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I just got word that our beloved Bill Gruggett passed away today. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

I had called Bill yesterday to see how he was and I got the news he was in the hospital and had a very rough day. I was just responding to an e-mail note from his daughter Kathy and pressed the send button as the phone rang. Bill passed less than 2 hours ago.

We have just lost one of the best guitar luthiers ever born. The guitars he built for Hallmark were simply amazing instruments in both beauty and performance. What a shame Bill will not be here anymore to build his wonderful instruments for us. But it was his time to go I suppose.

If you knew Bill, he was also a true friend and a gentleman. If you ever spoke to Bill, he was a quiet guy but had a passion for building guitars. I never knew anyone quite like him. He was the kind of person you will never meet again.

God bless Bill Gruggett's family in this difficult time, and Bill, rest in peace my friend.

I spoke to my friend Marc Lipco and we may be looking to get a headstone made from contributions from ourselves and possibly friends, I will keep the forum informed in case anyone here would like to participate.

Bob Shade

my prayers to his family

Sad news, Kev. My condolences to Kathy and the rest of Bill's family.

Sorry I never got to meet Bill. I always admired his work. The luthier community and players alike have lost a true innovator. Condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Terry McArthur

So sad, my condolences to his family. I am proud to be an owner of a Hallmark Bill Grugget Stradette, it is a beautiful tribute to Bill's designs.
Scott

God bless you Dad, we will miss you. Have fun in the heavens with Semie and Gene and all you guitar buddies. Thanks all for sharing your memories of my Dad.
Kathy

RIP Bill. Kathy, condolences to you and your family.

Here's a picture of me with Bill when I picked up the Hallmark guitar he built for me in 2009. Bob, Kathy, do you know if he built any more guitars after that?

That is a really nice picture Mel!

Bill made several guitars after that one, but he was moving slower and slower so I would approximate 6 or 7 tops. If anyone was lucky enough to get one of the last, they were very special.

Man this is surreal,

Bob

A post on Vintage Guitar website

http://www.vintageguitar.com/12083/luth ... tt-passes/