Tim Ashbridge
Rick Hogue of Garrett Park Guitars and I flew down to visit Bill and Susan a few years ago. It was kind of like visiting Mecca for me. They couldn’t have been more open and generous with their time, including letting us play some of Bill’s historic guitars. Bill couldn’t hear that well, but he could still play—and he got a gleam in his eye while regaling us with stories about music, watermelons, flying and hunting.
I’ll never forget their friendship and all the contributions they made to the music industry. Every time I pick up a Strat®, I’m in touch with Bill! He was a giant, but also a down-to-earth man. Rock on, Bill.
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Kristi Ogle
My thoughts and prayers go out to Scott, Susan and the entire Carson family.
I feel very fortunate to have met Bill in the summer of 2002, when I went to his home with his son, Scott, for a family reunion. Bill and Susan made me feel so welcome in their home.
Bill was a man I’ll never forget.
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Mike Edmunds
Bill Carson was my mentor and my friend, and I am blessed to have known him. The world is less of a place without him and heaven far more interesting. I will miss him greatly.
Mike Edmunds,
FMIC District Sales Manager
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James P. Beratis
Though Leo Fender produced and engineered the Stratocaster®, it was Bill Carson who first approached Leo with the concept. He truly is the father of the Stratocaster and the whammy bar! We would not have the guitar without his desires and input. A great loss.
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Bob Bowley
Bill was a very special guy who I had the pleasure to chat with from time to time on his many visits to the (Fender) Scottsdale corporate offices.
One year, the annual sales meetings were held in a restaurant in the desert north of Scottsdale. Several of us had slipped off to the bar for a quick round, and Bill raised his glass in a toast. He said, “More Fender, less Paul!” Heh, heh. We all cheered. He later autographed a copy of his book for me, and I keep it in my bookcase. He will be missed.
My condolences to his lovely wife, Susan, and the whole Fender family.
Bob Bowley
Fender Accessories Inside Sales Manager
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