RIP Michael Holmes - Mugwumps

[MikeEdgerton]

I saw this when I jumped onto mugwumps.com today to check a manufacturer. If it's already been announced I must have missed it. Mike's site www.mugwumps.com and the Encyclopedia of American Fretted Instrument Makers was truly an act of love on his part that I certainly appreciated over the years. One of the elder statesmen of the group of people that go out of their way to help others identify vintage musical instruments, his site was and is a virtual treasure trove. I never had the good fortune of meeting him but I certainly profited from his sharing of his knowledge. A few months ago the site was getting a little sketchy. It would be offline for a day or so then back online and I feared he wasn't well. It appears his family or friends are keeping it alive in his memory. I thank them for that and I thank Mike for all he gave me. Rest in Peace Mr. Holmes.

[Marc Berman]

That's a shame. I didn't about his passing. Great guy. He was also responsible for Mandolin/Banjo Camp North.

[Timbofood]

Thanks for sharing this! Never met him but, enjoyed the publication for many years!

[allenhopkins]

Met Mike at the New England Folk Festival a few years ago; he examined my Martin 00-28G/00-42 "hybrid" and pronounced it acceptable. I also remember reading Mugwumps when it was a publication decades ago.

Those of us who are a little irrational on the subject of musical instruments, owe him a huge debt of gratitude. If it weren't for those who obsess a bit about instruments, do research and comparisons and measurement and evaluation, we'd be clueless as to the rich history of the guitars, banjos, mandolins etc. that we love to play.

Perhaps he's one of the people to "blame" for my basement stuffed with instrument cases. Hope the website stays up well into the future; at least someone should insure that the index of musical instrument makers is never lost.

[dhergert]

Yes, this sad news passed through the online banjo areas almost immediately.

I had a few email contacts with Michael through the years but never met him in person. He was always generous with his time and wisdom. He will be missed by lots of people.

It is really good that his MugWumps website will remain online in his memory. And the Music Camps North will also reflect his investment of energy and interest for a long time.

-- Don

P.S. ...Although at the moment http://www.mugwumps.com is down. Hopefully that's just temporary.

[Jim Garber]

How very sad! I don't think I ever met him but i did correspond with him a few times and certainly treasured Mugwumps mags. I still have quite a few. RIP.

[Graham McDonald]

One of the most important documenters of American musical instruments. His work will live on.

[Timbofood]

Too bad he could not find the finances to buy the "Waverly" name and equipment back when. Hindsight....

[Perry]

Michael was able to get Sam Bush to teach as an instructor at one of his Mandolin Camp North camps years ago. That certainly was a memorable experience. Thanks Mike and RIP.

[lukmanohnz]

This is indeed very sad news - may he rest in peace.

[JEStanek]

His contribution to the scene and general knowledge is great. I hope Mugwumps site is maintained. It's frequently been helpful to me.

Jamie