“He was a superb craftsman who loved what he did”: Tony Iommi pays tribute to ‘Old Boy’ SG luthier John Diggins, who has died

Tony Iommi performs with Black Sabbath at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California on September 24, 2016.

Tony Iommi has paid tribute to luthier John Diggins following the guitar builder's death earlier this week. Most well-known for his association with the Black Sabbath guitarist – particularly as the builder of Iommi's iconic ‘Old Boy’ SG – Diggins' death was confirmed on social media by the company he headed, Jaydee Custom Guitars.

“It is with deep regret that we have to let you know of the sad passing away of Jay Dee (John Diggins),” Jaydee Custom Guitars wrote on Instagram Wednesday (January 3). “He died suddenly but peacefully in hospital on the morning of Tuesday, January 2, following complications in battling a longterm illness.