The Strokes Ask Fans to Help Find Nick Valensi’s ‘Beloved’ Guitar
The Strokes, reportedly in the process of recording the follow-up to 2013’s Comedown Machine, have called upon their fans to help them search for guitarist Nick Valensi’s “beloved” orange Epiphone Riviera guitar. According to the band, the guitar went missing after it was shipped from New York City to Los Angeles. “We ask that you join us in keeping an eye out for it,” the band wrote in a statement on their official site. “It goes without saying how bummed he is that it’s gone missing.”
The Strokes also noted the distinguishing features of Valensi’s 1995 Epiphone Riviera: “The pic guard has been removed. The headstock plate has an ‘E’ Epiphone logo on it. Trapezoidal ‘mother-of-pearl’ inlays on the neck. It’s been modified with P-94 pick ups and trapeze tailpiece.” As for the guitar case, it features metal edges and butterfly latches, has a crack on the bottom and is covered with fragile stickers.
The band is asking fans to keep an eye on pawn shops and eBay in case the guitar surfaces and to contact them if anyone spots the instrument. “We deeply appreciate the extra eyes and ears,” the Strokes added.
In December, it was revealed that the Strokes – in Monterrey, Mexico to headline the Live Out Festival – also dropped by the city’s Victoria Records studios to lay down some tracks for their upcoming sixth studio album.