The Great Read: The 40-Year Mystery of Smutty Smiff and the Missing Rockabilly Bass

The improbable tale of how a unique instrument went missing in 1982 and ended up in a pawnshop a few miles from where it was lost.

Continue reading the main story October 11, 2021 Every weekday, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go. Gary Leonard/Corbis, via Getty Images The 40-Year Mystery of Smutty Smiff and the Missing Rockabilly Bass The improbable tale of how a unique instrument went missing in 1982 and ended up in a pawnshop a few miles from where it was lost. Open now Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for top stories or great reads from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018