An update from Benedikt: I did not expect it at all but my bass saxophone has been found in a second hand jewelery store in Munich. The store had bought it for 1100 Euros. They thought the price was too high, so they researched and found the stolen bass announcement on the Internet only a few days later. So they reported it to the police. I thank you all for your support!

Benedikt Eppelsheim, a very good friend of mine reports:

"<name removed> borrowed my Eppelsheim bass saxophone and did not return it. The engraving on the bell is "Eppelsheim Munchen" and the serial number (stamped in the bottom of the main tube) is "52". If someone finds it, the reward of $1500 will be paid when I have the bass sax in my possession in Munich, Germany.
Anyone who buys or sells this instrument is guilty of fraud. Lawful ownership of this bass saxophone #52 is not possible at this time."

Benedikt has made a report to the Munich Polizei and they said we could publish Johann Pohl’s ID card. I’ve blocked out the signature.

Please feel free to contact the Munich police or drop me a note if you hear or see anything that will lead to the return of this instrument to the rightful owner. Do not try to do anything yourself as the police report this could be very dangerous, especially with this fellow.

I personally can’t imagine the pain that Benedikt is going through. I’ve lent horns to friends of mine but I’ve also not done so because I didn’t know the fellow well enough. The world of music is one big happy fellowship and an occurrence like this can ruin it for the rest of the many honest musicians.