Rick Turner Guitars

Overview

Rick Turner Guitars produces high-end acoustic and electric guitars, basses, and ukuleles known for innovative designs combining traditional aesthetics with modern electronics. The brand holds a niche position in the custom and boutique guitar market, favored by professional musicians for its tonal qualities and playability. It gained prominence through instruments used by artists such as Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac.¹³⁵

History

Rick Turner, an American luthier (1943-2022), founded Rick Turner Guitars in 1979 after building instruments for musicians including Lindsey Buckingham, John Entwistle, and Jesse Colin Young. He briefly joined Gibson in 1988 as president of its West Coast R&D Division. The company continues operations from Santa Cruz, California, maintaining its focus on innovative stringed instruments post-Turner's death.¹³⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Instruments are built in Santa Cruz, California, at the company's facility on Almar Avenue. Production emphasizes handmade construction with premium woods like genuine mahogany. Details suggest in-house luthiery focused on custom and limited runs.¹⁶

Notable Products

• Model 1 - Acoustic-electric guitar with mahogany body and full-bodied tonal range, signature model for Lindsey Buckingham.
• Model 1 LB - Lindsey Buckingham signature variant used by Fleetwood Mac guitarist.
• Electroline Guitar - Electric guitar featuring three single coils and active preamp.
• Renaissance guitars - Steel-string acoustics blending vintage look with advanced bracing.

Reputation

Enthusiasts and professionals regard Rick Turner Guitars for exceptional build quality, innovative piezo pickup systems, and balanced tone suitable for studio and stage. The brand receives praise from users like Lindsey Buckingham for reliability in high-profile settings. Criticisms are minimal but may include high prices limiting accessibility.³⁸