Master Luthier Doug Irwin Passes, Tiger Guitar Sells for $11.5M

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Doug Irwin, the master loofier who built one of Jerry Garcia's most iconic guitars,

has passed away at 76.

He's best known for crafting the Tiger, a custom-axe Garcia commissioned back in 1973 that became

a staple in Grateful Dead shows.

The guitar took six full years to perfect, and debuted live in 1979 at Oakland Civic

Auditorium.

Garcia played it almost exclusively through the late 80s, including on their massive hit,

Touch of Grey from 1987.

Fans and family are mourning deeply, with a heartfelt face with posts from Irwin Guitars,

calling him a visionary whose instruments carried soul and precision.

His work touched countless musicians, turning wood into legends that still echo today.

Just this month, Chicago Collector Bobby Tidetland snagged the Tiger at Auction for $11,560,000,

proving it's timeless value.

Irwin had met Garcia in a San Francisco workshop in 1972, and built his guitars exclusively

for two decades after.

Irwin's legacy pulses through every note those guitars helped create, keeping the Grateful

Dead spirit alive for generations to come.