On March 2, Dan Del Fiorentino of NAMM sent the following:
We have received the sad news from Australia that luthier Merv Cargill passed away on his 91st birthday.
Merv was the owner of Cargill Custom Guitars. After completing an apprenticeship in violin making he learned the finer details of building wooden instruments and became a qualified luthier. Merv made the old Australian brand of Pacific Guitars until he turned his hand to his own custom guitar-making business in 1956 (then named Cargill Custom Guitars). Merv’s attention to detail and immense passion for producing instruments of the optimum tonality and finish made the Cargill name one that is synonymous with the guitar industry. From his backyard garage Merv’s reputation attracted some of the biggest names in music, receiving both local and international visitors and customers. Merv’s son, James, carries on the Cargill tradition.
