Guitar Builder John Diggins Has Died; Tony Iommi Pays Tribute to Old Pal

John Diggins, a renowned British guitar builder, has died, Jaydee Custom Guitars confirmed in a statement.

In an update Jaydee Custom Guitars - which Diggins founded in 1977- posted on Facebook, the company said the bass luthier died "suddenly but peacefully" in a hospital in the morning of Tuesday, January 2. The late builder launched the company after he started working for John Birch.

John Diggins Has Died

The official announcement did not disclose Diggins' exact cause of death and the health issues he suffered from before his passing. It also remains unknown what led to his hospitalization, but Jaydee Custom Guitars said he died of complications from the long-term illness he had been battling.

"He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife Helen, sons Michael and Andrew and grandsons Jake and Toby," the statement continued.

The same announcement was posted on its official Instagram page. Details of the funeral arrangements would reportedly be posted at a later date.

Fans filled the posts with heartfelt messages as they expressed their gratitude toward the late guitar luthier.

One said, "I'm ever so sad to hear this. After he repaired my Les Paul. To build and repairs guitars was something I had to get into. A True legend of a Luthier and a local hero. My thoughts are with you all."

"So very sorry to hear this. My JD supernatural was the second bass I ever owned and the only one I have kept from 1988," another shared. "I met John a few times when I took the bass in for him to fit LEDs in 1990 and again later at the pudding club in Broadway a fews years ago of all places! The legacy and all those rock stars who have and still play a JD will live on."

Tony Iommi Pays Tribute to John Higgins

On Wednesday, January 3, Iommi took to his social media page to remember his "old pal," noting that they had known each other since the 1970s.

"He's built many guitars for me over the years and he was a superb craftsman who loved what he did. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his wife and family. R.I.P John," he continued.

Higgins built a guitar for Iommi in 1978, and he also made one for Noddy Holder and Geezer Butler.