An East Austin recording studio named Paradise Lunch Studios has become the latest victim of theft, with nearly $70,000 worth of musical equipment, specifically guitars, missing in the wake. According to FOX 7 Austin, the incident happened late last month, and the equipment belonged to three musicians, including Jeff Klein.

"All of the guitars were stolen, so close to 20 guitars. The doors had been broken down," Klein, a member of indie rock band My Jerusalem, said. Not only were the instruments of substantial monetary value, each piece also held significant sentimental weight, some being gifts from deceased parents and others part of the musicians' creative milestones. Klein’s sentiment was echoed in a statement obtained by KVUE, "It's a scrapbook of my life, and it's also what I use to make a living."

Among the stolen items listed are a variety of makes and years, such as a 1970s White Vintage Baldwin/Burns Jazz Split Sound, a 1995 Jerry Jones Shorthorn, and a notable 2024 Gretsch White Falcon. Klein mentioned to FOX 7 Austin that the studio had been in the process of updating the alarm system when the theft occurred, which may have facilitated the ease of the break-in.

Following the incident, the musicians, in desperation have turned to pawn shops and online marketplaces, on the lookout for their cherished instruments, some of which are quite rare and easily identifiable. Klein informed KVUE that they've also reached out to upcoming guitar conventions, in the hope that the stolen goods might surface there. The Austin Police Department has reported entering the guitar serial numbers into their system and the investigation, although currently suspended, would alert detectives if the stolen items appear in pawn shops.

"Your go-to instrument is gone, and you're like, 'Am I going to be able to write the same? Do I play the same on a different thing?'" Klein expressed his frustration to KVUE. Despite the setback and violation, the musicians remain hopeful for the return of their items, as they continue creating art in a world often indifferent to the craftsman's bond with their tools.