Noted guitar designer Humphrey dead at 59

Kingston, N.Y. -- Guitar designer Thomas Humphrey, whose creations filled countless concert halls with music, has died of a heart attack at the age of 59 in Gardiner, N.Y.

Humphrey gained notoriety in the music industry for his innovative guitar designs during the last few decades, particularly for his Millennium design, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The guitar design has been recognized for its striking shape and the rich resonant tones scores of musicians, ranging from Eliot Fisk to David Starobin, have created with it.

In a 1996 interview, the Minnesota native said he loved to experiment with his designs to reflect the changing landscape of the instrument and American flair.

"When I discuss guitar building with Europeans and Asians, they speak of the tradition of the guitar, but what I see as the tradition of the guitar is its evolution, the fact that it does change," he said. "And the reason it changes is because of the players, who say 'Give us more.'"

The Times said Humphrey, who died Wednesday, is survived by his wife, Martha, two daughters and five siblings.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.