Music Industry Remembers Peavey Master Luthier Michael Powers

May 1, 2013, Meridian, MS -- Music and audio innovator Peavey Electronics mourns the loss of one of its most celebrated instrument designers; master luthier Michael Powers, who passed away on April 29, 2013. Powers was an integral part of Peaveys development of musical instruments throughout the last four decades. He will be remembered for his innovative guitar designs, uncompromising work ethic, and warm nature.

Powers first instrument was a $22 mail order acoustic guitar. He soon moved to an electric and attempted his first refinish. Stripping away the paint, he spray painted the guitar red. Powers would go on to play bass on the Chicago club circuit while developing his keen instrument repair skills.

After years of touring, Powers decided to shift his career towards repairing and designing instruments, which led to his first interaction with Peavey Electronics founder, Hartley Peavey.

Mike was part of the heart of this company, shares Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics. Its hard to think about him not being involved in our next generation of products. He was a master craftsman and someone I could always count on to do his best and more. He will be sorely missed.

After joining the company in 1981, Powers went on to help design some of Peaveys most iconic models including the Wolfgang, Vandenberg, and Generation ACM guitars, as well as the T-45, T-20, Cirrus, Millennium, Foundation, and Sarzo bass guitars. Throughout his career, Powers worked closely with artists such as Randy Jackson, Michael Anthony, Donald Duck Dunn, Steve Cropper, Eddie Van Halen and Rudy Sarzo.

I'm devastated by the news of my dear friend and master luthier Mike Powers' passing. In the late 80s Mike and I worked side by side on every detail of the design of my first Peavey Signature model, says bassist Rudy Sarzo. Mike was a perfectionist. His forward thinking, craftsmanship and attention to details is a major reason why I and countless musicians around the world play Peavey instruments.

Powers continued to develop innovative designs for Peavey into the 2000s while also overseeing its production facilities.