Here is a letter from George Michael Biondo of Steppenwolf on the Turner 4-string Bass he is selling:
"Dear Richard,
Use this description any way you like in telling the story of this exceptional instrument. As you know, Rick Turner is a good friend of mine. He told me when we worked on this project together, "George, you are going to get more than you are paying for here. I am excited about these concepts, and what I get out of this is I get to build these new ideas with your funding. This is a win-win for us both." (Richard's note: This refined instrument turned out to be the first "Rennaisance Model" in terms of the concepts executed here, even though the production Rennaisance Model has a bolt-on neck and simplified appointments to bring its price to the people.)
Richard, I know that you will help me find a player who will actively use this instrument in their music. It is truly inspirational to me. As you also know, because of some physical issues that I've had, my needs have changed in terms of nut width and neck radius. I now play instruments with other dimensions. That's just me. For the player who appreciates these specs, heavenly music will be made! Here is the description:
This is a totally unique, one of a kind bass which was made for me at a time when Rick was about to undertake something truly special. I am George M. Biondo and I was the bassist with Steppenwolf from Apr '70 to Oct '76. This exquisite instrument was the subject of a three part article in Bass Player magazine in the March, April and May of 1996 issues entitled "The Evolution of a Bass Design." This bass was a very time consuming (11 month) labor of love for Rick and showcases his enormous design and luthiery skills. Sometimes when all the planets align just right and all the right tone woods are merged by a master luthier you get what I can only describe as a truly "Magical" instrument. This bass is a neck through double cutaway with beautiful binding, a gorgeous rosewood back and sides with spanish style internal bracing and a western red cedar top. The neck is mahogany with specially designed graphite bracing, a zero fret and a very black ebony fingerboard with paua shell fret markers. The head stock is mahogany with maple veneers and is capped in front with rosewood and the back of the headstock is capped with bocote and tastefully signed in gold by Rick. The body is wedge shaped in cross section and the top is bent at the armrest position. The pickups are custom made crystal piezos at the bridge and a custom diamond T magnetic in the sweet spot position. The tone controls consist of a volume, tone and blend pot. How does it sound and play? This bass has absolutely gorgeous tone with amazing playability. Quite honestly, no adjectives I can come up with seem to do this bass justice. I can only keep coming back to the word "Magical."
There you have it, Richard. I know you will convey the strong connection from Rick Turner, whom you represent, to me, through you, to its new owner. Let this magic find a fine new hat. This instrument is in pristine condition"
George M. Biondo
Here is a technical summary from the seller:
Body:
Semi-acoustic with figured dark Indian Rosewood back & sides with a unique wood marquetry center strip, purfling on the back. Rosewood grain matched access plate with brass fittings.
Bracing:
Spruce, Spanish style.
Top:
Western Red Cedar, with even grain and warm beautiful color.
Neck:
Mahogany neck through type with angled graphite reinforcement. Zero fret with ancient bone nut. Nut width is 1 & 9/16"
Fret board:
Very dark African ebony with green New Zealand Paua shell position dots. The fingerboard radius is 9 & 1/2"
Headstock:
Mahogany with rosewood face and bocote back, checked binding on headstock, with Hipshot lightweight tuners.
Strings:
Thomastik Infeld JF344's, highly recommended for this bass. I feel that these are wonderful strings for this instrument, they are simply beautiful sounding and very well balanced.
Electronics:
Neck position Custom Turner Diamond T magnetic in the sweet-spot position. Bridge: Wilkinson/Turner with Turner Custom crystal piezos. Highlander 18v blend circuit w/ 2 lithium 9v batt. for power.
Controls:
Volume, Tone and notched blend pot.
Hardware:
Black with Schaller Strap Locks.
Case:
Premium quality gig bag, custom made for this bass by Blue Heron.
Extras:
Autographed copies by Rick Turner, of the 3 Bass Player Magazines with the articles about the making of this bass, a 12' Monster Bass Cable, Comfort Strap w/ Strap Locks and of course a personalized letter of authenticity signed by me.
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