Guitar pioneer Jim Dunlop dies, aged 82
Guitar pioneer, influencer and businessman Jim Dunlop has died at the age of 82.
Born in Glasgow in 1936, the entrepreneur moved to Canada as a young man before heading to California, USA, with his wife Bernice.
Working as an engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, he used his spare time to create accessories for guitars.
A post shared by Jim Dunlop (@jimdunlopusa) on Feb 7, 2019 at 4:13pm PST
In 1965, he founded Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. and found success with handmade capos – a movable bar attached to the fingerboard to raise the pitch of the strings
It was then he took the decision to become a maker of guitar picks, designing them gauged by a specific thickness.
After experimenting with different measurements he created Tortex Picks, which are among the most popular plectrums for guitarists in the world today.
The business expanded into guitar effects in the 1980s and is now one of the largest pedal companies globally.
This move led to collaborations with the family of Jimi Hendrix and artists such as Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darrell and Slash.
Guitarists from the world of music paid tribute to Mr Dunlop on social media, including Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Slash and blues legend Buddy Guy.
#JimDunlop was an innovator who helped shape the music we love. We are so sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with the @jimdunlopusa family. All our love. ❤️ – Team BG
Photo: March 2018 in Sacramento when Jim presented BG with a one-of-a-kind gold plated #crybabywah. pic.twitter.com/IhEOqMMY5s
— Buddy Guy (@TheRealBuddyGuy) February 7, 2019
He was widowed by Bernice in 2001 and is survived by Linda, wife of seven years, daughter Jasmin Powell, son Jimmy and grandchildren Alyssa Powell, Krista Powell and Max Dunlop.
His death was announced by his company on Thursday.