Dale Watson’s Legendary Coin-Encrusted Guitar Stolen
There’s few more recognizable instruments in independent country music than Dale Watson’s Telecaster-style guitar with the coins encrusted on the face. And in unfortunate news that is all too common these days, it was stolen in Houston, TX, along with Dale’s van that also included merch, personal items, and money. Dale did get the van back, but everything else—including the guitar—are still at large.
“On Saturday, July 16th, at 5:11 pm, we went to eat dinner at Christie’s Seafood Restaurant in Houston and my black van was stolen while we were eating dinner. All the merch, and my guitar was stolen,” Dale says. “The one thing that has been with me for 30 years is my guitar.”
Though Dale Watson is a Fender guy, this particular guitar is a Tomkins model Australian-made Telecaster-style guitar. Dale Watson customized the guitar by switching out some of the components, and then attaching coins from all over the world to the body. It also has a Lone Star Beer logo in the center of the pick guard. It’s as recognizable to Dale Watson fans as his silver pompadour. It’s also so unique guitar that a would-be fence will have a difficult time selling it.
Houston, TX is notorious for the amount of gear thefts that happen in the city per year. In 2016, Saving Country Music published an in-depth report about the gear theft problem in Houston. The outrage over the issue resulted in Houston setting up a task force and eventually going on a citywide organizational crackdown resulting in 130 arrests. Still this problem of vans and trailers from musicians and contractors being stolen in Houston persists.
“Houston and the surrounding area, please keep your eyes open and help me find my guitar, Dale asks. “It’s pretty unique so if by chance you see it in a pawn shop please let me or the Houston Police know.”
July 18, 2022 @ 10:14 am
That’s sickening. I can’t fully imagine how violating that feels. Hopefully it will turn up since it’s such a recognizable guitar.
July 18, 2022 @ 10:33 am
Dale just made the switch from Tomkins to Fender within the last few years. When I first became aware of him in the mid-1990s there was a link to Tomkins on his website. Hopefully this one is found.
July 18, 2022 @ 10:48 am
Sick…breaks my heart, can imagine Dales pain right now. Thats his baby. And man, has he played the licks on that beast. Its gotta turn up.
July 18, 2022 @ 11:27 am
I’m always confused about why people steal iconic items like this. Who are you gonna show it to? Who are you gonna sell it to? Maybe they’re just crazy people. Dale, I hope your guitar finds you again.
July 18, 2022 @ 12:00 pm
In Houston there are gangs of thieves that target vans and trailers specifically, steal the contents, ditch the van/trailer, sell what they can, and trash the rest. That guitar is worthless in any thief’s hand. It’s only valuable to Dale, or if Dale sells it. The real concern is they will figure out they can sell it, and in fear of getting caught, will just throw it in a dumpster. That’s probably what happened with Junior Brown’s guit-steel. Such a shame.
July 18, 2022 @ 5:04 pm
MAAAAAAAAAN this is awful. Dale is not only a fantastic working musician but he does so much for the community of independent country musicians.
Dale and his partner bought a historic bar in Memphis just before the pandemic and they faced some difficult choices to keep it afloat and to keep everybody employed. I know Dale had to tour just to keep money coming in for the business. It’s so great that their business managed to survive the last few difficult years and things were just starting to return to normal, Dale and Celine and the Ameripolitan Awards Community or just now putting the next ameripolitan festival together- this must be such a horrible setback.
Is there a crowdfunding opportunity to help get them all back om stage?
July 18, 2022 @ 12:07 pm
share this on SM eveyone!
July 18, 2022 @ 12:51 pm
That’s why I cover my guitars in Bitcoin
July 19, 2022 @ 6:15 am
Thirty fricking years, and all it takes is one scumbag to ruin it.
July 19, 2022 @ 5:55 pm
Any reward being offered? The best chance of recovery is a no questions asked bounty.
July 22, 2022 @ 12:56 am
This news makes me madder than hell! I’ve had gear stolen in between Europe and the U.S. and stateside. There are some things in life you can’t replace. I pray that Dale’s guitar and possessions are found and returned quickly. Prayer and kicking ass works!