Bill Lawrence (guitar maker)

Bill Lawrence (born Willi Lorenz Stich; March 24, 1931 – November 2, 2013) was a pickup and guitar designer[1] He was born in Wahn, Cologne, Germany and began his musical career in the 1950s as a jazz guitarist, performing under the name Billy Lorento. He died in Southern California, United States.

As a musician, Lawrence created pickups that he felt best suited his needs and performance style, and went on to work with Framus and became an endorser[2][3][4][5], including such models as the "Billy Lorento" 5/120. He was also an endorser for Fender in Europe.

Moving to the United States, Lawrence designed pickups and assisted in electric guitar design for Fender, Gibson, Peavey and other companies.[6] While at Gibson from 1968-1972, Lawrence helped design the "super-humbucker" pickup and the L6-S.[1] He helped redesign the electronics of the SG[1] and contributed significantly to the S-1 and Marauder.[6]

References
  1. Carter, Walter (September 1, 2007). The Gibson Electric Guitar Book: Seventy Years of Classic Guitars. Hal Leonard Corporation. pp. 84–. ISBN 978-0-87930-895-7. Retrieved July 1, 2011.
  2. "5/120 Billy Lorento". Framus Vintage Archive. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  3. "07301 Billy Lorento". Framus Vintage Archive. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  4. "07302 BL 10". Framus Vintage Archive. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  5. "BL 10 Billy Lorento". Framus Vintage Archive. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  6. "Guitar And Pickup Designer Bill Lawrence Passes Away". .gibson.com. November 2, 2013. Archived from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
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