Massachusetts-born musician Everett “Vic” Firth, founder of the Vic Firth Company and a legend of his trade, has died at the age of 85.

Founded in 1963, the Hyde Park-based Vic Firth Company is regarded as the leading drumstick manufacturer in the world, known for its specialized craft of percussion sticks and mallets. It was revealed in 2012 that his company made roughly 300 products and produced about 12 million drumsticks each year. The number of musicians who used his products is incalculable.

A message on Vic Firth’s Facebook page this afternoon relayed the news of his passing.

It reads:

To our dear friends around the world: We are heartbroken to share the news with you that Vic has passed away. Vic was an inspiration to all of us. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend. He always said he surrounded himself with the best people, but the truth is he brought out the best in all of us. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made. Vic’s spirit and legacy will continue to live at the core of the Vic Firth Company. He will be missed beyond words.

Boston-based drummer Jonathan Ulman writes: “Today the drum world lost a pioneer, a visionary and a leader. RIP Vic Firth. You inspired me to stay passionate about music!!”

As news begins to spread, other musicians have begun sharing similar sentiments and testimonials via Twitter, as well.

The front page of VicFirth.com has relayed a similar message, echoing the statement posted to Facebook: