After Amp Theft, Buddy Reed Fans Rally to Get Him Back on Stage

The search for Buddy Reed’s stolen guitar amplifier hasn’t turned up any leads, but the outpouring of support from the community has led organizers to set up a fundraiser to help the 79-year-old blues musician get back on stage with new gear.

Someone broke into Reed’s car in Arcata in the early morning hours of June 20 and stole his Fender Tonemaster ’59 Bassman reissue amplifier, just two days after his birthday. According to the GoFundMe page set up by Tim Harty, the amp was the first new one Reed had ever owned in his 60 years playing the blues.

Reed lives on a fixed income, and gigging doesn’t bring in enough to easily absorb a loss like this, the fundraiser states. He still owes payments on the stolen amp and needs money to replace it, since he plays 80 to 100 shows a year and has no plans to slow down.

Harty said the response since the theft went public has been overwhelming.

“So many people have offered to help, it’s humbling,” Harty wrote. “Bud is pretty emotional about the overwhelming response.”

The GoFundMe page says the posts about the theft were shared across local community and musician Facebook pages and drew more than 5,000 responses. Along with offers to donate, people offered loaner equipment and searched Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist in case the stolen amp turned up for sale. Police have the case, and local pawnshops and music stores have been given information on the amp in case it’s brought in.

Working with 2 Street Music in Eureka, Reed and Harty have a replacement Fender Blues Deluxe amplifier on order. It’s smaller and less expensive than the stolen amp. The fundraiser is set up to first pay off what’s still owed on the stolen equipment, with any leftover funds going toward the new one. The total goal is $2,196, covering $1,046 owed on the stolen amp and $1,150 for the replacement.

Those who can’t support monetarily can still help Reed by coming to a show or buying his merchandise. Reed is scheduled to perform at Eureka’s Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 2nd and C Street, in front of 2 Street Music and Phatsy Kline’s.

The GoFundMe can be found here, and merchandise is available at buddyreedblues.com.