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I wonder if anyone has used SNAGG services for recovering your horn in the event of theft? They report that 35% of stolen instruments with a SNAGG micro chip (1mm x 8mm) are recovered vs. only .03% without the microchip. Just not sure how one would affix the chip to a brass instrument. For one SNAGG the cost is $24, or a 5 pack for $99. This is a one-time charge. You get a discount (but only 5%) on insurance.

SNAGG info:
https://www.snagg.com/microchip-retrofi ... ingle-pack
How recovery works:
https://www.snagg.com/snagg-stolen-asset-recovery

I can think of a few places to install this device on a brass instrument and it would work (I would think) for the purpose it is intended for. However, this isn't a GPS device that will help you track it down. It only works if you scan it with a special scanner, kind of like the process they use for animals that have chips implanted. To me it just isn't a worthwhile investment since the stolen item needs to be presented first and then scanned, presumably in an attempt to identify who's property it is. In a perfect world, all pawn shop owners would be using this device honestly so the thief would have a large portion of their market eliminated but we all know how that works. This device would not stop people from selling stolen horns on eBay, for example.

Promising idea, my opinion is that it just needs to be improved a bit before I would be interested.

Thanks Jay for your reply.

I agree, if the stolen instrument ends up on eBay, SNAGG would not work. But if it ended up at a pawn shop or second-hand dealer, the SNAGG microchip could help. BTW, one of the videos I watched said they're currently working on developing a device with a GPS (similar to Lo-Jack). That would be a sizable device to attach to an instrument - and would need a battery.

4 minute video of how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaFKoHNy ... e=youtu.be

Thanks for posting the video link Rick!

I hope they do follow through with the GPS device, that is when I'll be ready to purchase. We have 3 cats here, they are all microchipped, but I have zero faith that will help unless they end up in a pound. At least the pound has this type of scanner on hand and every animal they take in gets scanned. I couldn't figure out from the video how the prospective pawn shop or second hand shop owner was supposed to figure out if a given item was a SNAGG item. As I understood the progression of event, first you identify the item as a SNAGG item, then you get a scanner from the police or humane society to scan the item and determine who the owner is. If you can't scan it first, how does the shop owner know to identify the item as having a chip and needing to scan it? To me, it seems like if the item can be identified as stolen, what value does the chip have other than to expedite the return of the item to the owner? If that is SNAGG's purpose, then I understand why this type of chip device would be good for that application. I just don't see the value in only speeding up the return process. My guess is that far more stolen items never get to the stage of being returned than ever get found in the first place.

I really hope they do establish some sort of GPS based device. I would really be interested in that. I bet the insurance discount would be way better too. It would probably pay for itself very quickly, especially for those of us that purchase instrument insurance every year.

Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay in response, I just got my account activated. I an with Snagg.com and wanted to chime in and make sure I can answer your questions and make sure you understand what Snagg is. Not trying to sound like Spam, just want to answer questions

We use the same chip that police already scan to return lost dogs and cats to return peoples valuables if they are lost or stolen. The chip is tiny and can be hidden inside most tools, instruments and other valuables. You are correct that it would need to be affixed to the outside of brass instruments, on a finger rail or valve. They can be painted to match the finish and it would protect you for life. No batteries, no data usage and no additional charges after you buy the chip. Register your item(s) and you can forget about it unless you ever need us.

Our system relies on the power of the web to identify the items and police then use their scanner to positively prove ownership so they can prosecute and return the item. Pawn shops, 2nd hand stores and even police are required by law to identify every item they buy or confiscate. So when a pawn shop buys an item, they must report make, model, serial number and description to the police. This is in place so police can patrol the pawn shop and make sure each piece is being reported. This is usually done electronically nowadays and these records are scanned against our database as well as our partner databases and the FBI NCIC database to identify items. We are actually finalizing the technology to be able to scan the make model and serial numbers of EBay items as well. Our system is one of the best out there, as illustrated by the guitar we recovered last week! We are always working to improve our database and our services all together.

That being said, we are in development of a GPS system. The software back end is proving to be very challenging, but we should have it ready yet this year. Be aware that GPS services require a battery and the ability to send data. This makes the unit significantly larger and will always have some sort of yearly or monthly fee associated with it. Ours will be no exception, but we will always include a Snagg chip so if the GPS is removed or dead, your item can still be identified.

The chips go for less than $20/piece and many insurance companies, such as Anderson Insurance Group offer policy discounts which is often more than the cost of the Snagg Retrofit Kit.

That's really great news! I'll be looking forward to seeing your GPS unit when it comes out. Thanks for developing such a valuable service!