Not sure the Facebook link will work, so I'll copy and paste this story from the Wilco Facebook fan group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/390889574423674/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=2026914127487869’ve been a Wilco fan since the 90’s and I just joined this group to share an awesome story with you all. My dad bought this Kapa Minstrel new in 1966 when he was 15. About 25 years later, not having been played in decades, I convinced him to sell it at a yard sale (I was a young teenaged idiot, getting 10% of profits for helping!). So foolish. I almost immediately regretted it - much more so after I began playing guitar myself, and my dad’s death in 2008.
I searched for this guitar for decades. Kapas were never popular or collector’s items, and six-string Minstrels are basically impossible to find. They just don’t exist. Over the years I had asked around on Connecticut musician sites, searched the world on Craigslist and eBay, and just about given up.
Earlier this week I happened across this picture online, which linked to a 2016 sale on Reverb. There it was - a scuffed-up, candy apple-red ‘66 Kapa Minstrel. I contacted the seller and it turns out he is located right here in Connecticut, and bought the guitar here in the state. I can’t say for sure this is my dad’s guitar, but they are so rare that I have a hard time believing two identical ones exist right here in CT, bought and sold within a few miles of each other. My mom, sisters, and I are pretty certain this is the Minstrel that my dad played in his high school band in the late 60’s, the guitar I screwed around on for hours on end as a kid.
The Reverb seller kindly connected me to the buyer, and within literally minutes I heard back from him. Yes, they still have the Minstrel, and yes, they were willing to sell the guitar back to me. When I asked about the quality and condition of the guitar, he explained that it was well cared for and well used by its current owner…. the one and only Jeff Tweedy.
Jeff heard about my story and, despite being an avid Kapa collector, didn’t hesitate to sell it back to me at a very fair price - complete with an impromptu pic of him playing it! We did the transaction and the guitar was on its way to me within a couple hours of me first reaching out to the Reverb seller.
It arrived on Friday. It still sounds amazing and feels just like I remember - the stupid teardrop shape sliding off my lap and all. I literally can’t believe it. I’m blown away by the kindness and generosity of Jeff, the Loft’s manager Mark who connected with me, and the original Reverb seller who put us in touch.
I keep getting emotional holding this guitar and remembering the days of me sitting in my bedroom as a young kid trying to learn chords on it, cranked through a tiny little ‘60’s solid state amp, my dad poking his head in the door to remind me that it was almost time for church. It feels like I have recovered and reconnected with a special part of my dad, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude!
