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Tim Cloonan of CallowHill Basses Passed

Means2nEnd

Means2nEnd

Supporting Member
Jun 27, 2010
1,998
1,090
Prana Custom Guitars - Central PA
www.facebook.com
#1
Not sure who may know of Tim Cloonan but me a native Philadelphia he was a gifted luthier and tech and I just saw some vague info floating around on Facebook reporting his recent passing by Nino and Cary. I am sorry to hear this I do believe he was not that old.

He was sort of an elusive guy too I have no idea what he looks like and I have never met him but have seen his work from when he was on CallowHill street in Philly. Is tragic to hear and I would love to hear from anyone who may know more about him or have one of his basses. Maybe a little tribute thread.. Condolences to his family and friends.
 
#5
Sad to hear the news, like everyone is, not sure what happened. He and I have been friends for over a decade, even though my first bass (& only) made by him was only completed earlier this year. He and I spoke last Tuesday for a couple hours and that is about the last exchange we had. I will miss him, his blunt honesty, creative ability and our talks.
 
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#7
absolutely the saddest news. I was lucky enough to know Tim for over 15 years meeting him as an already accomplished guitarist when we were studying jazz performance at Temple U. We then went on to working at a guitar company together both involved in craft... Tim made the leap to CallowHill ... I always respected that he had the courage to do it .. Tim was one of the most brilliant, helpful, cool, insanely humble, talented, funny people I will ever know ... as a craftsperson myself I know that anybody who was wise enough to own a bass built by Tim is a lucky person .. these are gems.... I knew his standards of quality and how much care he put into his craft... I was honored to be able to collaborate with him on a project where both of us had 7 days to complete our ends of the job while working day jobs etc ... he got me back 40 signs 2 days early so I could have a little extra time ... I will miss you Tim .. true legend .. check out the blog on our collaboration : Link Removed
 
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#12
Since I heard about Tim's death on Carey Nordstrand's Facebook page I have been in shock. As the hours pass by the shock is turning into pain and a feeling of profound loss. In Tim's 41 years on this planet he accomplished far more than he would acknowledge. So many people regarded him as a friend. I am blessed to have become his friend over the past 12 years. Tim built an MJ5 and MDM6 for me. He sent me electronics and pick ups for my Fender Jazz and walked me through my efforts to upgrade my bass. Recently he upgraded my vintage Aria Pro Ii. One time as a favor he rescued a Martin D25 acoustic guitar when the head stock broke. Tim was a perfectionist and put himself into his work, including the people who were fortunate to receive one of his creations. He had a unique personality and way of looking at the world. Tim had a full time job in addition to building basses which also was a full time job. Condolences to his bride and his family and other friends. This was a tragic loss and is hard to make any sense of. I will never forget Tim Cloonan.
 
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#15
I have been going to his shop and and picking his brain about basses and guitars for 10 years. He always made time to talk to me.
My Callowhill MPB5 is my favorite bass, and it was so surreal seeing his signature behind the headstock as I played it in rehearsal yesterday after hearing the news. It's so quirky, unique, funky and reliable, just like Tim.
 
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