A West End musician said he feels as if his arm has been cut off after his custom-made, one-of-a-kind guitar was stolen.
Jon Cooper, from Ewell, has worked as a freelance bass guitar player since 2007 and has performed in West End musicals, such as Spamalot and The Commitments, and toured around the world with hits including Hairspray in Singapore.
Jon Cooper has toured in musicals internationally and performed in the West End
The 29-year-old also plays for television star and singer John Barrowman.
The guitar was stolen between 5pm last Thursday, November 14, and 10am the next day, from the Lantern Arts Centre, in Tolverne Road, Raynes Park, where he had been rehearsing for a Kingston Christmas show.
Mr Cooper said: "We finished for the day, packed up and everyone left the building with the assumption that the room would be locked by the centre.
"But it clearly wasn’t because when we came back and started rehearsals again the next morning, my instrument had been stolen, along with some guitar pedals, other accessories and my guitar case."
Jon Cooper with John Barrowman
The total value of the stolen items is £3,500 but the guitarist said his loss goes beyond mere money.
The guitar, made from Swamp Ash wood from Brazil and maple, is distinctive for its entirely natural wood finish, and was custom-made for him eight years ago by a company called Overwater, which supplies instruments for West End musicians.
He said the guitar is "the only one of its kind in the country" and has a small dent in the back.
Mr Cooper said: "It’s not something you buy off the shelf so if anyone tried to sell it on Ebay, I would know because it is very particular.
"I have back-up instruments but feel like I’ve had my arm cut off. That guitar has been my life for the past eight years.
"I’m sickened to think it’s been stolen for the sake of it by somebody who doesn’t know or understand the instrument’s importance and sentimental value."
Jon Cooper's guitar has a natural wood finish
Lantern Arts has approached for its response to what happened but has yet to respond.
If you have any information about Mr Cooper's guitar, contact him by calling 07793077238 or email jrccooper@mac.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel