Serge Samson's electric bass guitar was stolen after a New Year's Eve show. (Serge Samson)

Halifax thieves are targeting city musicians, resulting in what some are calling an "epidemic" of stolen instruments.

Serge Samson's electric bass guitar and amplifier went missing after a New Year's Eve show at the Lord Nelson Hotel. He said his equipment was stolen out of the hotel's storage room.

"I felt like there was a big empty hole in the bottom of my gut. I felt terrible," Samson told CBC News.

Floyd MacLean works at the Halifax music store Gig Street. He said instrument thefts have been rampant since Christmas.

"Nothing seems to be safe. It is an epidemic," MacLean said.

MacLean said he's helped recover stolen gear.

"We've had a couple of items come in that are unbelievably cheap," he said. "You want $400 for that? It's pretty obvious when this stuff comes in."

Samson recovered his stolen amplifier from Gig Street, but the bass is still missing.

He said he understands police have more serious crimes to investigate, but that the loss of an instrument can leave a musician broke with no means to earn money.

"I feel like I've been in the dark about what's going on. I haven't really heard from them since three weeks ago," he said.

Halifax Regional Police said they can't give a count of how many instruments are being stolen, but that the investigation into Samson's bass is still open.