So, so sad to learn this. So thankful for Bill's work and the legacy that it come of it all.
RIP, Bill.
So, so sad to learn this. So thankful for Bill's work and the legacy that it come of it all.
RIP, Bill.
Collings MT-O Sunburst (2014)
Kentucky KM630 (early 1990s Korean) w/ K&K Twin Internal
Vega K-Style Mandolin Banjo (1917)
Vega N-Style 17-Fret Tenor Banjo (1922)
Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo w/ Resonator
Sad news. He will be missed!
Craig Mandola
Mann SEM-5
I for one would love to hear more stories about Mr. Collings. I have only played one Collings mandolin, a MF5 at Greg Boyd's. I think the year was 2005, very strong sounding and built for the bluegrass player (which I am not).
While I would agree that the Bluegrass player may have been a target market, I have played choro, swing and classical on it. A great instrument is just that. While it may not have the particular sound of a bandolim, it still is a superb sound. Deep, woody, resonant. In the early days I know that Bill made two different mandolins, one "soft" and one "hard" Butch Baldisarri had a "hard" A he was selling that I played back in around 2003 or 4. Butch explained that they had done a lot of tuning on the tone woods, but I understand they dropped the idea in 2005 or 6. I wasn't impressed by the A, it was too "brittle", though in retrospect may have been excellent for choro. Maybe someone closer to the source could give us an overview of the issue.
Al in PT
I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Collings for a feature article I wrote for Downbeat magazine. Bill is an industry icon and was the first builder to elevate the use of computer controlled machinery to the level of a true art. He showed the world that high quality instruments could be successfully constructed with automation. The path he blazed has had a huge impact on the world of instrument manufacturing an we all owe him a debt of gratitude.
My condolences to his family and friends. The instruments that bear his name are a powerhouse legacy to his skill and vision. Long may his company prosper and continue his ideas.
Jamie
There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946
+ Give Blood, Save a Life +
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxwN1pUJWsQ
My recording from last year: "Angel Band"
Collings MF
Had no idea he was ill. Bill Collings has made many people very happy including me. Quite a legacy. My condolences to his family and friends.
While I never could come to love the Collings mandolin tone like some others, I have always respected them as being excellent quality ...especially for the price. Bill Collings did a lot for modern mandolin building, as well as other instruments. It's sad to hear that he is no longer a part of it, although his legacy will live on for a long time, I'm sure.
Does anyone have an idea about what this will mean for his company? Is there someone else to take the reins and continue on?
Keep that skillet good and greasy all the time!
The company is made up of a lot of talented people, and I think they were prepared for this. Bill had been sick for a while, so there was some time to plan. Things will move forward.
"your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."
Living in Austin as I do and visiting the local music shops, you can hardly avoid stories about Bill Collins. I have been waiting to see if Tom Ellis would share some of his experiences with Bill. As most of you will know, they started building instruments at side by side benches in the late 70's.
Jammin' south of the river
'20 Gibson A-2
Stromberg-Voisinet Tenor Guitar
Penny Whistle
My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616
Have been out of the music loop for a while, and came back today to find this sad news. My thoughts go out to his family, his friends and the whole Collings organization. He was a giant and we will miss him dearly.
This is currently the last picture posted on Gilchrist's website in the new build section, likely at the Colling's shop in the younger days. He obviously touched lots of people far and wide.
Love the t-shirt. Bill obviously had a good sense of humor. RIP
Bill was a great guy, and a friend in the seventies and early eighties. Although we lost touch when I left Texas, I ran into him in a tavern in Austin, and it was like old times. Once, he repaired my upright bass which had fallen and split the neck from the body of the bass, on a Sunday evening before my gig on Monday. He did a quick, functional and virtually invisible repair, in less time than it took to carry the bass in from the car (maybe an exaggeration). A friend and a gentleman with a great sense of humor.
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Start slow, fade early
Noting it was one year ago today that Bill passed away. The Collings operation is strong and moving forward. They have a great team of long-time employees and haven't missed a step is what we've heard and observed.
Mandolin Cafe - Since 1995
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Mandolin Cafe - Since 1995
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I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Collings continues to make stunning instruments. What a legacy Bill left!
Shaun Garrity
http://www.youtube.com/user/spgokc78
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