AxeFax - Instrument History Report & Recovery System

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is “AxeFax” anyway?
AxeFax is a company that provides microchips with unique ID numbers to be concealed in musical instruments for infallible identification. We also supply Scanners that can read our microchips and maintain an international registry of the instruments that the ID numbers correspond to. This registry includes events worthy of note compiled by the instrument owner and music stores that have dealings with it. This “History Report” is made available to music stores and prospective buyers.

How does the GPS get triggered?
The “PROTECTED” sticker does imply that there is a GPS tracking system, but there isn’t one. The microchip will only transmit its unique code when an AxeFax scanner gets within 2 inches of it. Our chip does not access the global positioning satellite system and cannot be located remotely.

How does it work?
It works just like the ID chips that are injected under the skin of dogs and cats. Our chips are about the size of a grain of rice and are permanently inlaid into your instrument. When a scanner gets within 2 inches of the chip, the chip will transmit its unique code. The scanner then displays this code as a 10 digit alpha-numeric sequence. The chip has no battery to run down and will easily outlive any musical instrument. For more info see Installation Instructions here.

What’s in it for me?
•You get a “PROTECTED by AxeFax” sticker to display on your case. This is a strong deterrent against theft. If your valuable instrument is stolen, and brought to any AxeFax dealer with a scanner for repair, trade-in or to sell, they will find the chip, go on-line, check the registry and instantly see the “MISSING” flag. You and the authorities will then be notified of its recovery.
•The resale value will be enhanced by this deterrent and the “History Report” will insure that prospective buyers are not “receiving stolen property.” The report will also document any after- market improvements, the date they were installed and the price you paid for them.
•AxeFax will keep you notified of any recalls on your instrument and will periodically send you seasonal reminders to have adjustments checked and to update the History Report. We will even send you an email just before your instrument’s birthday (if we know it).
•The music stores that know your ID number can send you coupons for discounts and invite you to exclusive sales and events.

Does it cost very much?
Suggested retail price of the Do-it-yourself Microchip package is $19.95. We strongly suggest you have your local repairman do the installation - they generally charge $10 or so. There is also a $2 registration fee for AxeFax.com. So... quite a bit cheaper than getting your pet tagged and registered.

What’s in a History Report?
The History Report is compiled by current owners and music stores that have dealings with the instrument. Of course it includes Make, Model, Serial Numbers and date of 1st registry with AxeFax.com, but many will have birthdate, birthplace, the original music store that sold her, her name (if she has one) pictures, trips she’s taken, major gigs she’s played, famous people that have played her or she’s played onstage with, every repair or modification done by an authorized AxeFax dealer and every time it was sold and who it was sold to and for how much. Even where, when and how major dings or scratches happened.

Will it interfere with my pick-ups?
The chip has no internal power of its own and will not transmit until activated by the power field of the scanner, so it cannot add RF to your output, or change your tone.

What do I do if my guitar gets stolen?
• First of all... Get a Police report. A Police report must be filed within 30 days of the disappearance for AxeFax to proceed with your recovery.
• Next... Log into AxeFax.com and select "Registered Instruments."
• Find the instrument in question, select "Edit" and then change the Status to "Missing." Click the SUBMIT button.
• Click the "File Police Report" link and enter all the requested information. You can even offer a reward.
Now, if your instrument turns up in a music store or pawn shop with a microchip reader, they will be informed of its "Missing" status and given access to the Police report.
If your instrument is ever submitted to AxeFax for re-registration, you will be notified by email and given the choice of releasing title to the requesting party, or submitting a request for AxeFax to inform the authorities of its recovery with the requesting parties contact information.

What if my new guitar turns out to be stolen?
There is no statute of limitations on instrument theft. (There are still law suits that involve looting in WWII.) If your new instrument is stolen property, you could be in a lot of trouble, especially if someone was injured or killed during the initial crime. If you got a killer deal and the serial number is defaced, you may have a hard time convincing the authorities that you were not complicit in the original crime. (You should have checked with AxeFax BEFORE you purchased it.) If you bought the instrument "in good faith" from a reputable dealer for a reasonable price (near its actual value) you don't have to worry about going to jail, but the instrument is still stolen property and belongs to someone else. Unfortunatly, the money you paid for it is probably lost -- You may be able to sue the person that sold it to you, but you would have to prove that they knew it was hot before they sold it. Some people offer a reward for the return of their missing instrument, this may be your only hope to recover some of your money.
Bottom line... You need to cooperate with AxeFax and Law Enforcement Officials to ensure the instrument gets back to its rightful owner and you don't go to jail. Someday, you may be the one hoping to get your prized instrument back. What goes around, comes around.