Pickup and guitar designer Bill Lawrence has passed away, his family has announced.
Born Willi Lorenz Stich in Germany in 1931, Lawrence built his first magnetic pickup in 1946, and his work with several companies as well as under his own name helped to shape the sound of modern guitar. Lawrence worked with Gibson during two eras: from 1968 to 1972 (when he designed models such as the S-1, L6-S (the modern reissue of which is the L6S) and Marauder as well as contributing to the design of there Gibson ‘Super-Humbucker’), and again from 1987 to 1989.
A statement from Lawrence’s wife Becky reads:
With great sadness in our hearts, the man we know as Bill Lawrence in the music industry passed away on November 2, 2013 at approximately 9:20AM.
Bill was a strong and courageous man. Even in his last few days, Bill fought to live. He’d talk about Music, Pickups & Guitars — and Life, and we, at his company, were still working because this is what Bill Lawrence wanted to know — that his company & legacy is carrying on as usual.
We will miss the Bill Lawrence Mighty Force. Bill brought so much, and he wanted to stay here on earth to keep giving. One thing, yesterday as preparing the necessary paperwork, required is Designation of Race. In Honor of Bill Lawrence and his wishes, we included Human.
A Memorial Service is being planned later this week in Southern California. More details to follow.
Love, Becky
