Mike Miltimore's rare bass was returned to him after it was stolen a year ago.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Riversong Guitars
December 24, 2020 - 5:00 PM
Almost exactly one year ago, a rare bass guitar was stolen from a custom guitar factory in Kamloops but now, it's been recovered and its owner is calling it "a Christmas miracle."
Mike Miltimore, owner of Riversong Guitars, reported the theft last year Dec. 27, 2019. Thieves took a laptop, left-handed guitar and five-string bass built specifically for a California trade show, one of the biggest in the state.
Only two of them exist in the world and the other bass currently belongs to Tommy Mac of Hedley, he said.
READ MORE: Riversong Guitars owner calls Kamloops response to stolen computer 'Christmas miracle'
"I said this is a hard thing to keep quiet for whoever stole this because there's only two of them out there... yesterday I got a phone call from a very famous poet and musician, (anonymously) and they said 'I got your bass, I bought it off someone...' He said he's been a longtime customer and he came in today and he brought in my bass," Milimore said in a Facebook post Dec. 22.
The community rallied to support Miltimore last year when the items were first stolen.
"It's in remarkable shape... I really appreciate his integrity," he said, in the Facebook post. "I don't know who broke into our shop but I'm really happy, it was a Christmas miracle getting back this acoustic bass."
He gave the person a credit to the store as a thank you for the return.
Miltimore has been creating award-winning guitars since 2006.
Traditionally, Miltimore has created acoustic guitars that push the boundaries. He has created various models that use innovative technologies to create a great sound, easy to play and completely unique piece.
He said in a previous interview with iNFOnews this isn’t the first time the community has rallied to support him. He says a break-in at his family's store Lee’s Music four years ago saw thieves steal about $30,000 of equipment but they were able to recover most of the merchandise, including an expensive mixing board. He also credits strong community ties as one of the reasons he has been successful in business and won awards.
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