RIP Bill Collings

[247hoopsfan]

Originally Posted by golfreggie

Cannot find what caused Bill to pass on. Was he ill, or was this a sudden thing? Just as an aside, the owner of Mass Street Music in Lawrence, Ks, Jim Baggett, I believe knew Bill well, and they sold many Collings guitars. I have never owned one, but I think I will start looking for a D2H used maybe some day. Sorry for his family, I am sure.

He was fighting cancer.

[cigarfan]

Incredibly sad. Truly one of the greats. RIP Bill.

[Dave in Tejas]

Sorry, I didn't see the other thread, go there.

We lost a Giant of the Guitar world today.
Rest in Peace Bill...

[Mobilemike]

So sad. RIP Bill.

-Mike

[Kh1967]

Devestating news. I am honored to have a few Collings guitars. Bill and his brilliance will live on forever in my heart.

RIP, Bill. May the wind always be at your back.

[SprintBob]

What a loss, condolences to all in the Collings family.

[Authentic]

Have we not had deaths of famous guitar players in the General Acoustic forum before? I really don't think this thread should have been moved to open mic... RIP Bill.

[oxygenman]

What a loss. He made an enormous difference.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by Authentic

Have we not had deaths of famous guitar players in the General Acoustic forum before? I really don't think this thread should have been moved to open mic... RIP Bill.

I agree with Authentic, this thread really should stay back in the general guitar topics section, where more folks will see it...and Bill certainly deserves to be there alas...in this most sad and devastating way.

All best wishes for his family, friends and co-workers. Bill, along with Bob Taylor, was one of the "Next Gen" foundational luthiers of North America...with CFM1, Michael Gurian, and Jean Larrivee being the first gen. Bill really helped to change the course of modern acoustic guitar luthierie to a craft of absolute precision in form, fit and finish, and functional elegance in aesthetics.

duff

[cotten]

Collings Guitars and Mandolins

We lost our dear friend and mentor Bill Collings yesterday. He was the amazingly creative force behind Collings Guitars for over 40 years. Through his unique and innate understanding of how things work, and how to make things work better, he set the bar in our industry and touched many lives in the process. His skill and incredible sense of design were not just limited to working with wood, but were also obvious in his passion for building hot rods. To Bill, the design and execution of elegant form and function were what mattered most.
Perhaps even more exceptional than his ability to craft some of the finest instruments in the world, was his ability to teach and inspire. He created a quality-centered culture that will carry on to honor his life's work and legacy. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are with his family.
William R. Collings
8/9/1948 – 7/14/2017

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by Authentic

Have we not had deaths of famous guitar players in the General Acoustic forum before? I really don't think this thread should have been moved to open mic... RIP Bill.

Frankly I don't understand this either. The sub-forum listing states:

"General Acoustic Guitar Discussion
A place to discuss anything related to acoustic guitars"

Bill Collings and his passing is certainly related to acoustic guitars. It seems he deserves the most prominent placement where we can pay our respects. Many AGF participants never venture over to Open Mic.

[Basalt Beach]

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

[Don Lampson]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Bill visited England with his friend who runs the dealers in Kansas I drove over to spend the day with them in Exeter and invited two old friends - both players, (an AGF contributor) and one a luthier.

I had a long conversation with him, about neck profiles etc.

He's a great loss to the world of guitars and mandolins etc, but leaves a great legacy.

So,who takes over the helm?

I'm also wondering what will become of Collings now that the driving force is gone? Whoever takes over the business will have some big shoes to fill..... The company's success relied on Bill's reputation as builder.

Don

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by Authentic

Have we not had deaths of famous guitar players in the General Acoustic forum before? I really don't think this thread should have been moved to open mic... RIP Bill.

We understand your feelings and you're not alone. The same argument came up when Chuck Berry died. It has been a longstanding policy that RIP threads go in the open mic. Hope you will understand...

[chasapple]

This is such sad news. The acoustic guitar world lost a giant. I hope the company can continue on succeeding without him.