Accordion thefts silence musicians, threatens their livelihoods

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two local musicians are asking for your help to track down their instruments.

Pablo Hernandez and Jose Martinez each had their accordions stolen within a week of each other.

"I went to a lot of pawn shops asking for my accordions and ... nothing yet," said Hernandez, whose truck was stolen after a gig at Doneraki's in the Gulfgate area. Two of his accordions were inside. While his truck was recovered, his accordions were gone.

Martinez had a similar experience and believes thieves are watching and following musicians.

"I looked in the back and sure enough the other one was gone, said Martinez after coming feet from the man who stole his accordion. The thief left a second accordion behind, but the instruments are tuned differently when they're made, so they aren't interchangeable.

Martinez said his accordion was custom-made, unlike any other in the world, and valued at more than $4,000.

Each instrument is marked with a serial number, so if they do turn up at a local pawn shop, they would be easy to track. Both Martinez and Hernandez believe the people who stole their accordions don't even realize the value of what they're holding onto.

If you have any information on the stolen instruments, contact police right away.