The music world mourns the loss guitar string maker Roland Sherwood "Ernie" Ball, who passed away this past Thursday at the age of 74 following a lengthy illness. Ernie Ball founded the Ernie Ball Company in 1962 and was a recognized pioneer in the instrument industry. "An artist and a business man in one, Ernie single-handedly revolutionized the music industry with the creation of Slinky Strings, so much so that everyone from the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix to current artists like Blink 182 have Ernie Ball strings in common" commented Ernie's son and current company president Sterling Ball. Ernie is survived by his wife Ani, sons Sherwood, Sterling and David, daughter Nova and eight grandchildren.

A private service will be held in San Luis Obispo on Monday. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Ernie Ball.