Beloved Blues Musician Seeks Public’s Help After Thieves Steal New Amp in Arcata

A longtime North Coast blues musician is asking for the community’s help after a thief stole a prized amplifier from his vehicle Thursday night in Arcata.

According to a friend who works with blues guitarist Buddy Reed, someone stole Reed’s Fender Tone Master Bassman amplifier from his car while it was parked in front of his home near 30th Street and Alliance Road.

The theft is especially painful because, after more than 60 years performing the blues, it was the first brand-new amplifier Reed had ever owned.

Now 79 years old and living on a fixed income supplemented by gig income, replacing the amplifier will be difficult.

“Stealing from a 79-year-old musician living on a fixed income and gig money is low and hurts,” the friend wrote.

A police report is being filed, and local pawn shops will be contacted. Anyone who sees a Fender Tone Master Bassman matching the one pictured, or who is offered one for sale under suspicious circumstances, is asked to come forward.

Anyone with information can email:

[email protected]

Even a small tip could help return an instrument that represents decades of hard work and dedication to the blues.