Bill Conklin - In Memoriam

[binky_bass]

I've just learnt that one of the finest luthiers in the world has passed today - Mr Bill Conklin. 

 

A personal hero of mine as he pioneered the development of the Extended Range Bass. 

 

Although I never met the man, I had spoke to him over email a number of times and he was an exemplary man to deal with, funny, polite, helpful. An absolute shame he is no longer with us. 

 

Thanks for all the basses sir. I'm glad to own a bass built by you. 

[Daz39]

I did think there’d be a nice note from you, Binkster.

Some truly lovely instruments, a great legacy.

Edited October 29, 2021 by Daz39

[Hellzero]

A friend of mine told it to me yesterday when it was announced, couldn't believe it. Now it is totally confirmed. May he rest in peace.

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2021/10/29/in-memoriam-bill-conklin/

 

[ezbass]

Always like the Rocco Prestia sig model.
 

How sad, he can’t have been old at all. 😢

[BassAgent]

Seeing Bill's basses was the very first time I realised basses could have more than 5 strings and still be very playable ánd cool. Rest in peace, mr Conklin.

[ambient]

3 hours ago, ezbass said:

Always like the Rocco Prestia sig model.
 

How sad, he can’t have been old at all. 😢

He wasn’t very old, just in his 50s. I believe he had cancer.

[guyl]

RIP Bill. A pioneer. The 7-String Sidewinder, with “melted top” etc was possibly the best bass I ever owned. A 5-string version is still on my wish list …. 

[Acebassmusic]

Way too early to go! Sad to hear the new as he did build both "out there" and useable instruments. I remember seeing some of his melt top creations and immediately added it to my "wanted" list. It took me a number of years to find one (in the States) and bring it back home. Played it regularly for about 5 years. 😥