A Dunedin student has been left with the blues after his prize saxophone was taken from his car last weekend.
University of Otago PhD student Burt Hatch left his Selmer Super Action 80 alto sax in his car outside his house over the weekend.
The car was broken into on Saturday night or Sunday morning. Because of both its monetary and sentimental value, Mr Hatch said he would offer $500 to anyone who had information leading to the return of the saxophone - no questions asked.
He had contacted the police and nearly all the large second-hand instrument dealers in the country and would be keeping an eye on the internet, too, Mr Hatch said.
''It's not something that can be shipped off very easily, so if someone does try and sell it they will probably have a hard time.''
The instrument was a gift from his grandfather for his 16th birthday and a new model can cost up to $4000.
He had yet to tell his grandfather about the theft, Mr Hatch said.
''It's pretty irreplaceable ... They're made in batches and are pretty unique and over time you get used to the sound yours makes and you learn how to get the best out of it.''
Anyone with any information about the saxophone can email tim.miller@thestar.co.nz.
