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Rest In Peace Rick Turner
- Thread starter davec
- Start date
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
- 6,942
- 29,551
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
Rick was always a gentleman at NAMM, and was almost intimidating with his knowledge. The reason he wasn't intimidating was because he seemed happy to share what he knew, which would encourage more and more questions. He will be missed.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
- 12,122
- 16,794
- Disclosures
- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
RIP. Just this morning I watched John Bohlinger do a rundown of the guitar Turner built for Lindsey Buckingham. The details were why his instruments are what they are. 
Rick was such a talented, kind soul full of knowledge. Always loved talking with him and getting advice on stuff when I got stuck on something.
Genius like his is next to impossible to find. The luthier and music world lost one if it's best.
Genius like his is next to impossible to find. The luthier and music world lost one if it's best.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,654
- 2
- 16,425
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
I can truly say, playing Rick's instruments has brought years of joy and made me a better player. I'll play a tune in memory of the Bossman at Renaissance Guitars tonight.
RIP Rick Turner.
Such a nice guy to deal with and what an impact on the music instrument business. I bought a Turner Renaissance Fretless 4 on the used market about 15 years ago (still have it). It is a very early model and I felt it needed some work. Being in NCal with my son at school in Santa Cruz at the time, I felt like it would be cool to go right the source. I called the shop and Rick picked up the phone (nice). We had a great conversation and I ended up driving the bass down to him the next time I visited my son at school. I always remember that when he first saw the bass he said ... "oh man, I remember that one" which made me laugh because while he has not produced instruments like Fender or Music Man, he certainly has produced enough that it would be difficult for a mere mortal to remember a specific one (unless it was a celebrity owned one I suppose.) WHen I asked him what he meant, he demurred and just said something about there being something memorable to him about that specific bass.
Anyway, seeing has how no one has posted a pic of one of Ricks Renaissance basses .... here's mine. It's a beautiful bass that's a pleasure to play.
Such a nice guy to deal with and what an impact on the music instrument business. I bought a Turner Renaissance Fretless 4 on the used market about 15 years ago (still have it). It is a very early model and I felt it needed some work. Being in NCal with my son at school in Santa Cruz at the time, I felt like it would be cool to go right the source. I called the shop and Rick picked up the phone (nice). We had a great conversation and I ended up driving the bass down to him the next time I visited my son at school. I always remember that when he first saw the bass he said ... "oh man, I remember that one" which made me laugh because while he has not produced instruments like Fender or Music Man, he certainly has produced enough that it would be difficult for a mere mortal to remember a specific one (unless it was a celebrity owned one I suppose.) WHen I asked him what he meant, he demurred and just said something about there being something memorable to him about that specific bass.
Anyway, seeing has how no one has posted a pic of one of Ricks Renaissance basses .... here's mine. It's a beautiful bass that's a pleasure to play.
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he kept the BOO!!! out of boutique bassery despite being THAT guy from the start.
We became friends in Sonoma County in the 1970s. Just the nicest guy. Funny, too.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Condolences to his family and friends.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,654
- 2
- 16,425
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
I agree. They are a testament to what a artist he was. I got my RB-5 fretless directly from Rick in 2013. It was a game-changer.
Anyone else who would like to share, we have a small, but dedicated presence here at Talkbass. Renaissance/Turner Basses Club
Very sorry to hear this. I met him while he was associated with Westwood Music in LA and Fred the owner. Very nice, humble guy. Just yesterday I was going to pull out a small buffer pedal he made for acoustic bass. LOVE his instruments but haven't been able to own one.
RIP Rick
RIP Rick
He was interested in all lute like instruments. I remember talking with him about the Turkish cumbus on another site many, many years ago. I was astonished that the great Rick Turner would actually condescend to discuss something with a mere mortal like me. A true, genuine gentleman. RIP.
Sad to hear of his passing. My RB-5 means even more to me now. Rick’s craftsmanship lives on in his work, and his humanity through those who met him.
Every once in a while I get the opportunity to play an instrument that feels like a work of fine art. I have only played one Rick Turner bass -- a fretless Renaissance 4 string made of curly redwood (I think) -- and it is without a doubt a work of fine art.
I celebrate Rick Turner's life and his many many contributions to our musical world!
I celebrate Rick Turner's life and his many many contributions to our musical world!
Pretty amazing story he has.
Just read this article.
Rick Turner: The Father of Boutique Guitars
What a journey.. onward in the stars.
Just read this article.
Rick Turner: The Father of Boutique Guitars
What a journey.. onward in the stars.
