Michigan / Detroit people: Did Mike Koontz pass away?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JimAnsell
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JimAnsell

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I was at guitar center today, and over heard someone tell a long time employee that legendary Ferndale, Mi based guitar tech Mike Koontz passed away last week.
I couldn't find anything online about it. If this is true, its a huge loss, as he was known as being hands down the best tech in the area.
Anyone else from the area hear anything about this ?
 
Man I sure hope not. I've yet to meet a better luthier and he's one of the nicest people I've ever met. I just called the shop and there's a message saying he is closed for health reasons and that all orders are delayed. I hope the man is ok and the folks at guitar center had it wrong.
 
spawn802 said:
Man I sure hope not. I've yet to meet a better luthier and he's one of the nicest people I've ever met. I just called the shop and there's a message saying he is closed for health reasons and that all orders are delayed. I hope the man is ok and the folks at guitar center had it wrong.
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Absolutely one of a kind dude. Very humble, friendly, soft spoken, and a master of his craft. This would be a huge deal to the guitar/bass playing community in this area. The guy who said it was selling some high end gear from a dead relative, and mentioned it casually in the conversation, and the sales guy (long time local musician who knows everyone) and i met eyes and gave each other the "holy shit!" look. I butted into the conversation and asked "mike koontz, the guitar tech passed away?" and he said "yeah last week". I was pretty stunned and texted a buddy who used his services a lot. he knew he was sick but didn't know from what. nothing on the net yet about it.
 
What the fuck, did he? I was literally going to take my guitar to him next week. I know he had some health issues... Fuck dude... This is an insane loss to the community if it's true. I really don't know anyone else around here that has the attention to detail and care for guitars like he did.
 
DOn't know of him, but found a video.. He's the Bass Man!
 
Code001 said:
Koontz is still alive. Just called him! He's ready for guitars next week, too.
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I wonder what his turnaround time is right now? I might be wary to bring anything to him if he's been sick though. How would you get your axe back if something does happen to him?
 
chumbucket said:
I wonder what his turnaround time is right now? I might be wary to bring anything to him if he's been sick though. How would you get your axe back if something does happen to him?
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He has help. It's not just him. So in the event there did happen to be an issue, I'm sure the other two contacts would be able to assist. I plan on sending him a guitar next week, so we'll see what turnaround time is like. I always tell him to take his time and it's never a rush. Maybe I should change that policy this time? :X
 
Code001 said:
He has help. It's not just him. So in the event there did happen to be an issue, I'm sure the other two contacts would be able to assist. I plan on sending him a guitar next week, so we'll see what turnaround time is like. I always tell him to take his time and it's never a rush. Maybe I should change that policy this time? :X
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Last time I was there, the cases were stacked up to the ceiling.
However, when he missed his promised date, he did offer to drive it out to me which I declined. He is a super cool dude and you don't need to tell him twice or double check his work.
 
Wow, Mike helped me once upon a time to repair a PRS.

He also stopped by my booth when I was building guitars, and played the guitar in my sig. The guy is a local legend. Glad he's ok, thanks Code1!
 
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