la revente sur un marché ou ailleurs, merci d'avertir la police et de m'envoyer un mail à l'adresse suivante: ireadpages2@yahoo.com
     Il est très important pour moi de le retrouver. Il n'y a pas d'assurance, mais je pourrais offrir une petite récompense. Merci beaucoup!   -- Joseph

Saludos...
     Soy violinista y mi violin ha desaparecido en Montpellier, Francia, en la estacion de trenes, el dia 10 de julio 2009.
     Aqui van sus caracteristicas, inhabituales: rubio/amarillo en vez de moreno/rojo; con 5 cuerdas en vez de 4; la conexion electronica en el puente; la etiqueta de "Jimmy Joe Davis 1981" en el interior.
     Tambien perdidos: un arco negro, hecho de fibra de carbon; un estuche de moda antigua, con pegatinas: en apoyo de Obama, y en apoyo de diversidad en Freiburg, Alemania.
     Gracias por hacer circular este mensaje entre vuestros conocidos. Y si vierais el violin en algún sitio, por favor, avisar a la policia (esta denunciado en Montpellier) y enviarme un mensaje a la dirección siguiente: ireadpages2@yahoo.com.
     Claro que me importa encontrarlo, aunque haya poca posibilidad. No habia seguro, pero podria ofrecer una pequena recompensa. Muchas gracias! -- Joseph

From Terez Mertes
Posted on August 15, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Oh, how awful. You have my sympathies. And yes, this is a very good way to get the word out about your theft. Here's hoping for a positive outcome to it all.

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The case of the vanished 5ing violin, or Foolish in France

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