Luthier Tony Klassen Unveils His Take on Gibson's Kel Kroydon Guitar

Travis Bean, the machinist and luthier known for building aluminum-necked guitars in the 1970s, passed away on July 10, 2011.

Though built for less than a decade, Travis Bean Guitars have a cult following and a unique tone. The aluminum neck (which goes all the way to the bridge) resulted in a guitar with plenty of sustain and no chance of neck warpage. Bean guitars and basses have been played and championed by artists such as Stanley Jordan, Jerry Garcia, Bill Wyman and Ron Wood. Steve Albini, the acclaimed producer and frontman for Shellac, continues to play one.

For many years, Bean suffered from numerous health issues, including diabetes and a rare form of cancer. He passed away in Burbank, California. 

A fund has been made to help support Bean's wife with medical and funeral expenses via helptravisbean.com. There is also a forthcoming documentary on Travis Bean called Sustain. 

An all-star lineup of musicians including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, the Dobbie Brothers, Jason Mraz and Tom Morello will be performing at the Bay Area's Shoreline Amphitheater on August 7. The concert is a benefit for Musicians for Safe Energy (MUSE) and will support Japan disaster relief as well as organizations promoting alternative, non-nuclear energy. Tickets go on sale June 27, 2011 via the Live Nation site.