Chris Buck’s Yamaha Gear Stolen: Guitarist Appeals for Help

Guitarist Chris Buck is appealing for help after thieves broke into his car in Bristol and stole a significant amount of musical gear, including a brand-new, unused Schmidt Array SA450 pedalboard and two Peli cases filled with accessories. The theft occurred while Buck was in the United States launching his signature Yamaha Revstar guitar at NAMM 2026.

Buck detailed the incident in a recent Instagram post, urging anyone who encounters the stolen items – whether in person at locations like Cash Converters or car boot sales, or online – to contact him directly at chrisbuckguitar@gmail.com. He expressed a desire to make the stolen gear “too hot to handle” for potential buyers.

The stolen equipment includes two Peli cases: a 1510 and a 1640. The Peli 1510 case contained guitar cables, capos, guitar straps, two Audix Cab Grabber microphone stands, guitar picks, and a lid organizer. Notably, this case was marked with two Telefunken stickers, though Buck acknowledges these could be easily removed. The Peli 1640 case is more easily identifiable, adorned with a “Let’s Get Loud” sticker, a Mythos Pedals sticker, and tape labeled “purple” and “Heavy” from airport baggage handling. The foam insert within the 1640 case is custom-molded to fit the Schmidt Array SA450 pedalboard.

This incident highlights a growing problem within the music community: the theft of musical instruments and equipment. Similar thefts have been reported recently, demonstrating a pattern of targeting musicians’ gear. Last year, Australian jazz/funk band Hiatus Kaiyote had “tens of thousands of dollars” worth of instruments stolen from their studio, including Jackson and Ernie Ball guitars. The Beths, a New Zealand rock band, experienced a similar loss, with instruments, pedalboards, and rented backline stolen from their van while touring in France.

The vulnerability extends beyond musicians themselves. Retail spaces are also targets, as evidenced by a 2024 incident where thieves walked out of a store with a $5,000 Gibson Les Paul. This suggests a broader issue of theft targeting the music industry, impacting both individual artists and businesses.

Buck’s situation is particularly noteworthy given his recent collaboration with Yamaha. He recently launched his signature Revstar model at NAMM 2026, a development that followed his decision to move away from Fender Stratocasters. This shift, as Buck explained at NAMM 2026, wasn’t a criticism of the Stratocaster itself, but rather a desire to escape the “baggage” associated with such an iconic instrument.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Buck clarified his comments about the Stratocaster, stating that the “baggage” he referred to was a personal feeling – the weight of comparison to legendary players like Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Ritchie Blackmore, and Hank Marvin. He explained that it was about freeing himself from the shadow of those influences and establishing his own distinct voice. He emphasized that the perceived baggage was “entirely in my mind,” and that moving to the Yamaha Revstar allowed him to explore his sound without those preconceived notions.

The launch of the signature Revstar alongside the return of Yamaha’s high-end single-cut Pacifica models marks a significant moment for both Buck and Yamaha. The Revstar, designed in collaboration with Buck, represents a departure from traditional guitar designs and a focus on modern playability and tone. The instrument’s development reflects Buck’s desire for a guitar that allows him to express his musical ideas without the constraints of historical precedent.

While the theft of his gear is a setback, Buck’s appeal for help demonstrates the strong sense of community within the music world. His request for vigilance and his hope that the stolen items will be rendered “too hot to handle” underscore the importance of collective action in combating this type of crime. The incident serves as a reminder for musicians and music retailers to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their valuable equipment.